SDG 17.2.5 Collaboration with NGOs and/or businesses to tackle the SDGs

Updated 30/10/2025

17.2.5Majmaah University Partnerships for the SDGs

Student Volunteering Programs

• Volunteering in Hajj and Emergency Services:

Majmaah University encourages students to volunteer in national initiatives. For example, 17 students (with faculty supervisors) joined the Saudi Red Crescent Authority during the Hajj pilgrimage to assist medical teams – taking vital signs, monitoring patients, and even riding in ambulances to aid injured pilgrims mu.edu.sa. In parallel, another 17 students from the university’s Scout (Ranger) Club volunteered to guide lost pilgrims and help organize crowds in coordination with the Saudi Scout Association mu.edu.sa. These efforts, conducted as a national and religious duty, exemplify how the university partners with humanitarian organizations (akin to the Red Cross/Red Crescent and scouting bodies) to serve community needs.

In accordance with the instructions of His Excellency the director of the university: the university' students volunteered for participation in Hajj season this year.

Under the instructions of His Excellency  the director of the university Dr. Khaled bin Saad Al Muqrin, the university participates in Hajj season this year with a number of students for participating in hajjis service as a national and religious duty. The students number was 17 student with 2 supervisors from the College of Applied Medical Sciences who joined Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Mina.  They are distributed to different periods of work as they participate during their work members of Saudi Red Crescent Authority in taking vital signs and other patient observations and accompanying ambulances for providing aid to injured people as the case may need. Also, the deanery of students affairs in the university participates with 17 distinguished rangers from the university rangers group. They will perform the duties of guiding and directing the lost hajjis and contributing in the organization. Several courses held for them before going to Mecca such as, survey and guidance course and first aid course. The deanery of students affairs cared about providing all rangers' needs. It provided them with travel orders, air reservations, transportation from and to airport. Also, rangers were accompanied by the deanery deputy Mr.  Khaled Al Afisan who considered one of the competences in Saudi Scout and nominated by the Saudi Scout Association to be one of the leaders in public service camps for hajj this year. He , in turn, said that this participation is considered to be the first one for the university scout which provides a chance to serve hajjis, gaining experience and contacting the past rangers and scouts from other sectors. He thanked His Excellency the director of the university for his follow up and for possibilities provided to scout authority. He thanked University deputy for his uninterrupted encouragement for participation scouts in all their activities, camps and trips. He wished success for all participators from Al Majmaah University in ritual of hajj this year, for serving Islam and the Kingdom and performing the instructions of wise leadership.

• Community and NGO Engagement:

The university also collaborates with local NGOs and government agencies for community service programs. Students and staff participate in events like World Civil Defense Day, where they host safety awareness lectures in partnership with the Saudi Civil Defense Department mu.edu.sa. Likewise, the College of Education’s Community Service Unit runs outreach initiatives with organizations such as the Insan Association (a local charity for orphans) – organizing educational and recreational programs for children – and with rehabilitation centers to support people with special needs mu.edu.sa. These volunteering programmes strengthen ties with the community and NGOs, allowing students to contribute through training workshops, awareness campaigns, and direct service.

Participation of College of Science and Humanities in World Civil Defense Day Activities

The College of Science and Humanities, represented by the Student Activities Unit, has participated in the activities held on the occasion of the World Civil Defense Day Activities. An awareness lecture was given by the Major Mazyed Al-Subaye, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Civil Defense to highlight the responsibilities of civil defense. A detail presentation with pictures was shown on some of safety means at home and workplace along with a number of rescues mission carried out by the General Directorate of Civil Defense.

Community Service Week Initiative

The College of Education in Majmaah, represented the Community Service Unit at the Vice-Dean’s Office for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, conducted, in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Community Service, a one-week initiative for serving the community entitled “ Education College is serving the Community”.

Several programs, courses and educational and entertaining workshops were organized during the initiative in coordination with the different sectors.

1. A Training Course entitled “ Time Management” presented by Dr. Abdelaziz Al-Twaijri at training hall of Civil Defense, Majmaah. 20 trainees attended the course

2. A Training Course entitled “ How to be positive” presented by Dr. Musa’ad Al-Harbi at training hall of Prison Department, Majmaah. 25 trainees attended the course.

3. A number of training courses entitled “ Art of decoration” , “ Fashion Design”, Success Makers” and “ Training Field Education Teachers”

4. A recreational and educational program was organized at Insan Association in Majmaah. The program – attended by 24 kids – includes two symposiums : “Planting and Giving”, presented by Dr. Iman Mahmoud and “ Dedication is a path for Success”, presented by Ms. Heyam Hammad.

5. Two sessions were organized Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center in Majmaah. The sessions – attended by 73 staff of the Center – were “How to deal with kids with special needs” and “ How workers can deal with kids with special needs”, both presented by Dr. Nouf Al-Mutairi.

Another recreational program was held by both Dr. Maha Ahmed and Ms. Maha Aqeel.

Research Programs

• Industry Partnerships for Sustainability Research:

Majmaah University collaborates with businesses to advance sustainability-focused research. Notably, it signed a strategic agreement with BAE Systems (Saudi Arabia) to establish a “Sustainability Laboratory” at the university’s Engineering Research and Applied Sciences Centermu.edu.sa. This state-of-the-art lab is equipped for student and faculty research projects in engineering, science, and IT, targeting key sustainability challenges. The BAE Systems partnership creates opportunities for students and researchers to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and the UN SDGsmu.edu.sa. Such collaboration demonstrates how the university works with industry to bring real-world resources and expertise to campus for SDG-related research.

MU SIGNS STRATEGIC AGREEMENT WITH BAE SYSTEMS

MU signed an agreement with the Saudi company (BAE SYSTEMS) to set up a laboratory for sustainability at the Engineering Research and Applied Sciences Center. This agreement aims to equip this lab with state-of-the-art tech and tools needed for research projects for students of engineering, science, information technology, and computers. The lab is well-designed to account for the main challenges in the field of sustainability, allowing students to conduct experiments and research.

Prof. Mohammed Al-Aboudi, the vice-rector for educational affairs, extended his thanks to (BAE SYSTEMS) for establishing the Sustainability Laboratory, pointing out that this partnership will create opportunities for students and researchers to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future to achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Prof. Mohammed Al-Shehri, the vice-rector for postgraduate studies and scientific research commended the support provided by both BAE Systems and MU's rector for scientific research and the research and innovation system.

Mr. Steve Claughton, CEO of BAE SYSTEMS, Saudi Arabia, said: “We are proud to form a partnership with Majmaah University. The Sustainability Laboratory will provide the tools and knowledge that students and researchers may need to become future leaders in this field of sustainability. This investment also enhances our commitment to community to achieve the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which seeks to unify the programs of environmental protection, energy transformation, offset emissions, and maximizing the use of clean energy.”

• Collaborative Environmental Research Initiatives:

The university also partners with governmental and non-profit organizations on sustainability research. For example, Majmaah University works with national environmental agencies like the National Center for Vegetation Cover and the National Center for Wildlife to support research and initiatives under SDG 15 (Life on Land) mu.edu.sa. Through these collaborations, university researchers engage in studies on desert ecosystem conservation, biodiversity protection, reforestation, and land restoration that contribute to broader national sustainability efforts mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. By teaming up with specialized environmental organizations and NGOs, Majmaah leverages cross-sector expertise to tackle issues such as desertification and wildlife preservation in Saudi Arabia.

Development of Educational Resources

• SDG-Focused Academic Programs and Certifications:

In line with the UN SDGs, Majmaah University co-develops high-impact educational programs with international partners. A prime example is the UNITAR–UNESCO “LEAP-FAST” Certificate Programme (Leaders in Higher Education Alliance for Accelerating Sustainability Transformations), which the university helped launch through its Saudi CIFAL Center. This program brought together a distinguished group of academic leaders and experts from universities worldwide, and is aimed at embedding sustainability principles into higher education leadership mu.edu.sa. The multi-module course (run over three months) included virtual training, mentoring, and an in-person international workshop hosted at Majmaah University in April 2025 mu.edu.sa. By partnering with UN agencies (UNITAR and UNESCO), Majmaah co-created curriculum and learning materials to equip higher-education leaders with skills to integrate the SDGs into teaching and research mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. This illustrates the university’s role in developing educational resources that promote sustainability on a global scale.

LEAP-FAST: Higher Education Leadership Program to Accelerate Transformations for Sustainability

As part of its commitment to leading sustainable transformation in the higher education sector, Majmaah University, through the Saudi CIFAL Center, launched the LEAP-FAST Program in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and UNESCO. The program brought together a distinguished group of academic leaders and experts from universities around the world. LEAP-FAST is a first-of-its-kind international initiative aimed at accelerating institutional transformation toward sustainability in higher education. It focuses on developing leadership capacity, embedding sustainability principles into academic programs, policies, and administrative structures. The program ran over three months and included five intensive training modules combining self-paced learning, virtual workshops, professional mentoring, and in-person sessions—most notably, the main international workshop hosted at Majmaah University on April 17, 2025. The program aimed to equip academic and higher education leaders with the skills to lead change and effectively integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 into their teaching and research efforts. It also fostered the creation of a global leadership network committed to advancing transformational education. This initiative reflects Majmaah University’s dedication to realizing Saudi Vision 2030 and reinforces its role as a pioneering educational institution contributing to a more sustainable and distinguished future—both nationally and globally.

• Digital Platforms and Learning Tools for SDGs:

Majmaah University has also developed innovative platforms to promote and track sustainability education. Through the CIFAL Saudi Center, the university built a comprehensive SDGs Contribution Platform – a digital tool to showcase and monitor the university’s progress on sustainable development initiatives mu.edu.sa. The platform aligns campus projects and community activities with specific SDG indicators and offers interactive dashboards and data analytics for stakeholders to visualize performance mu.edu.sa. It also houses a digital library of sustainability reports, events, and research, effectively serving as a learning resource and transparency tool for SDG-related efforts mu.edu.sa. This home-grown platform underscores Majmaah University’s commitment to educational innovation by providing a model for sustainability governance and knowledge-sharing in higher education.

Supporting the Development of a University Contribution Platform to Advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030

As part of its efforts to promote institutional transparency and document the developmental impact of its initiatives, Majmaah University, through the Saudi CIFAL Center, has developed a comprehensive digital platform dedicated to showcasing the university’s contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. This platform serves as a strategic tool to highlight the university’s educational, research, and community efforts related to sustainability. It provides both internal and external stakeholders with interactive and visual access to the university’s progress and achievements. Key features of the platform include: Direct alignment of university initiatives with SDG indicators, following internationally recognized UN frameworks. Interactive dashboards and data analytics to track performance and monitor progress in implementing sustainability initiatives. A digital library of sustainability-related practices and activities, including reports, events, and academic research. Enhanced institutional integration by enabling various colleges and departments to document and track their contributions. This platform represents a milestone in the university’s digital transformation journey and reflects its strong commitment to supporting the global sustainability agenda. It also offers a model of sustainability governance for higher education institutions at both the national and international levels.

International Collaboration

• Participation in Global Sustainability Conferences:

Majmaah University actively engages in international forums to address sustainability challenges alongside NGOs, businesses, and academic peers. For instance, the university’s Saudi CIFAL Center highlighted its commitment to sustainability at the Qatar Social Responsibility Conference & Exhibition 2024, an international platform that convened industry leaders and academics. During this event, the Majmaah delegation not only showcased its initiatives integrating economic, social, and environmental goals, but also held meetings with representatives of organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNESCO to explore new cooperation opportunities. Such participation strengthens the university’s global partnerships and exchange of best practices in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.

• Contributing to United Nations SDG Forums:

The university is a recognized participant in UN-led higher education sustainability dialogues. In 2024, Majmaah University took part in the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) Forum held as a special event within the UN High-Level Political Forum. The Vice-Rector for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research represented the university as a speaker, joining high-level representatives from international organizations and governments. This forum, themed “The Future of Higher Education for Sustainable Development,” facilitated discussions on how education, innovation, and technology (e.g. AI) can accelerate progress toward the SDGs. Majmaah’s involvement – alongside over 10 countries’ university leaders and UN officials – underlines its role in global policy dialogue and its commitment to transforming higher education for sustainability.

• Hosting and Networking in International Initiatives:

Majmaah University not only attends global events but also hosts and leads international collaborations on sustainability. It is home to CIFAL Saudi Arabia, part of UNITAR’s global network of training centers, which enables the university to convene international experts and programs. For example, Majmaah University hosted the inaugural co-creation workshop of the UNITAR-UNESCO LEAP-FAST programme in 2025, bringing together professors and professionals from across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas to jointly design sustainability education strategies pm4ngos.org. Furthermore, the university organized an international conference titled “Universities and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030: Targets and Practices,” focusing on the role of higher education in achieving the SDGs. This conference fostered dialogue on topics ranging from development policy to university partnerships, emphasizing the exchange of innovative ideas and joint commitment to the 2030 Agenda. By actively networking with global institutions and hosting such events, Majmaah University amplifies its impact on sustainability education and strengthens partnerships worldwide.

Majmaah University Promoting PM4NGOs Globally

Over the past few days, I’ve had the privilege of attending the co-creation workshop of the UNITAR-UNESCO LEAP-FAST Certificate Programme (Leaders in Higher Education Alliance and Programme – For Accelerating Sustainability Transformations), hosted by Majmaah University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This learning journey has been inspiring, rich in knowledge exchange, and deeply rooted in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary co-creation. I’ve had the honor of working alongside professors and professionals from universities in Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, the Philippines, Qatar, Senegal, South Asia, and Turkey.

As we approach the final of the co-creation workshop, it is nearly impossible to summarize all that I’ve learned. However, one moment I would like to highlight is today’s powerful presentation by Dr. Faisal bin Farag Almutairi, who led the SDGs Programme (now CIFAL Saudi Arabia) and who also serves as the PM4NGOs Champion for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In his presentation, Dr. Faisal offered a compelling metaphor:

As we move forward with sustainability initiatives, we must navigate both headwinds and tailwinds.

Headwinds push against us, slow us down, and challenge our progress – but with collective strength and perseverance, we can overcome them.

Tailwinds, on the other hand, propel us forward – but without direction and guidance, they can easily lead us astray. That’s where the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) come in: a compass to align our work and keep us on course.

I leave this workshop with that image firmly in my mind – not only thinking about how we can further embed the SDGs into PM4NGOs’ work, best practices, and projects – but also reflecting on the importance of recognizing the winds we face. We must overcome those that hold us back while ensuring we are guided wisely when momentum is on our side.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Majmaah University and Dr. Faisal Almutairi for the generous invitation and for this transformative opportunity. It has been a remarkable learning experience and a meaningful step forward in connecting PM4NGOs with universities and sustainability leaders across the globe.