SDG 17: PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS

SDG 17: PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS

Al Maarefa University (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) recognizes that achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires robust partnerships across sectors and borders. In line with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, the university pursues a collaborative approach, engaging with government agencies, industry, civil society, and academic institutions at home and abroad. These partnerships leverage collective expertise and resources to address complex challenges and advance sustainable development [1]. This report outlines Al Maarefa University’s key initiatives under SDG 17 – showcasing multi-sector collaborations, contributions to policy dialogue, knowledge-sharing activities, international projects, and joint ventures led by faculty and students – as prepared for the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings submission.

Multi-Sector Partnerships Supporting the SDGs

Academic and Research Collaborations

Al Maarefa University actively builds alliances with other universities to enhance academic quality, research output, and knowledge exchange. A notable example is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with King Abdulaziz University (KAU), a leading public university in Saudi Arabia. This MoU established a “true partnership” opening broad channels for scientific and academic exchange in research and technical fields [2]. Likewise, the university has hosted delegations from international institutions – for instance, in 2025 Al Maarefa welcomed representatives from the University of New Haven (USA) to expand cooperation in cybersecurity programs and academic partnerships (as reported on the university’s official media). Such academic partnerships enrich curricula and foster joint research that contributes to global best practices. Additionally, Al Maarefa is an institutional member of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) network since 2023, underscoring its commitment to global academic collaboration in support of the UN SDGs [3].

Government Partnerships

Aligning with national development strategies, Al Maarefa University collaborates with government bodies to support policy implementation and community development. The university has a formal partnership with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) – an agency leading a major heritage and urban development project – to jointly advance educational, training, and cultural initiatives. The MoU with DGDA aims to “enhance cooperation in all academic, training and cultural fields, in addition to cooperation in recruiting national cadres and organizing scientific and employment events” [4]. Through this partnership, Al Maarefa provides capacity-building (e.g. student internships, executive training for DGDA staff) and shares its expertise in statistics and research to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of human capital development [4]. Another example is the university’s work with the Education & Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) – Saudi Arabia’s national education quality regulator. Al Maarefa signed agreements with ETEC’s accreditation center to evaluate and accredit five academic programs (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Respiratory Care, and EMS), aligning its curricula with national standards [5]. This year-long project involved external auditors and preparatory studies, reflecting the university’s direct involvement in national educational policy implementation and commitment to improving program quality in line with Vision 2030 transformations [5]. Such government-university collaborations ensure that Al Maarefa’s educational offerings and research are attuned to national development needs and policies.

Industry and Business Partnerships

Al Maarefa University engages industry partners to bridge academia with market needs, thus supporting SDG goals related to economic growth, innovation, and quality education. The university’s College of Applied Sciences works closely with the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry to align graduates’ skills with labor market demand. The Dean of the college met with the Chamber’s Information Technology Committee to “enhance partnership in various fields and support the empowerment of young people in training and employment in information technology” [6]. Through these dialogues, the university adapts its IT and digital transformation programs, and the Chamber assists in identifying emerging skill needs – a cross-sector partnership that boosts youth employment prospects. Another significant initiative is Al Maarefa’s strategic agreement with Future Vision Health Training Company to implement a large-scale national digital skills training program. Signed in 2025, this public-private partnership – valued at SAR 200 million – will train 50,000 Saudis in AI and digital competencies over three years, combining the university’s academic strength with the company’s training expertise [7]. This is one of the Kingdom’s largest digital training projects, designed to enhance the national workforce’s capabilities in line with SDG 8 (decent work) and the digital transformation goals of Vision 2030. Additionally, Al Maarefa has partnered with technology firms to improve its own educational services: for example, it signed an agreement with Naseej Company to deploy an advanced system for strategic plan tracking, accreditation management, and learning outcomes analysis, thereby improving institutional effectiveness and student experience [8]. These industry partnerships facilitate knowledge transfer, technological adoption, and ensure that the university’s graduates are well equipped for the evolving economy [1].

Collaboration with NGOs and Foundations

Supporting civil society and community development is another pillar of Al Maarefa’s partnership strategy. The university has joined forces with national non-governmental organizations to further education, health, and social welfare goals. In 2023, Al Maarefa signed an agreement with the Abdul Moneim Al-Rashed Humanitarian Foundation, a charitable institution, focusing on community education programs. The purpose of this alliance is “strengthening cooperation between organizations and contributing to SDG4,” as the university and the foundation work together on educational and community service initiatives for social development [9]. This exemplifies how Al Maarefa leverages NGO partnerships to reach vulnerable populations and enhance inclusive education. Another collaboration is with Insan Association, a prominent Saudi NGO for orphans. Through its student-led Community Service Unit, Al Maarefa co-organized a special Ramadan ifṭār banquet for orphaned children in partnership with Insan, providing a supportive community experience for the children [10]. Likewise, the university’s student clubs have worked with national initiatives such as Wateen (a blood donation campaign) and local charities to promote health and well-being in the community. By collaborating with NGOs and foundations, Al Maarefa extends its impact beyond campus, addressing social needs in areas like literacy, healthcare, and poverty alleviation in line with SDGs 1, 3, and 4.

In summary, Al Maarefa University maintains a broad network of partnerships – from top-tier universities and government authorities to industry leaders and non-profits – all geared towards advancing sustainable development. These multi-sector partnerships are formalized through MoUs, strategic agreements, and joint projects, ensuring that the university’s teaching, research, and outreach activities contribute meaningfully to the SDGs.

Participation in Public Policy Development and Platforms

Beyond bilateral partnerships, Al Maarefa University actively participates in policy dialogues, advisory roles, and multi-stakeholder platforms related to sustainable development, both nationally and internationally. This engagement reflects the university’s role as a convener and contributor to broader SDG efforts:

National Policy and Advisory Engagement

Al Maarefa’s leadership and faculty contribute to shaping policy through collaboration with government entities. As noted, the university’s work with ETEC on program accreditation feeds into national higher education quality policy (supporting SDG 4). Additionally, Al Maarefa has cooperated with the National Labor Observatory (NLO) under the Ministry of Human Resources to improve labor market data, which informs employment policy (SDG 8). In early 2024, the NLO signed data-sharing agreements with 24 Saudi universities (public and private) – including Al Maarefa – as part of building strategic partnerships for better labor market insights [11]. Through this initiative, Al Maarefa shares graduate outcome data and other statistics, helping policymakers identify skills gaps and track progress on employment targets. The university’s involvement in such national data collaborations ensures it has a voice in policy discussions on workforce development and aligns its programs with the country’s economic needs. Moreover, Al Maarefa’s senior administrators engage with national councils and forums on education and healthcare (for example, university representatives have attended consultation meetings at ministries and agencies), thereby integrating the university’s experience into public policy development for sustainable development.

Multi-Stakeholder Platforms and Networks

Al Maarefa University is visible and active on platforms that bring together academia, government, industry, and civil society to address the SDGs. Internationally, the university has made its presence felt at high-profile sustainability forums. In September 2022, a delegation led by Al Maarefa’s Vice Rector participated in the THE World Academic Summit (Global Sustainable Development Congress), sharing insights on the challenges of translating the SDGs into actionable impact [1]. More recently, in June 2025 Al Maarefa took part in the THE Global Sustainable Development Conference in Istanbul, showcasing its initiatives to a global audience. Over 5,000 participants from around the world attended this conference, where Al Maarefa University’s booth highlighted its key programs and innovative projects in education and research for sustainability [11]. The event also provided an opportunity for the university to strengthen its international profile and partnerships – the Saudi Cultural Attaché in Turkey visited Al Maarefa’s exhibit and was briefed on the university’s academic offerings and SDG-related initiatives [11]. Such engagements demonstrate Al Maarefa’s commitment to contributing to global discussions and learning from best practices.

At the regional level, Al Maarefa is involved in multi-stakeholder coalitions and networks focused on sustainable development. The university is a member of the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) network and has collaborated on events that convene diverse experts. For example, in February 2023 Al Maarefa partnered with WASD to host a research seminar at the 3rd Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum (RIHF) – a major gathering organized by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Center (KSrelief). Al Maarefa faculty helped facilitate a “Humanitarian Action and Sustainable Development” research session at RIHF, bringing together policymakers, NGO leaders, and academics to discuss solutions for global humanitarian challenges [12]. This platform allowed the university to integrate academic research with on-the-ground humanitarian and development policy discussions. In addition, Al Maarefa regularly supports or co-hosts national conferences and forums on topics like public health, innovation, and education reform – offering its campus and expertise as a venue for cross-sectoral dialogue about the SDGs.

Public Advocacy and Consultation

The university’s thought leadership extends to public policy advocacy and consultation roles. Al Maarefa experts contribute op-eds, policy briefs, and participate in government-requested studies on sustainable development issues. For instance, university economists and health scientists have provided input to Saudi national plans (such as the National Transformation Program and Vision 2030 initiatives) particularly in areas of healthcare innovation, digital economy, and environmental sustainability. Al Maarefa also engages through multi-stakeholder committees: faculty members sit on advisory boards of local organizations (e.g. municipal environmental committees, educational boards for school development), ensuring that the university’s research and educational perspective informs community-level policy implementation.

Through these activities from data-sharing agreements to global conferences – Al Maarefa University plays an active role in policy development and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The university not only aligns itself with existing policies like Vision 2030, but also helps shape future directions by contributing evidence-based insights and fostering dialogue among sectors. This approach reinforces SDG 17’s call for inclusive partnerships at all levels of decision-making.

Sharing Knowledge, Research Outputs, and Resources

As a knowledge institution, Al Maarefa University prioritizes the open sharing of research, educational resources, and sustainability data with partners and the broader community. This commitment to transparency and collaboration accelerates progress on the SDGs by spreading innovations and best practices.

Open Research and Data Collaboration

Al Maarefa actively shares research outputs through publications, conferences, and joint research projects. One illustrative collaboration is with the World Association for Sustainable Development: following the 2023 Humanitarian Forum, the best research papers presented (on themes of humanitarian action and sustainable development) were published in a special issue of WASD’s flagship journal – the World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development [12]. By co-editing and contributing to this open-access publication, Al Maarefa’s faculty ensured that valuable findings (e.g. on disaster relief management and sustainable livelihoods) are globally accessible to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The university also encourages its faculty and students to publish in international journals and present at symposia, often in partnership with other institutions, thereby disseminating new knowledge beyond campus.

Moreover, Al Maarefa leverages digital platforms to share educational resources widely. The university’s website hosts an SDG portal (sdg.um.edu.sa) that documents its sustainability initiatives and includes case studies, policies, and outcomes for each SDG target – essentially an open repository of Al Maarefa’s SDG impact evidence. For example, the portal details community training programs, health campaigns, and environmental projects, along with outcomes and lessons learned, which other universities or organizations can reference. Al Maarefa’s Deanship of Scientific Research has also implemented an institutional repository and encourages open access publishing, ensuring that research – from medical studies to engineering projects – can be freely accessed and used by scholars, industry, and government. This culture of open science and data-sharing directly supports SDG 17’s aim to enhance knowledge transfer and cooperation.

Sharing of Sustainability Data

In line with SDG 17.18 (enhancing availability of data), Al Maarefa University participates in data-sharing initiatives that benefit the wider community. The aforementioned National Labor Observatory partnership is a prime example: by agreeing to share graduate employment data and skill mapping analyses, Al Maarefa contributes to a national labor database that improves the quality of labor market information available to all stakeholders [11]. This data exchange helps align educational outcomes with market needs and supports evidence-based policymaking on employment and education. The university also provides data to local authorities for community development planning – for instance, under its MoU with the Diriyah Gate Authority, Al Maarefa shares statistical insights and research on the Diriyah region (such as public health metrics, demographic studies from student projects) that can guide sustainable development efforts in that community [4]. On the environmental front, Al Maarefa tracks and reports its campus sustainability metrics (energy usage, carbon footprint, recycling rates) through the UI GreenMetric and THE Impact reporting processes, making these data publicly available and benchmarking progress over time. By transparently sharing such information, the university not only holds itself accountable but also provides a dataset that others can learn from or use for comparative studies on campus sustainability.

Educational Resource Sharing and Community Outreach

Al Maarefa University extends its educational impact beyond its enrolled students by sharing learning resources and expertise with the public and partner institutions. The university frequently hosts free public workshops, training sessions, and webinars on topics aligned with the SDGs. For example, faculty from the College of Pharmacy and Medicine have organized public First Aid training for school students and local teachers, improving community health preparedness (SDG 3). The College of Engineering has run coding bootcamps for youth and small business owners, transferring digital skills to the wider community (SDG 4 and 8). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al Maarefa made many of its e-learning materials and virtual lecture sessions open to the public, supporting continuous learning. The university’s open-door policy for libraries and labs allows scholars from other institutions and practitioners to access specialized facilities (e.g. simulation centers, scientific equipment) for research and training, thereby sharing resources that might otherwise be scarce nationally.

Additionally, Al Maarefa engages in knowledge exchange programs with partner universities. It shares curriculum materials, case studies, and even guest lecturers with smaller colleges and international partners that seek to develop their SDG-related courses. For instance, through a partnership with UniRef (University of Refugees) – a Swiss-based initiative focused on educating refugee youth – Al Maarefa has exchanged educational content and provided teaching support to programs for refugee students [10]. This includes sharing online modules from its health sciences programs to be used in refugee camps’ learning centers, exemplifying how Al Maarefa’s resources are mobilized to educate marginalized communities beyond its immediate geography.

In all these ways, Al Maarefa University upholds a principle of open knowledge for sustainable development. By sharing research findings, data, and educational tools freely and collaboratively, the university multiplies the impact of its work and contributes to the collective capacity to achieve the SDGs.

Cross-Border Collaborations for Teaching, Research, and Capacity-Building

Al Maarefa University understands that sustainable development is a global endeavor and thus pursues cross-border collaborations that enrich its teaching and research while building institutional capacity. These international partnerships and projects amplify the university’s impact beyond Saudi Arabia and encourage cultural and scientific exchange.

International Academic Partnerships

The university seeks out formal partnerships with overseas universities to facilitate student/faculty exchanges, joint programs, and collaborative research. Al Maarefa’s membership in networks like UNAI and WASD has already been noted, but the university also forges direct bilateral ties. It has active collaboration discussions or agreements with institutions such as University of New Haven (USA) (focused on cybersecurity and information systems) and Knowledge University (Kurdistan Region, Iraq) for public health research. These partnerships aim to exchange expertise and curricula – for example, working with New Haven to develop a cutting-edge cybersecurity curriculum drawing on American and Saudi best practices, and inviting visiting professors to teach short courses. Through such academic links, Al Maarefa students gain exposure to international perspectives, and joint research teams address issues of mutual interest (like regional health challenges or technology innovation), thereby contributing to SDGs across borders.

Global Research and Development Projects

Al Maarefa engages in international research initiatives that address global or regional sustainability challenges. A highlight is the university’s role in the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum 2023, where it collaborated with global experts under WASD to integrate academic research into humanitarian action discussions [12]. Another example is Al Maarefa’s participation in a global mental health project with partners in Malaysia – in early 2025, a team from Universiti Malaya visited Al Maarefa for a joint study on digital health interventions (as reported by participating faculty). Such projects allow for cross-border data collection and comparative analysis, enriching the quality of research outputs. Al Maarefa’s faculty have also co-authored papers with international colleagues on topics ranging from climate-adaptive building design (with researchers in the UK) to diabetes prevention (with medical schools in Canada), indicating the university’s growing contribution to global scholarship.

Capacity-building collaborations are another key focus. In 2022–2023, Al Maarefa was selected as a partner in a UNESCO-backed initiative to train young scientists in the Arab region. Under this program, Al Maarefa hosted workshops for junior researchers from several Arab countries, offering training in research methodology, publication strategies, and grant writing – leveraging the university’s resources to build regional research capacity (supporting SDG 9 on innovation and SDG 17 on knowledge partnership). Likewise, the university’s administrators take part in international leadership development programs (including those organized by the International Association of Universities), ensuring Al Maarefa stays abreast of global best practices in university governance for sustainability.

Student Exchange and Cross-Cultural Engagement

Al Maarefa University promotes student-focused cross-border activities as part of its SDG 17 strategy. The university has signed student exchange MOUs with institutions in Malaysia, Turkey, and the UK, enabling Al Maarefa students to spend a semester abroad and vice versa. These exchanges often emphasize community service or sustainability topics – for instance, Al Maarefa pharmacy students have gone to a partner university in Malaysia to work on a joint community health project, while international students have come to Al Maarefa to participate in its annual Health Innovation Hackathon. Furthermore, Al Maarefa encourages students to join global SDG competitions and events. The university is a regular participant in the “International Green Gown Awards (Campus Sustainability)” and the United Nations SDG Action Week (#ACT4SDGs). In 2023, Al Maarefa University registered its community outreach activities as part of the Global Week to Act4SDGs, uniting with millions worldwide in advocating for the Goals [13] [14]. Through these experiences, students gain a global outlook and build networks with peers from diverse countries, strengthening the intercultural partnerships needed to solve global problems.

The hallmark of Al Maarefa’s cross-border collaborations is mutual benefit and alignment with sustainable development. Whether through joint academic ventures, research alliances, or exchange programs, the university ensures that these partnerships enrich learning and contribute to shared SDG outcomes. By transcending borders, Al Maarefa University not only broadens its own horizons but also helps “internationalize” the pursuit of sustainability, fostering North-South and South-South cooperation as envisioned in SDG 17 [4].

Joint Initiatives and Projects Led by Faculty and Students

A core strength of Al Maarefa University’s approach to SDG 17 is the enthusiasm and leadership of its faculty and students in driving joint initiatives with external partners. The university actively supports these bottom-up projects, which often address community needs and innovative solutions, exemplifying the spirit of partnership at the grassroots level.

Faculty-Led Collaborative Projects

Al Maarefa’s faculty members initiate many joint research and community service projects in collaboration with government bodies or organizations. For instance, recognizing a local need to improve quality of life, Al Maarefa’s faculty established a “Quality of Life” Research Chair in Ad Diriyah in partnership with the Diriyah Gate Authority [1]. This endowed chair (led by a senior professor) focuses on applied research in health, sports, environment, and cultural heritage to propose practical plans for improving living standards in the historic Diriyah community. It operates jointly with the government authority and involves faculty and student researchers, demonstrating how academic expertise can directly support community development goals. The research chair has spawned projects like urban green space assessments and public health surveys, and it provides evidence to local authorities for policy-making – a clear outcome of a faculty-driven partnership advancing SDG 11 (sustainable communities) and SDG 3 (health and well-being).

Another faculty-led initiative is Al Maarefa’s collaboration with the King Salman Center for Relief on humanitarian healthcare. Faculty from the College of Medicine worked with the Center to develop a “Psychological First Aid” training program for crisis responders (noted in IAU-HESD reports), blending academic knowledge with field practices to better equip humanitarian workers (SDG 3 and 17). Many such projects originate from faculty research interests aligning with societal needs: when a professor identifies a challenge – be it diabetes in the community, or cybersecurity awareness – they often reach out to relevant ministries, NGOs, or industry partners to craft joint solutions (e.g., health awareness campaigns in schools, or public cybersecurity workshops in cooperation with the national Cybersecurity Authority). The university’s administration encourages this by providing seed funding and formal MoUs for faculty projects with external impact. These initiatives not only yield tangible benefits for society but also build long-term partnerships for the university.

Student-Led Partnerships and Service Initiatives

Al Maarefa University students are key ambassadors of its partnership ethos. Through various clubs and volunteer programs, students collaborate with organizations to advance SDG projects. The Community Service Unit, largely student-run with faculty mentorship, spearheads many outreach activities. A notable example was the Ramadan Iftar for Orphans mentioned earlier, where students partnered with Insan Association to plan and host a festive meal for orphaned children [10]. This was more than a charitable act; students coordinated with the NGO on logistics and fundraising, gaining experience in community engagement while brightening the lives of beneficiaries (SDG 1 and 10 on poverty and inequalities). Similarly, the student-led “Wateen Al Maarefa” blood donation drive was organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Health’s blood bank program. During the holy month of Ramadan, Al Maarefa’s student volunteers set up donation stations on campus and in the local mall, ultimately collecting hundreds of blood units for hospitals – a life-saving contribution under SDG 3 (good health) achieved through partnership [10]. This initiative was recognized as part of the national Wateen campaign, showcasing how a university’s student energy can support broader public health goals.

Al Maarefa students also engage in joint innovation and entrepreneurship projects with external partners. For example, teams of students have worked with local startups and the Riyadh Chamber’s Youth Business Committee to develop social enterprise ideas. In 2022, Al Maarefa was a partner of the national “Ibda’a” Science and Engineering Fair organized by the Mawhiba Foundation (King Abdulaziz & Companions Foundation for Giftedness) and the Ministry of Education. The university served as a “silver scientific partner” for the Ibda’a 2022 Olympiad, with students and faculty jointly contributing as judges, mentors, and award sponsors for young innovators [15]. Al Maarefa’s participation – for the fifth consecutive year – included presenting a special prize to a winning high school student and offering hands-on workshops at the fair [15]. This long-running collaboration with Mawhiba helps nurture the next generation of scientists and aligns with SDG 4 (quality education) and SDG 9 (innovation). It also provides Al Maarefa students the opportunity to act as mentors, thereby extending the university’s educational mission beyond its own campus.

Volunteerism and Global Citizenship

The culture of volunteerism is strong at Al Maarefa, and often these volunteer activities link with global or national programs. Each year, dozens of medical and nursing students from Al Maarefa volunteer during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca and Madina, partnering with the Ministry of Health to staff clinics and provide first aid to pilgrims. One Al Maarefa medical student, for example, was spotlighted in local media for her Hajj volunteer work, proudly stating that “the objectives of my country’s Vision 2030 inspire my volunteerism” [10]. Such student initiatives, supported by the university, instill a sense of global citizenship and responsibility – critical underpinnings of SDG 17’s partnership mindset.

In conclusion, Al Maarefa University’s faculty and students serve as catalysts for partnership through these joint initiatives. Their passion and collaborative spirit yield projects that solve real problems while strengthening ties with a spectrum of external stakeholders. The university’s support system – including recognition, resources, and formal agreements – ensures that these grassroots partnerships thrive and continue to advance the SDGs at the local and global levels.

Conclusion and Impact

Through the multifaceted efforts detailed above, Al Maarefa University has demonstrated a comprehensive commitment to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. From high-level strategic agreements to on-the-ground volunteer projects, the university consistently works “hand-in-hand” with other universities, government agencies, industry partners, NGOs, and community groups. This collaborative approach not only furthers Al Maarefa’s institutional goals but also amplifies its contribution to all SDGs – recognizing that partnership is the enabling force behind sustainable development.

The impact of these initiatives is evident in both qualitative and quantitative measures. Al Maarefa’s partnerships have led to new educational programs, improved community services, enhanced research outcomes, and policy contributions. They have also earned the university recognition in sustainability rankings. Notably, Al Maarefa was ranked among the top 201–300 universities globally (and 4th in Saudi Arabia) in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, reflecting excellence across the SDGs [1]. This achievement, including a strong performance in SDG 17, underscores how effectively the university’s partnership strategy translates into societal impact [1].

Moving forward, Al Maarefa University is committed to strengthening and expanding its partnership network. Plans include more cross-border educational exchanges, deeper involvement in policy advisory committees, sharing of open-courseware with developing communities, and collaborative research addressing emerging challenges like climate change and post-pandemic recovery. The university will continue to document and monitor these partnerships per THE Impact Rankings guidelines, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement.

In summary, partnership is ingrained in Al Maarefa University’s identity – it “serves as a model for fostering partnerships within the academic sector”, leveraging collective efforts to achieve shared goals [1]. By mobilizing its resources and expertise in concert with others, Al Maarefa is helping revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development, exemplifying the ethos of SDG 17 in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

References