Daffodil International University

SDG-17

DIU's involvement in SDG policy development


For reporting we may give this link: http://sdghelpdesk.unescap.org/technical-assistance/best-practices/daffodil-international-university-sdgs-higher-education
http://sdghelpdesk.unescap.org/sites/default/files/2020-10/Daffodil%20Intenational%20University%20Case%20Study_SDG%20Help%20Desk.pdf

1. Research Team of DIU and Cardio Care General Hospital develops beta version of AI solution to detect and track ‘COVID-19’
Link: https://helpus.ai/research-team-of-daffodil-international-university-and-cardio-care-general-hospital-develops-and-releases-beta-version-of-ai-solution-to-detect-and-track-covid-19/
A team of researchers from Department of Public Health, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Unit of Daffodil International University (DIU) and Cardio-Care General and Specialized Hospital has developed a new diagnostic modality to detect COVID – 19; where the researchers are using AI software to detect Covid-19 by analyzing the chest X-ray or images from lung CT scans. By using this AI technology, the health workers/Doctors can instantly diagnose if the suspected person has COVID – 19 or not. Currently, this AI technology can differentiate between COVID 19 and other respiratory illnesses including Pneumonia. Doctors can then follow up with other examinations and lab tests to confirm a diagnosis of the disease. In this research, researchers found that the sensitivity of this AI modality for COVID-19 infection is 96%.
The ICT State Minister, Government of Bangladesh Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak praised the innovation and expressed to extend his cooperation to this AI modality for COVID-19 infection.

2. Collaboration with the Government Agency for facilitating necessary national SDG Policy
Daffodil International University in collaboration with the a2i – Access to Information, under the Prime Minister’s Office of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh organized a Presentation Session and Workshop on the “Study Report of ‘Future Skills’ at DIU premises.
a2i – Access to Information has researched and produced a report on ‘Future Skills – Finding emerging skills to tackle the challenges of automation in Bangladesh’, i.e., what skills the market is looking for from graduates. The report is to understand and realize the market demand and the need for producing quality graduates as an outcome of sustainable quality education (SDG 4). The Recommendations and findings of this report will help the Government of Bangldesh to formulate necessary policies for achieving SDGs.
Daffodil International University has invited the project director of a2i, Mr. Md. Abdul Mannan (PAA) and the research team of a2i program to present the findings with Deans and Heads.
Seminar with IEDCR (Govt. Collaboration)
https://helpus.ai/we-provide-the-best-heart-solutions/

3. Input to the Government Policy Initiative regarding SDG-11 through the Collaboration with Government and NGO to Implement Dhaka Smart City
On October 31, 2019 Department of Architecture (DoA), DIU presented their research work converted into idea proposal at DTCA (Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority) conference room, Nagar Bhaban for pedestrian integration with BRT,MRT and Expressway. Prof. Khairul Enam, Head, DoA and Sk. Md. Rezwan, Sr. Lecturer presented the work for due consideration. Mr. Nasim Hawlader from DSA and Mr. Omar Mostafiz from FNF Bangladesh were present during the presentation. Daffodil International University and FNF Bangladesh are continuously working in the area of mobility to make Dhaka Smart city. The meeting concluded with the remark that an inter-ministerial meeting is needed for the project. Around 15 officials from deputy secretary to engineers attended the presentation and praised the effort.
Collaboration with the Government Agency for Ensuring Graduates Employability
Career Development Center (CDC) of Daffodil International University (DIU) organized a Seminar on ‘International Internship Opportunities through AIESEC’ at DIU premises with a view to having Collaboration with the Government Agency for Ensuring Graduates Employability. Mr. Jalal Ahmed, Executive Project Director (Additional Secretary, GoB), Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP), Ministry of Finance, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was present at the program as the chief guest while Mr. Saurave Kumar, President, AIESEC Bangladesh Office was present as the special guest. Professor Dr. Yousuf M. Islam, Vice Chancellor of DIU presided over the seminar. They shared the information regarding going abroad for International Internship.
Daffodil Nordic Joint Collaboration towards Policy Advocacy and Achieving SDGs
Daffodil Nordic Ltd (http://daffodil-nordic.com/) is a spin-off established by a group of Finnish-Bangladeshi nationals. The cardinal objective for Daffodil Nordic Ltd is to bring in positive social developmental impacts through engaging ventures and initiatives, in close cooperation with companies, government and non-government organizations of Nordic countries (Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway & Iceland) in Bangladesh for tackling the challenges towards achieving SDGs. The center is primarily focused on developing skilled human resources and bringing social transformative changes into the following areas:
• Health Management (SDG-3)
• Quality Education & Training (SDG-4)
• Environmental Management (SDG 7, 8, 11, 12 & 13)
Sustainable Development Solutions Network Membership
As a Member of Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Daffodil International University has been closely working with the network for strengthening SDG implementation network. The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) was set up in 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society. SDSN is guided by a Leadership Council, which brings together global sustainable development leaders from all regions and all sectors, including civil society, public, and private sectors. The Leadership Council acts as the board of SDSN. Much of SDSN’s work is led by National or Regional SDSNs, which mobilize knowledge institutions around the SDGs. Our research & policy work mobilizes experts from around the world on the technical challenges of implementing the SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement. The SDG Academy leads the education work of the SDSN.
https://www.unsdsn.org/sdsn-members
Certificate from Kaufland Sustainability Initiative

Asian University Presidents Forum (AUPF)-2019 Regional Partnership To identify the challenges to implement the SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 17 (Partnership for the goals), Daffodil International University organized a grand event bringing Presidents of different universities from multiple Asian countries in one platform namely Asian University Presidents’ Forum -2019. The forum works for facilitating effective international partnership and collaboration in ensuring quality education and other sustainable development goals of the UN. The event was hosted and organized by DIU with a view to collaborate and create partnership among the universities of the Asia Pacific region to tackle the challenges, obstacles, and formulate required policy instruments towards ensuring a sustainable educational environment in each institution as well as in the region. More than 150 Presidents, Rectors and Vice Chancellors from 40 universities from Asian 15 countries.
Recommendations of the DIU Round Table on Traffic Management Reflected in the Acts and Policies of the Government
The Recommendations of the Round Table Discussion on ‘Effective Traffic Management in Bangladesh: A Catalyst for Inclusive Growth of the Country’, organized by Daffodil University have been reflected in the acts and policies of the Government of Bangladesh. The Road Transport Act 2018 of the Government of Bangladesh considered the following recommendations of the RTD:
• Awareness of passengers and drivers needs to be ensured to reduce accidents and traffic congestions.
• There is a need to have a coordination among all the relevant parties (transport owners association, passengers association and Transport workers association)
• Coordinated efforts must be ensured to transform Dhaka as a selected livable city of the world. Each and every service to citizens should be made as per world standard to positively compare Dhaka city with other cities of the world.
• Roads should not be kept blocked after any sudden road accidents as it hamper thousands of other innocent people and vehicles. The affected vehicles should be immediately put a side and actions against the liable drivers/persons should be taken by the law enforcing agencies so that the road remains congestion free.
Mr. Obaidul Quader, MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, GoB graced the program as the Chief Guest while Mr. Khandakar Rakibur Rahman, Executive Director (Additional Secretary), DTCA and Brigadier General Ali Ahmed Khan, Psc, Director General, Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence were present as Special Guest and Guest of Honor respectively.
Mr. Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman, Board of Trustees, DIU delivered the keynote presentation at the RTD. Transportation Consultant & Road Safety Expert and Professor of Department of Civil Engineering, BUET, Professor Md. Shamsul Hoque, Ph.D, chaired the entire discussion. Vice Chancellor of DIU, Professor Dr. Yousuf Mahbubul Islam along with Professor Dr. S.M. MahbubUl Haque Majumder, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the university were present among others.

2. DIU Faculty Delivered a Presentation at the training program on "Engaging University Faculties for Capacity Building in Achieving SDGs on Sustainable Food and Agriculture"
Mr. Mahatabuddin Sheikh, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Department of Nutrition and Food Engineering of Daffodil International University participated in an extensive training program titled "Engaging University Faculties for Capacity Building in Achieving SDGs on Sustainable Food and Agriculture" organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization, Sweden Agricultural University (SLU), BARD and the Sustainable Development Goal Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh from 12 October to 17 October 2019 at BARD, Cumilla. The training was participated by 60 faculties from 25 Public Universities and 8 Private Universities to ensure the practices of SDG goals in tertiary level educational institutes. The Government invited academicians and educational institutes to take the initiative to familiarize the SDGs to the young generation appropriately to enhance the development in all 59 (out of 232) indicators.
He has provided some recommendations and suggestions to the concerned government agency regarding ensuring self-sufficiency in sustainable food and agriculture.