SDG 16 | Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAcademic Year 2024 – 2025

Introduction

Gulf Medical University (GMU) is committed to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by fostering transparency, accountability, ethical governance, and inclusivity across all levels of its academic and administrative operations. Through strong institutional frameworks, robust quality assurance systems, and a culture of academic and research integrity, GMU ensures that justice, ethical behavior, and institutional responsibility remain central to its mission and values.

1. Transparent and Accountable Governance

GMU operates through a well-defined governance structure that ensures participatory, transparent, and ethical decision-making across the university hierarchy.The governance model includes the Board of Trustees (BOT), University Council (UC), College Councils, and the Deanship of Quality Assurance and Institutional Effectiveness (QA & IE).

• Board of Trustees (BOT): Provides strategic oversight and ensures compliance with the university’s vision, mission, and policies. Meetings are held regularly to guide institutional development and financial accountability.

• University Council (UC): Meets monthly to deliberate on academic, administrative, and operational decisions, fostering shared governance and participatory leadership.

• QA & IE Deanship: Oversees data integrity, institutional performance monitoring, risk management, and compliance with national and international quality frameworks (CAA, CHEDS, ISO, QAA Global).

Digital transparency is maintained through the QA & IE Portal, which grants authorized access to policies, KPIs, accreditation evidence, and council documentation.

Supporting Policy References:

• GMU-POL-S01-004 – By-Laws of the Board of Trustees

• GMU-POL-S01-006 – Policies Development, Document Control, Review and Dissemination

• GMU-POL-S02-001 – Quality Assurance and Institutional Effectiveness Policy

• GMU-POL-S09-005 – Purchasing and Inventory Control Policy (includes sustainable and ethical procurement)

  

  
  

2. Ethics and Integrity in Education and Research

GMU enforces high standards of academic and research ethics through dedicated policies, faculty development programs, and institutional review mechanisms.

• Institutional Review Board (IRB): Functions under the Vice Chancellor for Research to ensure all research complies with international ethical standards and UAE regulations.

• Ethical Research Policy (GMU-POL-S04-002): Mandates informed consent, confidentiality, and ethical data management.

• Academic Integrity Initiatives: Workshops and campaigns reinforce the principles of honesty and responsibility among faculty and students.

Key Highlights 2024–2025:

• Faculty Development Workshop on Academic Integrity and AI Ethics – College of Nursing, February 2024.

• Responsible Authorship and Ethical Publishing Workshop – October 2025, led by Dr. Veena M. Joseph, focusing on ICMJE authorship criteria and fair scholarly practices.

• IRB Oversight: 65 research proposals reviewed and ethically approved in AY 2024–2025.

Supporting Policy References:

• GMU-POL-S04-002 – Ethical Research

• GMU-POL-S10-001 – Conflict of Interest Policy

• GMU-POL-S10-002 – Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy

GMU’s Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Workshop on Academic Integrity

3. Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equal Opportunity

GMU’s diverse academic community includes students and faculty from over 90 nationalities, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and equality. The university provides safe, equitable learning and working environments through established policies and grievance mechanisms.

• Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy (GMU-POL-S06-018)

• Faculty and Professional Staff Grievances Policy (GMU-POL-S05-013)

• Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy (GMU-POL-S05-024)

Student participation in decision-making is encouraged through representation in university events, councils, and student-led clubs (e.g., UAE Club “Couch Talk” on Sustainability).

4. Institutional Effectiveness and Public Transparency

The QA & IE Deanship ensures that GMU maintains an evidence-based approach to decision-making through rigorous data monitoring, annual performance evaluations, and transparent reporting.

• The QA & IE Annual Report (AY 2023–2024) highlights performance metrics, accreditation outcomes, and key institutional improvements.

• KPIs are reviewed through dashboards integrated with the QA & IE Portal and linked to CHEDS data for validation and accountability.

• Regular audits and policy reviews ensure compliance with governance standards and continuous improvement.

Supporting Policy References:

• GMU-POL-S01-008 – Risk Management Policy

• GMU-POL-S07-017 – Sustainable Resource Management Policy

• GMU-POL-S09-005 – Purchasing and Inventory Control Policy

5. Commitment to Ethical Procurement and Financial Accountability

Through the revised Purchasing and Inventory Control Policy (GMU-POL-S09-005), GMU incorporates sustainability and transparency into procurement processes.Key provisions include:

• Prioritizing environmentally responsible and ethically compliant suppliers.

• Ensuring fair competition and transparent vendor evaluation.

• Monitoring post-procurement feedback to assess vendor compliance and product quality.

These measures align with SDG 16’s objectives of institutional accountability and integrity.

Conclusion

Gulf Medical University upholds peace, justice, and strong institutions through transparent governance, ethical conduct, inclusive participation, and sustainable management. Its structured policies, quality assurance systems, and community-driven values ensure institutional excellence built on integrity, accountability, and fairness — aligning with the UAE’s national agenda for justice and good governance.