The Office of Sustainability at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has issued its first report, reviewing the university's efforts to achieve the United Nations' sustainable development goals during the period from 2021 to 2022.
The report highlights the main projects, programs and initiatives presented by the university across three main categories: education and research, operations, partnerships and educational outreach.
Highlights of the report include KAUST's participation in many international sustainability networks, research in the fields of climate, water, energy and food, as well as hosting or participating in major events such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2022 (Cop27), the United Nations Ocean Conference, and the G20 summit. , the Future Investment Initiative (FII), the Global Sustainability Forum, and the General Conference of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) of UNESCO.
The report deals with the university's participation in strategic national projects, institutions and companies such as the Red Sea International Company, NEOM, Saudi Aramco, the Saudi Green Initiative, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and the Aeon Society. It also presents many examples that reflect the leadership of « Since its founding, KAUST has been committed to supporting sustainability, such as its LEED Platinum-certified buildings for environmentally friendly buildings, its ambition to zero waste on its campus, and its efforts to develop energy-saving technologies.
The report confirms KAUST's commitment to global sustainability programs, Saudi Vision 2030, and its strategic framework, which aims to consolidate the foundations of sustainability in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by diversifying the economy, protecting ecosystems, enhancing water and food security, and developing the energy sector.
Dr. Ana Margarida Costa, Head of the Sustainability Office at KAUST, said: “KAUST makes outstanding efforts to support sustainability at various levels, and we look forward today to continuing to strengthen these efforts in order to make the desired impact in the Kingdom and the world.”
The university has made great strides in introducing its efforts and projects in the field of sustainability, as it recently issued a statement on its vision for sustainability, and established a website for sustainability on the Internet, in addition to covering news of its participation in international university rankings such as the Times Higher Education ranking of world universities.
The report on the sustainable development goals of KAUST reflects its great ambition to become a regional leader and a role model in the field of sustainability among higher education institutions, which was confirmed by the University President, Professor Tony Chan, in the introduction to the report, who said: “I hope that the projects, initiatives and activities presented in the report will inspire us.” To continue our ambitious journey of sustainability, and to be able to inspire the local, national and international communities to partner with us in developing the solutions we need to thrive together.
Okaz (Thoul) @okaz_online