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Joint Workshop: Together to Reduce Food Loss and Waste – A National Initiative in Collaboration with Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University

As part of its ongoing efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 2 (Zero Hunger)—Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University participated in a pioneering national initiative titled *“Reducing Food Loss and Waste.”* In collaboration with the university, the Saudi Grains Organization organized a workshop under the theme “Together to Reduce Loss and Waste,” aimed at raising public awareness about food waste and promoting positive behavior related to responsible consumption.

The workshop was held at the university campus and was attended by a number of experts, academics, and students. It highlighted the scale of food loss and waste in the Kingdom, its adverse effects on food and economic security, and the importance of redirecting surplus food to needy populations rather than discarding it. The event encouraged student-led volunteer initiatives that contribute to reducing waste and reallocating resources to support low-income families.

This partnership serves as a powerful example of collaboration between higher education institutions and national agencies and affirms the university’s commitment to supporting national policies related to food security and poverty reduction. It also reflects the university’s environmental and social awareness.

The Charitable Education Fund for Scholarship Students: Promoting Educational Equity at the International Level

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In a move that reflects Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University’s commitment to its global humanitarian role, the university established the *Charitable Educational Fund for Scholarship Students* as a key instrument to empower students from low-income countries to access quality higher education in the Kingdom. The fund was established pursuant to the Council of Ministers Resolution No. 94 dated 29/03/1431 AH, which permits the creation of charitable funds within educational institutions to support scholarship programs.

The fund aims to provide comprehensive financial support for non-Saudi scholarship students, covering admission fees, tuition, housing, monthly stipends, healthcare, and additional educational and social assistance. It is managed through an independent administrative structure that includes a Board of Directors and an Advisory Council, responsible for setting strategic policies and attracting resources from donations, endowments, and bequests.

The fund is a leading model in enabling scholarship students to serve as agents of development in their home countries post-graduation. Its role extends beyond financial aid to include psychological and social support, vocational training, and academic mentoring. Through this initiative, the university has hosted thousands of students from across the Islamic world and provided them with a supportive and equitable academic environment—preparing them to return to their countries equipped with knowledge, skills, and moderate Islamic values to serve as ambassadors of the university and of Saudi Arabia in their communities.

Executive Regulation to Support the Admission of Students from the Lowest 20% of Household Income Groups at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University

The university issued an executive regulation to facilitate the admission of students belonging to the lowest 20% of household income brackets, in accordance with the decision of the Council of University Affairs No. (11/4/1443 AH). This regulation affirms the university’s commitment to promoting equitable access to higher education and supporting social inclusion. It includes direct financial assistance (such as monthly stipends and emergency aid) and in-kind support (such as laptops, learning materials, and subsidized meals). These students are also granted priority access to university housing.

It is worth noting that undergraduate education at the university is entirely free of charge. Additionally, the university has launched tuition-free graduate programs in select disciplines, thereby expanding access to high-quality education without financial barriers. This support is aligned with the university’s strategic objective of empowering and graduating students from the lowest 20% income groups, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling socioeconomic advancement.

This regulation targets students benefiting from social security programs, orphans, and those whose income falls below a defined threshold. Application procedures are supervised by the Deanship of Student Affairs through both online and in-person channels, and applications are reviewed by a specialized committee based on official documentation. Periodic reviews are conducted to ensure continued eligibility, in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the *Takaful* Foundation. Student Rights.

Participation of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in the Forum of Alumni from Saudi Universities in the Balkans​

In collaboration with Umm Al-Qura University and the Islamic University in Madinah, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University co-hosted the first *Forum of Alumni from Saudi Universities in the Balkans*, held in Tirana, Albania, from July 7 to 9, 2025. The forum witnessed broad participation from alumni of Saudi universities residing in the Balkans, as well as academic experts and government officials, including the Saudi Ambassador to Albania, the Director of the Albanian Ministry of Education and Sports, and the university’s senior leadership and faculty.

Objectives and Activities of the Forum:

• Strengthen academic and cultural ties between Saudi alumni and local communities in the Balkans.
• Showcase Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University’s experience in attracting international students and exchanging academic expertise, including through sessions led by the Vice President for Educational Affairs, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al-Asmar.
• Promote Saudi and Islamic values such as moderation, tolerance, and charitable work, empowering alumni to serve as cultural ambassadors in their regions.
• Advocate for greater international cooperation and the building of educational and cultural bridges between the Kingdom and Balkan countries.

Significance of the Event:

• This was the first forum of its kind in the Balkans and the tenth globally.
• It demonstrated the university’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s national transformation agenda, particularly in advancing the international dimension of Saudi higher education in line with Vision 2030.

Student Employment Program at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University

The student employment program at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University is designed to achieve a set of integrated objectives that combine social, educational, and professional dimensions. On one hand, it provides financial support to students—particularly those from low-income families—by offering on-campus job opportunities that help cover part of their expenses without compromising their academic progress.

On the other hand, the program serves as an effective tool for personal development, equipping students with essential practical skills such as discipline, time management, and effective communication, thereby preparing them to enter the labor market with confidence and competence.

Furthermore, the program enhances students’ sense of belonging to the university by engaging them in various administrative and academic units, fostering a culture of initiative, responsibility, and self-reliance.

Student employment also supports the university’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in combating poverty and promoting inclusive and equitable education. By creating a supportive and empowering environment, the program helps students persist and excel in their studies, reducing the risk of dropout due to financial hardship.​

Student Support Programs for Students from the Lowest 20% Household Income Brackets at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University seeks to empower students from low-income backgrounds to successfully complete their academic journey by offering a comprehensive package of programs and services aimed at easing financial burdens and providing an integrated learning environment. These initiatives are designed to help students graduate with distinction and readiness to contribute to community development. The programs include:

1. Food Support Program

The Food Services Administration at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University is a key pillar of student well-being. It is responsible for providing healthy, balanced meals to students, directly contributing to improved quality of campus life and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

This unit, affiliated with the Deanship of Student Affairs, oversees student housing restaurants, including the implementation and monitoring of catering contracts and the enforcement of quality and food safety standards. Responsibilities include preparing specifications, financial and technical supervision of contract execution, and daily operational oversight of dining services. It also monitors compliance and issues regular reports.

The department plays a major role in preparing the annual budget estimates for catering and ensuring accurate disbursement of contractor payments through its accounting division, which also compiles statistics on the number of beneficiaries. This ensures efficient distribution and waste reduction.

The Restaurant Supervision Division carries out various inspections, including the examination of supplied food items, inventory monitoring, hygiene of workers, pre-cooking inspections, direct supervision of meal preparation and distribution, and maintenance of kitchen equipment. The team ensures the continuous provision of safe, diverse meals that meet student needs.

This institutional integration—combining administration, on-site supervision, and financial oversight—achieves dual objectives: supporting low-income students with high-quality subsidized meals while minimizing resource waste. It serves as a practical model for campus food security and reducing economic disparity among students.

The university also provides subsidized meals in on-campus restaurants and offers meal support cards for financially disadvantaged students. Free Iftar and Suhoor meals are provided during Ramadan in student housing.

2. The Student Welfare Fund: A Structured Mechanism to Support Students in the Lowest 20% Income Bracket​

The Student Welfare Fund at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University is one of the university’s leading institutional mechanisms for delivering financial and social support to students in need. It promotes the values of solidarity and social justice and ensures that students can pursue their academic goals regardless of financial hardship.

The fund was established by the university’s Supreme Council during the 1397/1398 academic year in response to the growing need for a dedicated body to assist students facing difficult social and economic circumstances or unexpected crises. According to its founding resolution, the fund is financed through student contributions and donations, without imposing any burden on the university's core budget.

The fund provides various types of support, including:

• Emergency financial aid for students facing unexpected economic crises.
• Regular financial assistance for students with chronic financial need.
• Coverage for essential academic supplies in urgent cases.
• In-kind support such as food, clothing, and transportation in specific cases.
• Payment of certain non-governmental fees or financial obligations.

Student contributions were later revised to increase funding: from SAR 2 to SAR 10 for university students, and from SAR 2 to SAR 5 for students in Sharia institutes—expanding the fund’s capacity and reach.

This fund reflects the university’s humanitarian and developmental role in supporting underprivileged students. It plays an essential role in poverty alleviation within the academic environment and ensures a stable, inclusive educational atmosphere that enables students to succeed without financial barriers.

3. On-Campus Housing Services: Comprehensive Living Support for Low-Income Students

https://units.imamu.edu.sa/deanships/sa/profile/OrganizationalUnits/Pages/Housing.aspx 

https://youtu.be/iLZG8bb34EU​

The university's on-campus housing services are among its most important support mechanisms, particularly for students from low-income households. The university offers free or low-cost accommodations based on the student’s economic and social status, with priority given to those from remote regions or underprivileged families.

University housing provides an integrated educational, healthy, and secure environment, including furnished rooms, internet service, study halls, and round-the-clock health and social care. The facilities are managed by a specialized administrative team that ensures service quality and student safety.

The Deanship of Student Affairs also organizes annual orientation sessions for new students and housing residents to familiarize them with their rights, available services, and housing regulations. The housing program encourages student engagement through cultural, recreational, and athletic events that foster a sense of belonging.

Housing services are governed by officially approved administrative regulations published on the university’s legal platform, detailing the housing process, responsibilities, complaint procedures, and student obligations.

Through this comprehensive approach, the university plays a key role in promoting educational equity and easing the economic burden on eligible students, thereby supporting a stable and motivating learning environment aligned with the goal of poverty reduction.

4. University Transportation Services: Enhancing Access and Equal Opportunity

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As part of its commitment to an inclusive educational environment, the university offers free transportation services for students across campus facilities, housing areas, and academic buildings. The service primarily benefits students facing financial hardship or those who reside far from their faculties.

Transportation services help reduce students' daily expenses—especially for those from low-income families—and support their consistent attendance and academic engagement. By eliminating logistical barriers to education, the university ensures that all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, have equitable access to learning opportunities.

The Deanship of Student Affairs oversees this service and continuously works to improve transportation routes and schedules based on student needs and academic timetables. Safety and quality standards are strictly observed.

This initiative represents a practical application of the university’s commitment to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), by removing obstacles that could hinder students’ academic performance.

5. Financial and In-Kind Assistance: Empowering Students and Addressing Economic Challenges

The university places significant emphasis on supporting financially disadvantaged students through a comprehensive system of direct financial aid and in-kind support, administered by the Deanship of Student Affairs.

Forms of financial aid include:

• Monthly allowances for eligible students, based on detailed social assessments by specialized committees.
• Emergency aid for students facing sudden or exceptional hardships.
• Non-repayable grants, with transparent eligibility and disbursement procedures.

• In-kind assistance includes:
• Laptops and essential academic supplies (e.g., books, learning tools).
• Free or subsidized meals.
• Other forms of logistical support to promote academic success.

This support system is part of the university’s broader student welfare policy and reflects its commitment to educational equity and academic retention, particularly for students from financially vulnerable backgrounds. These efforts are in line with Vision 2030 and SDGs 1 and 4.

Additional financial aid includes:

• Monthly stipends for scholarship students, including SAR 1,000 for scientific majors and SAR 850 for humanities.
• Special allowances for students with disabilities and academic achievers to foster excellence and inclusion.

• In-Kind Assistance Categories Provided through the Student Welfare Fund
• Eyeglasses Assistance: Up to 75% reimbursement, with a valid medical prescription and purchase receipt dated within six months.
• Traffic Accident Support: Financial compensation upon submission of official documentation of the incident.
• Marriage Grant: Financial aid for students preparing to marry, upon submission of marriage contract and family ID.
• Family Hardship Support: For students facing family-related difficulties such as the death of a parent, divorce, or chronic illness, with a case study by a social worker.

General Conditions for Support:

To be eligible for assistance, the student must be actively enrolled and must submit all required documentation. All forms of aid provided are non-repayable, and disbursement takes place upon the completion of official procedures—although no fixed timeline is guaranteed. Students who meet the criteria may apply for more than one type of aid.​

The application process is conducted through official QR codes or designated online forms. Applicants may also check the status of their requests via specific QR codes assigned for tracking purposes. Notably, final-year students are also eligible to apply for support. Supervising Entity: Applications and verifications are managed by the Student Fund Communication Unit.

Supporting the Establishment of Sustainable Startups in the Local Community

Imam Mohammad Ibn Sau​d Islamic University provides comprehensive and practical support to the local community in establishing sustainable startups. This is achieved through a range of educational, training, and advisory initiatives that aim to empower entrepreneurs and foster a culture of sustainable innovation.

Key Support Mechanisms Provided by the University

1. Imam Cloud Accelerator Program

The Imam Cloud Accelerator is an entrepreneurial program launched by the university in partnership with the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at)

Program features include:

• A business accelerator targeting students, graduates, and local entrepreneurs.
• Provision of mentorship, training workshops, and co-working spaces.

A strong focus on transforming entrepreneurial ideas into scalable and growth-oriented businesses, including environmental and social ventures. Innovation Center Events، Graduation of Incubator Projects

2. Access to University Facilities for Startup Incubation

Through the Deanship of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the university provides access to essential infrastructure that supports the growth of startups. This includes fully equipped office spaces, dedicated training halls, technical and advisory support, as well as meeting rooms all designed to facilitate the development and sustainability of entrepreneurial ventures.

These facilities are utilized to support startups operating in key sustainability-focused sectors, including waste recycling, smart applications for water and energy conservation, and sustainable agriculture projects.

3. Community-Based Open Workshops

The university regularly organizes public workshops in collaboration with entities such as:

• Riyadh Chamber of Commerce
• Monsha’at
• These workshops focus on:
• Women’s empowerment
• Support for productive families
• Promoting awareness of green entrepreneurship

4. Strategic Agreements with Startup Support Entities

The university has signed strategic cooperation agreements to support community and student startups. One notable example is its agreement with Marketing Club Co.، which aims to:

• Empower and support student and community-based projects
• Create market linkages and enhance visibility for social enterprises

5. Strategic Plan 2021–2025: Focus on Impact-Driven Innovation

The university’s Strategic Plan (2021–2025) explicitly supports innovation and entrepreneurship with social and environmental impact. It emphasizes the university’s role in:

• Empowering marginalized and underserved groups
• Promoting educational and entrepreneurial projects that contribute to inclusive and sustainable development

The University’s Role in Policy Participation and Development for Poverty Reduction

1. Scientific Research and Research Institutions

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University hosts the Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Research Chair for Volunteering Work Studies, which produces high-quality research that informs national policymaking in areas such as social protection and charitable work.

Additionally, the university oversees several research chairs in fields such as orphan care, endowments, and philanthropy producing applied recommendations relevant to developmental and social policy.

2. Advisory Roles in Government Policy and Regulation​

University faculty members frequently serve as chartered consultants for ministries such as the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), contributing to the review and development of social protection and welfare regulations. These contributions are closely aligned with research outputs from the colleges of Social Work and Sharia.

For example, on September 4, 2022 (8 Safar 1444 AH), the Ministry signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. The agreement included:

• Joint implementation of initiatives targeting social security beneficiaries.
• Organization of forums, conferences, and training programs in support of capacity development.
• Establishment of a joint task force to support beneficiaries in continuing their education.
• Support for applied scientific research that contributes to modernizing social policies such as the Social Protection Strategy and activation of the Social Fund.  

3. Prince Naif Institute for Research and Consulting Services: Supporting Evidence-Based Policy

1-Institutional Role and Identity

The Prince Naif Institute is a core research and advisory arm of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. It provides evidence-based consulting and applied research services to government and private sector organizations, with a special focus on policies related to social justice and community welfare.

2-Policy Research and Recommendations

The Institute conducts specialized research in social development, national development plans, and support for vulnerable families and communities. It prepares strategic consulting projects that inform policy proposals and legislative reforms.

3-Institutional Training and Capacity Development

The Institute offers training programs and develops custom educational toolkits to build capacity among government employees and administrators. Training topics include policy design, institutional governance, and public sector quality and transparency standards.

4-Collaboration with Government Agencies

Activities include:

• Organizing training programs for government employees preparing for international scholarships.
• Leading forums focused on the formulation and implementation of national strategies, such as mental health programs in cooperation with the Ministry of Health.

5. National Conferences and Policy Workshops 

The university regularly organizes national conferences and workshops on social development, poverty alleviation, orphan and women empowerment. These events bring together decision-makers and national stakeholders to develop policy recommendations submitted to executive agencies.

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Participation in the 5th Arab Conference on Higher Education and Sustainable Development

Participation of Professor Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al-Ameri, President of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, in the Fifth Arab Conference on Higher Education and Sustainable Development

His Excellency Professor Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al-Ameri, President of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, participated in the Fifth Arab Conference on Higher Education and Sustainable Development, where he presented a working paper emphasizing that sustainable development is a comprehensive human and academic issue with cultural, social, and economic dimensions. He stressed the importance of unifying academic efforts and strengthening scientific partnerships to achieve lasting developmental impact.

He further highlighted that universities play a foundational role in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their intellectual resources, academic programs, and community initiatives. Achieving these goals, he explained, requires building strategic relationships with regional and international universities and promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise to serve shared interests.

Professor Al-Ameri affirmed that Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University has aligned its vision and mission with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 through its Strategic Plan (2021–2025). This plan focuses on key pillars: education and training, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships and social responsibility, and institutional excellence. He outlined the university’s four strategic goals: enhancing learning outcomes, promoting high-impact research, advancing economic leadership, and deepening community engagement.

He explained that the university has proactively revised its academic programs to align with the SDGs, integrating them into curricula and extending scientific and community support both locally and internationally—particularly through its affiliated institutes across Africa and Asia.

Dr. Al-Ameri also reviewed the university’s efforts in supporting research related to sustainable development and in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Among the flagship initiatives is the “Imam Cloud Accelerator”, which supported 25 startup projects in 2022. This program contributes to the university’s broader mission of nurturing an entrepreneurial culture and organizing relevant conferences and forums.

He highlighted the university’s achievements in sustainability rankings, stating that **IMSIU was ranked among the world’s top 200 universities in seven out of the 17 SDGs listed in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings**—a reflection of the university’s practical and research-based commitment to sustainable development.

Dr. Al-Ameri presented examples of IMSIU’s contributions to specific SDGs:

• SDG 1 (No Poverty): Through scholarships, financial assistance, and free education both locally and internationally.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): By establishing health partnerships and launching a psychological and social care unit.
• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Ranking 5th globally, with a strong focus on educational quality and academic accreditation.
• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): By empowering women academically and professionally, and organizing gender-focused conferences.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): By supporting legal education, human rights, and community participation.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Through expanded international cooperation, an active research and innovation ecosystem, and contributions to national policy development.

In conclusion, Professor Al-Ameri emphasized that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, places great importance on achieving sustainable development within the framework of Vision 2030. He expressed the university’s pride in its global role in advancing knowledge, promoting sustainability, and empowering humanity through education, research, and outreach.

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Community-Based Training and Access to Basic Services

As an educational institution, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University organizes community outreach initiatives aimed at improving access to basic services—particularly for underserved and marginalized groups. These include:

1-Education and Training Initiatives

• The College of Continuing Education and Community Service offers free courses during holidays, covering areas such as Arabic and English language, digital skills, project management, and life skills targeting local communities and those excluded from formal education.
• Through the Community Service Center, the university provides low-cost or free personal development programs in language, computing, and essential life skills.

2- Health Services and Awareness 

https://x.com/IMSIU_edu_sa/status/1945521455590240268 

https://x.com/IMSIU_SD/status/19356322206951915 

https://x.com/IMSIU_SD/status/1924525929134510343 

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• The university provides free mental health consultations for students and the academic community via support and counseling units.
• It organizes medical campaigns and awareness seminars on nutrition and psychological wellness in collaboration with health departments.
  
  

3- Legal and Social Support

Through colleges such as Sharia and Social Work, the university offers free legal and social consultations to victims of domestic violence and struggling families. Social workers also contribute to psychosocial support and rehabilitation for community members. 

https://x.com/IMSIU_SD/status/1919291122087563620 

https://x.com/IMSIU_edu_sa/status/1916896950034604103 

https://x.com/IMSIU_SD 

https://units.imamu.edu.sa/deanships/sa/Pages/default.aspx 

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