17.2.1 Canadian University Dubai — Relationships with Government and NGOs for Sustainable Development Policy
Institutional Commitment
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is committed to contributing academic knowledge, applied research and technical expertise to the development and implementation of sustainable development policies and strategies.
The University recognises that progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals requires cooperation between higher education institutions, government authorities, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders.
CUD supports this cooperation through formal institutional partnerships, collaborative research, technical knowledge exchange and participation in initiatives addressing public health, environmental sustainability, climate action and social development.
These activities aim to connect university research with real-world challenges and inform the development of practical responses to issues affecting communities and public institutions.
During 2025, CUD strengthened its direct engagement with government through collaboration with Dubai Municipality on environmental health, occupational safety, food safety and technology-enabled monitoring.
The University's wider sustainability partnerships also include engagement with organisations working on climate policy, carbon-market infrastructure and international development challenges.
1. Government Partnership for Evidence-Based Environmental and Food Safety Policy
Canadian University Dubai and Dubai Municipality — Environment, Health and Safety Collaboration
Date: 20 November 2025
Government Partner: Dubai Municipality — Environment, Health and Safety Agency
Institutional Partner: Canadian University Dubai
Partnership Mechanism: Memorandum of Understanding
Location of Announcement: 19th Dubai International Food Safety Conference, Dubai
Relevant SDGs: SDG 2 — Zero Hunger; SDG 3 — Good Health and Wellbeing; SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
Partnership Overview
On 20 November 2025, Canadian University Dubai signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai Municipality to advance collaborative research and innovation in environment, health and safety.
The agreement was signed by CUD Chancellor Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, President and Vice Chancellor Professor Karim Chelli, and Dr. Naseem Abdulla of Dubai Municipality's Environment, Health and Safety Agency.
The partnership establishes a structured framework for cooperation between the University and the government authority.
It focuses on addressing practical challenges in food safety, environmental health, public health and related areas through academic research, technical expertise and the joint development of solutions.
Direct Contribution to Public-Sector Policy and Decision-Making
The agreement identifies several mechanisms through which CUD's academic expertise can contribute to Dubai Municipality's government priorities.
| Policy-Related Activity | CUD's Agreed Contribution | Relevance to Government Decision-Making |
|---|---|---|
| Identification of Public Health and Food Safety Challenges | Conducting research and developing solutions around problems identified by Dubai Municipality | Supports evidence-based identification and assessment of public-sector challenges |
| Food Inspection and Control | Collaboration on food inspection, food safety and monitoring practices | Contributes technical knowledge relevant to food safety regulation and inspection |
| Risk Assessment and Prediction | Applying artificial intelligence and data analysis to identify food-related risks | Supports improved assessment of potential vulnerabilities |
| Research and Scientific Studies | Joint development and publication of specialised studies | Provides scientific information relevant to policy and operational decisions |
| Technical Recommendations | Presenting research-based solutions and recommendations for municipal evaluation | Creates a channel for university research to inform government decisions |
| Innovation and Knowledge Exchange | Participation in innovation laboratories, workshops and technical exchanges | Facilitates the development and assessment of new approaches |
Problem Identification and Research Priorities
Under the agreement, Dubai Municipality will identify relevant research topics aligned with its strategic priorities.
The Municipality will also share existing studies, propose project ideas and provide information required for relevant research activities.
CUD will contribute academic expertise and research capacity to develop responses to the identified challenges.
This arrangement directly connects university research with the needs and decision-making responsibilities of a government agency.
Development of Research-Based Solutions
The agreement provides for CUD to develop and present innovative solutions and recommendations for evaluation and potential adoption by Dubai Municipality.
These may include applications of artificial intelligence, data-driven monitoring and analytical technologies to improve food safety and inspection processes.
The partnership also supports joint scientific studies and research, enabling technical findings to contribute to the evidence available for future public-sector decisions.
Monitoring and Adaptive Management
A central focus of the partnership is the use of technology to improve inspection efficiency, assess food-related risks and identify potential supply-chain vulnerabilities.
These priorities are relevant to strengthening monitoring systems and informing adjustments to operational practices.
The agreement establishes a framework for these collaborative activities. Specific policy changes, implemented systems or regulatory outcomes would require separate evidence of completion or adoption.
Importance to SDG Policy
The partnership demonstrates a direct relationship between CUD and a regional government authority in which the University has an identified role in producing research, technical recommendations and practical solutions.
It provides a formal mechanism through which academic expertise can inform public-sector approaches to food safety, health, environmental management and the monitoring of relevant risks.
Official Evidence: Canadian University Dubai and Dubai Municipality Sign MoU to Advance Environment, Health and Safety
2. Government Collaboration on Occupational Health and Safety
Artificial Intelligence Trends in Shaping the Future of Occupational Health and Safety
Date: 28 April 2025
Government Partner: Dubai Municipality
Academic Partner: Canadian University Dubai — School of Health Sciences and Psychology
Activity: Joint occupational health and safety knowledge-sharing initiative
Relevant SDGs: SDG 3 — Good Health and Wellbeing; SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Collaboration Overview
On 28 April 2025, Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with Canadian University Dubai's School of Health Sciences and Psychology, organised an initiative examining the role of artificial intelligence in occupational health and safety.
The event coincided with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
It brought together government officials, institutional representatives and specialists to discuss technology-enabled approaches to workplace safety and occupational risk management.
Government Policy and Implementation Context
The initiative addressed challenges relevant to occupational health and safety, including the prevention of workplace incidents and the use of digital technologies to support monitoring.
Dubai Municipality presented examples of technology-supported public-sector approaches, including:
- Robotic systems for monitoring air pollutants.
- Digital platforms for occupational health and safety.
- Geographic information systems and interactive maps.
- Artificial intelligence tools for analysing risks.
- Technology-supported training and professional development.
- Smart monitoring systems supporting timely responses to identified hazards.
These topics are relevant to the development and implementation of effective occupational health and safety approaches across the emirate.
CUD's Contribution
CUD's School of Health Sciences and Psychology collaborated with Dubai Municipality to deliver the initiative and facilitate knowledge exchange concerning occupational health and safety.
The partnership connected the University's public health expertise with government priorities relating to prevention, monitoring, safety standards and emerging technologies.
The activity provides evidence of CUD's engagement with public-sector approaches to occupational health and safety.
It is presented as technical and policy-related knowledge exchange rather than as evidence that CUD independently drafted or secured the adoption of a government regulation.
Official Evidence: AI Trends Shape Occupational Health and Safety's Future in Dubai
3. NGO Partnership for Climate Policy and Carbon-Market Development
Canadian University Dubai and the Climate Institute
Partner: The Climate Institute
Partnership Focus: Climate action, carbon markets, emissions monitoring and environmental governance
Relevant SDGs: SDG 7 — Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 13 — Climate Action; SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
Partnership Overview
Canadian University Dubai's Centre for Sustainability and Innovation describes a strategic research-and-innovation alliance with the Climate Institute, an organisation dedicated to addressing climate change through research, partnerships and policy innovation.
The collaboration connects CUD's research capabilities with the Climate Institute's experience in climate policy and international sustainability initiatives.
A major focus of the relationship is the development of technical infrastructure supporting credible carbon markets.
Carbon Credit Systems and Policy-Relevant Infrastructure
The partnership describes three complementary components:
| Proposed Component | Purpose | Relevance to Climate Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Credit National Registry | Registration, issuance and tracking of carbon credits | Supports transparency and accountability in carbon-market systems |
| Carbon Credit Trading System | Digital infrastructure for carbon-credit transactions | Supports market transparency and efficient trading mechanisms |
| Carbon Credit Auditing System | Verification and monitoring using technological tools | Supports credible reporting and assessment of carbon-credit projects |
These components address practical challenges associated with monitoring, verification, accountability and the administration of carbon markets.
Modelling, Measurement and Verification
The collaboration describes the application of technologies such as artificial intelligence, connected sensors, geographic positioning and satellite-based data to support monitoring and verification.
The proposed approach aims to improve the timeliness and reliability of carbon-credit assessment.
Reliable measurement, reporting and verification are important components of credible carbon-market governance and evidence-based climate policy.
Contribution to Policy Development
The collaboration provides a framework through which CUD can contribute applied research and technical expertise to discussions about carbon-credit governance and climate-market infrastructure.
The proposed systems are relevant to the development of carbon-market rules, monitoring frameworks and accountability mechanisms.
The University's public partnership description establishes a research-and-innovation agenda. It does not, by itself, establish that a national government has adopted a registry or that a proposed carbon-market system was fully operational during 2025.
Official Evidence: CUD Centre for Sustainability and Innovation
4. Engagement with Regional Sustainability Networks
Global Compact Network UAE and UN Resident Coordinator Office
Reporting Period: Historical engagement — 2024
Activity: World Green Economy Summit focus group
Participating CUD Group: Environmental Health Management students
Relevant SDGs: SDG 6 — Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13 — Climate Action; SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
CUD's Department of Public Health documents participation by Environmental Health Management students in a focus group hosted by Global Compact Network UAE and the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office during the World Green Economy Summit 2024.
The students participated in activities involving simulated roles as country delegates, negotiators and non-state actors.
They discussed research-based resolutions and took part in deliberation and voting exercises.
This engagement provided students with experience of the processes through which environmental and sustainability issues are debated and policy positions are considered.
It demonstrates historical participation in a regional sustainability network and exposure to policy-oriented dialogue.
As a simulated deliberative exercise, it is not represented as direct evidence of a CUD-authored recommendation adopted by a national government.
Official Evidence: CUD Department of Public Health — Students in Action
5. Additional NGO Collaboration on SDG Implementation
Refugee Education and UNHCR — 2025
Partner: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Initiative: Refugee education under the Aim Higher initiative, associated with Brand Me Summit 2025
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 — Quality Education; SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities; SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
In November 2025, CUD announced a commitment to provide 50 fully funded scholarships for refugee students as part of its collaboration involving UNHCR and Brand Me Summit 2025.
The initiative addresses barriers to higher education affecting displaced individuals.
It provides an example of cooperation on an internationally recognised sustainable development challenge through targeted educational assistance.
The announcement demonstrates a partnership commitment and planned implementation measure. It does not establish that CUD participated in drafting UNHCR's refugee education policy or that all 50 scholarships were awarded during 2025.
The partnership is therefore presented as supplementary SDG implementation evidence.
Official Evidence: Brand Me Summit 2025 and Refugee Education Initiative
6. Summary of Policy-Relevant Relationships
CUD's government and NGO relationships operate through different forms of collaboration.
| Partner | Activity and Reporting Period | Nature of CUD's Involvement | Relevance to SDG Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Municipality | Environment, Health and Safety MoU — November 2025 | Agreed joint research, risk analysis, technical recommendations and solutions for potential municipal adoption | Direct mechanism for evidence-based government decision support |
| Dubai Municipality | Occupational Health and Safety Initiative — April 2025 | Joint technical knowledge exchange on AI-enabled monitoring and prevention | Engagement with government operational and safety priorities |
| Climate Institute | Strategic research-and-innovation alliance | Carbon-market research and proposed registry, trading and auditing systems | Policy-relevant technical work on climate governance and verification |
| Global Compact Network UAE / UN Resident Coordinator Office | Sustainability focus group — 2024 | Participation in research-based policy negotiation simulations | Historical exposure to NGO and UN-linked policy dialogue |
| UNHCR | Refugee education scholarship commitment — November 2025 | Announced 50 fully funded scholarships | SDG partnership and implementation support; policy-development input not separately established |
The relationships demonstrate CUD's involvement in policy-relevant research, government collaboration and sustainable development partnerships.
The Dubai Municipality agreement is the most direct evidence of a formal mechanism for providing academic research and technical recommendations to a regional government authority.
7. Institutional Framework for Policy-Relevant Research and Partnerships
Centre for Sustainability and Innovation
CUD's Centre for Sustainability and Innovation supports the University's work in sustainability research, strategic partnerships and engagement.
The Centre's stated mission includes advancing practical solutions to environmental, social and economic challenges through research, education and collaboration.
Its strategic framework includes:
- Innovation and research.
- Strategy and policy.
- Partnerships and networks.
- Engagement and education.
Strategy and Policy
The Centre describes a role in supporting policy-relevant research and developing technical inputs that can inform government-led processes.
Its areas of focus include climate change, the built environment, environmental science and social justice.
These activities are intended to connect academic research with sustainability priorities in Dubai and the wider UAE.
Government and Community Engagement
The Centre's public framework identifies collaboration with government entities and other stakeholders as a means of contributing to sustainable development.
Its stated priorities align with major UAE initiatives, including:
- UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
- We the UAE 2031.
- UAE Centennial 2071.
- National climate and sustainable development priorities.
Alignment with national strategies establishes the policy context for CUD's work; direct contributions are demonstrated through specific partnerships and activities, rather than alignment alone.
8. Mechanisms for Contributing to SDG Policy and Implementation
CUD's documented partnerships illustrate several ways universities can contribute expertise to government and NGO decision-making.
| Policy Development or Implementation Stage | Documented CUD Partnership Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Identifying Problems and Challenges | Dubai Municipality identifies priority food safety and environmental health issues for collaborative research |
| Developing Evidence and Solutions | CUD undertakes research and develops recommendations addressing identified challenges |
| Evaluating Potential Interventions | Agreed presentation of research-based solutions and innovative projects for possible municipal evaluation and adoption |
| Supporting Monitoring | Collaboration concerning AI-enabled inspection, food risk assessment and monitoring |
| Developing Policy-Relevant Technical Systems | Climate Institute collaboration on carbon-credit registry, trading and auditing concepts |
| Knowledge Exchange and Stakeholder Engagement | Joint activities involving government authorities, research organisations and sustainability networks |
These mechanisms demonstrate how CUD's academic expertise is connected to external decision-making and sustainable development challenges.
Some mechanisms were formally established through the 2025 Dubai Municipality agreement, while others form part of partnership research agendas or earlier engagement.
They are not presented as completed policy outcomes unless such implementation is separately documented.
9. Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
CUD's collaboration with government authorities and non-governmental organisations supports the exchange of expertise, development of practical solutions and strengthening of partnerships for sustainable development.
The activities relate particularly to SDG Targets 17.16 and 17.17, concerning multi-stakeholder cooperation and public, private and civil society partnerships.
SDG 3 — Good Health and Wellbeing
Collaboration with Dubai Municipality on food safety, environmental health and occupational safety supports work addressing public health risks.
SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Research and technology-enabled monitoring initiatives support the development of innovative approaches to public-sector challenges.
SDG 13 — Climate Action
The Climate Institute collaboration addresses technical and governance challenges associated with carbon markets and emissions monitoring.
SDG 4 and SDG 10 — Quality Education and Reduced Inequalities
CUD's partnership involving UNHCR supports an initiative to expand educational opportunities for refugee students.
Institutional Commitment
Canadian University Dubai recognises the important role universities can play in supporting sustainable development policy through scientific research, technical expertise and collaboration with government and civil society.
In 2025, CUD established a formal research-and-innovation partnership with Dubai Municipality that explicitly provides for research priorities, technical recommendations, improved risk assessment and potential adoption of university-developed solutions.
The University also participated in occupational health and safety knowledge exchange with Dubai Municipality and maintained wider partnerships relevant to climate governance and social development.
Together, these activities demonstrate CUD's commitment to connecting academic research with external sustainability challenges and supporting more informed policy and operational decision-making.
Principal Government Partner: Dubai Municipality
Additional Partners: Climate Institute, Global Compact Network UAE, UN Resident Coordinator Office and UNHCR
Relevant Institutional Function: Centre for Sustainability and Innovation and collaborating academic departments
Sustainability Contact: sustainability@cud.ac.ae
Primary Reporting Period: Calendar Year 2025, with historical or undated partnerships separately identified.