King Khalid University launched the first edition of the "Future Directions Forum: Universities and Sustainable Development," which brings together an elite group of leaders in higher education and scientific research from various Arab universities, with the aim of strengthening the role of universities in supporting economic and knowledge transformations and achieving sustainable development in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

The opening session in the forum focused on the integration between man, land, and economy, while highlighting the role of universities in building knowledge-based societies and finding solutions to development challenges through research and strategic partnerships with various sectors. The forum also discussed important issues, including strengthening national and global environmental capabilities, the role of universities in upgrading national and international tourism, in addition to their role as a major driver for the development of the knowledge economy and leading the transformation towards it, as well as the organizational structure of universities and its impact on promoting sustainable development.

the University's Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research and Chairman of the Forum's Organizing Committee, Prof. Hamed bin Majdou' Al-Qarni, explained that the forum represents a step towards enhancing the impact of universities in supporting sustainable development, stressing that higher education institutions have become an essential element in enabling economic and knowledge transformations, and constitute a central pillar in building developed and sustainable societies. He added that the forum aims to align education outcomes with the requirements of national and global development, by highlighting the best international practices in scientific research and innovation, and enhancing the societal impact of universities through effective partnerships with various sectors.

The forum included specialized dialogue sessions that brought together representatives of academic institutions and relevant bodies to discuss ways of cooperation and enhance integration between universities and development agencies, in addition to launching qualitative initiatives and projects that contribute to supporting sustainable development, through investing in innovation and building national capabilities. The forum is also an extension of the ceremony honoring Arab universities listed in the 2024 Arab Classification, which was held yesterday evening in the presence of the Governor of the Asir Region, during which the role of universities in sustainable development was reviewed, and the importance of employing research and innovation in preserving the national identity and transmitting it to future generations was emphasized.