SDG 17: PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS

17.2.2 Does your university as a body initiate and participate in cross-sectoral dialogue about the SDGs, e.g. conferences involving government /NGOs?

Participation and agreements at the Global Health Forum / Global Health Expo (policy dialogues and signings)

AlMaarefa University participated with a dedicated pavilion at the Global Health Forum / Global Health Expo (Oct 2024), delivering workshops, presenting applied research and signing cooperation agreements with health authorities, industry and NGOs. This presence enabled cross-sectoral dialogue on health policy, innovation and implementation between academia, government and private partners.

#_University_of_Maarefa concludes its participation for the second day in the #_Global_Health_Forum, and we look forward to meeting you tomorrow at 10:00 am at the University of Maarefa booth No. H3B-J59 [1] [2].

Partnership with King Salman Center for Disability Research

AlMaarefa University, in collaboration with the King Salman Center for Disability Research, hosted the AI Enablthone (series of 9 workshops and a hackathon, Nov 2024) that gathered academics, government specialists and industry partners to co-design AI solutions for disability inclusion — an example of cross-sectoral co-production of policy-relevant technologies.

AI Enablathon

AlMaarefa University’s AI Enablathon and related hackathons include virtual workshops and open registration, enabling participation from learners and professionals outside the university. These events supply digital learning resources, mentoring, and access to computing resources for participants (virtual lab environments and guidance from academic supervisors) [3].

Launch of the Saudi Arabian Wellness Association (SAWA)

Al-Maarifa University announced the inauguration of the Saudi Arabian Wellness Society (SAWA), and the launch of its visual identity in an official ceremony, sponsored by His Excellency the University President, Prof. Dr. Walid bin Hussein Abu Al-Faraj, and the presence of a group of specialists and those interested in scientific, research and societal practices related to the wellness industry [4].

The Sawa Association was established on Rajab 23, 1443, corresponding to February 24, 2022, by a decision from the Council of the University of Knowledge, and was included among the scientific societies under the supervision of the General Secretariat of the Council for University Affairs in the Ministry of Education. Its goals are focused on developing and promoting the wellness industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based on advanced applied theoretical knowledge, employing modern trends, techniques and research based on scientific evidence.

Through solid scientific methodology and practices, the Sawa Association will work in cooperation with the public and private sectors to activate the potential of the wellness industry. To contribute to achieving the quality of life goals emanating from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and to stimulate creativity and innovation to spread cognitive, directional, and behavioral awareness of the importance of wellness in the comprehensive well-being matrix, and to strengthen fruitful relationships with government institutions, including the vision realization offices in the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, The Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Sports, and other relevant ministries and bodies; To shape policies and maximize wellness values and practices in the life of the individual and society.

It is worth noting that the Sawa Association was established at the initiative of a team that includes an elite group of local and international specialist experts in the field of health and medical education, businessmen who believe in their social responsibility towards their society, and senior executives. To build a national entity, extending local and international strategic relationships, with an ambitious, pioneering vision in the region, within a professional framework that is in line with the vision of the Global Wellness Institute: “Wellness is the constant pursuit of activities and lifestyle choices leading to a state of comprehensive health.”

It is noteworthy that the nucleus of the association was formed at the suggestion of Prof. Dr. Ibtisam bint Muhammad Al-Madhi, Advisor to His Excellency the President of Al-Maarifa University for Scientific Research and Development, who brings to her credit rich cumulative experience in the duality of education and health. She held several leadership positions, including: Vice President of Princess Noura bint Abdul Rahman University (the largest women’s university in the world), and founding and dean of the College of Dentistry at the same university, in addition to her tireless activity in promoting the concept and practices of the wellness industry throughout her scientific, research, and health professional career.

On the occasion of the inauguration of the association, Prof. Dr. Al-Mady, Chairman of the Founding Committee, said: Anyone who follows the current health and societal situation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notes that spreading and empowering the societal health knowledge culture and its practices is the common denominator for all Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives, which seek to achieve quality of life for every human being. From those visions, the Sawa Association was established to contribute to the formation of a vibrant society. He enjoys a decent living and good health. Therefore, we will seek to attract specialists and those interested in the scientific and behavioral practices associated with the wellness industry; To become a house of expertise for exchanging and developing ideas, and to make wellness a behavioral practice in our societies. Hence, the name of the association (Sawa) came to indicate its participatory relationship with its partners on the one hand, and its relational relationship with its community on the other hand.

Those wishing to know more information about the association - including membership - can visit the association’s website saudiwellness.org.sa, or write to the association directly at info@saudiwellness.org.sa.

Research and Innovation Camp - student projects with external partners

AlMaarefa University’s Research and Innovation Camp (2024) showcased student projects addressing national challenges and engaged external partners (industry and public bodies) in judging, mentoring and scaling solutions, a cross-sectoral forum linking student research to policy and practice.

The Research and Innovation Camp of 2024 has concluded its research project presentations, showcasing an impressive array of studies that reflect the creativity and innovation of the participating students [5].

Collaboration with the Ministry of Health

AlMaarefa University’s Emergency Medical Services Club and university teams have collaborated with the Ministry of Health on national awareness events such as World Suicide Prevention Day and World First Aid Day (e.g., 12 Sep 2024). These operational collaborations place university expertise inside national campaigns and provide channels for practical input and coordinated implementation of health promotion activities.

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance public health awareness, Almaarefa University, represented by the Emergency Medical Services Club, participated in the awareness events organized by the Ministry of Health for World Suicide Prevention Day and World First Aid Day [6].

This participation is part of a joint initiative aimed at highlighting the importance of psychological support in emergency situations and teaching essential first aid skills. The Emergency Medical Services Club at Almaarefa University conducted a series of educational activities and workshops designed to enhance attendees' knowledge of crisis intervention basics and how to provide immediate psychological support to individuals.

The events included interactive lectures and practical demonstrations showcasing model emergency situations and effective handling methods. Educational materials were also distributed, covering first aid strategies, recognizing signs of psychological disorders, and the necessary procedures to support individuals in such cases.

These events underscore Almaarefa University's commitment to actively contributing to public health awareness and enhancing community safety, in line with its goals of providing academic and professional support to the community.

Signing of a Cooperation Agreement to Enhance Quality of Life between Almaarefa University and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

On 6 October 2024 AlMaarefa University signed an MoU with the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) to collaborate on research and wellness practices. This formal partnership supports applied research and standards development in complementary health practices, and provides pathways for academic evidence to feed into national quality-of-life and wellness frameworks.

Dr. Ibtisam bint Mohammed Al-Madhi, President of the Saudi Wellness Association – one of the associations of Almaarefa University – signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. This memorandum aims to establish scientific and research collaboration in developing and improving wellness practices, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for individuals and the community [7].

Multiple cooperation agreements with industry and professional societies

AlMaarefa has signed cooperation contracts with professional societies and industry partners (e.g., Saudi Society for Clinical Pharmacy, Tabuk Pharmaceutical Industries, Riyadh Pharma, Saga) to run joint training, research and community services, these agreements establish cross-sectoral collaboration channels that feed back into sectoral practice and policy [8].

References