Professor Dr. Mohammad Nurunnabi
Prince Sultan University (PSU) has demonstrated significant leadership in national sustainability policy for higher education through its substantial contribution to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2023, submitted to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
The university's engagement represents a landmark achievement in Saudi Arabia's pursuit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Vision 2030 objectives, positioning PSU as a critical academic partner in national policy formulation.
Strategic Partnership with National Governance Structure
Prince Sultan University's Center for Sustainability and Climate (CSC) secured membership on the VNR steering committee, operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy and Planning, Saudi Arabia. This strategic positioning enabled the university to provide expert guidance throughout the policy development process at the highest governmental levels.
The collaboration exemplifies the vital relationships between academic institutions, regional non-governmental organizations, and government entities in advancing SDG implementation frameworks across the Kingdom.
Comprehensive Involvement in SDG Policy Development Cycle
PSU maintained direct involvement in and provided substantive input into national government and regional NGO SDG policy development processes. The university's contributions encompassed the complete policy lifecycle:
Problem Identification and Challenge Assessment: PSU researchers conducted rigorous analysis to identify critical sustainability challenges confronting the Kingdom, providing evidence-based insights for policy prioritization.
Policy and Strategy Development: University experts contributed to formulating comprehensive policies and strategies aligned with Saudi Arabia's sustainable development priorities and international commitments.
Scenario Modeling and Forecasting: PSU employed advanced analytical methodologies to model likely futures both with and without proposed interventions, enabling evidence-informed decision-making by policymakers.
Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms: The university participated in establishing robust frameworks for tracking implementation progress and reporting outcomes to national and international stakeholders.
Adaptive Management Systems: PSU contributed to developing flexible governance structures that enable responsive adjustments to emerging challenges and opportunities in SDG implementation.
Recognition in Official UN Documentation
Prince Sultan University's contributions are formally documented through a dedicated case study featured in Saudi Arabia's official VNR 2023 report. The comprehensive report is accessible through the UN High-Level Political Forum platform at: https://hlpf.un.org/sites/default/files/vnrs/2023/VNR%202023%20Saudi%20Arabia%20Report.pdf
The case study highlights PSU's practical applications and measurable impact on advancing sustainable development outcomes within the Kingdom's national framework.
Institutional Commitment to Sustainable Development
This achievement reinforces Prince Sultan University's position as a premier institution bridging academic excellence with national development imperatives. Through the Center for Sustainability and Climate, PSU continues to advance research, education, and policy engagement that directly supports Saudi Arabia's transformation toward a sustainable future.
The university's participation in the VNR 2023 process underscores the essential role of higher education institutions in translating global sustainability commitments into actionable national policies and measurable outcomes.
About the Voluntary National Review
Voluntary National Reviews are mechanisms through which UN member states report on their progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. https://hlpf.un.org/countries/saudi-arabia/voluntary-national-reviews-2023
