Pioneering the Path to Sustainability in Gulf Higher Education: From Vision to Strategic Policy Implementation at Sultan Qaboos University

• In Event: Contextualising and reframing sustainability in higher education

Proposal

The imperative of sustainability has increasingly shaped the agenda of higher education institutions globally, especially within the Gulf region, where universities play a crucial role in advancing national sustainability priorities. This presentation explores the efforts undertaken by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) to develop a comprehensive sustainability policy, reflecting broader ambitions in the Gulf to embed sustainable practices within higher education. The discussion focuses on the imperatives, challenges, and strategic approaches to implementing this policy, highlighting SQU's pioneering role in the regional context.

The development of a sustainability policy at SQU was driven by both local and global imperatives. Locally, Oman Vision 2040 emphasized sustainable development across various sectors, positioning universities as key change agents. Internationally, the role of universities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG4 on quality education and SDG13 on climate action, underscored the need for institutional commitment to sustainability. The policy aligned SQU's activities with these priorities by integrating sustainability into governance, teaching, research, and community engagement.

The policy development process began with a comprehensive review of current practices, activities, and existing documents related to sustainability at SQU. Findings revealed that, while various sustainability initiatives existed—such as energy-saving measures, waste management programs, and research focused on environmental issues—these efforts were not guided by a cohesive policy framework. This fragmentation highlighted the need for a strategic policy to unify and enhance the impact of these initiatives under a clear sustainability vision.
Benchmarking with other regional and international universities was a crucial step in this process. By examining best practices from leading institutions, SQU identified models and strategies that could be adapted to its specific context. This comparative approach offered insights into diverse methods of incorporating sustainability into university operations and revealed both common challenges and innovative solutions.

The development process also included interviews with university leaders and key stakeholders to gather perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of implementing sustainability at SQU. The interviews identified critical challenges, such as limited financial resources, the need for capacity building, and some resistance to change among stakeholders. However, there was a strong institutional commitment to sustainability, which was evident in the support from SQU's leadership in driving this policy forward.

The implementation of the policy was planned in phases, beginning with the integration of sustainability principles into the university's strategic planning documents. A dedicated sustainability office was proposed to coordinate efforts across departments and ensure accountability. Additionally, educational and training programs were designed to build capacity among faculty, staff, and students, fostering a culture of sustainability throughout the university.

This presentation highlights SQU’s journey in developing a sustainability policy, showcasing its role as a leader in sustainability within the Gulf's higher education landscape. By navigating the complexities of policy development and implementation, SQU set out to create a model that advances its sustainability goals and serves as an example for other institutions in the Gulf and beyond. The insights gained from this experience provide valuable lessons for universities worldwide seeking to integrate sustainability into their core missions.

Author

• Khalaf Al’Abri, Sultan Qaboos University