SDG 17: PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS

17.2.5 Does your university as a body collaborate with NGOs and/or businesses to tackle the SDGs through student volunteering programmes, research programmes, development of educational resource?

MoU with Aljazeera Pharmaceutical Industries Company “Hikma”

As part of the University of Knowledge’s efforts to enhance academic and research cooperation, a memorandum of understanding and cooperation was signed with Aljazeera Pharmaceutical Industries Company “Hikma”, aiming to develop and grow the health sector in the Kingdom by enhancing scientific research, education, innovation and enhancing joint cooperation in areas related to the specialization of both parties, which serve the sectors of research, development, education, employment and training [12]. The signing ceremony took place during the university’s participation in the Global Health Forum, in the presence of a number of officials from both sides, where the agreement was signed by His Excellency the CEO of Aljazeera Pharmaceutical Industries Company, Eng. Mohammed bin Zaid Al-Zamil, and the General Manager of Aljazeera Pharmaceutical Industries Company, Dr. Mamoun Salama Al-Araydah.

This agreement comes as part of the two parties’ efforts to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, by enhancing cooperation between academic institutions and government agencies, to achieve sustainable development goals and develop the health sector in the Kingdom.

This memorandum embodies the renaissance that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing at all levels. Based on the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for the future of the Kingdom 2030, which emphasized supporting the health and education sectors, expanding the scope of their work, and contributing to building a knowledge society and enhancing integration, cooperation and participation between the two parties, and believing in the importance of enhancing efforts and exchanging experiences, and sensing their role in developing scientific and practical skills and advancing education, training and health services, in addition to enhancing the research capabilities of each of them and enabling their members to benefit from the available capabilities to implement research projects, participate in specialized scientific conferences and seminars, community service programs and volunteer activities, and employ university graduates.

As part of the efforts Almaarefa university In enhancing academic and research cooperation.

Knowledge University signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of educational, training, research and community service services with Al Jazeera Pharmaceutical Industries Company (Hikma).

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.

Cooperation with the Saudi Japanese Pharmaceutical Company “SAGA”

In November 2024 AlMaarefa formalized cooperation with the Saudi-Japanese Pharmaceutical Company (SAGA/SAJA). The agreement emphasises specialized training programs for students, joint scientific and training events, research projects and the implementation of community service and volunteer activities, creating channels for students to gain industry-relevant skills and for the university to develop applied educational resources.

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.

Partnership with King Salman Center for Disability Research

AlMaarefa University partnered with the King Salman Center for Disability Research to run the AI Enablthone (Bridges of Intelligence), a series of workshops and a hackathon (Nov 2024) focused on AI solutions for people with disabilities. This collaboration aligns university research with national disability research priorities and creates co-production spaces for 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) [12].

MoU/ Partnership with Saudi pharmaceutical industry (SPIMACO)

Our agreement with Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical Appliances Corporation (SPIMACO) strengthens practical training for pharmacy and allied health students and supports community health initiatives and industry-academic knowledge transfer [7].

MoU with charities institutes

AlMaarefa University has signed MoUs with charitable organizations, institutionalizing community service collaborations that expand access to services for vulnerable groups.

Agreement between the Charitable Society for Orphan Care (Insan) and Al-Ma’rifa University

Al-Maarifa University signed a memorandum of understanding for joint cooperation with the Charitable Society for Orphan Care “Insan” on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 AD at the university’s headquarters in South Sudair Hall. This agreement comes as an embodiment of the comprehensive renaissance that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing at all levels, especially the health sectors [6]. And education, in completion of the message carried by the two parties, and as a contribution from them to building the knowledge and scientific society, and enhancing integration and participation between them in the frameworks of knowledge exchange and practical application, and since the reality of providing health services and building the knowledge society requires concerted and integrated efforts in Everything that would advance these aspects enhances the importance of this agreement, and the importance of concerted efforts to achieve the goal of the agreement, and since Al-Ma’rifa University is a scientific academic training institution subject to the supervision of the Ministry of Education, and it educates, trains and qualifies high school graduates to obtain a bachelor’s degree in medicine, surgery, pharmacy, and other specialties. Various health and technical services needed by all governmental and private sectors, and equivalent programs and training courses.

The university was represented by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Zaid bin Muhammad Al-Zamil, while the association was represented by the General Director of the Association, Mr. Saleh bin Abdullah Al-Yousef. A group of the association’s employees and the university’s employees participated in attending the signing ceremony of this memorandum.

This agreement aims to develop the human cadres sponsored by the association and qualify them to obtain an academic degree in the fields available at the university and raise the level of performance of workers and students in improving the medical services provided in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through education, training, continuous development and fruitful cooperation between the two parties in order to achieve part of the Kingdom Vision 2030 initiatives.

MoU with Imam Mohammad bin Saud Charity - formal partnership to boost volunteering & community services

AlMaarefa University signed a memorandum of understanding with the Imam Mohammad bin Saud Charity (Diriyah) to strengthen cooperation in volunteering, health services and educational programs — formalising university–community partnerships for outreach activities.

The approval of His Excellency the Minister of Education was issued to appoint His Excellency Professor Dr. Walid bin Hussein Muhammad Abu Al-Faraj as Director of Al-Maarifa University, and the university expresses its happiness on this happy occasion and looks forward to achieving a qualitative leap through appointing His Excellency with his high qualifications, as he holds a doctorate in nuclear engineering from The most prestigious American universities, this is due to extensive experience and a long academic history in the field of education. His Excellency has held several prestigious positions, the most prominent of which are the Vice Deanship of King Abdulaziz University for Branches and then Projects [6].

He had previously held, by Royal Decree, the position of Vice President of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, with the rank of Minister, from 03/05/1431 AH to 03/05/1439 AH. His Excellency had also previously assumed the reins of work as Director of Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah Al-Mukarramah in the period from 19 02/1430 AH until 02/05/1431 AH.

His Excellency - in addition to academic expertise and leadership positions - has a wide presence in local and international seminars and conferences, and His Excellency has active participation in the membership of many committees, as well as supervising many laboratory projects and laboratories, in addition to supervising many scientific theses. His Excellency has received many certificates of appreciation and commemorative shields. And the merits, the most important of which is the King Abdulaziz Medal, first class.

On this honorable occasion, the Knowledge Family hopes from God - the Almighty - that His Excellency’s joining the university will contribute to improving the level of performance and strengthening the distinguished scientific journey in order to achieve the ambitious goals that the university seeks, most notably raising scientific and educational performance to the desired global level. God is behind the intention, including success.

Campaign (If you want it, donate to it)

The Social Responsibility Unit organized a clothing donation campaign (slogan: ‘If you don’t want it, donate it’) in cooperation with the Imam Muhammad bin Saud Charity Association (Feb 2019). Students and staff collected, classified and delivered clothing, a clear example of university–NGO collaboration and student volunteering to support vulnerable community members.

The Social Responsibility Unit at Al-Maarifa University, in cooperation with the Imam Muhammad bin Saud Association in Diriyah, organized a clothing donation campaign under the slogan “If you don’t want it, donate it,” in the university building. It lasted for a week, starting from Sunday, February 10, 2019 [9].

There was an introductory section about the donation mechanism and how to distribute and classify clothes. A car was also provided the next day for both parts to collect the clothes. The event was well received by university employees and a number of faculty members and students in both parts.

This active participation comes from the University of Knowledge’s belief in the importance of charity and helping the needy, and that God gives the one who gives charity two rewards; A reward in this world, and a reward in the afterlife. Whoever God Almighty withholds from him the reward of this world, He will give it to him in the afterlife double, regardless of the type of charity given, and because of its impact on strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and love between the classes of society.

Collaboration with World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD)

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”.

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 [9].

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.

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!

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 [10].

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 [11].

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 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].

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].

Wateen Student Club: mental health awareness corner (with King Saud Medical City)

On World Mental Health Day (10 Oct 2024) the Wateen Student Club activated a mental-health awareness corner in cooperation with King Saud Medical City. Students led outreach activities, distributed information and engaged the public, demonstrating student volunteering, practical public-health education and partnership with a major healthcare provider [5].

Planting 5.000 trees in royal reserves (environmental volunteering)

In cooperation with our partners, Almaarefa University has planted 5,000 new trees in the royal reserves as part of our commitment to achieving the goals of @Gi_Saudi [15].

Our objectives reflect our values and go beyond mere aspirations. #DroughtAndDesertificationDay@AlMaarefa pic.twitter.com/eHRJVRGzaM

References