AlMaarefa University demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to environmental stewardship through the provision of targeted training programs focused on the environmental aspects of sustainability.

These programs are designed to equip students, academic staff, and community members with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and address pressing environmental challenges, in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 4: Quality Education.

Environmental Training and Capacity Building Initiatives

The university offers environmental training through several structured platforms. A key initiative is the Center for Environmental Sustainability Research, which provides a hub for interdisciplinary research and environmental education. This center facilitates workshops, seminars, and research training programs that focus on sustainable practices, ecological preservation, climate resilience, and resource management. Its primary goal is to foster innovation and develop practical, research-backed solutions to environmental issues.

UM Center for Environmental Sustainability Research

https://www.um.edu.sa/en/node/538

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.

Centre 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.

In addition, the Club of Experts, a student-led initiative supported by the university, regularly conducts awareness campaigns and expert-led panel discussions focused on global environmental topics such as climate change, sustainable living, and renewable energy. These activities are designed to build student capacity in environmental leadership and advocacy, while also encouraging broader engagement from the campus community.

Club of Experts

https://www.um.edu.sa/ar/Club%20of%20Experts

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. 

Below are some environmental events:

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!

Conclusion

Through its dedicated research centers and student engagement platforms, AlMaarefa University ensures that sustainability is not only a research and policy focus but also a core part of its educational mission. These training initiatives reflect the university’s strategic approach to fostering environmental responsibility and equipping future leaders with the tools to advance sustainability at both the local and global levels.