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

 

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

The lecture this week led us to consider ways to evaluate sustainable development and see the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We chose to investigate a variety of non-traditional measures to better understand people’s well-being. Indices included in the discussion were the Human Development Index, the Canadian Index of Well-Being, the Ecological Footprint, the Calvert-Henderson Quality of Life Index and several others such as the Genuine Progress Indicator, Happy Planet Index and Environmental Performance Index.

We also chose to focus on the local Shariah Index, known as the Malaysian Shariah Index. With this tool, you can assess the government’s ability to apply Islamic law according to its main purposes. It highlights how policies are in line with Islamic principles, points out weaknesses and ensures that the nation’s administration helps improve people’s lives based on Islam.

According to Robert F. Kennedy, Gross National Product does not account for things that make life truly important. What he said shows the significance of looking at more than only financial growth. The definition should reflect the importance of human happiness, equality among people, good spiritual health and looking after the environment.

For sustainable development to take shape, we need indicators that highlight both our finances and the more important aspects of life. In an advanced society, people prosper in all areas: financially, emotionally, socially and in their faith.

That's all from me, thank you!

 WEEK 9 - FIELDWORK (IIUM AS SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS)

This week, the focus shifts from theory to practice, encouraging us to look at IIUM as a living example of sustainability. By engaging directly with the campus, we are invited to consider what truly makes an environment "sustainable." The task isn't just about checking boxes; it's about observing the subtle, interconnected aspects that shape a campus that strives to balance environmental, social, and economic well-being.

A sustainable campus is a multifaceted concept. It isn’t defined by a single measure but by a combination of factors—thoughtfully designed spaces, energy-efficient infrastructure, conscientious waste management, and how sustainability is woven into daily life and academic pursuits. The presence of sustainability in education, research, and practices should not just be an afterthought, but an integral part of the campus identity.

At IIUM, these principles are already in action. As the first Malaysian university to earn the International Green Gown Award and the title of "Sustainability Institution of the Year," the campus has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable practices. But the fieldwork isn’t just about recognizing these accomplishments. It’s about taking stock of what we see around us and asking: How can students, as the heart of this institution, contribute to the ongoing journey toward sustainability? How can we innovate and expand upon what’s already in motion?

This exercise encourages us not only to appreciate the progress that has been made but also to imagine the future of IIUM as a model of sustainability—a place where every student is both an observer and an active change agent.

 WEEK 8 - THE ROLE OF INSTITUTIONS IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Sustainable development may be driven by ideas and ambitions, but without the structures to support them, even the most urgent goals remain out of reach. Behind every successful initiative—whether it’s about social justice, environmental stewardship, or economic equity—there must be systems that are just, transparent, and resilient. Institutions, both formal and informal, often carry the weight of these transformations.

What becomes increasingly clear is that peace, fairness, and trust in governance are not side issues—they are the groundwork upon which meaningful progress is built. When people feel secure, heard, and protected by their systems, they are more likely to participate, collaborate, and innovate. But where systems are weak or unjust, even well-intentioned efforts lose momentum.

Equally important is the spirit of cooperation. Real change rarely comes from working in isolation. Cross-border collaboration, public-private partnerships, and grassroots engagement all have a role to play. Progress demands a shared vision, but also shared responsibility—something that cannot happen without frameworks that encourage alignment and accountability.

As someone studying in a university that values both ethical grounding and global thinking, I see how important it is to not only learn about policy but to understand the deeper mechanics of trust, leadership, and collaboration. Institutions may not always be visible in daily conversations about sustainability—but their influence shapes everything beneath the surface.

 WEEK 7 - THE TANGLED WEB OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES

Sustainable development is often presented as a set of goals, but in reality, it’s more like navigating a web—complex, interconnected, and full of tension points. The more I learn, the clearer it becomes that global challenges such as poverty, climate change, inequality, and political instability are deeply intertwined. Addressing one often affects the others, sometimes in unexpected ways.

It’s not just about finding solutions—it’s about understanding relationships. For instance, environmental degradation can worsen poverty, just as economic development without ethical boundaries can damage ecosystems. There are no easy answers, and every context demands a different lens.

As an IIUM student, I’m reminded of the importance of approaching these challenges not only with knowledge but with wisdom and compassion. The Islamic values embedded in our education—justice, balance, and stewardship—offer a strong moral compass when the path gets unclear. It encourages me to move beyond surface-level fixes and to think in terms of long-term impact and shared responsibility.

The complexity can feel overwhelming at times, but it also pushes me to stay engaged and think critically. Rather than seeking perfect solutions, perhaps the goal is to keep untangling the web—thread by thread—with intention, humility, and hope.

 WEEK 6 - UNIVERSITIES AND THE SOUL OF SUSTAINABILITY

This week’s topic made me reflect more deeply on the true role of a university—not just as a place to gain qualifications, but as a space that shapes people, communities, and the future. As a student of IIUM, I realize more and more that we’re part of something bigger than just academic life. We are part of a university that carries a mission: to nurture balanced individuals grounded in knowledge, ethics, and spirituality.

Sustainability, as we discussed, isn’t just about environmental action or economic policies—it’s about values. It’s about what kind of people we’re becoming and what kind of legacy we’re leaving behind. At IIUM, the integration of Islamic values with academic pursuit reminds me that sustainability isn’t a foreign concept—it’s already in our principles: rahmatan lil ‘alamin, trust (amanah), justice (‘adl), and moderation (wasatiyyah).

Being here, I’ve come to see that universities aren’t just preparing students for jobs—they’re preparing us to live with purpose. The “soul” of sustainability, in my view, lies in that purpose. Are we studying just for ourselves, or to contribute to something greater? Are we using our time here to grow not just intellectually, but also morally and spiritually?

IIUM challenges me to look beyond my books and exams, and to ask: How am I contributing to a more just, compassionate, and sustainable world? Whether through simple acts like conserving resources on campus, engaging in community work, or just being mindful of how my choices affect others—I now see sustainability as a deeply personal and spiritual commitment.

In the end, I think universities like IIUM are not just academic institutions; they are moral campuses. And our task isn’t just to graduate—it’s to grow into individuals who carry the soul of sustainability with us, wherever we go.

WEEK 5 - LIVING THE SEJAHTERA WAY

Some ways of living don’t arrive with loud slogans or rigid rules—they unfold slowly, like a philosophy quietly shaping how we see ourselves, others, and the world. Sejahtera, as we explored it, feels less like a destination and more like a rhythm—one that urges harmony between thought, feeling, and action.

At its heart, it asks us to pause. To consider not only what we do, but why we do it—and who or what is affected in the process. It’s a kind of awareness that stretches beyond the self, inviting empathy, humility, and responsibility into our daily choices.

This way of being isn’t measured in achievements or knowledge alone, but in how we grow through experience—how we sit with reflection, how we turn learning into wisdom. Growth here isn’t loud; it’s personal, intentional, and deeply human.

But awareness without action is incomplete. So Sejahtera living pushes us—gently but firmly—to translate values into movement. A gesture of kindness, a thoughtful decision, a contribution to something larger than ourselves—each becomes a thread in a larger tapestry of shared well-being.

If there’s a model, it isn’t something to memorize—it’s something to live: quietly shifting how we see, think, and act, for the good of both self and society.

WEEK 4 - INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS FRAMEWORK

Behind the headlines and political speeches, there exists a quiet but powerful global structure meant to safeguard human dignity. At its core is the United Nations, a space where nations have, over decades, shaped a shared moral compass—one most notably reflected in foundational texts like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its binding companions, the ICCPR and ICESCR. These aren’t just documents—they’re commitments, even if imperfectly lived.

What happens when words on paper meet real-world actions? That’s where monitoring mechanisms come in. Through various treaty bodies, states are gently held accountable, asked not just what they promise, but what they do. There’s something profoundly democratic about the Universal Periodic Review—a process where every country, regardless of power or wealth, stands in the same light and answers the same kinds of questions.

The system doesn’t rely only on institutions but also on individuals—Special Rapporteurs and independent experts who act as the global conscience, shedding light on abuses that might otherwise stay hidden.

And above it all sits the Human Rights Council—not perfect, often politicized, but still a space where principles like freedom, equality, and justice are debated, defended, and defined on a global stage.

 WEEK 3 - MAQASID AL-SHARIAH AND THE INEXTRICABLE LINK WITH SUSTAINABILITY

As I’ve come to understand it, Maqasid al-Shariah—the higher objectives of Islamic law—aren’t just about legal rulings; they’re about preserving the essentials of life: faith, life, intellect, lineage, and wealth. What struck me most is how these goals naturally align with the core ideas of sustainability. It’s like sustainability isn’t something separate or imported into Islam—it’s already built into its moral and spiritual foundation.

Take hifz al-nafs (protection of life), for example. You can’t protect human life without also caring for the environment that supports it—clean air, safe water, food security. Then there’s hifz al-mal (protection of wealth), which doesn’t just mean personal finances, but also the ethical use and fair distribution of resources. Islam teaches that wealth isn’t something to be hoarded or used recklessly, and that mindset is key if we’re serious about long-term economic sustainability.

Even hifz al-‘aql (protection of intellect) makes sense in this context—how can societies think critically, innovate, and make wise decisions if they’re facing environmental collapse or extreme inequality? It all feels deeply interconnected.

So for me, Maqasid al-Shariah isn't just a list of goals—it’s a framework that pushes us toward justice, balance, and accountability in every aspect of life. When we follow it sincerely, sustainability becomes not just possible, but necessary.

WEEK 2 - ISLAM, MAQASID AL-SHARIAH & SUSTAINABILITY

1. Nature as a Sacred Trust
In the Islamic worldview, the Earth is not a possession to be exploited, but a trust to be honored. Humanity walks the line not as owners, but as stewards—khalifah—charged with care, not control. Even in abundance, restraint is praised: water, though flowing endlessly, is never to be wasted. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) echo with ecological mindfulness—reminding us that purity of water, kindness to animals, and planting life are not just good deeds but spiritual acts.

2. Weaving the Social Fabric
Justice, consultation, and compassion are not lofty ideals—they are daily practices embedded in the Islamic tradition. Through shura (mutual dialogue), amanah (responsibility), and rahmah (mercy), communities are not just built—they are nurtured. The Five Pillars, too, are more than personal rituals; they knit people together in shared rhythms of generosity, humility, and solidarity, particularly through zakat, which redistributes wealth and rekindles human connection.

3. Wealth With Conscience
Islam envisions an economy where growth does not come at the cost of dignity. Financial systems are kept in check by prohibiting riba (exploitative interest), promoting generosity through waqf (endowments), and encouraging thoughtful consumption. In this model, prosperity is not hoarded but circulated, not flaunted but shared—sustaining not only livelihoods but values.

 WEEK 1 - INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Seeing the Whole: A Shift in Perspective
Instead of dissecting the world into fragments—economy here, environment there—there's a growing recognition that everything is part of a dynamic, interwoven web. Systems thinking invites us to step back and observe the ripple effects between decisions, behaviors, and outcomes, especially when confronting global concerns like ecological stress or social disparity. It's less about symptoms, more about structures.

Rethinking Progress
In 1987, a visionary idea reframed the notion of development: meet today’s needs without robbing tomorrow’s potential. This philosophy is about more than reducing emissions or planting trees. It’s about weaving together economic vitality, social well-being, and environmental integrity into a future we can all share.

Three Undercurrents of Sustainability

• Ecological Boundaries – Recognizing the natural thresholds we ignore at our peril.

• Mutual Influence – Accepting that our systems—financial, social, ecological—don’t operate in silos.

• Equity Over Time – Considering who benefits today, and who pays the price later.

Five Anchors for Sustainable Action
Sustainability is often held up by five guiding forces—some quiet, some bold:

• Human Dignity – Uplifting lives through access, opportunity, and rights.

• Environmental Stewardship – Acting not as owners of the Earth, but as caretakers.

• Shared Prosperity – Redefining wealth to include well-being, not just income.

• Social Harmony – Building communities where justice and inclusion thrive.

• Collective Resolve – Bridging divides to act together toward a shared vision.