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WEEK 10 - Measurement, Indices and Indicators for Sustainable Development and SDG

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The Importance of Measurement Tools in Sustainable Development: A Reflection on This Week's Class      This week's class delved into key concepts surrounding sustainable development, with a focus on the measurement tools used to track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The lecture introduced various indices and indicators that help evaluate governance and development initiatives. Among these, the Malaysian Shariah Index stood out, as it uniquely connects Maqasid Shariah with governance. The class also discussed Sustainable Development Indicators (SDIs) and how they are applied to measure various dimensions of sustainability. The lecture covered four types of indicators: context, input, process, and impact, offering a comprehensive framework to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainability efforts. Additionally, we were introduced to the human and economic factors that play a crucial role in sustainable development. The session was rounded off with a ...
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WEEK 9 - Field Works-On Campus Observation

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IIUM Mosque Week 9 Class Overview      In Week 9, we had a special fieldwork activity called "IIUM as a Sustainable Campus - Students as Agents of Change." We didn't have to attend class in person, but we were asked to observe a place on the IIUM Gombak campus. My group chose the mosque as our focus and took pictures to show how it contributes to sustainability. We also learned from a recorded lecture that explained the importance of sustainability and how students can help make a positive change. Personal Reflection      After listening to the lecture, we realized that the mosque at IIUM is a great place to observe and reflect on sustainability. The mosque is a place where Muslims gather to pray, and it also helps build unity among people from different backgrounds. This supports SDG 17, which is about creating partnerships to achieve global goals. We divided our observations into three main ideas: A Place of Unity and Collaboration The mosque brings peopl...
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WEEK 8 - Roles of Institutions for Sustainable Development (SDG 16 & 17)

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  Understanding the Role of Institutions in Sustainable Development      In the last class, we learned about the importance of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals). These goals focus on building strong institutions and partnerships to help achieve sustainable development. The lecturer shared how Malaysia is working to include sustainability in its government systems. We also discussed how different institutions, local groups, and individuals play important roles in achieving these goals. The main idea was that working together and collaborating is key to creating positive change.      This class helped me understand how important institutions are in promoting sustainability. It also made me think about my own role in helping with these efforts. The lecturer explained how Malaysia is already taking steps to be more sustainable, and this inspired me to realize that even small personal actions can make a ...
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WEEK 7 - Challenges to Sustainable Development

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  Understanding the Challenges to Sustainable Development      In today’s class, we discussed the challenges to sustainable development. We began by updating our group projects, making sure everyone was on track, addressing any problems, and setting goals for the next steps. After the group check-in, we focused on the main topic: the key challenges that affect sustainable development. These challenges include environmental, social, and economic issues that make it hard to take care of the Earth both locally and globally. The instructor used interesting questions to spark group discussions, encouraging us to think critically and work together. At the end of the class, the teacher reminded us to stay on schedule with our group assignments.      Reflecting on today’s class, I realized just how important it is to address the current challenges affecting the Earth, such as food security and water pollution. These are serious problems that need immediate att...
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WEEK 6 - Roles of Universities and Sustainable Development

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How Universities Help Make the World a Better Place      Today’s lesson focused on how universities can play a big role in making the world more sustainable. We learned about how their programs, buildings, and community projects can support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our teacher showed us a video about how research, new ideas, and good leadership can improve the environment. For our activity, we explored the IIUM campus to find places that show sustainability in action. Our group chose the mosque as our focus because it connects people and encourages care for our surroundings. Zero Hunger: A Lesson from Campus      One of the SDGs is “Zero Hunger,” which means making sure everyone has enough food. On our campus, the Bachelor of Education Students’ Association started a great program to help with this. They give out free breakfast to students in the morning so they can attend class without being hungry. This effort teaches three important lessons:...
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WEEK 5 - Sejahtera as Local Concept of Sustainable Development

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IIUM Library   Exploring Knowledge at IIUM Dar Al-Hikmah Library      Today, we had the exciting opportunity to visit the IIUM Dar Al-Hikmah Library, a place filled with books, articles, and other resources to help students gain knowledge. The library is a perfect space for learning and exploring ideas related to Sustainable Development and Maqasid Shariah (the higher objectives of Islamic law). During our visit, we explored various parts of the library and found many connections to the Sejahtera concept, which promotes harmony and balance in life. Our lecturer also gave us a task: take interesting photos with books, references, or exhibition materials related to the Sejahtera concept, and write three lessons about it. Lessons Learned from the Sejahtera Concept for Sustainable Development Gender Equality The IIUM library provides equal reading areas for male and female students. This simple arrangement supports gender equality, which is one of the goals of Sustai...
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WEEK 4 - International Framework of Sustainable Development

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  Global Cooperation for a Better Future      Today’s lesson focused on how countries around the world work together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We learned about important international agreements made during global conferences, such as the Rio de Janeiro Conference, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Bali UN Climate Change meeting. These meetings help countries plan strategies to improve the world by addressing problems like poverty, environmental damage, and inequality. The lecturer also explained how SDGs replaced the earlier Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2016 and will guide global progress until 2030.      Additionally, we discovered some fun facts about the Portuguese language influencing Malay words like Garfu (fork), Almari (wardrobe), and Minggu (week). The lecturer shared fascinating examples from his experiences, such as how seeds from Brazil were brought to Malaysia, making the lesson even more interesting. We a...
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