Public events (lifelong learning)
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) reinforces its role as a hub for public learning by conducting a wide spectrum of free educational programs in 2023–24. Health and well-being initiatives included the School Dental Health Education Program—providing free dental screenings and demonstrations to 56 children, 22 parents, and 452 students (Evidence link). The MCOPS Diamond Jubilee Walkathon raised awareness and funds for pediatric cancer through a community run involving students, faculty, and residents (Evidence link). MAHE also hosted a guest lecture by Dr. Toni Bewley (Edge Hill University, UK) on ethics and patient safety and a Pre-Conference Workshop on Simulation in Clinical Obstetrics, featuring Lamaze and safe delivery training (Evidence link). Furthermore, a nine-session Personal Development Workshop series (Feb–Apr 2024) led by Dr. Olga Gershuni offered free sessions on sleep hygiene, stress management, and infodemics, open to both students and the community. These events advance SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by integrating health education with social responsibility.
Beyond health, MAHE promoted creativity and innovation through cultural and STEM-based outreach. At the Dubai Campus, events such as Artspire 2024, Genesis Inter-University Fest, Civil O’Poly STEM Challenge, PsychEd (School Edition), and Technovanza 2024 attracted hundreds of students from schools and universities, promoting collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving across disciplines. Public engagement extended further through the National Seminar on Sustainable Development in an Unequal World, addressing inequality and ecological sustainability, and workshops on mentoring and community engagement. A guest lecture from Maastricht University on competency frameworks for nursing education fostered international collaboration (Evidence link). MAHE also co-hosted international conferences such as the Global Health Care Summit (AAPI & MAHE, Jan 2024) and the Asia-Pacific Conference on Adolescent Mental Health 2024, both featuring public sessions and awareness campaigns (Evidence link). These events demonstrate the institution’s active role in advancing lifelong learning, health equity, and global citizenship through accessible education.
Through this extensive portfolio of free, public educational events, MAHE exemplifies how higher education institutions can turn the ideals of sustainable development into practical, community-centered action. The outcomes include enhanced accessibility, cross-cultural learning, and heightened awareness of the SDGs among students and the wider public. MAHE’s approach integrates education, advocacy, and innovation to ensure that knowledge serves as a driver of social equity and global well-being. By making education freely accessible and globally relevant, MAHE advances SDG 4 (Quality Education), while supporting SDG 3 (Health) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).