Aware of its national vocation as a private higher education institution (HEI) in Lebanon, Antonine University (UA) is committed to addressing societal challenges and contributing to a more equitable future. In alignment with this commitment, UA has integrated the SDGs into its strategic planning for 2020–25, primarily in its revised mission statement, vision, and values.

UA’s Mission Statement (2019 Revision)

UA is a Lebanese Catholic university committed to offering quality education, promoting interdisciplinary and contextualized research, and enhancing the sustainable well-being of its local and global communities. Its graduates are proactive citizens prepared to embrace ever-growing knowledge, improve it collaboratively, and apply it responsibly.

UA’s Vision

UA’s distinctive approach to integral human development through education and research will contribute to a more equitable future.

UA Values

UA will achieve its mission and vision while abiding by its core values:

• Truth – UA seeks the Truth and will always apply it and communicate it with wisdom.
• Excellence – UA strives to achieve the highest standards of teaching, research, and service.
• Diversity – UA provides an inclusive community that respects differences among its members.
• Integrity – UA encourages its community to act ethically with dignity, honesty, and fairness.
• Responsibility – UA promotes solidarity and proactive citizenship through sustainable actions.
• Beauty – UA promotes cultural awareness and engagement by encouraging creative work and valorizing the local and global cultural heritage.

In 2020, UA adopted a policy supporting the respect and promotion of gender equality and has been actively involved in the design of European capacity building projects related to governance, SDGs, and University Social Responsibility (USR). UA received funds as part of its acceptance into the EU-SAFIR project, which contributed to the establishment of a policy for societal responsibility at UA, training of trainers on social entrepreneurship competencies and its integration in the University curricula, in addition to the implementation of an incubator for social entrepreneurship. UA was also granted funds through its partnership in the Erasmus+ capacity building project, Women’s Empowerment for LEADership and equity in higher education institutions (WE4LEAD).

As a university, UA firmly embraces the imperative of achieving the SDGs. We deeply comprehend the intricate interconnections between social, economic, and environmental issues and recognize that sustainable development is crucial to the well-being of present and future generations. Through active engagement in the pursuit of the SDGs, our primary objective is to make substantial contributions that foster positive transformations and establish a society characterized by inclusivity, equity, and environmental responsibility.

Our commitment stems from the belief in the profound influence of education and research in shaping sustainable solutions. We are dedicated to instilling within our students the values of sustainability, inspiring them to become future leaders who drive innovation, tackle complex societal issues, and work tirelessly towards a world that is both sustainable and prosperous.

At UA, we fully acknowledge the immense social, economic, and environmental challenges that confront the world. We recognize that future development must unfold in a manner that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable. Therefore, we are committed to integrating sustainability principles into every aspect of our institution. Through our teaching, we equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to comprehend and address the challenges we face. In our research endeavors, we strive to develop innovative solutions that contribute to sustainable development. Moreover, we are committed to integrating sustainability principles into our own operations, serving as a model for others to follow.

In conclusion, UA is fully dedicated to the pursuit of the SDGs. We recognize the urgency and complexity of the challenges we confront, and we believe in the transformative power of education, research, and responsible practices. By aligning our efforts with the SDGs, we aim to create a sustainable and prosperous future for all.