Basically, although the universities engagement in local and regional community in theory dates back at least two decades and SUEUAA project was not the first attempt of this kind, the project created bases for close critical discourse among the city and universities representatives to discuss the city’s challenges, their causes and consequences. The project opened up a debate about the responsibility of both parties and how each of them may play an effective role to overcome challenges.
By opening the discussions, it was realised that the city’s overall environment is a multifaceted, complicated and dynamic phenomenon affected by so many different players. As a result, it’s effective management needs integrated, harmonised and mutually respected policies, which must be taken collectively via citywide engagement of all major, and also many minor players.
In this regard, the universities have a distinct responsibly through which they not only prepare active, democratic and responsible citizens to participate in the community’s development, but they have to provide the city’s senior officials timely, valid and reliable data and information for making necessary decisions when it is required.
Besides this, reviewing the city’s dynamism, socio-cultural and even political issues, business environment and assessment of possible risks on a regular and continuous basis, are other important academic responsibilities which need to be taken into account critically by all operating HEIs in Sanandaj. For this, it is important that joint councils, committees and taskforce groups from both sides have regular meetings and pay attention to even minor challenges by which the city is affected.
Due to the close relationship between some academic departments such as civil engineering, urban studies, environmental studies, business administration, education, and psychology and medical sciences with the city’s current environment, it is expected that these departments will be engaged more actively in the future.