PROSPEROUS LIFE POLICY

No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being

Introduction

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are pivotal goals fulfilling world-changing objectives. Recognizing that the action in one area will unquestionably affect others, integration of the goals for the Prosperous Life overarching the No Poverty, Zero Hunger, and Good Health and well-being goals of the 2030 Agenda.

Scope

Applicable to all AASTMT members across campuses

Policy Statement

This policy aims to present the strategies and actions taken by AASTMT to contribute to eradicating poverty, hunger and maintaining good health and well-being. The policy is to provide the framework, and performance indicators for all members to review and abide by all attached measures where the desired main goal is to successfully make healthy behavior and community service a habit or a second nature to all AASTMT members. Also, AASTMT is enhancing its food sourcing and provisioning methods to promote sustainability, ensuring wholesome, locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainably produced food served across campuses in collaboration with the Student Union and academic departments. The initiated performance indicators are tailored to satisfy the present needs of the cluster goals and act as building blocks for future development. The policy has been developed per 2030 the Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Strategies:

1. Proportion of students receiving financial aid: Within the framework of eradicating poverty in all its forms, achieving social protection, social security and welfare, health insurance and reducing inequalities, AASTMT supports parents who are struggling financially and are unable to fulfill their academic merits especially in developing countries. AASTMT Provide support to 10-15% of new students each semester based on need.
2. University anti-poverty programs: AASTMT Supports financially struggling students through financial support programs to achieve social equality and investment. Some charitable organizations provide scholarships and financial support to AASTMT students. There are full scholarships from the Academy for students in developing countries, whether at the bachelor’s level in colleges or in postgraduate programs provided that the student maintains his academic excellence.

1. Community anti-poverty Programs: AAST Entrepreneurship Center fosters youth development and innovative startups. Institute of Technical and Vocational Studies integrates technical, managerial, training, consultation, and laboratory facilities to proactively create market-driven resources to provide a high-quality educational environment, help solve business problems and fulfill industrial needs. AASTMT is keen on playing a vital role in Social Responsibility through a variety of academic and non-academic activities to affect positive development in the social, economic, and environmental areas not only in the region and the Arab World but also bears fruit on the whole world.

1. Student Hunger Actions:
   • Provide low-cost food partnerships with grocery stores.
   • Establish a food bank for students in need.
   • Ensure healthy, affordable, and sustainable food options on campus.
   • Conduct regular audits of suppliers to ensure adherence to AASTMT’s sustainability standards and guidelines.
   • Ensure the use of biodegradable and compostable packaging aiming to drastically reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste generated on campuses.
   • Mandatory Sustainability Training for all food service employees to undergo training on sustainability practices, ensuring they apply these principles in daily operations.
   • Purchasing and Sourcing: Fair-trade, organic, and sustainably farmed items are the AASTMT's top priorities when it comes to sustainable procurement from Egyptian suppliers, particularly in the Nile Delta and other agricultural areas.
   • Health, Well-being and Environmental Accountability: The AASTMT promotes health and well-being through balanced meals, educational initiatives, and student involvement in campus gardens and sustainability projects, promoting a culture of sustainable living and environmental sustainability.

National Hunger Actions:

1. Events for Farmers: Support local farmers, including women, through visits and events.
2. Partnerships: Collaborate with the Egyptian Agricultural Bank and Halwani Brothers to provide scholarships and practical training.
3. Agribusiness Incubator: Support aspiring entrepreneurs in agribusiness initiatives.
4. Access to Facilities: Connect local farmers with AASTMT facilities for resources.

Health Programs:

• AASTMT is committed to promoting health and well-being in alignment with its values and dedication to fostering a safe, supportive learning environment.
• AASTMT Clinic offers comprehensive medical services in diverse health fields and partners with reputable hospitals, pharmacies and clinics.
• Gymnasium and health club for sports and fitness programs.

Infectious and Non-Communicable Disease Awareness and Prevention:

• Raising awareness and providing resources related to all infectious and non-communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension, etc, through health workshops, informational campaigns, and on-campus health screenings.
• Stringent safety precautions including temperature checks, vaccination availability, social distancing, and sanitation.
• Specific regulations within labs and protocols for suspected cases.

No Smoking Policy and Awareness:

• AASTMT actively encourages a smoke-free campus through strict no-smoking policies, enforcing penalties, and awareness campaigns highlighting the risks of tobacco use.
• Educational programs, led by health experts, inform students about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting.

Hazardous Substances Handling and Disposal:

• Ensure proper labeling, risk identification, exposure monitoring, and emergency preparedness.
• Ensure proper disposal of all hazardous waste through establishing collaborations with special companies for safe disposal of chemical and biohazardous waste.

Mental Health and Emotional Wellness:

Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, AASTMT has implemented a range of mental health initiatives to support both students and staff.

• The Faculty Development Center offers training courses on topics like compassionate communication and emotional intelligence, aimed at strengthening resilience and promoting mental health within the academic staff community.
• Counseling services, support groups, and stress management workshops for students to equip them with essential coping mechanisms and ensuring access to mental health resources during challenging times.
• AAST clinic provides specialized services, including mental and psychological therapy and awareness sessions for all staff members.

AASTMT Environmental Sustainability Policy:

AASTMT’s Environmental Sustainability Policy explicitly integrates sustainability principles in campus resource management, including food sourcing, waste reduction, and sustainable agricultural practices. AASTMT is committed to promoting environmental sustainability in all campus activities, including energy, water, waste, and food systems, ensuring practices that support sustainability goals and community wellbeing.

AASTMT Environmental Sustainability Policy

Educational Trip to Dina Farms for Supply Chain Students – 3 & 5 November 2024:

In November 2024, the Department of Cultural and Social Activities organized a scientific and educational trip for students of the Supply Chain Department (College of International Transport and Logistics) to Dina Farms, a local farm producing dairy, fruits, medicinal herbs, and livestock. During the visit, students received hands-on exposure to sustainable farming practices, including crop production, livestock management, and value-added processing. Providing students with practical understanding of sustainable agricultural systems, aligning with institutional efforts to promote responsible food sourcing. Supporting knowledge transfer that can inform future procurement or campus food programs.

Scientific Educational Trip for students to Dina Farms

AASTMT – MAFI for Agricultural Produce Industries Meeting (Nov 28, 2024):

In that meeting, they discussed “using AI in agriculture” and “developing new technologies to advance the agricultural sector.” This  contribute to sustainable farming practices. 

AASTMT – MAFI for Agricultural Produce Industries Meeting (Nov 28, 2024)

Ethical Sourcing Food:

AASTMT is committed to embedding social and environmental responsibility into its core operations by prioritising ethical and sustainable sourcing of food and other supplies across all campuses. The policy outlines the university’s aim to engage trusted suppliers whose practices align with AASTMT’s sustainability objectives, to trace the origin of food via modern tools, ensure transparency in the supply chain, and support the reduction of food waste through monitoring, preservation practices and composting/vermicomposting systems. The policy emphasises healthy, safe, and sustainable food provision for students, staff and residents — along with operational measures such as food-waste tracking, donations, and use of organic compost across green spaces

Ethical Sourcing Policy

Local agro-clusters for typical and innovative Mediterranean dairy products:

The project LACTIMED (“Local Agro-Clusters for Typical and Innovative Mediterranean Dairy Products”) lists “College of International Transport & Logistics – AAST (CITL-AAST)” in Egypt as one of the partners. Another source mentions: “Egyptian partners include . Arab Academy for Science and Technology (AAST) …” in the launch of the dairy cluster in Beheira under LACTIMED. The project aims to strengthen local value chains, support small and medium dairy producers, and promote both traditional and innovative dairy products through sustainable production and distribution practices. Ultimately, it seeks to establish a Mediterranean Network of Dairy Clusters, enhancing regional cooperation, market resilience, and sustainable agricultural development across Euro-Mediterranean countries.

AASTMT- Local agro-clusters for typical and innovative Mediterranean dairy products

Declaration on Sustainably Harvested Seafood:

This declaration describes Campus seafood sourced in line with international sustainability rules, ensures 100% of seafood served meets sustainability standards. Shows that AASTMT has a formal commitment to sustainably sourced food served on campus as Seafood is part of the food offered on campus dining services.

AASTMT Declaration on Sustainably Harvested Seafood

AASTMT Commitment to Local and Sustainable Sourcing [Support for Local Farmers and Suppliers]:

AASTMT implements biannual sustainable procurement tenders through its purchasing department, where suppliers are evaluated based on environmental conservation, cost-effectiveness, and quality. The university prioritizes local and sustainable suppliers, supporting regional biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and soil conservation by sourcing fresh, seasonal, and locally grown produce. AASTMT strengthens the ecological restoration of surrounding areas and contributes to habitat protection. Overall, this initiative emphasizing responsible food sourcing and ecosystem-friendly supply chain management.

AASTMT Commitment to Local and Sustainable Sourcing [Support for Local Farmers and Suppliers]

Sustainable Food Choices / Menu Options:

AASTMT states that it provides vegetarian and vegan options, locally grown produce, and aims to reduce food waste all of which contribute to biodiversity conservation, soil health, and reduced environmental impact. Also, the “Sustainable Food Purchases” section mentions that cafeterias offer meals using seasonal, fresh ingredients and plant-based options. These initiatives collectively ensure that food served on campus aligns with ecological conservation, resource efficiency, and sustainable land management principles. within the 2021–2025 period.

Sustainable food choices on AASTMT campus

AASTMT Campus food waste tracking:

AASTMT tracks campus food waste and converts organic waste into compost used for landscaping and gardening. This closed-loop system supports campus greening efforts. While this is part of sustainable food/organic waste management, it is indirect deals more with waste downstream than with how food is farmed. Such actions reflect AASTMT’s commitment to sustainability, afforestation, and reforestation concepts by enhancing the natural regeneration of green spaces, preventing the spread of invasive plants.

  AASTMT Campus food waste tracking

Events for Local Farmers & Food Producers:

AASTMT organizes events and field trips that bring together local farmers, food producers, and students to promote knowledge exchange and sustainable agricultural practices. where participants discuss organic production, irrigation techniques, and sustainable farming. 

Events for Local Farmers and Food Production