Ritsema-Anderson visits Hashemite University, emphasizes academic institutions role in accelerating the SDGs

Zarqa, Jordan  - Hashemite University (HU) on Thursday hosted the UN Resident Coordinator in Jordan, Ms. Sheri Ritsema-Anderson, where she toured the university's facilities and engaged with students and faculty.

Prof. Fawwaz M. Al-Abed Al-Haq, President of Hashemite University, expressed appreciation for the visit and the opportunity to highlight the university's achievements. "We are delighted to welcome Ms. Ritsema-Anderson to our campus and share our commitment to sustainability and youth empowerment. Hashemite University strives to create a nurturing environment that not only educates but also instills a sense of responsibility towards our planet and community," said Prof. Al-Haq.

He also briefed the guest on the university's solar energy projects, a pioneering initiative among Jordanian universities, and the university's role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. One of these projects, he explained, helps the university achieve 100% energy independence by providing over 8 GWh of electricity annually and eliminating more than 3,700 tons of CO2 emissions.

During the visit, Ms. Ritsema-Anderson was briefed about other innovative projects on campus, including those related to water, energy, and agriculture. One such project is the Water Desalination Project, which efficiently desalinates saline water, producing 83 cubic meters per hour and surpassing the university's water consumption needs.

She also toured the Youth Friendly Health Clinic, managed by the university's Faculty of Nursing in collaboration with UNFPA Jordan and the Royal Health Awareness Society (RHAS). The clinic plays a vital role in spreading health awareness among students, offering counseling and services related to sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, chronic diseases, and mental health, empowering youth to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Ms. Ritsema-Anderson commended these achievements and the university's faculty and students for utilizing scientific research and innovation to address pressing challenges, such as climate change and water shortage. She also emphasized the meaningful youth participation and the contributions of academic institutions in accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During her visit, the UN official also participated in a dialogue hosted by the University's International Relations and Law Faculty, where she briefed them about the UN's work in Jordan and answered their questions.

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The Hashemite University (HU) is a governmental university that was established by a Royal Decree in 1991. It is located 25 km northeast of Amman, near a major international highway in Zarqa Governorate. It includes 15 faculties that offer 56 and 42 undergraduate and graduate programs, respectively, and comprise 230 laboratories, all equipped with the latest technology. The University has expanded its infrastructure to match the expected increase in the students with a capacity to accommodate around 30,000 students with a total number of 95,000 graduates since establishment. The University has adopted the UN sustainable development goals through implementing renewable and sustainable energy. For instance, HU established the national seed bank project, the solar energy project, modern green building and the smart campus, and the desalination plant.