GOAL 17

Partnership for the Goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

2022

This goal emphasizes the crucial role of collaboration and cooperation in achieving the other 16 Sustainable Development Goals by fostering inclusive partnerships at the local, national, and global levels. The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) recognizes the significance of forming partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including government entities, businesses, NGOs, non-profit organizations, and local communities. Most importantly, how, as a university, we are preparing and teaching the next generation to be enthusiastic about, conscious of, and cognizant of the global interconnection and advantages of sustainable development. KDU’s commitment extends beyond academic excellence to actively engaging in initiatives that address global challenges.

Through research collaborations, joint projects, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, the university seeks to leverage the expertise and resources of various partners. The KDU serves as a hub for interdisciplinary dialogue, facilitating the exchange of ideas and solutions to complex problems. By establishing meaningful partnerships, the university seeks to contribute not only to the academic realm but also to the broader community and sustainable development at large. By fostering partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries, KDU is committed to making a positive impact on society, demonstrating the transformative power of collective action towards a more sustainable future. In order to lead by example, KDU launched this SDG website to showcase the progress and contributions of the university to SDGs.

International Collaborations

KDU places international collaboration at the heart of its operations. As a reputed university in the region, KDU actively seeks partnerships with like-minded international institutions. Therefore, KDU currently maintains over 44 healthy partnerships with globally leading universities and professional bodies including the world's number one university for the contribution of sustainable development goals, Western Sydney University, Australia. These symbiotic partnerships help to drive student exchange programmes, joint research projects, specialist seminars, and culturally enriching events. KDU has entered into five new MOUs/ Agreements with international parties in 2022. Furthermore, KDU also welcomes opportunities for collaborative teaching assistance and promotes cross-cultural academic enhancement. Students stand to gain a globally inclusive perspective, cultivating international understanding and awareness. Opportunities to intern or study abroad fully embrace the global approach adopted by KDU. KDU’s ongoing mission, alongside top-tier universities, is to foster global competence among students and yield world-class research for sustainable future progress.

44Number of International Collaborations 

 

KDU receivedUS$ 115000Worth International research grants in 2022

2134Number of courses offered on Sustainability in 2022
 
 

The policy for gender equity and equality, developed by KDU’s Center for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) offers diverse perspectives on how it matters for gender equality across a range of issues, from criminal justice to education, and underscores the commitment of the university. KDU shares its best practices with the communities around it by organizing informative speeches/ workshops to educate them about the need for and importance of gender equity and equality in all the aspects of life. 

Gender Awareness Workshops at KDU 2022
Vice Chancellor Meets representative from Western Sydney University, Australia
Empowering Communities: The Centre for Gender and Equity and Equality Champions the Cause
 

All KDU faculties obtain the views of industries every year to identify the areas to be improved in respective curricula. Accordingly, department industry collaborative boards (DICB) are conducted regularly by inviting industry partners to share their knowledge and ideas. During the meetings parties also share best practices towards achieving SDGs. this type of dialogue is essential between industry and universities to support the country in achieving its SDG targets.

 Department Industry Consultative Board Meetings
1Department of Information TechnologyLink
2Civil Engineering Degree ProgrammeLink
3Building Services Engineering Degree ProgrammeLink
4Department of Marine EngineeringLink
5Department of Computational MathematicsLink
 Industrial Training Units
1Faculty of EngineeringLink
2Faculty of ComputingLink
3Faculty of TechnologyLink
    

As a defense university, KDU closely works with the government, especially the Ministry of Defense. KDU’s Board of Management is headed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defense; hence, as a higher education institution, support is sought by the Ministry from KDU in many activities related to policy development. Furthermore, KDU actively contributes to academic and research projects supported by the Ministry. Areas of focus often include defense technology, strategic policymaking, and military tactics. In addition, KDU's teachers and students provide their knowledge and skills to support national strategic planning, ultimately aiming to enhance the security and defense capabilities of the nation. As members of an institution closely connected with the government, they take part in working committees and provide expert input to key discussions related to defense and other matters of national interest

KDU final year students’ demonstration of nationally important software solutions
A robust Defence Policy is essential – Defence Secretary
  

General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) collaborates with various institutions and bodies in uplifting its standard and expertise. The collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one such example. Under the collaboration, KDU launches programmes to develop Non-violent Communication and Responsible use of Media. The UNDP activities in the university are hosted by the Department of Social Sciences of the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities (FMSH). Various programmes such as workshops, exhibitions and seminars are organized to uplift the theme. KDU has also established a centre for Media and Communication studies which includes a recording room, a visual studio, and a make-up room providing much needed space and facilities for in-house recording, interviews, discussions, dubbing and other media productions. Thus, the Centre facilitates media research, video filming, voice covers, and podcast production to showcase the skills of KDU students, and it provides much needed space and facilities for recording interviews and other media productions that would facilitate the propagation of the University within and outside Sri Lanka.

Collaborative project between UNDP and KDU on Non-violent Communication and Responsible use of Media
Media and Communication Studies in the degree component
CERTIFICATE COURSE ON NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA – 2022
 

The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) hosts a number of international conferences with cooperation between academics, government representatives, professionals, and experts from industries and a variety of fields. These conferences function as a hub for collaborations, policy discussions, and information sharing focused on solving global issues. Distinguished dignitaries and other committed professionals from a range of fields come together to highlight the shared goal of promoting global collaboration and creativity in problem solving. As an initiative on promoting a space for generation of new knowledge, KDU annually holds an International Research Conference with themes that address issues pertaining to particular times of discussion. Apart from this annual event, KDU also hosts different other international conferences with the participation of students, staff, and other experts and professionals from varied disciplines of study. 

Defence and Strategic Studies - Technical Session 1
Defence session of the International Research Conference (IRC) of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
  

KDU at all times incorporates SDGs into its teaching in various different undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. These Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are embedded in a wide array of studies, including business, social sciences, engineering, and medical courses. Consequently, KDU students are sensitized to global issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality, making informed global citizens passionate about societal change. Additionally, in line with the SDGs, environment-focused projects and community service initiatives are regularly undertaken, fostering social responsibility. KDU's steadfast commitment to incorporating the SDGs into their curriculum sets us apart as a pioneering educational institution.

Other Goals in 2022