King Salman International University (KSIU) strives to establish itself as a pioneering academic institution committed to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education, research, and community engagement.
This report highlights the university’s contributions toward SDG 1 – No Poverty, reflecting its institutional commitment to promoting inclusive development and social justice.
The report aims to showcase KSIU’s initiatives, programs, and community-based efforts that help reduce poverty, empower vulnerable groups, and enhance equal access to education through scholarships and developmental partnerships.
Eliminating poverty in all its forms remains one of the major challenges that KSIU addresses proactively through a strategic vision that seeks to achieve social justice and economic growth for the local community.
The university implements an integrated plan to combat poverty and support both students and community members through academic programs, social initiatives, and sustainable development projects.
Education as a Tool to Combat Poverty
KSIU firmly believes that education is the cornerstone of sustainable development and the most powerful means to eradicate poverty.
Therefore, the university adopts inclusive policies and educational programs that ensure access to high-quality education for all, particularly for low-income students, while developing their future employability skills.
The university’s main efforts in this field include:
- Providing full and partial scholarships to outstanding and financially disadvantaged students, promoting equal educational opportunities.
- Implementing a flexible tuition payment system that considers students’ socioeconomic circumstances.
- Establishing multiple campuses in South Sinai (El-Tor, Ras Sedr, and Sharm El-Sheikh) to ensure equitable access to higher education across regions.
- Integrating entrepreneurship and vocational training courses into academic programs to empower students to create small projects that improve living standards.
- Promoting applied and technological education in disciplines aligned with local and regional labor market needs, thereby enhancing employability and reducing unemployment and poverty.
In recognition of these efforts, King Salman International University awarded 633 scholarships during the academic year 2023–2024 to support outstanding and deserving students, ensuring equal access to quality education regardless of financial background.
The university also participated in the 13th Edition of EduGate Exhibition, expanding outreach to potential students, including those from disadvantaged areas, and encouraging access to affordable, high-quality education.
University Programs to Reduce Poverty
KSIU contributes to poverty reduction by employing a significant number of academic and administrative staff, providing incentive bonuses to mitigate the effects of economic challenges.
The university offers tuition fee reductions ranging from 10% to 100% for students from low-income families, based on social assessments.
Additional programs include:
- Comprehensive medical and healthcare services for students through on-campus clinics.
- Health awareness campaigns organized by the Faculty of Dentistry, including oral health caravans in El-Tor City.
- Continuous collaboration with private sector organizations to enhance graduate employability and facilitate access to job opportunities.
- Provision of university dormitories equipped with full services — accommodation, meals, healthcare, psychological support, and recreation — ensuring a supportive learning environment.
- Regular maintenance and upgrades to student housing to sustain quality of life and academic focus.
- Health campaigns such as “Your Habits Change Your Life – Early Detection Means Safety” for diabetes awareness and early screening programs for breast cancer.
- Workshops on emergency medical response to train students in life-saving skills.
- Collaboration with the General Authority for Healthcare in national health awareness campaigns, including those on heart failure.
In addition, KSIU organized its first Job Fair at the Sharm El-Sheikh Campus, connecting students and graduates with employers, expanding employment opportunities, and directly contributing to income generation and poverty reduction.
Community-Based Anti-Poverty Programs
KSIU dedicates its human and financial resources to serving the people of South Sinai Governorate through multiple outreach initiatives and community service caravans, including:
- Awareness days promoting infection control practices at the Faculty of Dentistry.
- Hosting school visits (primary, preparatory, and secondary levels) to introduce young students to modern learning environments and inspire future academic aspirations.
- Offering free dental care and surgeries at university clinics using advanced equipment and supervised by expert faculty members.
- Conducting community workshops by Translation students on “Stereotypes and Bias,” linking academic study to social responsibility.
- Participation in World Diabetes Day awareness activities.
- Sponsorship of the International Patent Office Conference on agriculture and food security innovations.
Scientific Research Supporting Poverty Reduction
KSIU recognizes scientific research as a vital instrument for sustainable development and innovation.
The university actively promotes applied research among faculty and students to find practical solutions to societal challenges, particularly those related to poverty alleviation and quality of life improvement.
Researchers are encouraged to focus on economic empowerment, social inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods.
KSIU integrates SDG-related priorities within its research strategy, supporting applied projects and fostering national and international collaborations with other universities and research institutions.
The Faculty of Desert Agriculture organized a field trip to SEKEM, exposing students to sustainable agricultural practices that promote economic self-sufficiency and green job creation in rural areas.
The university’s training collaboration with Cellixiza Company on cell culture techniques provided biotechnology students with advanced skills that enhance employability in high-demand industries.
Students from the Petroleum Chemistry and Veterinary Medicine programs also received hands-on training at Scimitar Egypt Production Ltd and in Ras Sudr, improving their professional competencies and access to skilled employment.
KSIU’s partnership with the Egyptian Space Agency and other research organizations further contributed to capacity-building, skill transfer, and preparation for emerging economic sectors that support sustainable growth.
Partnerships for Development and Poverty Alleviation
KSIU places great emphasis on local, regional, and international partnerships as essential enablers of sustainable development.
Many of these partnerships support poverty reduction by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and enhancing education-to-employment pathways.
Key collaborations include:
- Cooperation protocol with the Egyptian Forum for Sustainable Development to support community-based initiatives and promote SDG awareness.
- Partnership with the General Authority for Healthcare to deliver joint medical and social programs.
- Organization of the Annual Employment and Training Forum, offering direct job opportunities for students and graduates.
- Academic and research collaborations with global universities such as:
- University of Applied Sciences (Austria)
- University of Tabuk (Saudi Arabia)
- University of Tennessee, University of North Carolina, University of South Carolina, and University of Florida (USA)
- Southern Federal University (Russia)
- Collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in education, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
- Participation in Erasmus, DAAD, ÖAAD, and Fulbright programs to enhance capacity-building and mobility.
- Support for German language education in partnership with DAAD, equipping students for international labor markets.
Furthermore, KSIU signed several strategic cooperation agreements to promote employability and professional readiness:
- Savoy Hotels Group (Sharm El Sheikh) – for practical training and employment in tourism and hospitality.
- Jaz International Hotels Group and Steigenberger Egypt – to expand vocational training and job opportunities in the tourism sector.
- Cleopatra Hospitals Group – for medical student training and employability in healthcare.
- Ultimate Academy and Accor Hotels Egypt Group – to enhance experiential learning and job readiness.
- Arabize – to strengthen students’ translation and localization skills, broadening access to specialized job markets.
Institutional Inclusivity and Student Engagement
Through Student–Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) meetings, KSIU ensures inclusive decision-making and equitable support mechanisms, addressing academic and financial challenges that could lead to economic exclusion.
Conclusion
Through its inclusive educational policies, strategic partnerships, and commitment to research and community service, King Salman International University demonstrates measurable impact in combating poverty and advancing sustainable development in Egypt and beyond.
Its holistic model integrates education, empowerment, and employment, serving as a benchmark for universities aspiring to achieve tangible progress toward the United Nations 2030 Agenda.