17.3: Reporting on sdgs

Since the SDGs have a strong relevance to universities and the tertiary and academic sectors more broadly, so education, research, innovation and leadership will be essential in helping societies address these challenges. It should be noted here that the contribution of universities to the SDGs is much broader, as they can support the implementation of every one of the SDGs as well as the implementation of the SDG framework itself.

In this sense, and due to its broad remit around the creation and dissemination of knowledge and its unique position within the Saudi society, KAU has a critical role to play in the achievement of the SDGs and consequently aligned its strategy, internal policies and governance to embrace and implement the SDGs with the collaboration of the Saudi government and NGOs.

KAU has started this journey by aligning existing activities to SDGs, identifying pain areas & weaknesses, developing/updating policies and strategies to empower SDGs, and maintain a close follow up on this overall process for the sake of continuous improvement.

As a result, KAU has established the “Strategic Center for Achieving the Kingdom's Vision” with the following list of goals:

• Contribute to achieving the Kingdom's vision and its programs within the university.

• Upgrade the performance of university employees to reach excellence in implementing the programs initiatives that achieve the Kingdom's vision.

• Provide data and information related to the Kingdom's vision and strategic planning to support senior management decisions and university sectors, according to jurisdiction.

• Work on building the self-capabilities of the university’s employees in the field of the Kingdom’s vision, national transformation programs and various strategic planning fields.

• Adopt the scientific methodology in planning and strategic management as a means for all fields and sectors of work at the university.

• Collect data and information related to the center's competences, its tasks and assignments, as well as documenting, analyzing, processing and preserving that data and information.

• Prepare forward-looking studies, following up on developments and challenges in the university's fields of work and interests and submitting the necessary suggestions to them.

• Contribute to spreading and educating the university community about the Kingdom's vision, the programs emanating from it and the university's strategic plans, which contribute to activating the positive university participation and contribution at all levels and sectors.

KAU has further shown its commitment to the SDGs' implementation internally and towards other higher education institutions, within its national community or within the global community, by signing the SDG Accord which has 2 purposes:

1. to inspire, celebrate and advance the critical role that education has in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the value it brings to governments, business and wider society.

2.  to be a commitment learning institutions are making to one another to do more to deliver the goals, to annually report on each signatory's progress, and to do so in ways which share the learning with each other both nationally and internationally. An objective is that sector SDG reporting metrics will be presented at the annual UN High Level Political Forum.  

17.3.1: Reporting on SDG1: No Poverty

Sustainability Development Goal 1, No Poverty, seeks to end poverty, in all its forms, everywhere.

KAU is doing its best to fulfill this goal by helping poor students from the Kingdom as well as international students, to have a lifelong learning opportunities, high quality education, and the needed financial support to achieve this.

All the data that is related to SDG1 “No Poverty” is openly available and can be fetched from the SDG1 Annual Report.

17.3.2: Reporting on SDG2: Zero Hunger

KAU, and as part of its social responsibility, is taking the needed measures to fight hunger through conducting research in agricultural topics, providing the farmers and food producers with the needed information and knowledge, as well as the needed access to facilities and tools that they may need to fulfill food production.

All the data that is related to SDG2 “Zero Hunger” is openly available and can be fetched from the SDG2 Annual Report.

17.3.3: Reporting on SDG3: Good Health and Well-Being

KAU has a well defined policy for health and wellbeing that is accessible to students, staff and faculty. The aim of the policy is to provide a hospitable and safe working environment at all times. KAU has introduced a set of procedures and practices for identifying and removing safety risks and hazards that could endanger staff and students and improving the overall health and wellbeing by encouraging healthy practices in the workforce.

All the data that is related to SDG3 “Good Health & Wellbeing” is openly available and can be fetched from the SDG3 Annual Report.

17.3.4: Reporting on SDG4: Quality Education

KAU plays a very active role in the city and the wider region by providing high quality teaching and research, with real world impact, to shape higher education and research policy for the benefit of its students, businesses and civic partners. KAU’s main goals are to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all and reduce inequality within and among countries.

KAU was established to provide intellectual, social and cultural opportunities to the population of Saudi Arabia. It believes in the need to ensure access to quality education by both traditional and nontraditional means, including virtual education and the use of information and communications technologies. The university offers free housing to students, diverse educational choices for local communities and a wide range of options to make education more accessible. For the University education must be inclusive and interdisciplinary, while respecting local needs and customs.

All the data that is related to SDG4 “Quality Education” is openly available and can be fetched through the SDG4 Annual Report.

17.3.5: Reporting on SDG5: Gender Equality

For the sake of promoting and supporting gender equality, KAU has been undergoing a set of procedures and published policies that would be aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 which highly focuses on enhancing the role of Saudi women in the different aspects of the society. Some of KAU’s strategic points in terms of gender equality are:

• Implementing workplace gender equity strategies, including those for improving the representation of women in university leadership positions and senior academic roles.

• Working to close the gender pay gap.

• Providing childcare on campus and promoting workplace flexibility.

• Participating in national campaigns for preventing violence against women and committing to report on the number of sexual assaults that have taken place at the institution.

All the data that is related to SDG5 “Gender Equality” is openly available and can be fetched from the SDG5 Annual Report.

17.3.6: Reporting on SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Without water we can’t live. Water supports out agriculture and aquaculture. Clean water is vital. However, due to bad economics or poor infrastructure, millions of people including children die every year from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene. SDG6's goal is to ensure access to water and sanitation for all.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of sanitation, hygiene and adequate access to clean water for preventing and containing diseases. According to the World Health Organization, handwashing is one of the most effective actions you can take to reduce the spread of pathogens and prevent infections, including the COVID-19 virus. Yet billions of people still lack safe water sanitation, and funding is inadequate.

All the data that is related to SDG6 “Clean Water and Sanitation” is openly available and can be fetched from the SDG6 Annual Report.

17.3.7: Reporting on SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy

After water and food, energy is one of the key enablers of human life. Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity the world faces today and access to energy for all is essential. But energy needs to be available and affordable to all to allow future development, and it needs to be clean in order to ensure that the development can be sustainable.

Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity the world faces today, including poverty eradication, gender equality, adaptation to climate change, food security, health, education, sustainable cities, jobs and transport. 

Lack of access to energy may hamper efforts to contain COVID-19 across many parts of the world. Energy services are key to preventing disease and fighting pandemics – from powering healthcare facilities and supplying clean water for essential hygiene, to enabling communications and IT services that connect people while maintaining social distancing.

All the data that is related to SDG7 “Affordable and Clean Energy” is openly available and can be fetched from the SDG7 Annual Report.

17.3.8: Reporting on SDG8: Decent Work & Economic Growth

KAU has drawn up a strategic plan and laid out a long-term vision to develop science, technology and innovation in the Kingdom, in order to provide a blue-print for the transformation of the country’s economy from one dependent on natural resources to one that is knowledge-based. This strategic goal is part of KAU’s strategy plan and it is in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 which gives noticeable attention and importance to the diversification of the Saudi economy for a better sustainability.

The Business Incubators and Accelerators, which highlight the efforts of KAU to support innovation and invention, accelerate and grow emerging technical businesses in KAU.

• Aligning employment, training and regulation policies to be consistent with commitments to equity and access strategies and targets.

• Providing appropriately positioned and supported scholarship and financial assistance schemes for students in need.

• Supporting creativity and innovation through a culture of acceptable risk-taking, providing the appropriate space and process for ideas to flourish.

• Monitoring employment outcomes and academic workload management.

• Implementing socially and environmentally responsible procurement policies and procedures, affecting up and down the supply chain.

• Critically querying the role of economic growth.

All the data that is related to SDG8 “Decent Work & Economic Growth” is openly available and can be fetched from the SDG8 Annual Report.

17.3.9: Reporting on SDG9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure

KAU is continuously taking several initiatives related to the operation and maintenance of infrastructure projects in partnership with the government, and NGOs. Other initiatives also seek to strengthen the “Knowledge Economy”, support innovative ideas and startups, and strengthen the research process for the sake of supporting this SDG.

Here is a brief list of events and actions that are related to SDG9 and which are detailed in the SDG9 related reports:

1. Enhance scientific research.

2. Upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors.

3. KAU has a set of centers and units to follow SDG9 related aspects and assure KAU’s alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

4. Encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development and public and private research and development spending.

5. Support domestic technology development, research and innovation to support industrial diversification.

All the data that is related to SDG9 “Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure” is openly available and can be fetched from the SDG9 Annual Report.

17.3.10: Reporting on SDG10: Reduced Inequalities

KAU has introduced a set of procedures and practices for identifying and removing inequalities on campus.

In this sense, KAU has defined the different forms of inequalities, discrimination, and harassment as well as the measures that would support the reduction of inequalities.

During the admission process, any underrepresented type of any person applying to study or work at KAU receives a special treatment and follows the instructions defined in the University’s related policies. KAU, in this aspect, continuously work on:

• Instituting an equity agenda and plan that commits to equal opportunity and reduced inequalities in all processes and activities.

• Committing to the elimination of discrimination across the university by ensuring the diversity of the population has the opportunity to be represented and have a voice in the decision-making process.

• Providing a supportive, inclusive and safe working and learning environment for people from financially and socially disadvantaged, backgrounds, people from rural and regional areas, people with disabilities, women in the workplace, people of diverse genders and sexualities and people from diverse cultural and faith communities.

All the data that is related to SDG10, “Reduced Inequalities”, is openly available and can be fetched from the SDG10 Annual Report.

17.3.11: Reporting on SDG11: Sustainable Cities & Communities

Over the past few years, urbanization has been growing rapidly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in major cities, as a result of the country's marked demographic, economic and social growth. With a total number of 285 cities, several modern urban challenges have emerged. In this sense, KAU seeks to achieve sustainable urbanization within its premises and to support the country's urban strategy aimed at attaining balanced development. In terms of objectives and results, KAU’s strategic plans are closely tied to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, for the sake of:

• Scaling up and delivering sustainable solutions to global challenges developed by the university for the wider community and industry.

• Providing safe and affordable on-campus and/or university supported housing.

• Allowing campus facilities to encourage the use of green space by local community members.

• Committing to ensure the campus always remains safe, green, and provides accessibility for all levels of mobility.

• Implementing best practice pollution control (including air) and waste management processes and policies.

• Working with local and state government to advocate for greater access to and provision of sustainable transport systems including public transport and bike paths.

All the data that is related to SDG11 “Sustainable Cities & Communities” is openly available and can be fetched from the SDG11 Annual Report.

17.3.12: Reporting on SDG12: Responsible Consumption & Production

In recent decades, Saudi Arabia has experienced a boom in the industrial and agricultural sectors, coupled with rapid population increase and urban growth. Such pace of growth in population and number of urban centers poses serious challenges at many levels, particularly with regard to waste management. The process of waste management, recycling, re-use, energy recovery and circular economy are important elements of the Kingdom’s approach to conservation of natural resources, creation of job opportunities, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from landfills and conversion of waste to energy. The Saudi Vision 2030 lists 4 strategic objectives that support and are in alignment with, SDG 12. These are:

• Reduce all types of pollution (e.g. air, sound, water, soil).

• Safeguard the environment from natural threats (e.g. desertification).

• Improve the urban scene in Saudi cities.

• Protect and rehabilitate natural landscapes.

KAU’s strategic plans are closely tied to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, for the sake of achieving the above goals. In this regard, KAU has been:

• Focusing on the promotion of sustainable consumption and production patterns by trying to produce and consume less.

• Investing in research and innovations around sustainable management of natural resources, reduction in food waste, and increase in recycling.

• Managing and safe disposal of healthcare waste through sustainably environmental techniques.

• Applying integrated strategic measures to improve management of all types of waste on campus.

All the data that is related to SDG12 “Responsible Consumption & Production” is openly available and can be fetched from the SDG12 Annual Report.

17.3.13: Reporting on SDG13: Climate Change

Climate change is a major global challenge in the 21st century that has far reaching impacts over the longer term on ecosystems on earth. As such, climate change calls for concerted international efforts to reduce all occurrences that might affect the climate, in order to preserve sustainable nature. For the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, climate change is of great concern several measures have been taken by the Kingdom to reduce causes of climate change. The Kingdom has adopted a number of measures that address both causes and impacts of climate change. Vision 2030 prioritizes climate change and outlines several initiatives and policies related to it.

Here is a brief list of events and actions that are related to SDG13 and which are detailed in the SDG13 related reports:

1. KAU applies, within its premises, several actions & procedures that tackle climate change issues.

2. KAU has a set of centers and units to follow SDG13 related aspects and assure KAU’s alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 related to climate change.

3. KAU engages in international conferences and research, with well-known international universities and research centers that are related to “Climate Change”.

4. KAU publishes and applies climate change related policies within its premises.

All the data that is related to SDG13 “Climate Change” is openly available and can be fetched from the SDG13 Annual Report.

17.3.14: Reporting on SDG14: Life Below Water

Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea. 

Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future. However, at the current time, there is a continuous deterioration of coastal waters owing to pollution, and ocean acidification is having an adversarial effect on the functioning of ecosystems and biodiversity. This is also negatively impacting small scale fisheries. 

Sustainability Development Goal 14, Life Below Water, seeks to conserve and sustainably use the world’s ocean, seas and marine resources.

Here is a brief list of events and actions that are related to "Life Below Water" and which are detailed in the SDG14's related reports:

1. Preventing and reducing marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.

2. Managing and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, and taking actions for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.

3. Minimizing the impacts of ocean acidification, through enhanced local and international scientific cooperation.

4. Helping in regulating harvesting as well as trying to end overfishing, illegal, and destructive fishing practices, while implement scientific management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible and empower their sustainability.

5. Increasing scientific knowledge, developing research capacity and transferring marine technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity.

All the data that is related to SDG14 “Life Below Water” is openly available and can be fetched from the SDG14 Annual Report.

17.3.15: Reporting on SDG15: Life on Land

Nature is critical to our survival: nature provides us with our oxygen, regulates our weather patterns, pollinates our crops, produces our food, feed and fiber. But it is under increasing stress. Human activity has altered almost 75 per cent of the earth’s surface, squeezing wildlife and nature into an ever-smaller corner of the planet.

Deforestation and desertification – caused by human activities and climate change – pose major challenges to sustainable development and have affected the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. Forests are vitally important for sustaining life on Earth, and play a major role in the fight against climate change. And investing in land restoration is critical for improving livelihoods, reducing vulnerabilities, and reducing risks for the economy.

Sustainability Development Goal 15, Life On Land, seeks to Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.

Some things we can do to help include recycling, eating local that is sustainably sourced, and consuming only what we need. Well managed protected areas support healthy ecosystems, which helps keep people healthy. Hence, it is critical to involvement of the local communities and university stakeholders, in the development and management of these protected areas.

All the data that is related to SDG15 “Life On Land” is openly available and can be fetched from the SDG15 Annual Report.

17.3.16: Reporting on SDG16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions

KAU has tackled the different aspects related to SDG16 which are available and accessible to all students, staff, visitors and faculty. Actions & procedures that KAU is striving on implementing to deploy SDG16’s goals within KAU are:

• Developing policies, procedures and plans to ensure the campus is safe for all staff, students and visitors.

• Ensuring that procurement policies and procedures clearly indicate an intolerance to working with any companies known or found to be involved in exploitation of people.

• Ensuring that investment policies preclude investment in industry that deals in arms, human trafficking and/or modern slavery.

• Ensuring that the policies and culture of the institution clearly indicate that bribery, corruption, violence, crime and acts of terrorism is unacceptable.

• Organizing cross-cultural activities on campus.

• Ensuring that all staff and students have access to information about their rights & obligations.

• Involving staff, students and key stakeholders in university governance decisions.

All the data that is related to SDG16 “Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions” is openly available and can be fetched through the SDG16 Annual Report.

17.3.17: Reporting on SDG17: Partnerships for the Goal

Here is a brief list of events and actions that are related to SDG17 and which are detailed in the SDG17 related reports:

1. KAU is involved in internal discussions and continuous alignment with the government in the Kingdom, specifically, the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which is built around the SDGs, for the sake of supporting the Vision 2030 as well as recommend enhancements where and when necessary.

2. KAU organizes and participates in conferences and dialogues, that are related to the SDGs, with local stakeholders.

3. KAU publishes all data related to each SDG as well as a consolidated report having all SDGs, in an open format and can be also easily accessible on the university's website. 

4. KAU is heavily involved in research about topics that touch on various SDGs.

5. KAU is embedding the SDGs or topics related to the SDGs in its courses for the sake of raising the awareness about SDGs among students and faculty.

All the data that is related to SDG17 “Partnerships for the Goal” is openly available and can be fetched through the SDG17 Annual Report.