SDG 11: SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

SDG 11: SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

Al Maarefa University (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) is dedicated to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) – fostering inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. This report highlights the university’s initiatives and impact in five key areas: sustainable campus infrastructure, community engagement for safety and resilience, accessibility and inclusion, cultural heritage preservation and environmental protection, and partnerships for sustainable urban development. Each section provides evidence of Al Maarefa University’s contributions, suitable for an international audience evaluating our SDG 11 impact.

Sustainable Campus Infrastructure: Green Buildings and Smart Systems

An aerial view of Al Maarefa University’s main campus showcases its modern, eco-friendly design with a distinctive solar-paneled roof. The university has made significant investments in sustainable infrastructure, emphasizing green building principles and smart campus systems. The main campus in Riyadh is built with energy-efficient architecture and integrated technology: academic buildings are interconnected by a smart infrastructure network that optimizes energy use and enhances user experience [1]. Green design elements are woven into the campus layout – from open green spaces and pedestrian-friendly pathways to environmentally friendly construction materials [2]. This integration of nature with built spaces not only reduces the campus environmental footprint, but also creates a healthier, more pleasant learning environment [1]. For instance, the campus buildings utilize energy-saving systems and possibly solar energy (as suggested by the solar panels on the main building’s roof), reducing reliance on non-renewable sources. Through these efforts, Al Maarefa University demonstrates its commitment to sustainable infrastructure and serves as a model for eco-friendly campus design in the region [1] [2].

Community Engagement for Public Safety and Urban Resilience

Al Maarefa University actively engages with the community to promote public safety, disaster preparedness, and urban resilience. A notable example is the university’s Emergency Medical Services Club collaborating with the Ministry of Health to mark World First Aid Day and World Suicide Prevention Day in 2024 [3]. During these events, the university conducted public workshops and demonstrations on emergency first aid and psychological support techniques, teaching attendees life-saving skills for crisis situations [3]. Interactive lectures and hands-on demonstrations helped community members learn how to recognize emergencies, perform CPR and basic wound care, and provide immediate mental health support during crises [3]. These events underscore Al Maarefa’s commitment to enhancing community safety and resilience, as the university extended its expertise beyond campus to improve public preparedness [3]. In addition, Al Maarefa offers academic programs (such as Emergency and Disaster Management in nursing and medical sciences) that equip graduates with critical skills to serve in emergency services and disaster response. By combining educational programs with outreach initiatives, the university contributes to building a more resilient local community capable of responding to health emergencies and disasters.

Inclusive and Accessible Campus for All

Al Maarefa University is devoted to accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that its facilities and programs are welcoming to people of all abilities. The campus infrastructure was designed with universal access in mind – buildings feature ramps, elevators, clear signage, and other accommodations so that students, staff, and visitors with disabilities can navigate comfortably. Academic buildings are connected by a smart system that not only conserves energy but also supports user accessibility, using technology-enabled facilities to foster a safe and convenient environment for everyone [1]. Beyond physical infrastructure, the university upholds strong non-discrimination and equal opportunity policies, so that participation in campus activities is open to all regardless of disability, gender, or background [4].

Al Maarefa also spearheads initiatives to empower people with disabilities in the broader community. In December 2024, the university — in collaboration with the King Salman Center for Disability Research (KSCDR) — hosted a series of specialized workshops titled “Artificial Intelligence Applications for Supporting and Treating Individuals with Disabilities.” [5] Over four days, local and international experts convened on campus to explore how AI technology can improve the lives of individuals with visual, hearing, cognitive, and physical impairments. These sessions showcased cutting-edge research (e.g. AI tools for the hearing-impaired and assistive tech for autism) and were open to researchers, healthcare practitioners, and community members [5]. By providing such programs, Al Maarefa University not only enhances inclusion on campus but also contributes knowledge and resources to support inclusion in the wider community. The university’s efforts – from accessible facilities to educational outreach – reflect a comprehensive approach to inclusion, ensuring that everyone can participate in and benefit from a sustainable community.

Preserving Cultural Heritage and Protecting the Environment

As part of its SDG 11 mission, Al Maarefa University engages in initiatives that preserve cultural heritage and protect the environment, recognizing these as key aspects of sustainable communities. The university is located in Diriyah, a historic area of Riyadh, and it leverages this context to raise awareness of cultural heritage among its students and staff. In April 2024, to celebrate World Heritage Day, the university held a special recognition event where the University President honored a student for her award-winning photography project “Historic Diriyah through Student Eyes” [6]. This initiative encouraged students to connect with and document the rich cultural heritage of the surrounding community. By showcasing Diriyah’s UNESCO World Heritage sites through student work, Al Maarefa helps foster appreciation and stewardship of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage among the academic community and the public.

On the environmental front, Al Maarefa University implements programs and policies to protect the local environment and promote sustainability. One example is the “Swap It Out” campaign launched in 2025 as part of the university’s social responsibility efforts. This campaign encourages students and staff to replace single-use plastic water bottles with reusable bottles [7], thereby reducing plastic waste on campus and instilling habits of sustainable consumption. The university also integrates environmental protection into its outreach activities – its official Climate Action Policy outlines plans for community tree-planting drives and environmental clean-up campaigns in the local area [8]. Such activities often involve student volunteers and faculty experts working alongside local residents to green the neighborhood and raise awareness about environmental stewardship. Through these efforts – from celebrating heritage to green initiatives like recycling and tree planting – Al Maarefa University contributes to preserving the cultural and natural fabric of its community for future generations [6] [8].

Partnerships and Collaboration for Sustainable Urban Development

Al Maarefa University recognizes that achieving sustainable cities and communities requires strong partnerships with government, industry, and civil society. The university actively collaborates with local authorities, municipalities, and national ministries to align its sustainability initiatives with broader urban development plans. For example, Al Maarefa works closely with municipal planners and government agencies in Riyadh to ensure its campus growth and operations support the city’s sustainability goals [2]. This involves knowledge exchange on urban planning, transportation, and infrastructure development that benefits both the university and the surrounding community.

Several concrete collaborations illustrate Al Maarefa’s partnership approach. The university’s joint activities with the Ministry of Health – such as the public first aid and mental health awareness campaigns mentioned earlier – are a prime example of working with government to improve community well-being [3]. In another realm, Al Maarefa partnered with the King Salman Center for Disability Research, a leading NGO, to host the innovative AI workshops supporting people with disabilities [5]. This partnership brought together academia, non-profit experts, and healthcare professionals, creating a cross-sector platform to address community needs with technological solutions. Additionally, Al Maarefa has signed memoranda of understanding with emergency response organizations and local industry (e.g. a recent MoU on tactical emergency response training) to enhance urban resilience through training and knowledge transfer. Through these alliances, the university contributes its academic expertise while learning from practitioners, resulting in practical projects like emergency preparedness workshops, inclusive technology hackathons, and sustainable campus planning consultations. Such collaborative engagements amplify Al Maarefa University’s impact on sustainable urban development, ensuring that its efforts in SDG 11 are informed by, and beneficial to, the wider community and national priorities [2] [3].

Conclusion

Al Maarefa University’s multifaceted commitment to SDG 11 is evident in its green campus infrastructure, community safety programs, inclusive practices, cultural and environmental initiatives, and robust partnerships. By integrating sustainable development principles into its operations, education, and outreach, the university plays a vital role in shaping a more inclusive, safe, and resilient urban community in Saudi Arabia [2]. These ongoing efforts position Al Maarefa University as a proactive contributor to the United Nations 2030 Agenda and Saudi Vision 2030, demonstrating tangible impact in creating sustainable cities and communities for all.

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