NURTURING UMMATIC EXCELLENCE THROUGH SDG 16: PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
The international Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) remains committed to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. In line with the spirit of SDG 16 which promotes peace, justice and strong institutions, IIUM’s sustainability policy framework strives to uphold transparency, rule of law, fairness, efficiency and effectiveness, participation and Rahmatan lil ʿalamīn (mercy to the universe).
UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE MEASURES
ELECTED REPRESENTATION
Students – Top Level Meeting
Student voices are valued at the highest levels. Elected student representatives are invited to top-level meetings, including the Senate, to directly address and share concerns regarding student welfare.
Faculty – Kulliyyah Board Meeting
Academic governance is actively practiced at the faculty level. Monthly Kulliyyah Board meetings empower faculty management to discuss, deliberate, and manage key academic matters.
Staff – Meeting with External Parties
Staff ensure operational excellence. Regular meetings are held with key service partners, such as Daya Bersih and Sime Darby, to manage university maintenance and service standards.
IIUM STUDENT UNION
As an inclusive institution that promotes student participation and well-being, the university recognizes the IIUM Student Union as an independent student organization which provides support for the students through its activities. The union acts as a conduit for the students to express their views to the university authority on matters of their concern, provides assistance to the students in addressing issues relating to their welfare, academic needs and safety, and organizes various co-curricular activities to enhance student’s leadership talents, intellectual prowess and soft-skills.
By recognizing IIUM Student Union and supporting its role as an independent student body, IIUM contributes to the realization of a just and inclusive society and promotes strong institutions within the university and the broader community.
PARTICIPATORY BODIES FOR STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Istidamah Colloquium
IIUM Istidamah provides a structured platform for meaningful engagement between the university and its surrounding community. Through dialogue, shared planning, and collaborative initiatives, local residents, civil society groups, and government partners are invited to participate in decision-making processes. This ensures that development, wellbeing, and sustainability efforts reflect shared values and collective aspirations.
UNIVERSITY PRINCIPLES ON CORRUPTION AND BRIBERY
IIUM is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Through its Anti-Bribery and Corruption Framework, the university adopts a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, bribery, and unethical conduct. This framework guides all administrators, staff, students, and partners to uphold transparency, responsible governance, and ethical decision-making across all university operations and engagements.
Sources: https://kulliyyah.iium.edu.my/kahs/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/IIUM-Anti-Bribery-and-Corruption-Framework.pdf
ACADEMIC FREEDOM POLICY
16.2.6. IIUM also supports, encourages and protects academic freedom. The IIUM academic freedom policy upholds the principle of freedom for scholars to teach, research, and express views without interference.
However, this freedom is balanced by the responsibility to ensure all public statements are accurate, evidence-based, and grounded in scholarly responsibility to maintain the university’s credibility. As such, while upholding the principle of academic freedom the university also emphasizes on the importance of academic integrity as a means to ensure that academic freedom is exercised responsibly by its academic community.
The IIUM’s Academic Rules stipulate that “the concept of integrated knowledge, sustainable development, Islamisation, Islamic-moral spiritual values, international community, intercultural dialogue, and sense of social responsibility are the scopes to be addressed when dealing with knowledge. The holistic approach adopted by the University necessitates the University community to demonstrate a high level of
integrity”.
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PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT RESEARCH
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), actively engages with government-led research initiatives, partnering with public agencies to co-design and implement studies that address national sustainable development priorities. Through these collaborations, university researchers contribute evidence-based insights and policy-relevant outcomes, reinforcing our commitment to knowledge that serves society and strengthens public governance.
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NEUTRAL PLATFORM TO DISCUSS ISSUES
Istidamah Colloquium
One such example of the neutral platform for the political stakeholders to express their views freely is the Istidamah Colloqium organized by the university. The colloquium serves as a space for scholars, government officers, interest groups and individuals to discuss wide range of issues including refugee rights, preservation of indigenous languages, disability inclusion and space sustainability.
