SDG16: PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

Advancing Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Qassim University's Role in Promoting SDG 16 in Saudi Arabia

Introduction:
Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) underscores the significance of building peaceful, just, and effective institutions as a foundation for sustainable development. This essay explores Saudi Arabia's efforts to achieve SDG 16, with a specific focus on Qassim University's contributions towards fostering a culture of peace, justice, and strong institutions within the university.

SDG 16 in Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia recognizes the importance of strong institutions in promoting good governance, accountability, and the rule of law. The country has taken several initiatives aligned with SDG 16:

Justice and Rule of Law:
Saudi Arabia has introduced legal reforms to enhance the justice system, ensuring fair trials, access to justice, and protection of human rights.

Anti-Corruption Measures:
The nation has implemented anti-corruption initiatives, including establishing specialized bodies to investigate and prevent corruption within institutions.

Inclusive Decision-Making:
Saudi Arabia is working towards ensuring inclusive decision-making processes and empowering marginalized groups, which are vital components of SDG 16.

Human Rights:
The country is taking steps to promote and protect human rights, aligning with the principles of justice and accountability.

Qassim University's Initiatives:
Qassim University plays a crucial role in promoting SDG 16 within its campus and beyond:
Ethical Education: Qassim University integrates ethical education into its curriculum, instilling values of integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights among students.

Institutional Transparency:
The university promotes transparency in its operations, fostering trust among students, faculty, and staff. Transparent practices contribute to a culture of accountability.

Legal Studies and Research:
Qassim University offers legal studies programs that educate students about the legal system, human rights, and the principles of justice. Faculty engage in legal research to address societal issues.

Conflict Resolution:
The university offers courses and workshops on conflict resolution, encouraging peaceful dialogue and providing students with skills to navigate conflicts constructively.

Community Outreach:
Qassim University collaborates with local communities to promote awareness of legal rights, responsibilities, and dispute resolution mechanisms. This empowers communities to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts.

Student Engagement:
Student-led organizations and clubs at Qassim University often focus on social justice, human rights, and community service. These platforms provide students with opportunities to advocate for positive change.

Challenges and Future Prospects:

Promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions requires consistent efforts in a rapidly changing world. Challenges may include cultural shifts, ensuring the implementation of policies, and addressing societal inequalities. However, with sustained commitment, these challenges can be overcome.

Conclusion:
The attainment of SDG 16 is essential for fostering a society where justice, accountability, and peace prevail. Saudi Arabia's commitment to this goal reflects its determination to create a just and peaceful society. Qassim University's multifaceted approach, combining education, research, and community engagement, showcases how educational institutions can contribute to building strong institutions and promoting a culture of peace and justice. Through these collective efforts, Saudi Arabia and Qassim University work towards a society where every individual enjoys their rights, lives in harmony, and participates in institutions that prioritize fairness and well-being.

Student Clubs

They are student clubs in each college at the university level supervised by the Deanship of Student Affairs, which is the main umbrella for all student activities and events within the colleges, which number 70 clubs for male and female students.

Vision

Developing and refining students' leadership, skill and volunteer abilities through student activities .

Mission

Providing a stimulating environment and contributing to building the talents and personality of students and developing their leadership skills through Practicing various student activities .

Objectives

• Utilizing students' leisure time.
• Provide students with the opportunity to highlight their talents.
• Developing the spirit of one team for members of various activities.
• Creating a channel of communication between university students and the community.
• Students meet each other and form meaningful brotherly relations.
• Training students on volunteer work and encouraging them to do so.
• Meeting and interaction between the university administrator and students.

Tasks

• Follow up the establishment of activities in the central clubs as well as college clubs and evaluate them.
• Holding exhibitions and campaigns.
• Holding meetings and training courses.

Student Sustainability Club

https://dsa.qu.edu.sa/content/p/275

The Student Sustainability Club is one of the central clubs directly supervised by the Deanship of Student Affairs with general specializations for all students. Student clubs in colleges conduct various activities related to sustainability in coordination with the Central Sustainability Club.

Objectives of the Student Sustainability Club

• Introducing male and female students the various sustainable development goals and their practices
• Developing students' talents and linking them to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Promoting the values of responsibility in Students and their role towards the environment and society.
• Investing students' leisure time In the practice of various activities, and the acquisition of skills, experience and knowledge related to sustainable development.

Link to join the club
https://forms.qu.edu.sa/dsa/form-61/
List of student clubs at the level of Colleges related to the Student Sustainability Club

Dr. Al-Khamis as Dean of Faculty Members and Personnel Affairs

https://qu.edu.sa/content/news/298 [2]

His Excellency the Minister of Education issued a decision appointing Dr. Faisal bin Abdul Karim Al-Khamis as Dean of the Deanship of Faculty Members and Personnel Affairs at Qassim University for a period of two years.
For his part, Dr. Faisal Al-Khamis valued the confidence of His Excellency the Minister of Education and His Excellency the Rector of Qassim University, calling on God Almighty to be at the level of good faith in him.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Faisal Al-Khamis is one of the distinguished academic cadres, as he assumes many practical and honorary tasks, most notably:

1/ Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Qassim Region
2/ Full-time consultant at the General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities in Riyadh
3/ Secretary General of the National Organization for Joint Training in Riyadh
4/ Dean of the Technical College in Al-Jouf and Chairman of the Technical Education Council in the region
5/ Director General of the General Administration of Curricula at the General Organization for Technical Education and Vocational Training.
6/ Vice Dean of the College of Technology in Buraidah

He is also currently working as an advisor to the Governor of Qassim Region, a member of the Municipal Council of the Qassim Municipality, and Secretary of the Investment Development Committee in Qassim Region.

Dr. Al-Dawood thanks the leadership for his appointment as Director of Qassim University

https://qu.edu.sa/content/news/343 [3]

His Excellency Prof. Dr. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Dawood extended his thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on the occasion of his appointment as Rector of Qassim University with an excellent rank.

He said: "On this occasion, I extend my sincere thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, may God protect him, for this precious trust, and I ask God Almighty to help me perform what I have been entrusted with in a way that serves my religion, my king and my country, and achieves the aspirations and ambitions of our wise leadership, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Deputy Crown Prince, may God protect them.

His Excellency Dr. Al-Dawood expressed his pride in this appointment, pointing out that it is a great responsibility and great trust to assume the leadership of a university the size of Qassim University and in one of the largest regions of our beloved Kingdom, and he also expressed his thanks and gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Qassim Region, who stands behind every achievement in every part of the region, especially Qassim University, and to His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education and Chairman of the University Council, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Issa for his continuous support and blessed efforts, asking God Almighty to help him in order to achieve more achievements and tenders for this university, and Al-Dawood concluded his statement by thanking His Excellency the former Rector of the University, Prof. Dr. Khaled Al-Hamoudi, for what he provided throughout his leadership of the university, in which Qassim University achieved tangible scientific and academic development. Biography of His Excellency:

Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in the United States of America in Educational Administration, 1421 AH. Master's degree from King Saud University in Riyadh in Educational Administration, 1413 AH. Bachelor's degree from Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University in Media, 1407 AH.

Administrative and educational functions:

Rector of King Khalid University from 1433 to 10/8/1437 AH. Acting Director of the University of Bisha from 1436 AH to 25/6/1437 AH. Vice Dean of Al-Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University for Studies, Development and Academic Accreditation 1428 AH - 1433 AH. Dean of Student Affairs at Imam University 1422 AH - 1428 AH. Vice Dean of Student Affairs for Student Affairs, 1422 AH. Professor of Graduate Studies in the Department of Educational Administration and Planning at Imam University, until 1433 AH. Director of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Housing Schools in Riyadh (Primary and Intermediate), 1413 AH. Undersecretary of the Intermediate Department at the Capital Model Institute in Riyadh, 1410 AH - 1412 AH. Supervisor of the Computer Unit in the Primary Department of the Capital Model Institute, 1409 AH - 1411 AH. Lecturer in the primary section of the Capital Model Institute, 1407-1411 AH.

UQU President Issues a Number of Appointment and Assignment Decisions

https://qu.edu.sa/content/news/969 [4]

His Excellency Prof. Dr. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Dawood, President of the University, issued a number of appointment and assignment decisions for faculty members at the university, where the appointments included assigning Dr. Nassar bin Saleh Al-Nassar as Dean of the College of Economics and Administration, appointing Dr. Muhammad bin Saleh bin Muhammad Al-Ajlan as Vice Dean of Student Affairs for Student Activities, in addition to appointing Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh bin Abdullah Al-Nafisa as Vice Dean of the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Unaizah for Educational Affairs, and assigning Dr. Saud bin Muhammad bin Saud Al-Sahli as Vice Dean of the College of Pharmacy in Unaizah for Educational Affairs, and the appointment of Dr. Fatima bint Abdulrahman bin Mubarak Al-Hamid as Vice Dean of the College of Science and Arts in Oyoun Al-Jawa for Female Student Affairs.

Al-Dawood also issued a decision assigning Dr. Ahmed bin Hamad bin Muhammad Al-Huwail as Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy at the College of Pharmacy, and appointing Dr. Ahmed bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Dosari as Head of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Unaizah, as well as appointing Dr. Ahmed bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Dosari as Head of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Unaizah, and appointing Dr. Osama bin Abdullah bin Suleiman Al-Wetaid as Head of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at the College of Medicine and medical sciences in Unaizah.

The decisions also included the appointment of Dr. Miteb bin Khalaf bin Ayyad Al-Otaibi as Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Unaizah, the appointment of Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh bin Abdullah Al-Damegh as Head of the Pediatrics Department in the same college, the appointment of Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ali bin Muhammad Al-Tuwaijri as Head of the Department of Management Information Systems at the College of Management of Al-Rass, as well as the assignment of Dr. Badr bin Saleh bin Abdulrahman Al-Wasil as Head of the Department of Applied Natural Sciences at the Community College in Unaizah, and the assignment of Dr. Abdulrahman bin Saad bin Ibrahim Al-Ajlan, Head of the Department of Fundamentals of Education at the College of Education.

Under the patronage of His Excellency the President of the University. The Vice Presidency for Educational Affairs Organizes the "First Annual Meeting of Heads of Scientific Departments"

https://qu.edu.sa/content/news/1661 [5]

The University, represented by the University Agency for Educational Affairs, held the "First Annual Meeting of Heads of Scientific Departments" on Wednesday, 14/4/1441 AH, at the Medical Clinics Theater, under the patronage of His Excellency Prof. Dr. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Dawood, President of the University, and in the presence and participation of the Vice President of the University, Dr. Muhammad Al-Saawi, the Vice President for Educational Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Al-Adeeb, and the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Turki, where the meeting aimed to discuss the problems and challenges faced by the faculty member, and to propose appropriate solutions. Hers.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency the President of the University stressed the importance of holding such meetings with the makers of academic work at the university, to consult on everything related to the scientific departments on which a lot, but most of the academic work at the university, is built, pointing out that the University Council takes its decisions based on what comes out of the scientific departments, from the appointment of faculty members, promotions, admission numbers, and others, indicating that everyone does not hide the importance of the work of the head of the department and the difficulty of his work, as if the scientific departments succeed, they lead to the success of the entire university.

Al-Daoud explained that at the beginning of each semester - God willing - a meeting will be held with them to listen to each other, review what we agreed upon in the previous meeting, and discuss what we can achieve in the future with transparency, noting that the university is considered one of the largest Saudi universities through the number of colleges 38 colleges, in which about 70 thousand students study and cover the governorates of the region, and it has a lead in many matters, and it had the lead last year in scientific activities by holding a lot From conferences, seminars, meetings, workshops, etc., and is considered the second university in the number of accredited programs, in addition to obtaining institutional accreditation as the third university in the Kingdom, as well as obtaining some colleges on advanced and advanced programs, and through scientific research, the university has made great leaps in this field.

Al-Daoud pointed out that these achievements have been achieved with the grace of God, and then with the support the university received from the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Highness the Crown Prince, and the follow-up, keenness and interest of His Highness the Emir of the region and His Highness the Deputy Governor, and their encouragement to us and their standing with us always, and then your efforts all, because you plant these fruits until they ripen and are harvested, because you are the basis of academic work at the university.

At the end of his speech, His Excellency the President of the University said: "All that was raised during this meeting will be recorded, and he is optimistic that we will come up with many things that will be reflected on the scientific departments, and colleges in general," thanking the attendees for what they presented in their scientific departments, pointing out that solidarity and working as a team will reflect positively on our departments, colleges and university in general, and he also thanked the University Agency for Educational Affairs, and the university vice-rectors for participating in the meeting, wishing this continuity. Communication between everyone all the time, wishing everyone success and payment.

For his part, the Vice President of the University, Dr. Muhammad Al-Adeeb, explained that communication has been made with the departments and their heads, from an early date to present their views on the issues they wish to raise and deliberate in this meeting, and after collecting and arranging the proposals, the Vice Presidency tried to present many of them in a concise and comprehensive manner, indicating that among the ideas and proposals of the heads of departments that were discussed, such as reducing the teaching burden of workers in committees and administrative work, as well as the possibility of cutting the leave for heads of departments, supporting scientific research and laboratories, in addition to the authority of the head of the department, In evaluating faculty members or obliging them to academic tasks, and considering the subject of contracted faculty members with distinguished competencies who have exceeded ten years and those over sixty years old.

Al-Adeeb added that the meeting discussed finding a mechanism to motivate and develop department heads, the shortage of faculty members and the increase in shares, especially in emerging colleges, in addition to the presence of a specialized employee for each department to assist in quality, accreditation and transactions in general.

He added that the meeting also discussed finding a mechanism to stop the departments and open or restructure them according to the requirements of the labor market, and to present successful experiences between departments and create competition between them, as well as the culmination of the meeting of His Excellency the Director with the heads of departments with an exploratory study on the heads of departments aimed at developing performance and proposing solutions to overcome difficulties and submitting the results and recommendations of the study to His Excellency the President of the University, and all inquiries raised by the heads of departments were answered, asking God for success and payment for all.