Under the Patronage of the Governor of Aseer, the University Launches the Sustainable Solutions in Energy and Environment Conference - King Khalid University

Under the generous patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Aseer Region and Chairman of its Development Authority, His Excellency the President of King Khalid University, Prof. Falleh bin Rajaallah Al-Solami inaugurated the proceedings of the Sustainable Solutions in Energy and Environment 2025 Conference. The event took place at the Exhibitions and Conventions Center in the University City in Al-Fara'a, attracting a wide presence of experts and researchers from various national and international entities.

In his speech, His Excellency the University President, affirmed that the conference reflects the University's commitment to supporting the paths of national transformation in the energy, industry, and environment sectors. He pointed out its alignment with the Aseer Region Development Strategy, "Qimam wa Shiyam" (Peaks and Character), and the University's 2030 Strategy, which focuses on people, place, and economy. He explained that the University is working to enhance sustainability through its specialized research centers, foremost among them the Prince Sultan Center for Environmental Research and Natural Resources Sustainability and the Center for Engineering and Technical Innovations, in addition to its global presence in the Shanghai ranking among the top 150 universities in energy science and engineering. He noted that the "University within a Park" initiative, sponsored by His Highness the Governor of Aseer, represents an extension of the University's environmental efforts.

Eng. Abdullah bin Fahad Al-Faris, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources for Strategy and Development, also delivered a speech on behalf of His Excellency the Assistant Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Planning and Development, emphasizing that the conference is a pivotal platform for showcasing best practices in industrial and environmental sustainability. He noted that the industry and mining sectors are undergoing an exceptional transformation led by Saudi Vision 2030, through raising the efficiency of energy and water usage, adopting modern technologies, supporting the circular economy, and enabling industrial facilities to apply environmental and social governance standards. He reviewed the Ministry's initiatives that have enhanced industrial competitiveness and contributed to supporting the net-zero emissions targets by 2060.

For his part, Dr. Saeed bin Dhafer Al-Qadhi, Dean of the College of Engineering, welcomed the attendees, affirming that the conference's convening is an extension of the leadership's interest in supporting scientific initiatives that contribute to developing innovation and expanding the Kingdom's presence in the fields of renewable energy and environmental sustainability. He explained that the conference offers a scientific program presenting the latest developments in energy technologies, carbon capture, waste treatment, environmental rehabilitation, and the circular economy, through keynote and scientific sessions with the participation of an elite group of specialists, in addition to advanced workshops provided by national and international entities aimed at empowering competencies and transferring knowledge. He expressed his appreciation for the sponsoring bodies that contributed to supporting this scientific forum.

The ceremony featured a visual presentation that reviewed the Kingdom's journey towards transitioning to clean energy sources, showcasing the University's efforts in supporting scientific research, empowering youth, and strengthening knowledge partnerships, and highlighting the role of green technologies in formulating an advanced circular economy that contributes to raising the Kingdom's competitiveness. The film offered a future vision of global trends in sustainable energy and the strategic opportunities this transformation could represent for the Kingdom in the coming years.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Excellency the University President honored the conference's supporting entities in appreciation of their role in the success of its activities and the enhancement of its research and scientific impact. He then announced the commencement of the scientific sessions, starting the program with the inaugural lecture presented by the energy market expert and consultant in oil and energy affairs, Dr. Anas Al-Hajji, signaling the launch of the specialized scientific track of the conference.