SDG 17: PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS

17.4.1 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?

Values and Responsibility - student volunteer recognition and community service

AlMaarefa University (@AlMaarefa) has long established its commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation in education. At the recent Global CSR Forum, AlMaarefa emphasized its mission that transcends traditional academic pursuits. AlMaarefa University recognizes that true academic impact is achieved not only through the dissemination of knowledge but also through a dedicated commitment to global corporate social responsibility (CSR) [1].

Commitment to Community and Sustainability

AlMaarefa University has made strides to address significant social challenges, integrating them as essential components of its mission. The university prioritizes sustainability and community development in alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), actively contributing to initiatives that enhance environmental, economic, and social well-being.

Supporting Innovation and Inclusion

Through a variety of collaborative partnerships and research programmes, AlMaarefa supports projects aimed at inclusivity and innovation. By aligning with national and international organizations, AlMaarefa is developing platforms to harness technology for societal benefit, a stance highlighted at the forum, demonstrating the university’s drive for a lasting impact on society.

Engaging Future Leaders in CSR

In empowering the next generation of socially responsible leaders, AlMaarefa integrates CSR values into its curriculum, urging students to engage with these principles actively. Events like the Global CSR Forum provide a stage for students and faculty alike to share ideas, fostering a vibrant community on focused ethical leadership and sustainable development.

For AlMaarefa University, this participation marks another step forward in redefining what a university can accomplish when it actively participates in the global CSR movement.

Deanship / Student Affairs

AlMaarefa University, through the Deanship of Admission, Registration and Student Affairs, provides mental-health promotion and counselling services to students and staff. The Deanship documents preventive activities, family counselling sessions, daily duty shifts and a system for referring cases requiring psychiatric intervention to hospitals, demonstrating institutional mechanisms to identify and support individuals in need at no direct cost to students [2].

The Deanship maintains procedures to register students interested in volunteering, to support and supervise student clubs and to coordinate community service activities, providing the institutional mechanism for meaningful SDG-related education and community engagement.

LIFE Initiative

The LIFE Initiative, led by AlMaarefa University’s Social Responsibility Unit, documents a structured outreach programme offering CPR training, airway management workshops and emergency preparedness education to students and community beneficiaries. The programme emphasizes reducing preventable deaths and improving immediate response capacity in local settings [3].

AlMaarefa University’s LIFE Initiative provides first-aid and CPR training modules explicitly tailored for school students and community groups. The program runs hands-on demonstrations and age-adapted lectures directly in schools and community venues, building emergency preparedness and creating formal partnerships with local educational institutions.

The ‘Life initiative’ (Social Responsibility Unit) is documented in a university PDF brochure. It describes sustained community health education campaigns, literacy activities and use of educational technologies to deliver health promotion to the wider community.

Series of nine AI workshops + hackathon with King Salman Center for Disability Research (AI for disability)

AlMaarefa University, in collaboration with the King Salman Center for Disability Research, warmly invites you to join us for a series of nine workshops focused on the applications of Artificial Intelligence for the support and treatment of individuals with various disabilities. This unique event will bring together esteemed global leaders in AI and disability research to explore innovative solutions that can significantly enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities [4].

Objectives

• Explore AI Innovations: Examine current and emerging AI technologies that support and enhance the treatment of disabled individuals.
• Discuss Ethical Considerations: Address the ethical implications and responsibilities associated with using AI in disability support and treatment.
• Share Best Practices: Facilitate the exchange of successful case studies and best practices in implementing AI solutions in disability contexts.
• Collaborate on Future Directions: Identify opportunities for collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and tech developers to advance AI applications in this field.

Who Should Attend?

• Researchers and Academics: Present your latest findings and gain feedback from leading experts.
• Healthcare Professionals: Explore AI-driven solutions for enhancing patient care and support.
• Technology Developers: Discover new opportunities for innovation in assistive technologies.
• Policymakers: Learn about the latest developments and their implications for policy and practice.
• Students and Enthusiasts: Engage with experts and gain insights into the future of AI and disability research.
• Startups: Early-stage companies aiming to disrupt industries through innovative AI solutions for disability support. Gain exposure, explore collaboration opportunities, and connect with investors and potential partners.
• Entrepreneurs: Visionary individuals looking to leverage AI to create impactful products and services for disabled individuals. Join discussions to stay ahead of trends, gather insights, and build connections to drive your business forward.

Seasonal flu vaccination campaign (with Prince Sultan Center)

AlMaarefa organized a seasonal influenza vaccination campaign with Prince Sultan Center that combined service delivery and community education on disease prevention. Students participated in outreach and logistical roles as part of experiential public-health education [5].

As part of its efforts to promote public health, Almaarefa University, in collaboration with the Prince Sultan Center in Diriyah, organized a seasonal flu vaccination campaign. This initiative is in line with the university's ongoing efforts to maintain community health and raise awareness about the importance of disease prevention.

Planting 5.000 trees in royal reserves (environmental volunteering)

On June 18, 2024 AlMaarefa University, in cooperation with partners, planted 5,000 trees in royal reserves as part of environmental education and national green initiatives. The activity combined volunteering, public awareness and experiential learning for students and community volunteers.

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 [6].

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

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 [7].

References