UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Development,
Green Skills & Climate Actions
A regional hub hosted at Prince Sultan University that places education at the heart of sustainable development, climate action, and green skills for current and future generations.
About the UNESCO Chair
Officially designated in May 2025, this milestone marks a historic achievement for our university and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement, signed between UNESCO Director-General Ms. Audrey Azoulay and PSU President Dr. Ahmed S. Yamani on May 26, 2025, symbolizes our collective commitment to advancing sustainability, education, and climate action globally.
Hosted by the Center for Sustainability and Climate, the UNESCO Chair serves as a regional and global platform for innovation, research, and policy dialogue in sustainable development. It also celebrates PSU’s leadership as:
Mission & Vision Statement
“The UNESCO Chair at Prince Sultan University advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), green skills, and climate actions in Higher Education across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to promote inclusive and equitable quality education.”
“Integrating Sustainability”
“Across curricula, research, and campus operations to embed sustainability in education.”
“Building Green Skills”
“Empowering students, faculty, and communities with essential green and climate competencies.”
“Fostering Partnerships”
“Collaborating with universities, governments, and civil society to drive systemic change.”
“Balancing Dimensions”
“Promoting economic sustainability, social inclusion, and environmental protection.”
“Empowering Learners”
“Ensuring accessibility and innovation for diverse learners through inclusive education.”
“Through education, research, and advocacy, we catalyze transformative action toward a sustainable future for the MENA region and beyond.”
What We Do
Advancing sustainability, education, and climate action through research, innovation, and global collaboration.
Cutting-Edge Research
- SDG Policies and Practices in Higher Education in the MENA
- Challenges of Implementing SDGs in Higher Education
- Climate Actions by Youth in the MENA
- Green Skills Integration in University Curricula
Impact: Evidence-informed decision-making for UNESCO, Ministries of Education, and higher education institutions globally.
Youth Engagement
Empowering youth through green skills workshops, leadership programs, and climate action training.
Global Partnerships
Fostering collaboration with universities, NGOs, and international organizations for sustainability impact.
Knowledge Sharing
Hosting international conferences, academic forums, and professional development workshops.
Climate Advocacy
Supporting COP initiatives and promoting sustainable practices across campuses and communities.
Core Activities
Advancing sustainability, equality, and education through research, innovation, and global collaboration.
Research & Publications
Collaborative global research on SDG implementation, comparative ESD studies, impact assessments, green skills integration, and women's climate participation.
Sustainability Curricula & Green Skills
Developing green economy competencies: renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable business, climate resilience, and gender-climate justice.
International Partnerships & Fellowships
Joint research, exchanges, and conferences promoting North-South & South-South knowledge transfer. Priority for women researchers from developing countries.
Policy Dialogues & Advisory
Evidence-based recommendations for strategic ESD planning, green skills frameworks, institutional assessments, and impact evaluation.
Gender Equality Focus
Promoting women’s participation in research, financial literacy (SDG 5), climate leadership, and gender-responsive education.
COP Engagement
Webinars, policy papers, and panels at COP29 and beyond — showcasing MENA best practices and advancing climate-ready universities globally.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
Our initiatives are directly aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Saudi Vision 2030.
SDG 4: Quality Education
Core focus on ESD and transformative learning.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Women's participation in climate actions and research.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
Green skills for labor market and innovation.
SDG 13: Climate Action
Youth engagement and institutional climate action.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Global North-South and South-South cooperation.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030 & Saudi Green Initiative
(Net Zero by 2060)
Our mission advances sustainability on three essential fronts:
Societal Sustainability
Societal Sustainability
Societal Sustainability
Global Education Policy Network (GEPN)
https://www.psu.edu.sa/global-education-policy-network
Accelerating Climate Action Through Education
The Global Education Policy Network (GEPN) is one of four global think tanks founded by Professor Mohammad Nurunnabi. GEPN engages over 100 academics from 35 countries to accelerate progress on climate action within and beyond higher education.
GEPN connects policy, research, and practice to advance sustainability through education globally.
Global SME Policy Network (GSPN)
https://www.psu.edu.sa/global-sme-policy-network
Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship Worldwide
GSPN is a global think tank advancing sustainable development in the SME sector, with a focus on developing economies and women’s entrepreneurship.
Why SMEs Matter: 90%+ of global businesses | 50–60% of employment | Key drivers of green innovation and SDGs 8 & 9.
PSU-UNESCO Global South Fellowship
Visiting Fellowships for Global Collaboration on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) & SDGs
A prestigious fellowship enabling researchers, policymakers, and academics from the Global South to collaborate on sustainability, climate action, and ESD innovation at Prince Sultan University’s UNESCO Chair.
Priority is given to applicants from developing countries, particularly women in climate action, STEM, and sustainability leadership.
PSU-UNESCO Chair:Research Themes & Impact
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
- SDG curriculum integration
- Green skills frameworks
- Transformative learning
- Whole-institution approaches
Climate Action in Higher Education
- Youth engagement
- Carbon neutrality
- Climate literacy & resilience
- Policy frameworks
MENA Region Focus
- SDG challenges & GCC best practices
- Women’s participation in climate
- Green economy transitions
- South-South cooperation
Gender & Sustainability
- Women in STEM & green tech
- Financial literacy
- Inclusive sustainability education
- Gender-responsive policy
💡 Impact Highlights
- Policy: Informed Saudi Arabia’s 2023 National Reviews, T20, and Ministry guidance
- Academic: 130+ publications, editorial roles, peer review leadership
- Practice: Curriculum development, training, policy briefs, and toolkits
- Open Access: UNESCO-aligned, Creative Commons, and global access
UNESCO Chair
Professor Dr. Mohammad Nurunnabi
UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Development
Director, Center for Sustainability and Climate
Prince Sultan University – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia