KAUST will host the Times Higher Education Global Sustainable Development Congress from May 30 to June 1, 2023, the first event of its kind in Saudi Arabia. Over 1,000 leaders will discuss solutions to the sustainability crisis, focusing on actions universities can take to meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The event will feature panels and workshops across four tracks: health, energy, environment, and cities. Why it matters: This event highlights the growing importance of sustainability initiatives in Saudi Arabia and the role of universities like KAUST in addressing global challenges.
The Times Higher Education Global Sustainable Development Congress was held at KAUST from May 29 to June 1, gathering 1,385 delegates from 538 organizations including 267 universities. Speakers discussed how society can meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with Saudi Vision 2030 placing sustainability at the heart of national policies aiming for net zero by 2060. Minister of Investment H.E. Khalid Al-Falih emphasized the opportunity for collaboration between the Kingdom and international partners. Why it matters: The congress highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to sustainability and KAUST's role as a regional hub for sustainable development initiatives.
KAUST released its first report on the University’s progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals, covering the period from 2021 to 2022. The report highlights KAUST’s involvement in international sustainability networks, research on climate solutions, and engagement with strategic national projects. KAUST is committed to the global sustainability agenda and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 through ecosystem protection, water, energy, food security, and economic diversification. Why it matters: This report signals KAUST's increasing role in advancing Saudi Arabia's sustainability goals and aligns its research with global environmental priorities.
KAUST will host its inaugural Future Forum in Riyadh on February 12-13, 2024, showcasing 15 years of KAUST's research and innovation. The forum aims to unite government, industry, investors, and academia, featuring panel discussions and an interactive exhibition with 47 speakers. The event will highlight KAUST's alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) agenda, which seeks to increase RDI investment to 2.5% of GDP. Why it matters: This forum signals KAUST's strategic pivot towards directly supporting Saudi Arabia's national development goals, potentially influencing the direction of AI research and funding in the Kingdom.
KAUST participated in the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, showcasing its sustainability innovations. KAUST and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) announced the launch of a new international water-research center to be headquartered at KAUST. KAUST also entered a SAR100 million agreement with the National Center for Palm and Dates (NCPD) for date-palm sector research. Why it matters: These initiatives highlight KAUST's commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s data-driven “green” efforts beyond 2030 and addressing critical environmental issues.