King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has released a report reviewing its programmes and projects to promote sustainable development locally and globally

The Office of Sustainability at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has released its first report, reviewing the university’s efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals during the period 2021-2022. The report highlights the main projects, programs and initiatives proposed by KAUST across three main categories: Education and Research, Operations, Partnerships and Education Outreach, which include KAUST’s participation in multiple international sustainable development networks, research in the fields of climate, water, energy and food, and hosting or participating in major events such as the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (Cop27), the United Nations Ocean Conference, the G20 Summit, the Future Investment Initiative (FII), the Global Forum on Sustainable Development, the World Congress, the UNESCO Academy of Sciences (TWAS).

The report also discusses the university’s involvement in national strategic projects, institutions and companies, such as Red Sea International, NEOM, Saudi Aramco, Saudi Green Initiatives, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Aeon Communities. It also showcases many examples that reflect KAUST’s leadership in supporting sustainable development since its founding, such as LEED Platinum-certified buildings, the campus’ zero-waste ambition, and efforts to develop energy-efficient technologies.

The report confirms King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’s commitment to the global sustainable development initiative, Saudi Vision 2030, and its strategic framework, which aims to consolidate the foundations of sustainable development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through economic diversification, protecting environmental systems, strengthening water and food security, and developing sustainable strategies for the energy sector.

Dr. Ana Margarida Costa, director of KAUST’s Office of Sustainability, said: “KAUST has made outstanding efforts to support sustainable development at all levels, and today we look forward to continuing to strengthen these efforts in order to have the desired impact in the Kingdom and around the world.”

The university has made great strides in publicizing its efforts and projects in the field of sustainable development. It recently published a statement on its sustainable development vision and set up a sustainable development website on the Internet, in addition to reporting on its participation in international university rankings such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

The KAUST SDG report reflects its ambition to become a regional leader and role model in the field of sustainability in higher education institutions. This was confirmed by the university’s president, Professor Tony F. Chan, during the report’s introduction, saying: “I hope that the projects, initiatives and activities presented (in the report) will inspire us to continue on our ambitious sustainability journey and that we will be able to inspire the local, national and international communities to work with us to develop the solutions needed for shared prosperity.”

You can get a digital copy of the report here .

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KAUST Sustainability Working Group:

The KAUST Sustainability Working Group (SWG) is an alliance of different teams across campus that aims to promote comprehensive collaboration on projects and initiatives that target the university’s sustainability goals. Source: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology