Springer Nature has recently published a scientific book titled: "Higher Education and Sustainable Development in the Arab Gulf States: Practical Approaches and Institutional Strategies". The book is edited by Dr. Khalaf bin Marhoun Al-Abri, Associate Professor and Head of the Educational Foundation and Administration Department at the College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, and Dr. Elizabeth Buckner from the University of Toronto, Canada.
Dr. Khalaf bin Marhoun Al-Abri
The book provides an in-depth scholarly analysis of the role of higher education institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in fostering sustainable development pathways. This is achieved by showcasing the experiences and practices of several universities and academic institutions across the region, and by analysing policies, programmes, and initiatives that help align Higher Education with Sustainable Development Goals at both the institutional and national levels.
The publication features a set of research studies conducted by scholars from universities and research centres both within and outside the region. It covers a wide range of themes including university governance, institutional sustainability, education for sustainable development, innovation, and community partnerships. Additionally, it addresses the main challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions in the GCC countries as they seek to enhance their contribution to sustainable development.
Dr. Khalaf Al-Abri explained that the idea of the book originated during the 13th Gulf Research Meeting, hosted by the University of Cambridge in the UK in 2023, before evolving into a scientific project in which many researchers from various universities and academic institutions participated. He added that the book aims to enrich the scholarly literature on Higher Education in the Gulf countries by offering insights and experiences grounded in the Gulf context, supporting researchers, policymakers, and university leadership in developing institutional policies and practices.
This publication represents a valuable scientific contribution to SQU, enhancing its presence in global knowledge production in the fields of Higher Education and sustainable development. It also highlights the contribution of Omani researchers to addressing key national and regional priority issues. The book's content aligns with national directions supporting the achievement of Oman Vision 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly regarding the advancement of education, the promotion of innovation, and the establishment of more sustainable and impactful educational institutions.
Dr. Khalaf Al-Abri specialises in education and higher education policies and systems, education for sustainable development, educational governance, quality assurance, and academic accreditation. His work focuses on developing educational policies and aligning them with sustainability issues and the Sustainable Development Goals. He has authored numerous research and scholarly publications in these fields, actively participating in various international scientific committees and initiatives related to education and sustainable development. He also contributed to numerous published studies that examine the development of education systems and their role in achieving sustainable development.