Annual Report on Contributions to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

University of El Oued

Introduction

Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17) emphasizes the critical importance of global partnerships, cooperation, and resource mobilization in achieving the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It recognizes that strong, inclusive, and effective partnerships built upon shared principles and values are essential to addressing complex global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

Within this global framework, the University of El Oued plays a pivotal role as a center for higher education, research, and community development. The institution is actively engaged in fostering partnerships that advance sustainability, promote innovation, and enhance institutional and societal capacities. Through collaborative research projects, academic networks, and community outreach programs, the university contributes to strengthening multi-stakeholder cooperation at local, national, and international levels. This report highlights the University of El Oued’s ongoing efforts and achievements in supporting SDG 17. It examines how strategic collaborations, research initiatives, and educational programs contribute to building effective partnerships for sustainable development, aligning the university’s mission with the global vision of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Research: Strengthening the Means of Implementation Through Technology and Policy Coherence:

The University of El Oued actively contributes to revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development by generating scientific knowledge that enhances both technological capacity and global governance insights. Faculty research directly addresses the pillars of knowledge-sharing and policy coherence, offering robust, context-specific solutions for development challenges.

In the realm of technological advancement and sustainable infrastructure, the research titled “Optimal Allocation of Capacitor Banks and Distributed Generation: A Comparison of Recently Developed Metaheuristic Optimization Techniques on the Real Distribution Networks of ALG-AB-Hassi Sida, Algeria” exemplifies the University’s focus on environmentally sound solutions. This study introduces the novel Energy Valley Optimizer (EVO) tool, designed for the strategic placement of distributed generation units and capacitor banks within electricity distribution systems. Tested on a real-world Algerian distribution network, the EVO demonstrates superior performance compared to leading global algorithms, significantly minimizing energy loss, enhancing bus voltage stability, and lowering the total long-term energy cost over a 24-year period. By optimizing the integration of renewable-based distributed generation, this research not only improves technical and economic efficiencies locally but also contributes to the global drive for a more sustainable, resilient energy system through demonstrable scientific innovation and knowledge transfer.

Addressing the critical global challenge of governance and economic stability, the study “Does corruption boost economic growth in developing countries?” provides essential, evidence-based insights for enhancing policy coherence. Through a rigorous examination of the link between corruption and economic growth across 129 developing countries over two decades, the research employs advanced econometric methods to challenge conventional assumptions. The analysis supports the “grease the wheels” hypothesis, noting that higher levels of corruption surprisingly correlated with increased economic growth in the studied sample. Furthermore, the findings highlight additional factors influencing economic trajectories, such as the positive contribution of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and oil revenues, and the suppressive effect of augmented military expenditures. This nuanced understanding underscores the complexity of economic development in the Global South and provides policymakers with a more refined toolset for crafting effective national strategies that strengthen institutions and foster sustainable development.

Strategic Partnerships and Policy Dialogue: Strengthening Regional Cooperation

The University of El Oued serves as a key intellectual hub for regional policy development, demonstrating its commitment to revitalizing global partnerships through high-impact, cross-border initiatives.

A primary example of this institutional role is the 22nd International Forum on the Development of the Algerian-Tunisian Border Regions, held on April 28–29, 2024. This major bilateral event was organized through a strategic twinning between the University’s Faculties of Law and Political Sciences and Social and Human Sciences, in close coordination with the Maghreb Consultative Council and several specialized research laboratories. The forum saw high-level participation, inaugurated by the Wali of El Oued Province, and included the attendance of security and civil authorities, scientific figures from both Algeria and Tunisia, and local heads of border municipalities. The University Director emphasized that the forum’s core goal was to “achieve added value and emerge with important practical recommendations centered on local development priorities according to regional specificities.” By facilitating robust policy dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange between researchers, policymakers, and local actors from two sovereign nations, this forum directly contributes to strengthening the global partnership for sustainable development, ensuring that regional policies are informed by shared strategic goals and local implementation realities.

The University further reinforces national policy coherence and financial resource mobilization through its collaboration with state and private sectors. On January 30, 2024, the University hosted an Information Day on the 2024 Finance Law, organized in partnership with the Souf Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This event was officially opened by the University Director and the Inspector General of the Province. The scientific session, chaired by a faculty member from the Faculty of Economic Sciences, featured specialized participation from key government bodies, including inspectors from the State Property Directorate and the Customs Inspectorate Divisions. By convening academia, government bodies, and the private sector, the University serves as a critical platform for disseminating vital national financial and legislative information, thereby strengthening the institutional capacity required for effective implementation of national development strategies.

Finally, the University ensures its strategic alignment with regional development planning through direct participation in local governance structures. On December 17, 2024, the University Director participated in the 4th ordinary session of the Provincial People’s Council. During this high-level assembly, attended by the Wali of the Province, security committee members, executive directors, and municipal heads, the Director delivered a detailed presentation on the University City.

This comprehensive overview covered the University’s statistics, achieved results, and detailed requirements for pedagogical and research infrastructure. This proactive engagement ensures that the needs and potential contributions of higher education are effectively integrated into the Province’s strategic planning and resource allocation, strengthening public-public partnerships for sustainable regional development

 University Operations and Community Integration

Building Connections with Key Institutions

As part of its operational strategy, the University of El Oued serves as a bridge between academia and society by actively building connections with key institutions. For example, on 6 February 2024, the university’s Secretary-General held a coordination meeting with members of the Conseil Supérieur de la Jeunesse of the Wilaya of El Oued, alongside other senior university officials, to prepare the “Forum des Jeunes du Souf” (11-12 February 2024). Through such collaborations, the university fosters dialogue on critical sustainability issues, creates opportunities for students to network with institutional, youth and community actors, and enables contributions to local and global development initiatives.

Innovation, Incubation, and Startup Development

The University of El Oued actively supports innovation and entrepreneurship through its internal incubator and startup initiatives. In 2024, the student Ayman Qassem registered with the university’s Business Incubator distinguished himself in the national “Caravane Nationale” event with a mobile-app idea, illustrating how the institution enables students to transform ideas into startups.

By providing infrastructure, mentorship, and access to regional and national networks, the university enables students, researchers and faculty to create viable startups, particularly in fields aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. These initiatives not only promote technological and social innovation but also strengthen partnerships with private-sector actors, NGOs and governmental bodies; a practical embodiment of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through its entrepreneurial support ecosystem, the University of El Oued positions itself as a recognized hub for startups and innovation in Algeria, linking academia, society and industry for sustainable regional development.

Conclusion

The University of El Oued demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to SDG 17. Partnerships for the Goals through a multi-faceted approach encompassing national and international collaborations, educational exchanges, research initiatives, and community engagement. By fostering partnerships with governmental bodies, NGOs, international universities, and the private sector, the university strengthens its capacity to mobilize resources, share knowledge, and promote innovation across disciplines.