MNU’s Participation in International Collaboration on SDG Data Collection and Measurement in 2027
The Maldives National University (MNU) participates in international collaborations that contribute to research, knowledge exchange, environmental monitoring, climate resilience, education, and sustainable development. Through its international projects and partnerships, MNU supports activities relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including research and the generation of evidence to inform sustainable development policies and practices. The university’s international engagement includes projects such as PROMISE, the South Asian Nitrogen Hub (SANH), DIGITAsia, UN4DRR, CHILDRN, RECOVER, and CHOMV, as well as collaborations in PRO-CLIMA, GEO-FOOD, GECRIS, and IDEA-SA.
Through the PROMISE project, MNU contributed to international efforts to address marine litter and promote sustainable waste management in the Maldives and the wider South Asian region. The project focused on reducing plastic waste associated with tourism and encouraging more sustainable consumption and production practices. Such collaboration supports research and evidence-based approaches to marine pollution, contributing to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
Through the South Asian Nitrogen Hub (SANH), MNU has been involved in international research addressing nitrogen pollution, agricultural management, and environmental sustainability. The collaboration brings together researchers and institutions to improve understanding of nitrogen flows and their effects on ecosystems, water quality, food production, and human health. Research and data analysis under this area are relevant to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
The DIGITAsia project strengthens digital capacity in higher education through curriculum development, teacher training, and international knowledge exchange. By promoting digital learning and institutional capacity building, the project supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Improved digital capabilities can also strengthen universities’ ability to collect, manage, analyse, and share research data relevant to sustainable development.
Through the University Network for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Indian Ocean Rim (UN4DRR), MNU supports the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing into disaster risk reduction and management education. These technologies can be used to map environmental hazards, assess vulnerability, and analyse spatial data to support disaster preparedness and resilience planning. The project is relevant to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The CHILDRN project promotes international cooperation in curriculum development, research, and academic mobility, including initiatives related to climate change and health in Small Island Developing States. By strengthening educational and research capacity in these areas, the collaboration supports the generation and exchange of knowledge on climate-related health challenges. It contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Through the RECOVER project, MNU collaborates with international partners to strengthen resilience to climate vulnerability and environmental risks. The project promotes approaches to climate adaptation that consider multiple risks and sectors, including pilot activities in island nations. Research, vulnerability assessments, and the sharing of information can help inform climate adaptation planning and evidence-based decision-making, contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The CHOMV project, which focuses on sustainable nitrogen management for a clean and healthy ocean in the Maldives, addresses nutrient pollution and its effects on coral reefs, coastal ecosystems, and livelihoods. Through collaboration on environmental management, nutrient recovery, policy development, and awareness-raising, the project supports improved understanding of marine environmental challenges. Its objectives are relevant to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
MNU has also collaborated in PRO-CLIMA, GEO-FOOD, GECRIS, and IDEA-SA, extending its international engagement in research, academic cooperation, and knowledge exchange. These collaborations provide opportunities to strengthen institutional research capacity and develop partnerships addressing shared regional and global challenges. Depending on their specific research activities, they may support areas such as climate action, sustainable food systems, research and innovation, and international cooperation. Their relevance to SDG data collection and measurement depends on the indicators, datasets, and research outputs generated through each project.
In addition, MNU’s participation in Erasmus+ KA171 international mobility partnerships supports student and staff exchanges, academic cooperation, and the sharing of expertise with partner institutions. Although mobility activities do not necessarily constitute dedicated SDG data-collection programmes, they can strengthen research capacity, facilitate collaborative studies, and encourage the exchange of methodologies and good practices relevant to sustainable development.
Overall, MNU’s international projects and partnerships demonstrate its engagement in collaborative activities relevant to SDG research, environmental monitoring, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, sustainable resource management, and education. These initiatives provide opportunities to generate and exchange evidence, strengthen research capacity, and support progress towards the SDGs. For 2027 specifically, participation in a formal international initiative dedicated to collecting or measuring SDG indicators should be confirmed through the relevant project work plans and institutional records.
