SDG 17: PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS

17.2.4 Does your university as a body, through international collaboration and research, review comparative approaches and develop international best practice on tackling the SDGs?

Cooperation agreement with Ulster University (UK)

Al Maarefa University signed a cooperation agreement with Ulster University to boost research and academic exchange in health sciences, enabling joint projects, faculty development and student mobility opportunities [1].

World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) collaboration

AlMaarefa collaborated with the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) on leadership training and research sessions at international forums; selected papers were published in a special issue of WJEMSD, sharing comparative findings and promoting international best practices in humanitarian research [2].

WASD collaborated with AlMaarefa University in 2023 in various research and developments initiatives including training on leadership; facilitation of Research Session during King Salman Humanitarian Centre 3rd Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum (RIHF), 20-21 February 2023, Riyadh – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and the publication of the best papers in a special issue of WASD flagship journal, World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development (WJEMSD) entitled “Humanitarian Research and Sustainable Development”.

Strategic agreement with Future Vision

Future Vision for Health Training Company announces the signing of an exclusive strategic agreement with AlMaarefa University to implement one of the largest digital training projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With a total investment of up to 200 million Saudi Riyals, the project aims to train and qualify 50,000 beneficiaries over a three-year period [3].

This agreement is part of the company’s ongoing strategy to launch impactful initiatives that enhance the efficiency of the national workforce and provide advanced training solutions in collaboration with leading educational institutions.

Future Vision for Health Training Company affirms that this partnership represents a pivotal milestone in its journey, combining operational expertise with digital innovation in delivering training programs, further solidifying its role as a key provider of quality education in the Kingdom and the region.

Research Day

The Research Day proceedings (2023–2025) compile abstracts and project reports showing inter-institutional collaborations, student-led research and international co-authorship, which indicate that international exposure and partnerships are feeding back into university research approaches [4].

Knowledge University signs a cooperation agreement in the field of educational, training, research and community service services with the Saudi Japanese Pharmaceutical Company “SAGA”

On 6 November 2023 AlMaarefa University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Institute for Health Research to advance joint research, capacity building and knowledge exchange. This formal partnership enables the university to contribute evidence and technical expertise to national health research agendas and supports collaborative studies that can inform national health policy and monitoring.

His Excellency Eng. Mohammed bin Zaid Al Zamil, CEO of the University of Knowledge Company, signed a cooperation and joint work agreement with the Saudi Japanese Pharmaceutical Products Company Limited (SAJA), which was signed on its behalf by Dr. Mohammed Hassan Khalil, CEO of SAJA [5].

The agreement aims to enhance cooperation between them and build their strategic relationship to qualify and develop the capabilities of male and female students of the University of Knowledge and support the health sector in the scientific fields and scientific research, which contributes to achieving development in the health sector and enhancing its competitiveness.

The agreement stipulates joint cooperation between the University of Knowledge and Saga Company in providing specialized training programs for male and female students of the university in general in the field of pharmaceutical products, enhancing research capabilities between the two parties to implement projects based on research, innovation and development, and enhancing their role in developing the health sector and benefiting from the expertise of their existing scientific competencies.

In addition to cooperation in organizing joint scientific and training activities, seminars, workshops, conferences and courses on scientific topics related to the health aspect, and implementing a number of community service programs and volunteer activities, in addition to the service of enhancing the employment of university graduates.

The agreement was signed at the Global Health Forum, in the presence of a number of officials from both sides.

Strategic coordination meeting under the Minister of Education

On 16 October 2024 a delegation from AlMaarefa University — led by the President — participated in a strategic coordination meeting under the auspices of the Minister of Education. The meeting convened government and private higher-education institutions to discuss mechanisms for aligning educational objectives and cooperation, a clear forum where universities provide input into national educational policy direction and implementation.

Under the auspices of His Excellency the Minister of Education, a delegation from Almaarefa University, led by the esteemed university rector, took part in a significant coordination meeting between government universities, private universities, and colleges [6]. This meeting aimed to discuss the prospects and means of enhancing cooperation and aligning educational objectives across various institutions. The discussions focused on collaborative opportunities in academic research, innovative teaching methods, and how universities can contribute to national development goals. These meetings are crucial in fostering stronger ties between public and private education sectors, promoting higher education quality, and expanding opportunities for students and faculty alike. Stay tuned for more updates on the outcomes of this impactful gathering!

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

At the Global Health Forum / Global Health Expo (Oct 2024) AlMaarefa University hosted a pavilion, ran workshops and signed cooperative agreements on the sidelines. Participation in such high-level national/regional fora gives the university channels to present evidence, showcase applied research, and discuss collaborative policy responses with government, industry and health authorities.

#_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 [7] [8].

AI for Disability Workshops

AlMaarefa University, in partnership with the King Salman Center for Disability Research, delivered a series of nine workshops on AI applications for support and treatment. International experts were invited, and students participated in hands-on training, directly improving their research skills and enabling the transfer of advanced AI approaches into university projects and curricula.

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) [9].

References