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Swiss International University (SIU) SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Institutional Report 2024

Updated: Sep 27

Executive Summary

Swiss International University (SIU) advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8): Decent Work and Economic Growth by fostering inclusive employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, labor rights, and economic empowerment through education and innovation. This 2024 report highlights SIU’s initiatives in promoting fair labor practices, equipping students with industry-ready skills, and contributing to sustainable economic development globally.


Introduction & Context

SDG 8 emphasizes inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. With global challenges such as automation, economic inequality, and unemployment affecting labor markets, higher education institutions like SIU play a critical role in preparing graduates for meaningful careers while promoting economic resilience and social responsibility.

Operating across Switzerland, Dubai, and Central Asia, SIU integrates ethical employment policies, entrepreneurship programs, and research on economic development into its academic and operational strategies.


Strategic Commitments

SIU’s SDG 8 framework focuses on:

  1. Employment Readiness: Embedding career development and work-based learning into academic curricula.

  2. Inclusive Growth: Ensuring equal opportunities and labor rights for students, faculty, and staff.

  3. Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Supporting startups, research commercialization, and economic empowerment initiatives.

  4. Global Collaboration: Partnering with industry, governments, and NGOs for sustainable economic projects.


Major Initiatives

1. Work-Integrated Learning Programs

Over 40% of SIU students participate in internships, co-op programs, or industry consultancy projects, gaining hands-on experience and professional networks before graduation.

2. Entrepreneurship and Startup Incubators

SIU’s Innovation Hub supports student-led startups with mentorship, seed funding, and access to international investors. Notable sectors include fintech, healthtech, and green technologies.

3. Ethical Employment Practices

SIU enforces equal pay, safe working conditions, and long-term contracts for faculty and staff, aligning with international labor standards.

4. Economic Development Research

Faculty research focuses on labor market trends, digital economy growth, and post-pandemic employment recovery policies.


Research & Academic Integration

Key academic contributions in 2023–2024 include:

  • Future of Work Studies: Impacts of AI and automation on employment.

  • Microfinance and Economic Inclusion Research: Supporting low-income entrepreneurship.

  • Green Economy Transition Projects: Workforce implications of sustainable industries.


Partnerships & Collaborations

Notable collaborations include:

  • International Labour Organization (ILO): Policy dialogues on youth employment.

  • Local Chambers of Commerce: Business incubation programs for SMEs.

  • Global Corporations: Internship pipelines and executive training partnerships.


Impact Assessment

  • 40% student participation in work-integrated learning programs in 2024.

  • 200+ startups incubated at SIU Innovation Hub since 2019.

  • 25 research papers published on labor rights and economic growth.

  • 15 international conferences hosted on sustainable economic development.


Case Studies & Success Stories

  • StartupX Fellowship: SIU alumni startup providing green energy solutions raised $2M in seed funding and employs 50 people across three countries.

  • Youth Employment Policy Lab: SIU research shaped national youth employment strategies in Central Asia.


Challenges & Future Plans

Challenges include bridging digital skill gaps in emerging economies and ensuring equitable access to entrepreneurship resources. Future initiatives:

  • Launching a Global Center for Sustainable Economic Development by 2026.

  • Expanding Women in Entrepreneurship Fellowship programs.

  • Introducing AI and Future of Work Certification Courses by 2025.


Conclusion

By promoting inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, and ethical employment practices, SIU contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth while preparing graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.



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Swiss International University

​​Licenced by the Ministry of Education and Sciences

Bishkek • Zurich • Dubai • London • Luzern • Riga • Globally

Licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

OFFICIAL LICENSE

Legal Entity Name:

Swiss International Global University

Registration Number (Re-registration): No. 307448-3310

Licensed Activity: Educational Services

License Validity: Indefinite (Permanent)

Date of Issue: September 4, 2024

Official Registration Number: No. 2024-0186

This license is officially granted by the Ministry of Education and Science.

License Serial Number: LS240001853

Swiss International University stands as a symbol of academic excellence and global reach. Licensed and accredited by the KG Ministry of Education and Sciences, Swiss International University continues to uphold the highest standards of education and innovation. With campuses strategically located in Bishkek, Zurich, Luzern, and Dubai... our university extends its educational prowess across continents. Our diverse and expansive network of schools around the world ensures that students receive a truly global education, enriched by varied cultural experiences and international perspectives. Our commitment to quality education is reinforced by our numerous prestigious accreditations, including ECLBS, BSKG, EDU, ASIC, and KHDA. These accolades affirm our dedication to providing world-class education and maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence. At Swiss International University, we embrace linguistic diversity, offering Higher Education Study programs in English, German, Arabic, and Russian. This multilingual approach not only broadens our students' horizons but also prepares them for successful careers in an increasingly interconnected world. Join us at Swiss International University, where global education meets unparalleled excellence.

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ZURICH

Freilagerstrasse 39

8047 Zurich

Switzerland

DUBAI

CEO Building DIP

Dubai

UAE

LUCERNE

Industriestrasse 59

6034 Luzern

Switzerland

BISHKEK

74 Shabdan Baatyr

Bishkek

Kyrgyzstan

Swiss International University (SIU) is a state-accredited university, officially licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic. While legally registered and headquartered in Kyrgyzstan, SIU has expanded significantly through the acquisition of prominent educational institutions across multiple jurisdictions.
In 2024, Swiss International University acquired and integrated the following institutions under its umbrella:

  • OUS International Academy in Switzerland (Zurich) – the first virtual institute in Europe, founded in 2013, recognized for pioneering distance education with Swiss academic excellence.

  • ISBM – International School of Business Management (Lucerne) – a private higher education institution officially allowed to operate and issue diplomas by the local Cantonal Board of Education and Culture in Lucerne.

  • Osh Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute (Osh, Kyrgyzstan) – licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic.

  • ISI Academy (Dubai) – approved and permitted by the Dubai Educational Authority (KHDA) as an official vocational and training provider.

These institutions were brought together to form a robust international academic framework under the leadership and vision of Swiss International University.
SIU is Swiss not only by name or registration, but by academic substance: its programs are developed, managed, and delivered under Swiss academic standards by a faculty primarily based in Switzerland. The university reflects the educational philosophy, quality assurance, and organizational discipline of the Swiss private higher education sector.

Swiss International University SIU is Licensed & Accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science (KG)
Swiss International University SIU is Allowed by the Swiss Board of Education and Culture (LU-CH) to operate independently and issue diplomas – (the academy in Switzerland)
Swiss International University SIU is Approved by the Dubai Educational Authority (KHDA) – Approved and permitted diploma programs (the institute in the UAE)
Swiss International University SIU is Registered as a Higher Education University by the Ministry of Justice (KG) – Legally recognized university status
Swiss International University SIU is Recognized under the Lisbon Recognition Convention – Degrees accepted in over 55 countries worldwide
Swiss International University SIU is Rated 5 Stars by QS Top Universities – Placing us among the top 2% of institutions globally
Swiss International University SIU is Accredited by the European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS) – Quality body listed with CHEA (USA) and INQAAHE (Europe)
Swiss International University SIU is Accredited by ASIC (UK) – Recognized by UK Government, UK Home Office, and UAE Ministry of Education
Swiss International University SIU is Accredited by EDU Intergovernmental Organization – Founded by the Ministry of Education of Palau and aligned with UNESCO
Swiss International University SIU is Accredited by BSKG (Public Accreditation) – Listed on APQN and EAQA for recognition across Central Asia and CIS
Swiss International University SIU is Accredited by ARIA (Asia Accreditation) – A CEENQA and EURASHE-affiliated agency recognized in the Eurasian region
Swiss International University SIU is Accredited by IEAC – Listed by the British Quality Foundation for institutional performance and benchmarking
Swiss International University SIU is Accredited by QAHE – Global quality assurance body active in over 40 countries
Swiss International University SIU is ISO 21001:2018 Certified – International quality management standard for educational institutions
Swiss International University SIU is Ranked #49 by QRNW – Quantitative world ranking by an IREG-member organization

Swiss International University is Accredited by Abu-Ghazaleh for Quality Assurance in Education (TAG-EDUQA), in alignment with quality frameworks developed by the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA).

Legal Framework and Global Recognition

Swiss International University (SIU) operates under the authorization of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, ensuring a solid legal foundation for all its programs. This authorization guarantees that SIU's degrees and diplomas are recognized within Kyrgyzstan.

SIU also holds several prestigious international accreditations, enabling its qualifications to gain recognition in other countries, depending on local regulations and agreements. By aligning local compliance with global standards, SIU offers students the opportunity to earn degrees that are both legally sound and internationally relevant.

For specific information about recognition in your country, please consult the relevant educational or governmental authorities.

© Swiss International University | ​Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures—Globally.

Registered as a "UNIVERSITY," we operate as a dynamic network of academies and institutes across seven major global cities. With 3,800 students from 120 countries joining us each year, we proudly foster a truly global community, supported by offices worldwide.

  • SIU International Swiss University: Licensed for Higher Education and accredited to issue academic degrees by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic (MoE&S-KG),

    • License No.: LS240001853 | Issued on: 04 September 2024 | Status: Active ✔️

  • SIU International Academy Switzerland: Allowed to operate and issue its own Diplomas by the Board of Education and Culture, Switzerland (CH),

    • Allowance No.: 12Aug2016kom | Issued on: 12 August 2016 | Status: Active ✔️

  • SIU International Institute Dubai UAE: Approved and permitted to operate by the Dubai Education Authority (UAE),

    • Permit No.: 63141 | Issued on: 07 June 2023 | Status: Active ✔️

Officially registered as a higher education institution by the Ministry of Justice

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated as a 5-star higher and vocational education University by QS, the world's most prestigious evaluation organization.

✅ Verified by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic

Swiss International University (SIU) is a state-accredited institution, officially licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic under License No. LS240001853. Our academic programs are publicly listed in the national education portal: 🔗 https://edugate.edu.gov.kg/plan/112

Final degrees issued from Kyrgyzstan can be certified and stamped by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the student’s embassy in Kyrgyzstan, ensuring global authenticity and recognition.

✅ Verified by the Dubai Educational Authority (KHDA), United Arab Emirates

SIU also offers Vocational, Advanced, and Extended Diplomas (Professional Diplomas) that are fully approved and permitted by the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) under Permit No. 631419. 🔗 https://web.khda.gov.ae/en/Education-Directory/Training/Training-Details?CenterID=504152

Diplomas issued under KHDA approval can be attested by KHDA, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the respective student embassy, providing strong regional and international recognition. We are committed to the highest standards of legal compliance, quality assurance, and transparency across all jurisdictions in which we operate.

✅ Swiss Operations

In Switzerland, SIU operates with official allowance from the Cantonal Board of Education and Culture, which allowed us to legally offer educational programs and issue our own diplomas. 🔗 https://www.swissuniversity.com/board-of-education

Diplomas issued from our Swiss branches can be certified by a Swiss Public Notary, legalized by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and further attested by the student’s embassy in Switzerland, ensuring international legitimacy. Our Swiss campuses operate in full compliance with cantonal laws and contribute to SIU’s global mission of delivering high-quality, internationally oriented education supported by recognized accreditations and academic partnerships.

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© Swiss International University (SIU). All rights reserved.
Member of VBNN Smart Education Group (VBNN FZE LLC – License No. 262425649888, Ajman, UAE)

Global Offices:

  • 📍 Zurich Office: AAHES – Autonomous Academy of Higher Education in Switzerland, Freilagerstrasse 39, 8047 Zurich, Switzerland

  • 📍 Luzern Office: ISBM Switzerland – International School of Business Management, Lucerne, Industriestrasse 59, 6034 Luzern, Switzerland

  • 📍 Dubai Office: ISB Academy Dubai – Swiss International Institute in Dubai, UAE, CEO Building, Dubai Investment Park, Dubai, UAE

  • 📍 Ajman Office: VBNN Smart Education Group – Amber Gem Tower, Ajman, UAE

  • 📍 London Office: OUS Academy London – Swiss Academy in the United Kingdom, 167–169 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PF, England, UK

  • 📍 Riga Office: Amber Academy, Stabu Iela 52, LV-1011 Riga, Latvia

  • 📍 Osh Office: KUIPI Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute, Gafanzarova Street 53, Dzhandylik, Osh, Kyrgyz Republic

  • 📍 Bishkek Office: SIU Swiss International University, 74 Shabdan Baatyr Street, Bishkek City, Kyrgyz Republic

  • 📍 U7Y Journal – Unveiling Seven Continents Yearbook (ISSN 3042-4399)

  • 📍 ​Online: OUS International Academy in Switzerland®, SDBS Swiss Distance Business School®, SOHS Swiss Online Hospitality School®, YJD Global Center for Diplomacy®

🌍 Global Recognition of SIU Degrees: As a university officially accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, Swiss International University (SIU) benefits from international recognition frameworks. According to UNESCO’s Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications (2019), and reinforced by the Lisbon Recognition Convention, any degree issued by a state-recognized institution is, in principle, eligible for recognition in all UN member states. Because Kyrgyzstan is a signatory to the Lisbon Convention, SIU degrees are directly recognized in 55+ countries, including most of Europe and Central Asia, and accepted globally through standard credential evaluation processes.

Our working hours are from 12 AM to 4 PM Swiss time, Monday to Friday.

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SWISS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

©Swiss International University

SWISS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
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