Cross Sectoral Dialogue About SDGs
Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) fosters cross-sectoral dialogue to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through conferences, workshops, focus groups, public dialogue sessions, and international research collaborations involving government ministries, universities, industry representatives, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, researchers, and other stakeholders. These platforms bring diverse stakeholders together to exchange knowledge, share expertise and best practices, identify common challenges, and develop collaborative initiatives that support SDG implementation. BAU’s activities address sustainability challenges and opportunities across business, tourism, education, energy, healthcare, food safety, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and technology. Through stakeholder engagement, interdisciplinary cooperation, policy dialogue and advocacy, capacity building, and awareness-raising, BAU strengthens partnerships between academia, government, industry, and civil society and promotes collective action toward sustainable development.
Sample of BAU’s Cross Sectoral Dialogue About SDGs
Third Annual Conference of English Language Teachers in Jordan
Date: 15 June 2025
BAU hosted the Third Annual Conference of English Language Teachers in Jordan in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Queen Rania Teacher Academy, and Mutah University, with contributions from international academic partners. The conference brought together more than 260 teachers and academics for keynote presentations, workshops, academic sessions, and a panel discussion addressing challenges and opportunities in English language teaching, including the use of artificial intelligence. This event demonstrates dialogue across universities, government, teacher-development organizations, and international academic partners.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. The 3d Annual Conference of English Language Teachers in Jordan
Regional ETA Workshop for Multilingual Education with Fulbright Jordan
Date: 3 Dec 2024
BAU hosted the first Fulbright Jordan Regional English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Workshop in five years at its As-Salt campus. The two-day workshop brought together 23 U.S. English Teaching Assistants based in Morocco, Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Jerusalem for professional development sessions facilitated by Fulbright alumni and English Language Fellows in Jordan. The workshop promoted international collaboration and knowledge exchange among a Jordanian university, the Fulbright program, and international education professionals to strengthen teaching skills and educational capacity. An accompanying cultural visit to As-Salt, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provided opportunities to engage with local heritage and community initiatives. Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
Dialogue on Integrity Week 2025 — Promoting Integrity, Transparency, and Good Governance
Date: 5 May 2025
BAU participated in organizing Integrity Week 2025 in cooperation with Rasheed for Integrity and Transparency (Transparency International–Jordan) and Jordan’s Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission. Held under the theme “Ways to Promote Integrity and Transparency and Their Role in Achieving Social Peace,” the initiative engaged university and national stakeholders in raising awareness of integrity, accountability, youth participation, and good governance. The activity demonstrates cross-sectoral dialogue involving a university, an NGO, and a national public institution.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. Read more
Regional Conference on Climate Justice
Date: 18 MAY_2025
Al-Balqa Applied University represented by the International Research Center for Water, Environment and Energy (IRCWEE), participated in the Regional Conference on Climate Justice,, organized by the American Friends Service Committee (Quakers) in cooperation with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in Ajloun, under the patronage of HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal.
The conference brought together academics and stakeholders to discuss climate challenges, regional cooperation, and ways to empower local communities to lead environmental action. Relevant SDGs: SDG 13 – Climate Action; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
Third International Oil Shale Conference
Date: 7– 8 May 2025
Al-Balqa Applied University hosted the Third International Oil Shale Conference, bringing together representatives from Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, international researchers, industry representatives, supporting companies, and university students. The Ministry contributed technical expertise through a presentation on the geochemical and petrographic analysis of oil shale from central Jordan. Conference discussions explored the potential use of oil shale ash in construction, the presence of rare-earth minerals, and research opportunities for utilizing Jordan’s oil shale resources. The conference provided a platform for cross-sectoral dialogue and knowledge exchange between government, academia, and industry on energy resources, scientific research, and potential investment opportunities.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
View the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources announcement
The 2nd International Conference of the Faculty of Business
Date: 11–13 November 2025
BAU organized the Second International Conference of the Faculty of Business under the theme “The Future of Sustainability in Business Environments: Tourism Development, Innovation, and Resilience.” The conference brought together academics, researchers, and representatives from public and private institutions to exchange expertise and discuss sustainability practices across economic sectors. It provided a platform for cross-sectoral dialogue relevant to sustainable economic development, innovation, and sustainable tourism.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
First International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Health Sciences (2025)
Date: 29–30 November 2025
Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences at BAU, organized the its Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Health Sciences under the theme “The Future of Healthcare through Research, Development, and Innovation.” The conference brought together researchers and specialists to exchange knowledge and expertise on applying artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in healthcare. It aimed to strengthen cooperation between academic institutions and the healthcare sector, promote research and innovation, and explore opportunities to improve healthcare delivery in line with sustainable development priorities and Jordan’s future vision. The conference provided a platform for academic and healthcare collaboration on the role of technological innovation in addressing healthcare challenges.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
International Women in Engineering Day
Date: 27 June annually
Faculty of Engineering Technology / BAU hosted a celebration of International Women in Engineering Day, organized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Jordan Section. Discussions highlighted the role of technical and applied education, women’s participation in engineering, youth empowerment, and collaboration among university engineering communities. The event also featured an exhibition of engineering projects developed by women-in-engineering groups from universities across Jordan, providing a platform for sharing expertise, showcasing innovation, and strengthening professional networks. The celebration demonstrates dialogue and collaboration between government, academia, professional engineering organizations, and the private sector to promote women’s participation and innovation in engineering.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 5 – Gender Equality; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
Youth Dialogue Sessions with the Crown Prince Foundation
Date: 30 Oct 2025
Ajloun University College at BAU, organized dialogue sessions in cooperation with the Crown Prince Foundation as part of the Foundation’s “The Foundation in the Governorates” campaign. The sessions brought together experts and specialists from different fields with university students, academic and administrative staff, and representatives of the Crown Prince Foundation to discuss youth and future-oriented issues.
The sessions provided a platform for students to express their views, exchange ideas and experiences with experts, and engage in discussions on issues affecting their future. The initiative also aimed to strengthen young people’s skills, leadership, initiative, and ability to contribute to shaping their communities and future. Through collaboration between the university and a national youth-focused organization, the activity demonstrates cross-sectoral dialogue and partnership involving academia, youth organizations, experts, and students.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 -Quality Education; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
First Social Workers Forum
Date: 13 May 2025
Princess Rahma University College at BAU, organized the First Social Workers Forum through the Department of Social Work and the Community Development and Service Unit, in cooperation with the Arab Platform for Voluntary Work and Community Participation. The forum brought together representatives of participating institutions, faculty members, administrative staff, and students to exchange knowledge and experiences related to social work and community service.
The forum provided a platform for dialogue and cooperation between the university, community organizations, and participating institutions, while also connecting academic learning with practical field training for social work students. The initiative demonstrates BAU’s engagement in cross-sectoral dialogue and community partnership in support of social development and community participation.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
Meeting of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centers Directors in Jordanian Universities
Date: 13 Oct 2025
BAU participated in a meeting bringing together directors of innovation and entrepreneurship centers at Jordanian universities. The meeting provided a platform for universities and government representatives to exchange successful experiences and discuss ways to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems. Participants explored new funding channels for entrepreneurial projects through networking with public and private sector companies, facilitating startup registration, and strengthening cooperation between universities and contributing sectors. Discussions also addressed the development of infrastructure for innovation and entrepreneurship centers and the establishment of national guidelines to regulate business incubators and accelerators while safeguarding the interests of universities, students, and participating sectors.
The activity demonstrates cross-sectoral dialogue and collaboration between higher education institutions, government, and the public and private sectors to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goal