SDG 8: DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

SDG 8: DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Al Maarefa University (Saudi Arabia) is committed to Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) – promoting inclusive economic growth, productive employment, and decent work. The university recognizes the importance of SDG 8 and strives to create an equitable work and learning environment that supports diversity, skills development, and economic resilience [1]. This report summarizes key initiatives from 2020 to 2025 that demonstrate Al Maarefa University’s efforts in student employment and internships, career development, entrepreneurship support, faculty/staff training, industry partnerships, and labor rights protections in alignment with SDG 8.

Student Employment and Internship Opportunities

Al Maarefa University provides students with practical work opportunities that enhance their employability. All professional programs include substantial internship training. For example, medical students complete a one-year (12-month) clinical internship after finishing coursework [2] – a hands-on training period that builds clinical experience and prepares graduates for the workforce. Pharmacy students similarly undertake an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience in their final year, comprising 45 working weeks of clinical rotations to build professional skills and leadership abilities [3]. These structured internship programs ensure that students gain on-the-job experience in hospitals, clinics, or industry settings before graduation. In many cases, internships are coordinated with major employers and may include stipends or other support, thereby acting as paid training opportunities for students. Through these on-campus and external internships, the university not only enriches academic learning with practical work but also improves students’ employment prospects by giving them real-world experience in their fields.

In addition to curriculum-based internships, the university engages students in part-time roles and projects that foster employment skills. Students often participate as research or teaching assistants, peer tutors, lab technicians, and in campus event organizations. Such on-campus student employment initiatives allow students to earn income or stipends while developing professional skills in a supportive environment. By balancing academic study with paid work opportunities, Al Maarefa enables students to build resumes and confidence for post-graduation employment. The combination of required internships and optional on-campus jobs reflects the institution’s dedication to “providing decent work opportunities” to its students as they transition into their careers [1].

Career Services and Readiness Programs

Al Maarefa University has established robust career services to prepare students and graduates for successful employment. The Graduates Center (upgraded from a former Graduates Unit in 2023) plays a central role in this effort. The Center offers career guidance, training, and placement support for soon-to-be graduates, helping them take advantage of job opportunities aligned with their specializations [4]. Its mission includes establishing communication channels with alumni and guiding students toward the job market through skill development and mentorship [4]. In practice, this translates into a variety of career-readiness programs: professional development workshops, career counseling sessions, job fairs, and employer networking events.

One flagship initiative is the “Career Success” training course, which is regularly offered to graduating students. For instance, in March 2023 the Student Affairs department (in partnership with a youth leadership foundation) hosted a comprehensive Career Success Workshop for final-year students [5]. This training covered job search strategies, CV writing, and interview skills, among other topics [5]. Participants learned how to craft effective resumes and handle job interviews through interactive exercises and real-world examples. Such workshops, often led by industry professionals or career coaches, equip students with practical know-how for securing employment. Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive – in one session, over 70 students (20 male, 52 female) attended and expressed strong appreciation, even requesting more frequent repetition of the workshop due to its value [5].

In addition to workshops, Al Maarefa’s Career Services organize events like CV-writing clinics, mock interviews, career counseling drop-ins, and annual job fairs. These events bring employers to campus (or virtually, as needed) to recruit graduates and offer internships. The university’s Career Counseling Portal and dedicated staff assist students in career planning and job placement, helping match graduates with openings in healthcare, technology, and other sectors. As a result of these efforts, students gain vital employability skills and confidence. The university has institutionalized these services – for example, the Graduates Center explicitly provides “preparatory and training programs for students expected to graduate, enabling them to benefit from available employment opportunities after graduation” [4]. Overall, Al Maarefa University’s career-readiness programs ensure that graduates are well-prepared to enter the labor market, armed with polished resumes, interview experience, and connections to potential employers.

Fostering Student Entrepreneurship and Innovation

To nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs, Al Maarefa University has launched multiple initiatives encouraging student entrepreneurship and innovation. A dedicated Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship spearheads many of these programs. In 2023, the Center organized an intensive four-day Innovation and Entrepreneurship Camp for students, hosted on campus [6]. This camp featured lectures and hands-on workshops designed to cultivate entrepreneurial mindset and skills among the university’s male and female students. Participants were trained in the fundamentals of launching ventures – from ideation and business model planning to practical skills like project management. National and international expert trainers led the sessions [6], exposing students to global best practices in innovation. According to the Center’s supervisor, Dr. Hamdan Al-Muhammad, the camp and similar events “reflect our commitment to encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship and providing high-level programs in order to graduate qualified competencies capable of employing their skills to develop innovative projects” [6]. The camp’s success is evident in the enthusiasm it generated and the creative projects students developed, aligning with the university’s vision of unleashing student creativity and translating ideas into viable innovations [6].

Beyond training camps, entrepreneurial competitions and forums have become a staple at Al Maarefa. In August 2024, the university concluded a major Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum in the Medical and Pharmaceutical Industries, highlighting startup ideas in health tech [7]. This forum – held in step with Saudi Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals – provided a platform for students and researchers to present health-related innovations and connect with industry mentors. It exemplified how the university empowers entrepreneurs in specialized sectors (like medical industries) to drive sustainable economic growth [7]. Similarly, Al Maarefa hosts hackathons such as the “Maarefa-thon” for health innovation, where teams of students from universities across the Kingdom compete by pitching solutions; Al Maarefa’s students have excelled in these competitions (e.g. winning first place in a national innovation challenge) [7].

Importantly, entrepreneurship is also integrated into the curriculum. In 2023 the university introduced an Entrepreneurship Technology course for College of Applied Sciences students [8]. This course enhances the entrepreneurial skills of students by teaching business startup concepts, goal-setting for new ventures, and teamwork in project execution [8]. The administration decided to add entrepreneurship as an elective subject for all Applied Sciences students and even covers the fees for an International Entrepreneurship License exam for top students, encouraging them to certify their skills [8]. By embedding entrepreneurship in academic programs, Al Maarefa ensures that students receive formal training in innovation and business creation. Combined with extracurricular support like the Innovation Center, startup incubators, and mentorship from faculty entrepreneurs, these efforts contribute to a vibrant campus entrepreneurship ecosystem. By nurturing student startups and innovative projects, Al Maarefa University is helping develop a new generation of job creators and industry innovators, in line with SDG 8’s emphasis on economic productivity and entrepreneurship [6] [7].

Faculty and Staff Professional Development

Al Maarefa University understands that decent work and economic growth begin with its own employees. Thus, it invests in ongoing training and development for faculty and staff to ensure they have fulfilling careers and up-to-date skills. The Human Resources Department serves as the backbone for achieving the university’s strategic goals through talent management [9]. A core responsibility of HR is to “improve administrative efficiency and facilitate training and development for employees” by leveraging modern systems (e.g. a Human Resource Management System) [9]. In practice, the HR department prepares annual training plans for university staff [9], identifying skill gaps and organizing programs to address them. This may include workshops on new teaching technologies, leadership development seminars for administrative staff, research skill training for faculty, and certification courses relevant to various departments.

For example, when the university adopted a new Learning Management System, it held dedicated training workshops for faculty members to ensure effective usage of e-learning tools. A workshop was conducted to train male and female faculty on the Moodle e-learning platform, covering everything from basic use of resources and communication features to advanced topics like online assessments and feedback activities [10]. This proactive training (though initially held earlier, it set a model continued into the 2020s during the rapid shift to online learning) enabled instructors to confidently integrate technology into teaching. Likewise, Al Maarefa regularly arranges faculty development sessions on pedagogical skills, curriculum design, and research supervision. During 2020–2025, many such sessions were moved online (live interactive training) due to the pandemic, ensuring continuous professional growth despite challenges [11].

The university also promotes a culture of knowledge exchange among staff. Senior faculty mentor junior colleagues, and cross-departmental seminars are held for sharing best practices. The HR policies incentivize faculty/staff development through a fair rewards system – recognizing achievements in teaching, research, or training with promotions and benefits [9]. Moreover, Al Maarefa’s commitment to staff development is evidenced by its structured performance evaluations and feedback process, which identify individual development needs and align them with university goals [9]. Training is not a one-off event but a continuous cycle: HR participates in preparing and updating training plans, then evaluates their effectiveness via employee performance improvements. The university also encourages staff to pursue external workshops or higher studies, often providing financial support or leave for such opportunities. By investing in its faculty and staff, Al Maarefa University not only improves the quality of education and services, but also ensures that its employees experience professional growth, job satisfaction, and “decent work” conditions – a direct contribution to SDG 8 targets.

Partnerships for Job Creation and Economic Growth

Al Maarefa University actively collaborates with industry, government, and community partners to spur job creation and economic development in the region. These partnerships bridge academia with real-world economic needs, aligning the university’s programs to labor market demand and creating employment pathways for graduates. One notable collaboration is with the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In early 2023, the Dean of the College of Applied Sciences, Dr. Mazen Al-Qahtani, met with Eng. Mansour Al-Obaid (Chairman of the IT Committee at the Riyadh Chamber) and committee members to discuss strengthening partnerships in the information technology field [12]. They focused on ways to support youth empowerment through training and employment in IT, and on studying the skills needs of the Saudi tech market [12]. This dialogue led to joint initiatives whereby the Chamber provides industry input to curriculum updates, offers internship placements at local tech companies, and co-hosts job fairs for IT students. By working with the Chamber of Commerce, Al Maarefa ensures its IT and computer science graduates have the competencies local employers seek, directly linking education to job creation.

Another high-impact partnership was formalized with the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA), the nation’s financial regulatory body. In October 2025, Al Maarefa University signed a cooperation agreement with the CMA aimed at enhancing collaboration in research, digital transformation, and innovation in financial technologies [13]. This strategic partnership includes joint initiatives in fintech, support for collaborative research projects, and the organization of workshops and events that facilitate knowledge exchange between academics and financial industry experts [13]. The University’s President, Prof. Abdulrahman Al-Sugair, noted that this partnership “extends the university’s role in supporting national efforts to empower Saudi talents and strengthen integration between the academic sector and regulatory bodies”, contributing to developing an advanced financial and technological environment aligned with Vision 2030 [13]. In practice, the collaboration with CMA opens up new opportunities for students and faculty: special training programs on financial regulations and innovations, internship and employment pipelines for graduates into the financial sector, and research funding for projects that can drive economic modernization. These outcomes all foster economic growth and high-value job creation.

Al Maarefa has also signed MoUs with various government agencies and organizations to promote community development and entrepreneurship. For example, it partnered with local development charities (such as the Imam Mohammad bin Saud Charity in Diriyah) to collaborate on volunteer, health, education, and training programs that serve the community and build students’ skills [14]. The university’s emphasis on partnership is evident in many initiatives: from hosting, Al Maarefa University leverages external expertise and resources to expand opportunities for its students and contribute to the broader economy. Each partnership is aligned with the goal of creating decent jobs, improving workforce skills, and supporting sustainable economic development in Saudi Arabia – illustrating the university’s role as an anchor institution for SDG 8 at the local and national level [12] [13].

Ensuring Decent Working Conditions and Labor Rights

A cornerstone of Al Maarefa University’s commitment to SDG 8 is its dedication to protecting labor rights and providing decent working conditions on campus. The university upholds all applicable national labor laws and has internal policies to ensure fairness, safety, and equity for its workforce. Fair compensation is a fundamental principle – all faculty and staff are paid at or above the official living wage/minimum wage, in accordance with Saudi labor regulations [15]. Salaries are disbursed on time and in full compliance with legal requirements, reflecting the university’s adherence to labor standards. Beyond wages, employees receive comprehensive benefits (health insurance, leave entitlements, etc.), and the HR department maintains a just and rewarding incentive system to recognize performance and increase loyalty [9].

Freedom from discrimination and harassment is guaranteed by Al Maarefa’s policies. The university has a formal Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policy that commits to a diverse workforce and student body, free from bias. In line with international frameworks, “the Equality Act (2010) provides a legal framework to protect people from discrimination, harassment, and victimization in the workplace”, and Al Maarefa abides by these principles [16]. The university explicitly prohibits any form of workplace discrimination (whether based on gender, race, religion, or background) and has zero tolerance for forced labor or exploitation. Its stated policy includes a “commitment to no forced labor, no modern slavery and no human trafficking” in any university operations or supply chains [16]. All employees enjoy equivalent rights and protections, and there are clear rules ensuring equity in pay scales and promotion criteria [16].

To promote gender equality, Al Maarefa University works actively to eliminate gender-based disparities. Women are given equal opportunities in hiring and advancement – the university aims to increase female representation in leadership and faculty roles [1]. Policies like paid maternity leave and flexible scheduling for parents support work-life balance, encouraging women’s continued participation in the workforce [16]. The result is a culture that values diversity and inclusion: “Al Maarefa University prioritizes diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering a culture that respects individual differences including gender and background” [1]. This inclusive approach not only protects employees’ rights but also enhances decision-making through a wide range of perspectives.

The university also ensures safe and healthy working conditions. An Occupational Health and Safety committee, under HR oversight, continuously monitors compliance with safety standards and preventive measures on campus [9]. Employees are provided with necessary safety training (especially in labs or clinical settings), and the campus is maintained as a secure environment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, strict health protocols were implemented to protect staff and students, demonstrating Al Maarefa’s commitment to employee well-being.

Importantly, the institution upholds labor rights such as freedom of association and grievance redressal. While formal labor unions are uncommon in the private education sector in Saudi Arabia, Al Maarefa encourages open dialogue between employees and management. The HR department has an internal complaints and appeals procedure in place: staff are informed of how to lodge complaints or report issues without fear of retribution [16]. These internal mechanisms ensure that if any employee feels their rights are violated or working conditions are substandard, their voice will be heard and addressed. Confidentiality of complaints is safeguarded and the process is structured to resolve issues fairly [16]. This aligns with best practices in labor rights, reinforcing that employees at Al Maarefa have avenues to seek redress and justice. Additionally, the university’s policies protect whistleblowers and those reporting discrimination (per its EDI policy), thereby cultivating a respectful and just workplace.

Through these comprehensive measures – fair pay, non-discrimination, gender equity, health and safety, and grievance mechanisms – Al Maarefa University exemplifies “decent work” in action on its campus. The university’s leadership emphasizes that treating faculty and staff with dignity and providing growth opportunities is not only ethically right but also enhances institutional performance [15]. By championing labor rights and worker well-being internally, Al Maarefa contributes to SDG 8 targets and sets an example for other institutions in the higher education sector.

Conclusion

Over the period 2020–2025, Al Maarefa University has made significant strides in advancing Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) through its policies and programs. From empowering students with employment opportunities, career skills, and entrepreneurial mindsets, to investing in faculty development and forging partnerships that drive job creation, the university integrates SDG 8 into its core mission. It not only prepares its students and graduates to thrive in the job market, but also ensures its own workplace embodies the principles of fairness, equity, and decent work. These concerted efforts have a multiplier effect: graduates enter the economy as skilled professionals or innovators, new enterprises emerge from campus initiatives, and the institution’s collaborations influence wider community growth. Al Maarefa University’s commitment to SDG 8 thus contributes to sustained, inclusive economic growth in Saudi Arabia – developing human capital, supporting entrepreneurship, and upholding labor rights in alignment with the goals of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for Decent Work and Economic Growth [15] [13].

References