International Collaboration in Gathering and Measuring Data for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) engages in international research collaborations, institutional partnerships, and cross-border projects that support the collection, analysis, monitoring, and measurement of data relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through cooperation with international universities, research institutions, development organizations, and project partners, BAU contributes to generating scientific evidence, developing assessment methodologies, sharing data and expertise, and strengthening the use of measurable indicators to evaluate sustainable development challenges and outcomes.
BAU’s international collaborations address key sustainability priorities, including climate change and carbon sequestration, water management and reuse, sustainable agriculture, innovation performance, digital skills, and inclusive economic development. These initiatives combine environmental monitoring, research-based evidence, institutional performance measurement, and capacity building to support more informed decision-making and strengthen the contribution of higher education to the SDGs.
Through projects such as WETCARB and MED-UP, as well as international research partnerships and collaborative capacity-building initiatives, BAU supports the development and application of methods for measuring environmental and institutional performance. Its participation in multinational projects also facilitates knowledge exchange, harmonization of approaches, and collaboration among universities and stakeholders across countries. These efforts demonstrate BAU’s institutional contribution to international cooperation in gathering and measuring sustainability-related data, particularly in areas connected to climate action, clean water, quality education, innovation, and partnerships for sustainable development.
Sample Evidence of BAU’s International Collaboration in SDG Data Gathering and Measurement
MED-UP Project: Measuring Innovation in Mediterranean Countries
Date: March 2025- March 2027
Through the MED-UP project, Measuring Innovation in Mediterranean Countries: Development and Use of a Proper Metric, BAU contributes to international cooperation aimed at strengthening universities’ capacity to assess their performance and engagement with local economic and cultural stakeholders. The project develops and tests internal and external quality-assurance systems and indicators for measuring universities’ performance in their third mission, taking account of local contexts and institutional resources. This work supports the development and use of measurement approaches for institutional performance and innovation.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 — Quality Education; SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals.
International Collaboration in Environmental Reporting and Sustainability Data
Date: 12 Aug 2024
BAU contributed to the preparation of Jordan’s Third National State of the Environment Report, working with national and international stakeholders. The university’s contribution included expertise related to environmental monitoring, air quality, and climate change. This engagement connects university research and technical knowledge with national environmental assessment and evidence-informed decision-making.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 13 – Climate Action; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
BAU’s Participation in the Climate Justice Awareness Programme for Jordanian Universities
Date: 24 Sep 2024
BAU represented by the International Research Center for Water, Environment and Energy participated in a dialogue session organized by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) to discuss climate justice and its impact on different communities. The session brought together academics from Jordanian universities and stakeholders working on climate justice.
The initiative aims to raise students’ awareness of climate justice by developing an interactive educational curriculum and reference guide, alongside a policy paper addressing climate justice in Jordan. Discussions focused on integrating climate justice into university curricula, identifying appropriate teaching approaches, and establishing partnerships among Jordanian universities. Through its participation, BAU contributed academic expertise and cross-university dialogue connecting climate education, community awareness, and policy development.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG -16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. link
BAU – Department of Statistics Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Statistical Data Sharing and Research Collaboration
Date: 17 Nov 2024.
BAU signed a MoU with Jordan’s Department of Statistics to strengthen institutional cooperation through the exchange of data, information, expertise, and statistical skills.
The memorandum aims to support scientific research and evidence-based studies through access to reliable statistical information, while strengthening practical and theoretical statistical competencies. It also provides opportunities for BAU students to participate in censuses and surveys conducted by the Department of Statistics, enabling them to gain practical experience in data collection and statistical research. Further cooperation includes specialized workshops, training courses in statistics and data analysis, and the exchange of knowledge and professional expertise.
Through this partnership, BAU strengthens collaboration between higher education and government in the production, exchange, and application of statistical data. The agreement supports research capacity, practical data-gathering skills, and the use of reliable evidence to inform development and decision-making in Jordan.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
BAU’s Participation in the British Council Workshop on AI in Higher Education
Date: 23 Sep 2025.
Al-Balqa Applied University participated in a full-day interactive workshop organized by the British Council in Jordan, bringing together Jordanian higher education professionals to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning.
Through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and expert insights, participants examined how AI can support curriculum design, assessment, and student engagement, while considering the opportunities and challenges associated with its use in higher education. The workshop provided a platform for professional knowledge exchange and cross-institutional dialogue on integrating emerging technologies into educational practices.
BAU’s participation reflects its engagement in international knowledge exchange and capacity building to support educational innovation, strengthen teaching and learning practices, and contribute to the digital transformation of higher education in Jordan.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
BAU’s International Collaboration in the RL4Eng Project to Advance Digital Engineering Education
Date: 9 –14 Feb 2025 (project workshop and consortium meeting hosted by the State University of Zanzibar, Tanzania).
BAU participates in the Erasmus+ funded Remote Labs for Engineering Education (RL4Eng) Project, an international collaboration aimed at improving the quality of higher education through the integration of remote laboratories and take-home labs into engineering education. The project brings together partner institutions to strengthen digital transformation, expand access to practical engineering learning, and exchange expertise in innovative teaching methodologies.
Through its participation, BAU contributes to international cooperation focused on developing and improving digital learning approaches in engineering education. The project supports knowledge exchange among partner universities, the sharing of technical expertise, and the adoption of technology enhanced learning environments that extend practical learning opportunities beyond traditional campus laboratories.
By engaging in RL4Eng, BAU supports the international exchange of educational practices and technological approaches that can inform the development and assessment of innovative engineering education. This collaboration contributes to the use of digital technologies in higher education and strengthens partnerships between universities working to improve educational quality and accessibility.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. Project link
BAU–BORDA International Cooperation in Sustainable Wastewater Treatment and Environmental Technology
Date: 27- Apr 2025
Al-Balqa Applied University through its International Research Center for Water, Environment and Energy (IRCWEE), received a German delegation at the university’s Station of Excellence in Water and Environmental Engineering and Technology in Fuheis. The visit followed up on progress under the cooperation agreement between BAU and the Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA), focusing on the rehabilitation of the station, improvements in wastewater treatment technologies, and the development of a specialized training facility.
The visit included presentations on the research center’s objectives and achievements, a review of project progress, and a field tour of the station to explore the technologies being used. Discussions emphasized the importance of continuing international cooperation in wastewater treatment, environmental protection, technical training, and sustainable water management.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. Evidence link
BAU’s International WETCARB Research Project for Carbon Sequestration Measurement and Climate Action
Date: 2025.
Al-Balqa Applied University secured a fully EU-funded international research project under the PRIMA Programme – Section 1, with a total budget of €2.7 million. The project, titled Wetland Ecosystem Tool for Carbon Accounting (WETCARB), aims to develop a reliable digital platform for monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of carbon sequestration in Mediterranean wetlands, supporting the integration of these ecosystems into carbon markets and strengthening their restoration and climate-change mitigation potential.
The project brings together research institutions from Jordan, Italy, Greece, Türkiye, Egypt, and Tunisia.
Through WETCARB, BAU contributes to international scientific collaboration on measuring and monitoring carbon sequestration, strengthening environmental research capacity, and generating evidence relevant to climate policy and sustainable ecosystem management. The project also promotes knowledge exchange among international research partners and connects scientific findings with practical environmental and economic applications.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 15 – Life on Land, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. Evidence link
BAU’s International Collaboration through the 3D Garment Design Training (3DGarT) Project
Date: 2022-2025.
BAU participates in the 3D Garment Design Training (3DGarT) project, supported by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Vocational Education and Training (VET) programme. The project brings together partners from Mediterranean countries, including Greece, Portugal, Italy, Palestine, and Jordan, with BAU and Jordan University of Science and Technology representing the Jordanian partners.
As part of the project, BAU hosted a conference presenting the project’s outputs and achievements, with specialized sessions on 3D design and digital innovation, as well as an exhibition showcasing student projects and participating companies. The initiative supports international knowledge exchange, practical skills development, and the integration of digital technologies into vocational education and training.
Through 3DGarT, BAU contributes to international collaboration aimed at developing future-oriented vocational education, strengthening digital and technical skills, and connecting higher and vocational education with labour-market needs.
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. Closing project.
INTERNISA: International Collaboration to Support Data-Driven Employment and Digital Inclusion
Date: Not specified.
BAU participates in the INTERNISA project, implemented across Mediterranean territories to address high unemployment and the low participation of women in the labour market. The project brings together universities, public authorities, businesses, socio-economic stakeholders, and communities to better understand labour-market needs and strengthen cooperation around women’s employment and digitalisation.
INTERNISA develops online and offline tools and services that support the collection and use of knowledge related to labour demand and supply, including digital skills training, professional consulting, employer engagement, and an online platform connecting job seekers with employers. Activities also include job fairs that facilitate interaction between labour-market demand and supply and help identify skills and employment needs. The project further supports evidence-informed policymaking by strengthening the capacity of public authorities through training packages, seminars, practical tools, and policy recommendations related to women’s employment and digitalisation. Through this international collaboration, BAU contributes to strengthening institutional capacity to use labour-market information, digital skills development, and stakeholder engagement to support more inclusive employment policies and programmes.