The University's Contribution to Achieving Sustainable Development GoalsFrom The Faculty Members’ Viewpoint

This study aimed to explore the role of universities in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) from the perspective of faculty members. It also examined the differences in their views based on various demographic variables, including gender, age, marital status, educational qualifications, specialization, academic rank, and teaching experience. The study employed a descriptive comparative approach, using a specifically designed questionnaire distributed to a sample of faculty members at the University of Zakho. The sample consisted of 161 male and female faculty members. The data were analyzed statistically using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that the university’s role in achieving the SDGs varied depending on the specific goal, as perceived by the participants. The goal of “peace, justice, and strong institutions” ranked highest in alignment with the university’s mission, while the goal of “eliminating poverty” ranked lowest. Moreover, the results indicated statistically significant differences in participants’ views regarding the university’s role in achieving the SDGs based on variables such as age, specialization, and years of teaching experience. However, no significant differences were found concerning gender, marital status, academic qualifications, or academic rank. Based on these findings, several recommendations were proposed to enhance the university’s contribution to sustainable development in alignment with the SDGs set by the United Nations under the 2015–2030 agenda.