Academic Network for Development Dialogue (ANDD) Paper Series

Back Matter

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — 2025-05-29

Table of Content

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — 2025-05-29

Building Human Sustainable Capital via Education: The Case of Qatar

Ahmed Badran — 2025-05-29

International parties are paying more attention to the State of Qatar's efforts to advance human well-being and fulfil sustainable development goals. This paper looks at and assesses the State of Qatar's initiatives as well as the policies the Qatari government has implemented to advance human capital and well-being in order to accomplish sustainable development. In this context, the paper contends that there is a strong relationship between investment in human capital and the state's ability to accomplish sustainable development and human well-being. Consequently, by emphasising the development of human capital at the economic, social, and environmental levels, the State of Qatar may put sustainable public policies into practice. The rights of future generations can be preserved while also achieving the current generations' aims for sustainable development. The paper has been divided in two key parts. The theoretical and analytical framework is presented first. The focus will be on how human capital is conceptualised, where it comes from theoretically, and how it relates to sustainable development. The second section centres on the State of Qatar's endeavours concerning human capital investment. The discussion reflects how such efforts affect the government's capacity to accomplish the sustainable development objectives as outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030. Preliminary research results on the relationship between investing in human capital and achieving sustainable development indicates that investing in human capital improves and expands workforce competencies throughout the country's numerous sectors. As a result, it becomes simpler for those officials to carry out their responsibilities in the field of sustainable development to the fullest.

Active Labour Market Policies Targeting Youth in the Arab Region: A Regional Review

Milad Pournik — 2025-05-29

The Arab Spring of 2010 has not yet quite turned to summer, even after 14 years. The hopes of increased inclusion and life with dignity are yet to come to fruition for many in the region. This is especially the case for the youth, who continue to struggle for a secure future and make the most of their potential. The question is how can young people realize their full potential to contribute as agents of sustainable development? Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs) are one way to empower youth to secure employment. Employing a literature review and case study approach, this paper explores the context of youth unemployment across the Arab region. It reviews the status of youth-focused active ALMPs in the region, delving into their nature, strengths, and weaknesses. It offers a regional picture in addition to presenting two case studies of Egypt and Jordan. Finally, the paper offers several concrete policy recommendations for the way forward. These include maximizing the potential benefits of ALMPs alongside other policies, improving the targeting of ALMPs towards youth, reforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems in the region, ensuring systematic and rigorous monitoring and evaluation of ALMPs, and improving coordination among stakeholders involved with ALMP provision. Still, more research is needed to support the charting of a new path that enables youth in the Arab region to realize their potential in the economic realm.

Higher Education Institutions, Centres of Cultural Change Towards Sustainable Development – Qatar University as a Case Study

Sahar El Sayed — 2025-05-29

The role of higher education institutions has significantly shifted towards deeper engagement with the local communities, especially when it comes to social and sustainable human development. The primary objectives of the strategic planning for Qatar University, as outlined in this mixed-method research case study, reflect the state's visions and aspirations for sustainable development, with higher education serving as a central pillar. Conducting high quality research on sustainable development, and providing the students with the skills they need, as well as supporting them in their transition from education into professional lives, are essential factors in building a sustainable society. The empirical analysis in this study highlights the need for further research on sustainable human development with a focus on the social and cultural dimensions of the process. Higher education institutions’ involvement with the local community, local labor market, and the industrial sector are essential tools for them to cope with their new role and the rising socio-economic challenges.

Enhancing Well-being through Data-Driven solutions in Health Research by incorporating Social Determinants of Health in Electronic Medical Records

Mohammad M. Baniode — 2025-05-29

Social Determinants of Health-SDoH are pivotal factors, accounting for 30-55% of health outcomes (WHO, 2023). Beyond SDG3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), other SDGs directly influence health. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is essential to gather and exchange SDoH data across sectors. This policy intervention incorporates the SDoH Data Elements- DEs that enrich Electronic Medical Record-EMR architecture. Incorporating SDoH is an essential factor that enhances individual data capture and collection for better research on health equity, human well-being, and disease surveillance. A descriptive-analytical study assessed existing DEs, datasets, and metadata within governmental EMRs across 15 hospitals and 13 Primary healthcare centres in the West Bank. These metadata were mapped and reviewed in the context of SDoH availability. By reviewing more than four hundred DEs within EMR screens, only a few SDoH DEs were identified, primarily related to patient address and health insurance type. Moreover, downstream SDoH DEs such as housing stability, living conditions, food security, income, education, transportation, social support systems, cultural competency, behavioural health lacked clear classification. The available EMR metadata characterised as limited to medical and financial orientation rather than public health DEs. One key finding of the study is the lack of clear definitions, contextual understanding, and relationships between metadata elements within SDOH data in EMRs in public hospitals. Additionally, inconsistencies in data standards and formats, challenges in tracking updates and versioning, insufficient user guidance, and limited accessibility further hinder the effective utilization and integration of SDOH data within EMR systems. The recommendations are: adding structured and classified SDOH DEs might improve the real-time alerts and predictive analytics in identifying vulnerable populations more efficiently. In conclusion, aligning EMR design including SDoH with targeted SDG will help future research on human well-being.

A Human-centered Approach Towards Sustainable Teaching and Learning in the Arab Region

Haifa Belhadj — 2025-05-29

Ensuring sustainable teaching and learning is a global priority, as it equips individuals and societies with the skills needed to address current challenges while preparing for the future. This conceptual paper presents perspectives, interpretations, and recommendations that foster sustainability within the higher education systems of the Arab region. It thoughtfully demystifies the concept of sustainability in education and identifies educational approaches that promote it. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study examines the implementation of these approaches in Arab universities, highlighting key challenges and limitations. The study’s findings underscore adopting a human-centered approach in education as a pathway to achieving sustainable teaching and learning (STL) and advancing the limitations. The study identified the significance of three interconnected pillars essential for achieving sustainable teaching and learning: establishing human-centered professional development programs, adopting human-centered learning design approaches, and fostering a human-centered approach for open educational practices, within Arab universities. Together, these pillars serve as a foundation for sustainable teaching and learning, ensuring that universities remain adaptable and aligned with both regional needs and global development.

Building the Capacity of Women in Media in the Arab Region to Accelerate and Support Sustainable Development

Donia Tarek Abdelwahab Mohamed — 2025-05-29

This research paper explores the significance of building the capacity of women in media in the Arab region to accelerate and support sustainable development. It delves into the challenges faced by women in media, the potential benefits of their increased involvement, and strategies to enhance their capacity in this critical field. The research problem lies in understanding the multifaceted dynamics that hinder or facilitate the effective participation of women in media roles, and how addressing these challenges can contribute to the acceleration and support of sustainable development. The study employs a comprehensive qualitative research method to gather in-depth insights into the topic. It involves a thorough literature review, analysis of existing policies, and interviews with women professionals in the Arab media sector. The research design allows for a nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural, institutional, and economic barriers impeding women's capacity-building, as well as the impact of gender-based discrimination and stereotypes on their career progression and job satisfaction. The study identifies key barriers, such as entrenched societal norms, limited access to training and networking opportunities, and gender-biased organizational policies. It reveals the crucial role of women in media in reshaping narratives around gender, challenging societal stereotypes, and fostering a more inclusive public discourse. The research offers policy recommendations to create a supportive ecosystem for women's professional growth in the media industry. This study contributes to the theoretical foundation of gender studies, media studies, and sustainable development theories by addressing significant knowledge gaps. The practical implications of the research can inform policymaking and guide media organizations in designing effective strategies to promote gender diversity and empower women in the media sector, thereby enhancing sustainable development initiatives in the Arab region.

Sustainable Development in the Education System in the Arab Region

Mariam Al-Khatib — 2025-05-29

Focusing on nurturing human well-being is crucial for developing a sustainable future. Well-being in education and scientific research fosters engaged, motivated, and enthusiastic individuals in society. These sectors are key to human development; empowering individuals with the necessary tools that directly impact performance and productivity, leading to better learning outcomes and more advanced scientific contributions. This paper aims to investigate innovative solutions and policy tools for enhancing human well-being and research-based learning in the Educational System in the Arab Region. Its objectives are to raise awareness, identify challenges, and recommend policy tools to improve the well-being of students and researchers. Methods used included case studies, literature reviews, comparative analysis, and personal experiences. The paper focuses on the issue of a fixed mindset culture within the educational system and stakeholders in the Arab Region. The goal is to shift from an inherited fixed mindset to a growth mindset, requiring reprogramming, extensive research, and implementing alternative educational methodologies. Raising awareness and educating parents and students about the benefits of a growth mindset is crucial. A key recommendation is to replace final exams with research papers and capstone projects, which can accelerate sustainable development by promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills. This educational approach reduces test anxiety, improves performance, and allows students to address real-world issues beyond theoretical knowledge. By scanning the literature and case studies on this subject, the paper discusses how integrating social and emotional learning into educational curricula and research organizations provides essential pedagogy to equip learners with the skills necessary to strengthen their well-being and promote 21st-century learning. This holistic approach enhances individual development and contributes to the broader goal of sustainable development. Since human well-being is one of the SDG goals, our research focuses on promoting it as an attempt to help the whole education system achieve sustainability.

Promoting Mental Health & Emotional Well-being Inside Classrooms

Mary Ghazarian Gurunlian — 2025-05-29

The current research sheds light on the teachers’ knowledge and awareness of emotional intelligence and social-emotional learning in schools in Lebanon. It highlights the benefits of social-emotional learning programs in terms of creating equity in schools, nurturing the spirit of self-awareness, and offering learners emotion regulation tools and the capability to build healthy long-lasting relationships based on empathy. The research was carried out in Lebanon through focus groups, and one-to-one meetings, and a Google Form was used to survey the 104 participants. The teachers were from various governates, and different age groups, and taught different cycles, and across subject areas. The research offers recommendations and guidelines for schools that aim to introduce social-emotional learning effectively inside classrooms.

Unveiling the Nexus: Social Equity and Sustainable Water Management in The Arab Region

Jad Haidar — 2025-05-29

This research delves into the critical, yet often under-examined, role of social equity in achieving sustainable water management in the Arab region. Employing a qualitative approach with a multi-site case study design, the investigation explores the intricate relationship between social equity and water access. Data collected from various sources reveals a compelling narrative: A web of interconnected challenges emerges in the absence of equitable water access. Food security suffers as agricultural productivity stagnates, climate risks increase, adaptation strategies become untenable, and social tensions escalate as grievances around water scarcity fester. The experiences of small-scale farmers struggling to irrigate their crops and residents of informal settlements lacking basic sanitation facilities exemplify these challenges. Conversely, promoting social equity in water management can yield a broad range of benefits. Empowering women in water management decision-making can significantly enhance agricultural productivity. Similarly, targeted investments in water infrastructure development in underserved communities, coupled with the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices, can strengthen regional resilience to climate change. Ultimately, the research underscores the interconnectedness of social equity with broader sustainability goals. When marginalized communities are systematically excluded from decision-making processes and lack access to water, a vital resource for life and development, achieving long-term sustainability becomes an elusive goal. Conversely, promoting water justice can create a ripple effect of positive impacts, fostering social stability, empowering communities, and bolstering regional resilience.

Skills Development in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Sustainable Vision for well-being

Rais Foudil — 2025-05-29

The research highlights the importance of skill development as a means of adapting to the latest technological transformations, notably artificial intelligence (AI). Research indicates the existence of what is known as a skills gap, where technological transformations, especially those supported by AI, tend to eliminate intermediate skills while increasing both high and low-level skills, thus causing structural imbalances in the job market. Recent studies suggest that approximately 40% of the global workforce is vulnerable to AI, with variations among advanced economies, emerging markets, and low-income countries. Policymakers find themselves facing the challenge of job-role mismatch, necessitating individuals to acquire new skills and enhance their capabilities to meet the demands of the evolving job market. Maximizing their income enables individuals to expand their life choices, leading to improved spending on health and education, thus enhancing individual well-being and living standards, prompting them to seek faster and more effective means of income maximization and, consequently, personal well-being. The research indicates that addressing this challenge is not solely the responsibility of individuals but also involves educational institutions and decision-makers. It proposes the need for sustainable and innovative educational curricula that promote the development of core skills, increased government intervention to serve the labor market by reducing skill gaps crucial for tackling unemployment amid these rapid transformations, as well as building bridges between education, training, industry, and business sectors in general. It also advocates for initiatives, especially in higher education, to acquire new skills and develop existing ones.

Technological Educational Competencies among Special Education Teachers in Aleppo City

Mohammad Kassem Abdallah — 2025-05-29

This search aimed to identify the Technological Educational Competencies among Special Education Teachers in Aleppo City, and the differences in it according to variables: (Experience, academic qualification, category).

The scale of Technological Educational Competencies which prepared by Al-qahtani (2018) was used after checking its psychometric characterizes, then it was applied on a sample of (85) female teachers. The descriptive curriculum was followed. To obtain results SPSS program was used. Results indicated that there is a moderate level of Technological Educational Competencies among Special Education Teachers in Aleppo City, teachers have the desire to obtain a training about employment technology in their job, there are no differences in Technological Educational Competencies according to Experience, and there are differences according to academic qualification for high studies, and category for learning disability.

It can be said that special education in Syria is still far behind other countries. In order to advance the country and contribute to its reconstruction after the crises it has gone through, work must be done on the various groups and give them the necessary importance to benefit from all the capabilities that are in their appropriate place. In light of this, work must be done to prepare special education teachers well; by holding training courses, paying more attention to their prior preparation and training on the use of modern devices, technologies and applications, in addition to setting standards for accepting special education teachers that include several aspects, including academic qualifications, university specialization, and conducting an admission test to ensure the teacher’s eligibility and ability to deal with children with disabilities, preparing individual educational plans, and using appropriate tools in their education.

The Impact of the Metaverse and Artificial Intelligence on Education in the Arab Region

Shadi Ahmad Abbas — 2025-05-29

The world has recently witnessed significant and rapid development in the field of the metaverse and artificial intelligence, impacting various sectors worldwide, particularly in education. As training and education commenced within the metaverse, and the use of artificial intelligence has spread in digital education.

Despite the potential opportunities and benefits, concerns have arisen regarding the risks and threats associated with these technologies, prompting research into their impact on the safety and quality of educational systems in the Arab region.

This study employs a descriptive approach to examine the risks and benefits of the metaverse and artificial intelligence technologies in education, aiming to derive logical and realistic conclusions and propose useful recommendations and applicable solutions.

Table of Content

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — 2025-05-29

About the Series & its board

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — 2025-05-29

Front Matter

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — 2025-05-29

Foreward 1

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — 2025-05-29

Foreward 2

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — 2025-05-29

Foreward 3

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — 2025-05-29

About the Series & its board

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — 2025-05-29

Foreward 1

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — 2025-05-29

Foreward 2

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — 2025-05-29

Foreward 3

Hamzeh Abdallah Ayed Khwaileh — 2025-05-29