In 2024, Ƶ significantly enhanced its role in global academic and research networks, with a primary focus on collaborating with international partners to gather, measure, and disseminate data relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In 2024, Ƶ significantly enhanced its role in global academic and research networks, with a primary focus on collaborating with international partners to gather, measure, and disseminate data relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These partnerships—which included universities, research institutes, and intergovernmental bodies—provided a vital mechanism for sharing best practices, conducting joint research, and translating evidence-based solutions into global policy recommendations. Overall, Ƶ established or sustained 21 distinct international collaboration events, MoUs, and high-level project engagements throughout the year. This network directly supported the College's commitment to improving capacity for SDG-related data monitoring and capacity building (SDG 17)
SIDS Water Challenges & Opportunities (IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Netherlands): The Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI) participated in a high-level panel on SIDS Water Challenges and Opportunities, co-organized with the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Netherlands. This event served as a critical international platform for academics to collaboratively examine pressing water challenges (SDG 6, 14), emphasizing cross-border data sharing and analysis on resource management. Dr. Fazeela Ibrahim highlighted the vital role of universities in producing evidence-based solutions and shaping informed policies for SIDS water security. The collaboration also supported the development of an Open Online Course (MOOC) on Integrated Management of Small Island Water and Marine Resources.
SSAPI Project: Training Sessions on Mental Health (University of Évora, Portugal): Ƶ collaborated with the University of Évora, Portugal on the SSAPI project, hosting a successful series of training sessions focused on mental health and occupational psychology. The lecture provided essential academic insight into measuring and mitigating psychosocial risks in the workplace, using international research models (SDG 3, 8). This partnership significantly enhanced the capacity of local practitioners and researchers to use internationally validated tools for data gathering related to mental health interventions and workplace well-being.
International Conference on Green Sustainable Technology & Management (ICGSTM 2024, INTI International University, Malaysia): From June 18th to 22nd, 2024, Ƶ participated in the ICGSTM 2024, co-hosted by INTI International University, Malaysia, an international academic forum dedicated to sustainability research. The conference provided a key platform for open knowledge exchange on the latest trends and data in green and sustainable technologies (SDG 7, 9, 13). Ƶ, represented by a keynote speaker, actively contributed to the sharing of evidence-based management strategies, strengthening cross-disciplinary dialogue on global sustainability measurement.
Symposium on “Exploration and implementation of precision Medicine Focused Healthcare” (Auburn University, USA): Ƶ, in coordination with Villa Foundation and Auburn University, USA, conducted a symposium on “Exploration and implementation of precision Medicine Focused Healthcare” on March 5, 2024. This high-level event addressed critical advancements in medical research and healthcare delivery (SDG 3, 4). This partnership facilitated the exchange of cutting-edge data and knowledge on precision medicine, contributing to the global dialogue on innovation in health services.
Three-Day Health Outreach Program (Auburn University, USA): In a collaborative effort aimed at promoting community health and well-being, Ƶ, alongside Auburn University and the Villa Foundation, conducted a comprehensive three-day health outreach program across K. Hura, Thulusdhoo, and Himmafushi. The program involved measurement of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and BMI assessments, gathering essential health status data from communities (SDG 3). Active participation from students and lecturers of both institutions ensured the successful transfer of knowledge on lifestyle modification and disease prevention, embodying the spirit of partnership (SDG 17).
UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Day 2024 (UNCITRAL Regional Centre): Ƶ hosted the UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Day 2024 in collaboration with the UNCITRAL Regional Centre, establishing an inclusive space for legal experts to engage in frank discussion on international commercial law. The event focused on “Transparency in International Investment Agreements,” contributing to governance data and policy discourse (SDG 16). This collaboration reinforced the importance of using international frameworks and data to enhance legal predictability and institutional accountability.
Inaugural Session of The International Conference On “Waves of Change: Nurturing Ocean Resilience and Charting Sustainable Futures”: Ƶ announced the inaugural session of an International Conference titled "Waves of Change: Nurturing Ocean Resilience and Charting Sustainable Futures”, demonstrating a commitment to fostering global academic dialogue. This event is designed to bring together international researchers to present findings, facilitating the exchange of data and measurement methodologies relevant to various SDG themes (SDG 4, 17). Such large-scale forums are crucial for translating local data into a global research context.
MoU with Al Ahliyya Amman University, Jordon: Ƶ signed an MoU with Al Ahliyya Amman University, Jordon, focused on academic cooperation and joint educational programmes. This partnership facilitates the sharing of curriculum and pedagogical data (SDG 4) and opens avenues for potential joint research. The collaboration contributes to strengthening the global reach and quality of educational provision in line with SDG 4 and SDG 17 objectives.
MoU with Chitkara University, India: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Chitkara University, India, aimed at fostering collaboration in education and research. This MoU provides a framework for joint faculty activities and knowledge transfer, supporting the measurement of educational quality and access (SDG 4). The partnership strengthens the capacity for both institutions to engage in collaborative data gathering on regional academic trends.
MoU with Amity University Noida, India: Ƶ signed an MoU with Amity University Noida, India, committing to joint academic programmes and student exchange. This collaboration enables the sharing of best practices and institutional data related to higher education management and quality assurance (SDG 4). The partnership is instrumental in benchmarking the College's educational outcomes against international standards.
MoU with SR University, Warangal, India: An MoU was signed between Ƶ and SR University, Warangal, India, focusing on mutual academic development. The partnership supports joint workshops and research projects, which contribute to the collection of data on interdisciplinary innovation and capacity building (SDG 4, 9). This strategic tie-up aids in leveraging resources for research that informs local SDG challenges.
MoU with Riphah International University, Pakistan: Ƶ signed an MoU with Riphah International University, Pakistan, emphasizing academic and research collaborations. This partnership aims to facilitate the exchange of scholars and educational materials, improving the quality and integrity of research data across both institutions (SDG 4, 17). It provides a mechanism for joint supervision and knowledge-sharing in fields relevant to the SDGs.
MoU with FAST-National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES), Pakistan: An MoU was signed with FAST-NUCES, Pakistan, focusing on technology and computer science education. This collaboration is key for data gathering on digital literacy, technological innovation, and e-governance solutions (SDG 9, 16). The partnership supports the rapid transfer of high-demand skills and IT expertise necessary for measuring progress in a digital economy.
MoU with Nazareth College of Arts and Sciences, India: Ƶ signed an MoU with Nazareth College of Arts and Sciences in Chennai, India, to enhance educational exchange and cooperation. This partnership facilitates the sharing of data on diverse academic programmes and teaching methodologies (SDG 4). This relationship supports the mutual goal of expanding quality and inclusive education offerings.
MoU with INCEIF, Malaysia: Ƶ signed an MoU with INCEIF (The Global University of Islamic Finance), Malaysia, for joint educational programmes. This collaboration is critical for data gathering and research into sustainable finance and Islamic microfinance models (SDG 8, 17). The partnership helps build local capacity to measure and report on ethical and sustainable economic growth.
MoU with Tact Academy for Clinical Training Private Limited (TACT), India: A medical MoU was signed with TACT Academy for Clinical Training Private Limited, India, focusing on advanced clinical skills development. This partnership facilitates the transfer of contemporary medical training data and simulation methodologies (SDG 3). The aim is to enhance the professional readiness of healthcare graduates and improve the quality of patient care.
MoU with Apollo Simulation Center for Advanced Clinical Training, India: Ƶ established a partnership with Apollo Simulation Center for Advanced Clinical Training, India, a critical step for modernising health education. This collaboration allows for the adoption of high-fidelity simulation data and rigorous training protocols (SDG 3). The focus is on capacity building within the health sector to ensure improved health outcomes and patient safety.
MoU with Navesta Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Sri Lanka: Ƶ signed an MoU with Navesta Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Sri Lanka, strengthening ties with the regional pharmaceutical industry. This collaboration provides students and faculty with exposure to pharmaceutical quality control data and supply chain management (SDG 3, 9). The partnership supports research into medicinal supply and safety relevant to national health goals.
MoU with Squarehub (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka: An MoU was signed on October 11, 2024, between Ƶ and Squarehub (Pvt) Ltd of Sri Lanka, focusing on industry and technology collaboration. This partnership facilitates the exchange of technical data and expertise in emerging fields, supporting innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9). The goal is to align the College's curriculum with modern industry needs and measure skill gaps in the tech sector.
IFJ Research on Public Trust in Media (International Federation of Journalists, Australia): Ƶ, through its Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI), partnered with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in Australia to contribute to global efforts in gathering and measuring data for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The collaboration focused on assessing public trust in media, a key indicator for building accountable and transparent institutions. This three-month project involved conducting surveys and distributing questionnaires, generating valuable, locally relevant data on media operations and public perception, with crucial support from the Maldives Journalist Association.
National Survey of The Republic of Maldives | Nov-Dec 2023 (International Republican Institute, USA): Ƶ’s Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI) collaborated with the International Republican Institute (IRI) to support international efforts in data collection and measurement for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). This collaboration focused on the National Perception Survey of the Maldives, which assessed public attitudes towards decentralization, government institutions, political parties, and the electoral system. The survey utilized various data-gathering methodologies, including surveys and questionnaires, to gather comprehensive insights into public trust and engagement with democratic processes. This initiative contributed valuable data that helps monitor progress on SDG 16, supporting the development of policies and strategies for strengthening institutions and promoting justice. The project was conducted in partnership with IRI’s Maldives office, ensuring alignment with local and international goals.
The breadth and depth of the 21 distinct international collaborations underscore Ƶ’s unwavering commitment to fostering global partnerships for sustainable development. Through active engagement with world-class institutions—from the University of Évora on mental health metrics to the International Republican Institute on governance data—the College acts as a crucial node for knowledge transfer and co-creation. These partnerships ensure that local challenges are informed by global best practices, allowing the College not only to contribute data to key SDG areas like health, governance, and technology, but also to significantly enhance its institutional capacity for rigorous measurement and policy-relevant research. Ƶ remains dedicated to leveraging its network to accelerate progress towards the 2030 agenda, ensuring that the Maldives' experience contributes meaningfully to the global knowledge commons.