Al Maarefa University’s Resolute Commitment to SDG 13: Spearheading Climate Action in Saudi Arabia

Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. As one of the most pressing global challenges, climate change demands collective efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase resilience, and promote sustainable practices. Al Maarefa University, located in Saudi Arabia, recognizes the significance of SDG 13 and is steadfastly dedicated to addressing climate change through innovative initiatives and proactive measures.

Promoting Climate Education and Awareness:

Al Maarefa University takes a comprehensive approach to SDG 13 by emphasizing climate education and raising awareness among students and the community. The university integrates climate-related concepts into its curriculum, ensuring that students across various disciplines gain an understanding of climate change, its drivers, and potential solutions. Through workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns, the university contributes to building a generation that is well-informed about the climate crisis and its implications.

Research on Climate Resilience:

The university’s commitment to climate action is evident through its research efforts focused on climate resilience and adaptation strategies. Al Maarefa University conducts studies that explore ways to mitigate the impacts of climate change on various sectors, including agriculture, water resources, and infrastructure. By generating valuable insights, the university contributes to evidence-based decision-making and the development of climate-resilient policies.

Promotion of Sustainable Practices:

Al Maarefa University promotes sustainable practices within its campus and beyond. The university implements energy-efficient measures, waste reduction initiatives, and sustainable transportation options to minimize its carbon footprint. These practices serve as a model for students and the wider community, inspiring behavior change and demonstrating the feasibility of adopting more sustainable lifestyles.

Partnerships for Climate Action:

The university collaborates with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industry partners to collectively address climate change. By fostering partnerships, Al Maarefa University contributes to the development of strategies, policies, and projects that aim to reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience at local and national levels.

Innovation and Technology:

Al Maarefa University leverages innovation and technology to promote climate action. The university explores renewable energy solutions, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable agricultural practices that align with the principles of SDG 13. By developing and implementing innovative approaches, the university supports Saudi Arabia’s transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.

Community Engagement:

Al Maarefa University engages with local communities through outreach programs and initiatives that encourage climate-conscious behaviors. By involving community members in tree planting, clean-up campaigns, and awareness events, the university fosters a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for climate action.

Al Maarefa University’s unwavering commitment to SDG 13 is evident through its multifaceted approach to climate action. By promoting climate education, conducting research, advocating for sustainable practices, fostering partnerships, leveraging technology, and engaging with the community, the university plays a pivotal role in addressing the climate crisis. Through its dedication, Al Maarefa University contributes significantly to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to mitigate climate change’s impacts and create a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE ACTION POLICY

Almaarefa University (UM) is a private establishment of higher education, designed to fulfill a recognized public function, by meeting clearly identified needs in important domains for national development. By adopting an innovative approach to teaching and learning, by making intensive use of cutting-edge educational technologies, UM attracts students from a broadly targeted clientele, namely high school graduates (both male and female) from the Riyadh region, from other regions of Saudi Arabia, and from the GCC states.

This report aims to establish AlMaarefa University’s Sustainability and Climate Action Policy. Recognizing our responsibility as an educational institution and as members of the global community, we are committed to taking significant measures to address environmental challenges and contribute to a sustainable future for generations to come.

Guiding Principles

Our Sustainability and Climate Action Policy is based on the following guiding principles:

·        Environmental Responsibility: We recognize our responsibility towards the environment and commit to minimizing our negative impact while maximizing our positive contributions to the environment.

·        Education and Awareness: We will promote education and awareness about environmental and climate change issues within our university community.

·        Action and Continuous Improvement: We will implement concrete measures to reduce our carbon footprint and continually improve our practices and policies in favor of sustainability.

Objectives

Carbon Emission Reduction

We will establish targets to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and work towards achieving net-zero emissions in our operations.

Efficient Resource Utilization

We will implement practices and technologies that promote efficient use of resources such as energy, water, and materials, encouraging recycling and reusing within the university campus.

Research Promotion in Sustainability and Climate Change

We will support and promote research and projects

Club of Experts

The Club of Experts at AlMaarefa University is a dynamic platform that serves as a discussion and dissemination group for students passionate about global issues in the realms of politics, economics, and the environment. With a specific focus on environmental matters, such as climate change and sustainability, the club aims to foster informed debates and create awareness about pressing environmental challenges facing the world today.

Objectives

·        Promote Informed Discussions: The club seeks to facilitate open and informed discussions among students, encouraging them to explore diverse perspectives on global political, economic, and environmental issues.

·        Raise Environmental Awareness: With a primary emphasis on environmental matters, the club aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of climate change, sustainability, and other pressing ecological concerns.

·        Create a Knowledge-Sharing Network: The Club of Experts provides a platform for students to share knowledge, research findings, and innovative ideas related to global challenges and environmental solutions.

·        Advocate for Sustainable Practices: Through its activities, the club endeavors to advocate for sustainable practices both within the university and in the wider community.

Activities and Events

·        Expert Panel Discussions: The club organizes expert panel discussions featuring esteemed faculty members, environmentalists, and researchers who provide insights into global political, economic, and environmental issues.

·        Environmental Workshops: To enhance environmental awareness, the club hosts workshops focused on climate change, sustainable practices, and environmental conservation.

·        Research Symposia: The Club of Experts encourages students to present their research findings related to global issues, fostering intellectual dialogue and encouraging evidence-based discussions.

·        Guest Speakers: The club invites prominent speakers, policy-makers, and industry leaders to share their experiences and perspectives on relevant global topics.

·        Awareness Campaigns: The club conducts awareness campaigns to engage the broader university community in environmental initiatives and sustainable lifestyle practices.

·        Partnerships and Collaborations: To amplify its impact, the club collaborates with other university clubs, academic institutions, and local and international organizations working towards similar goals.

Membership and Participation

The Club of Experts welcomes all students of AlMaarefa University who are passionate about global affairs and environmental sustainability. Membership is open to students from various academic disciplines, as diverse perspectives enrich the discussions and foster innovative solutions.

The Club of Experts at AlMaarefa University provides a vibrant platform for students to delve into the complexities of global political, economic, and environmental challenges. With a strong focus on climate change and sustainability, the club aims to empower students to become informed advocates for positive change and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable future. 

UM Center for Environmental Sustainability Research

Vision

The Center for Environmental Sustainability Research at AlMaarefa University aims to be a leader in generating knowledge and innovation in the field of environmental sustainability, promoting a more sustainable and resilient future for our society and the natural environment.

Mission

Our mission is to conduct cutting-edge research in environmental sustainability, developing practical and viable solutions for current and future environmental challenges. Through multidisciplinary collaborations and fostering dialogue between academia, industry, and communities, we strive to be a catalyst for positive change towards sustainable practices and environmental conservation.

Research Areas

The Center for Environmental Sustainability Research covers a wide range of research areas related to sustainability and the environment, including, but not limited to:

·        Climate Change and Emissions Mitigation.

·        Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

·        Biodiversity Conservation and Ecology.

·        Sustainable Natural Resource Management.

·        Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems.

·        Circular Economy and Solid Waste Management.

·        Health and Environment.

·        Environmental Policies and Governance.

Research Objectives

·        Conduct scientific and applied research that contributes to the development of sustainable technologies and strategies to address environmental challenges.

·        Generate knowledge that helps understand the interaction between humans and the environment, promoting a holistic approach to sustainability.

·        Facilitate technology and knowledge transfer to society and the business sector to drive sustainable practices.

·        Establish national and international partnerships and collaborations to broaden the reach and impact of our research.

·        Educate and train students and professionals in environmental sustainability issues and prepare the next generation of leaders committed to preserving the planet.

Center Activities

·        Research and Development: Undertake multidisciplinary research projects to address key environmental challenges and develop sustainable solutions.

·        Education and Training Programs: Organize workshops, courses, and training for students and professionals interested in sustainability and environmental conservation.

·        Events and Conferences: Host symposiums, conferences, and discussion forums to promote knowledge and experience exchange among experts and interested communities.

·        Industry and Society Collaboration: Work closely with businesses, government organizations, and communities to implement sustainable solutions in practice.

·        Knowledge Dissemination: Publish research in academic journals, conference presentations, and communications to share findings and advancements with the scientific community and society.

Contact Information

For more information about the Center for Environmental Sustainability Research at AlMaarefa University, please feel free to contact us:

Center Name: UM Center for Environmental Sustainability Research

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +966 9200 11905

Green Initiative

On this day, March 27, 2021, His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Salman – may God protect him – announced #مبادرة_السعودية_الخضراء .

#جامعة_المعرفة I interacted with this initiative, and more than 5 thousand seedlings were planted in cooperation with several partners. We will launch the second phase soon.

#بغرسنا_تنبض_أرضنا

#لنجعلها_خضراء

Instilling today … a future

Participation in achieving #مبادرة_السعودية_الخضراء targets, and in activation of #جامعة_المعرفة environmental and social responsibility, university students participate with their colleagues in the initiative “Instilling today … a future #بكرة “

To plant 5,000 seedlings in Rawdat Umm Al Shuquq Park.

#رؤية_السعودية_2030

@ncvcksa 

@QOL_2030

@RiyadBank

The Green KSA

Contributing to achieving the vision of the #السعودية_الخضراء initiative, students of the College of Medicine in #جامعة_المعرفة are organizing the “Our University is Green” initiative, in order to activate the college’s social responsibility towards its internal community.

@SaudiVision2030

@GreenRiyadh_SA

@SRHRSD_SA

Afforestation

Afforestation has many non-environmental benefits..it enhances the quality of life, improves public health, and relieves stress!