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Executive Summary

Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) "Climate Action" (Goal 13 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs) is one of the core pillars for achieving global sustainable development. It focuses on taking urgent and effective measures to address climate change and reduce its negative impacts on humans, the environment, and the economy. In light of the escalating challenges associated with rising temperatures, desertification, water scarcity, and natural disasters resulting from climate fluctuations, this goal emerges as a strategic choice to ensure the resilience of societies and the sustainability of their resources for future generations. Through Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has adopted a set of transformative initiatives and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy projects, and supporting the circular carbon economy. These efforts fall within a national framework that aims to balance economic development requirements with environmental preservation.

This highlights the crucial role played by Saudi universities, including Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, in supporting this goal by integrating sustainability and climate action concepts into their educational programs, research activities, and community services, thereby contributing to raising environmental awareness, spreading a culture of sustainability, and finding innovative solutions to climate challenges.

Interlinkages with Other Sustainable Development Goals

Climate action (Goal 13) is closely linked to all other Sustainable Development Goals, as failure to take sufficient action to address climate change leads to worsening storms and disasters and increased resource-related challenges such as food and water (Goals 2 and 6).

These impacts will disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable groups (Goal 1), and threaten life on land (Goal 15) and below water (Goal 14). Conversely, innovation (Goal 9) and working to develop clean energy solutions (Goal 7) offer pathways to mitigate these impacts.

Saudi Government Efforts to Achieve SDG 13:

Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Climate action in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is crucial due to its arid climate and reliance on fossil fuels, in addition to climate-related challenges such as desertification and water scarcity. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has launched ambitious initiatives to address climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and transition towards a more sustainable and resilient economy.

Saudi Green Initiative (SGI):

• Aims to plant 10 billion trees across the Kingdom and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of degraded land, contributing to global reforestation efforts.
• The initiative also focuses on increasing protected areas and curbing desertification.
  
  Transition Towards Renewable Energy:
• The Kingdom is working to diversify its energy mix through projects like "NEOM" and "The Red Sea Project" which rely on renewable energy sources.
• Saudi Arabia plans to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, reducing reliance on fossil  fuels.
  
  Carbon Reduction and Circular Carbon Economy:
• The "Circular Carbon Economy" framework is based on reducing, reusing, recycling, and removing carbon emissions.
• Investments include Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies to mitigate industrial emissions.
  
  Energy Efficiency Programs:
• The "Saudi Energy Efficiency Program (SEEP)" promotes energy-saving measures in buildings, industries, and transportation.
• Awareness campaigns encourage citizens and businesses to adopt energy efficiency practices.
  
  Climate-Resilient  Infrastructure:
• Urban planning initiatives adopt climate resilience standards, with a focus on flood management, water conservation, and sustainable urban design.
• Major projects integrate smart and green technologies to ensure sustainability.
  
  International  Cooperation:
• Saudi Arabia actively participates in global climate discussions, such as UN Climate Conferences (COP), advocating for a sustainable energy transition.
• The Kingdom collaborates with international organizations to exchange expertise and promote global climate action.
  
  Awareness and Education:

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) through campus sustainability initiatives, educational programs, and research addressing climate change challenges. The University's efforts align with national climate goals, working to enhance awareness and encourage climate action among students, faculty members, and the community.

Sustainable Campus Initiatives:

The University adopts renewable energy systems such as solar panels to reduce its carbon footprint.

The campus includes green infrastructure such as energy-efficient buildings, water conservation measures, and tree-planting campaigns to enhance carbon absorption.
Climate Change Education:

Courses and seminars are offered in environmental sciences, sustainability, and climate change, equipping students with the knowledge needed to address climate challenges. Islamic teachings on environmental stewardship and moderation are integrated into curricula, emphasizing ethical responsibility in protecting the planet.

Climate Research and Innovation:

Faculty members and students participate in research related to climate change mitigation strategies, such as renewable energy technologies, carbon capture methods, and sustainable agriculture.

Collaborative research projects with government agencies contribute to national and global efforts to combat climate change.
Awareness Campaigns:

The University organizes events, workshops, and public lectures to raise awareness about climate change and its impacts.

Campaigns encourage students and employees to adopt sustainable practices such as waste reduction, rationalizing energy consumption, and using public transportation.
Community Engagement:

The University collaborates with local communities and organizations to promote climate action through awareness programs and sustainability initiatives.

Its partnerships with government agencies support reforestation campaigns, water conservation programs, and projects to enhance climate resilience.
Integrating Faith with Sustainability:

The University emphasizes the integration of Islamic principles with climate action, by promoting values such as resource preservation, sustainability, and care for the Earth. Religious teachings inspire collective action to combat climate change and protect natural resources.

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University's Activities in Climate Action 

Through  education, research, and community engagement, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University supports the Kingdom's climate action goals and contributes to global efforts to combat climate change. By fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility, the University prepares future leaders to address the urgent challenges of climate change. Its initiatives also demonstrate the pivotal role of academic institutions in enhancing climate adaptation capacity and driving sustainable development.

"Green Saudi Initiative" by the Deanship of Student AffairsI

Imam Muhammad University, represented by the Deanship of Student Affairs, activated the Green Saudi Initiative, which includes activities such as tree planting, environmental awareness, and reducing carbon emissions within the university campus. The university launched a reforestation program targeting the planting of 100,000 trees in the university city, as part of the "Green Saudi Initiative." It began by planting 3,000 trees in student housing and other areas within the university. This step contributes to improving air quality, lowering urban temperatures, enhancing biodiversity, and providing a healthy and safe environment for the university community.

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Geography and Geographic Information Systems Department – Field Visit to Abha City

Under the guidance of His Excellency the University Rector, Professor Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al-Ameri, the Department of Geography and Geographic Information Systems at the College of Social Sciences organized a student field visit to Abha city titled "Natural and Human Components in the Civilized City of Abha" during the period from 13 – 22 /10/2024. The visit aimed to equip students with advanced field skills in physical and human geography, through an integrated study of the environmental and geographical aspects of the southern region, with a focus on topography, climate, natural resources, and human activities. The visit included training students on the use of GPS and GIS maps, collecting climate data, analyzing natural phenomena, in addition to studying agricultural activities such as coffee production and irrigation patterns, economic activities in Al-Soudah mountains, and the impact of topography on tourism and sustainable development.​

Activity Link​

Green Youth Summit Towards Climate Goals

The Deanship of Student Affairs at the University regularly organizes student participation in the Green Youth Summit, which is held annually in conjunction with the Saudi Green Initiative. A number of students are nominated to attend the summit, which includes dialogue sessions and workshops on increasing vegetation cover, protecting and managing marine areas, and reducing carbon emissions. The sessions also discussed the role of youth in leading climate change and investing in technology to achieve a sustainable future.

Activity Link​

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"Energy Efficiency Rehabilitation Project at the University City"

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University launched a project to rehabilitate energy efficiency in the university city's facilities, in cooperation with a specialized company, as part of its efforts to achieve environmental sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.

The project included:

- Improving the efficiency of internal and external lighting systems.

- Developing air conditioning systems to be more energy-efficient.

- Introducing modern technologies to rationalize consumption in university buildings and services.

Key Achievements:

- Averted over 63,000 tons of harmful carbon emissions.

- Saved approximately 155,000 barrels of oil equivalent in energy consumption.

- Supported the Kingdom's directions towards Vision 2030 and its initiatives related to sustainability and renewable energy.

Impact:

• ​The project is a practical step contributing to carbon neutrality and reducing the financial burdens resulting from high energy consumption.
• it reinforces the University's leading role in supporting Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 13 (Climate Action).

News Link – Al Madina Newspaper

Cooperation Agreement with Green Solutions Company

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University signed a cooperation agreement with Green Solutions Company, which specializes in sustainable energy and environmentally friendly technologies.
This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in the fields of design, training, and awareness, with a special focus on renewable energy systems and electric vehicle charging technologies. This initiative promotes the transition towards clean energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which falls within the scope of responsible consumption and production of resources.

University Cooperation Agreement with Green Solutions Company​

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Visit to the Office of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture – Environment Week Activities 

​A delegation from the Scientific Institute participated in the Environment Week activities by visiting the office of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, to enhance environmental awareness among students and connect them with sustainable development initiatives. ​

Participation of Students from the Institute of Islamic and Arabic Sciences in Indonesia – Jakarta Cleaning Day

Institute students participated in Jakarta Cleaning Day in cooperation with government agencies in Indonesia. The number of participants reached 150 people, including 30 students from the Institute, and more than 191 kg of waste was collected.

Activity Link

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Local Educational Programs and Activities at IMSIU in Climate Action

The Saudi Environment on National Day

University Link

​​Under the Slogan "We Protect Our Environment for the Well-being of Our Society"

The Vice-Rector for Female Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan bint Abdul Rahman Al-Arini, inaugurated the "Environment Week" event on Thursday morning, 21/7/1440H, under the slogan "We protect our environment for the well-being of our society" in the lobby of building (324), accompanied by the Vice Dean of Student Affairs for Female Student Affairs, Dr. Uhoud Al-Manna. Dr. Al-Arini toured the interactive corners, viewed the accompanying activities, and enjoyed a brief explanation of the exhibits and awareness tools that reflect Imam University's ​

keenness to participate in this environmental week and enhance its awareness role in the importance of environmental preservation and contributing to pollution reduction. Dr. Uhoud Al- Manna emphasized that among the most important goals of this event is to educate female students about environmental pollution and its effects and its impact on society and our daily lives. It also aims to introduce female students to types of plants and how to plant and care for them to increase environmental awareness among female students.

Environment Week, organized by the Vice Deanship of Student Affairs for Female Student Affairs in cooperation with the branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Riyadh region, included brochures and awareness leaflets, paper educational materials, and environmental artworks on the impact of the environment on physical and psychological health, and safe consumption and economy methods for the environment, which in turn contribute to raising the level of students' responsibility towards the environment. It also included a visual presentation titled "We Plant to Live," which covered the definition of plants and reasons for their death, planting and reproduction, seeds and fertilizers, in addition to irrigation methods and beneficial and harmful plants and insects. Trainer Asma Al-Sulaiman from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture participated with a workshop titled: "Our Land is Green and Our Environment is Clean," in which she discussed the foundations of successful home gardening and methods of caring for indoor plants, how to plant seeds, and suitable soil and fertilizers for them, in addition to problems facing plants and ways to treat them. From the practical side, students participated in planting and caring for trees, in addition to participating in the cultural competition in the environmental field for which prizes were awarded.

Link of Activity​

Deanship of Student Affairs Activates the "Green Saudi Initiative"

In an effort to achieve the climate goals announced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the "Green Saudi Initiative" and Saudi Vision 2030, which aims for a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment, the Deanship of Student Affairs at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, in cooperation with the General Directorate of Technical Affairs, organized a two-day volunteer opportunity: Wednesday, November 24, with the participation of (13) university students, and Thursday, November 25, with the participation of (12) university female students, to activate the "Green Saudi Initiative." This initiative aimed to increase vegetation cover by protecting and preserving the environment, addressing climate change challenges, reducing carbon emissions, and combating pollution and land degradation, by planting a number of "Talh" trees within the university campus (new faculty housing area), to embody the Green Saudi Initiative that leads the Kingdom in protecting land and nature.

Link

Environmental Educational Initiatives:

The University, in cooperation with the General Directorate of Technical Affairs, implemented a set of awareness programs, workshops, lectures, and seminars, focusing on climate change issues, sustainable practices, and the importance of resource preservation. Among the most prominent are: the Saudi Green Initiative, the "Climate Change and Transformations Towards Sustainability" seminar, and the "Environmental Sustainability, Climate Change, and Women's Empowerment" seminar. It also organized specialized workshops, including: "Climate Change and its Impacts on Arab Countries," in addition to virtual seminars such as "ISO and Sustainable Development Goals." These activities aimed to enhance student awareness and connect them with local, regional, and global environmental issues, with a focus on their role as future leaders in environmental protection.

 

Education in Disaster Planning:

The University has incorporated practical training and virtual evacuation plans into its educational programs in cooperation with the Civil Defense, with the participation of relevant departments such as Technical Affairs, Media, and the University Medical Center. These activities included emergency plans, fire prevention, handling chemical materials, electrical safety, and evacuation during natural or emergency disasters, ensuring the safety of individuals and facilities. The General Directorate of Security and Safety also issued a University Safety Manual that promotes a culture of prevention and emergency preparedness.

Security and Safety Organizes an Awareness Exhibition on World First Aid Day

The General Directorate of Security and Safety at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University organized an awareness exhibition on Sunday, September 14, 2025, on the occasion of World First Aid Day. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of first aid and educate university staff on proper ways to deal with emergency situations, thereby enhancing the university community's readiness for quick and safe action in the event of accidents, and emphasizing the importance of possessing basic first aid skills to save lives. The exhibition included various awareness activities that comprised simplified guidance materials, a visual presentation prepared by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, along with interactive educational competitions and distribution of symbolic gifts to attendees. This event comes within the University's efforts to spread health awareness and promote a safe university environment, by empowering individuals and developing their skills in public health and safety.

Activity Link

Commitment to Carbon Neutrality:

The University announced its commitment to reducing carbon emissions within its sustainability strategy, through improving energy efficiency and sustainable resource management. The University participated in the Saudi Green Initiative Day (March 27, 2024) through tree-planting activities, environmental awareness, and energy conservation campaigns, in support of Saudi Vision  2030.

 

"Green Education" Forum at the University

The College of Education at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University organized an event titled "Green Education and Universities in Light of Saudi Vision (and Saudi Green Vision 2030)." The goal of this activity is to increase awareness among faculty members and students about the importance of sustainability, and to integrate concepts of green education and climate action into academic and educational programs.

Al-Shoala Electronic Newspaper

Earth Day Celebration

On the occasion of "Earth Day," the College of Sciences – represented by the Clubs Unit – organized an introductory corner as part of its student activities, on Sunday, 23/02/2025M, in the college lobby. The corner included an introductory brief about Earth Day and its history, in addition to highlighting the origin of this global event and the reasons for celebrating it annually, and its impact on students and society.

Activity Link

Positive Impact on Students and Society

These initiatives achieved a wide positive impact, contributing to raising the awareness of students and the community about climate change and sustainability issues, and providing them with practical skills in disaster management and sustainable practices. They also enhanced community confidence in facing climate challenges and established a culture of collective cooperation towards a more sustainable future. Furthermore, the University's efforts align with the National Environmental Strategy (2018) launched by the Ministry​ of Environment, Water and Agriculture, which includes an institutional framework and a long-term implementation plan. The University has also integrated national response plans for chemical and biological incidents into its safety protocols, enhancing coordination with various government agencies in emergency situations.

Conclusion

Through its educational, research, and awareness initiatives, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University affirms its effective commitment to supporting the achievement of the thirteenth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals in Saudi Arabia: Climate Action. The University has given great attention to integrating climate change issues into its academic programs, launching workshops, lectures, and educational exhibitions that contribute to raising the awareness of students and the community about the importance of environmental protection and preparedness to face climate disasters. It has also adopted distinctive environmental projects, such as participating in the Saudi Green Initiative and developing energy rationalization and resource management programs, reaching towards carbon neutrality, in full alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and national climate strategies.

Thus, the University stands out as a leading institution in linking its educational mission with sustainability and climate action issues, instilling environmental and social responsibility values in its students, thereby contributing to preparing an aware generation capable of leading future efforts towards a more sustainable and safer environment for future generations.

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