PSAU’s Leadership in SDG Policy Development (2024–2026)
Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) has actively contributed to shaping Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) policies at national and regional levels through its five-pillar SDG Roadmap: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships. In each pillar, PSAU identifies key challenges, collaborates with policymakers, and provides thought leadership – from advising government initiatives to participating in international frameworks. Below, we detail PSAU’s policy engagements under each pillar and their aligned SDGs, illustrating how the university informs policy formulation, models future scenarios, and enables adaptive SDG management.
People – Empowering Lives through Policy and Collaboration
PSAU supports social and human development policies by sharing expertise and aligning its initiatives with national strategies on education, health, poverty reduction, and gender equality. The university’s leadership in SDG 4 (Quality Education) policy is evident in its integration of sustainability into curricula and its work on global education frameworks. PSAU was a founding partner of the International Green Skills Initiative (a UN-UNEP–THE backed effort), co-designing curricula and assessment tools for green skills development. This involvement influences education policy by embedding SDG concepts in academic standards and advising national bodies on future skills needs.
PSAU’s representation at the launch of the International Green Skills Initiative during the 2025 Global Sustainable Development Congress in Türkiye and the World Academic Summit in Saudi Arabia exemplified its policy leadership in sustainable education.
On the national stage, PSAU contributes to policy dialogues on educational reform, for example by advising the Ministry of Education on integrating SDG themes into school programs and through hosting workshops with government agencies to promote lifelong learning and digital skills training for youth (supporting SDGs 4 and 8).
In health and social welfare policy (SDGs 3 and 1), PSAU works closely with government and NGOs to inform and implement inclusive policies. The university’s College of Medicine partnered with public health authorities to develop community health outreach programmes (e.g. free clinics, blood donation, vaccination drives), offering policy input on improving healthcare access in underserved regions. PSAU’s social responsibility office also feeds into anti-poverty and social protection policies by identifying local needs and demonstrating effective interventions (like student stipend programmes and a community volunteer service for low-income families). These grassroots insights have been shared with policymakers at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, ensuring policies like Vision 2030’s Poverty Alleviation Initiative address on-the-ground challenges. Additionally, PSAU’s advocacy for women’s empowerment is helping to shape national gender policy – notably through the Saudi “i-Women” Fellowship. By co-designing this fellowship for women in STEM and advising on its rollout, PSAU supports SDG 5 policy goals, complementing Vision 2030’s emphasis on female inclusion in development.
PSAU’s contributions often take a thematic narrative approach. For example, under education policy frameworks, the university provides evidence and models (like mapping every course to SDGs and improved graduate attributes) that inform national curriculum enhancements. Under health and well-being, PSAU’s experts sit on advisory councils (such as the Saudi Health Council committees) to integrate university-run programme results – on mental health, nutrition, etc. – into broader public health campaigns.
By identifying community challenges and piloting solutions, PSAU ensures that government policies are grounded in real data and adaptive management practices.
Planet – Steering Environmental and Climate Policy
Through the Planet pillar, PSAU aligns closely with national environmental priorities and contributes to policy-making on climate action, resource management, and conservation (SDGs 6, 7, 12, 13, 15). The university is recognised as a key academic partner in Saudi Arabia’s climate policy arena. Notably, PSAU’s scientists provided input to the National Climate Change Committee on adaptation strategies, sharing findings from campus climate risk assessments and renewable energy projects. PSAU also took part in policy consultations for the Saudi Green Initiative, using its campus greening and biodiversity programmes as a living policy lab. For example, PSAU’s successful tree-planting and reforestation campaigns in Al-Kharj were presented were acknowledged by the National Centre for Vegetation Development to guide regional and national afforestation policy, leading to PSAU’s official recognition as an “Afforestation Partner” for national reforestation efforts.
PSAU influences waste management and circular economy policy (SDG 12) through its campus initiatives and partnerships with regulatory bodies. The university’s experts worked with the National Center for Waste Management, contributing data from PSAU’s “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR)” campus policy to shape regional guidelines on plastic reduction and recycling in higher education institutions. This kind of evidence-based input has informed government targets for waste diversion and encouraged adoption of green procurement policies beyond the campus.
As part of its climate action strategy aligned with SDG 13, PSAU installed on-campus solar panels and electric vehicle chargers, providing a model for sustainable infrastructure that supports national carbon reduction policies.
By sharing technical reports from its Carbon Neutral Campus Strategy (which aims for net-zero emissions by 2040) with the Ministry of Energy and other universities, PSAU will help to integrate ambitious climate measures into sector-wide policy planning (reflecting SDG Target 13.2).
On the regulatory front, PSAU faculty serve on environmental policy advisory boards – for instance, advising on water conservation policy (SDG 6) by showcasing PSAU’s smart irrigation and greywater recycling success to the Riyadh Region’s water authorities. These engagements highlight how PSAU models future scenarios (like reduced water usage and increased renewables on campus) which policymakers can adapt at city or national scale. PSAU also ensures adaptive SDG management by continuously monitoring outcomes (carbon audits, biodiversity surveys) and sharing lessons through policy forums.
Through white papers, conference presentations, and direct consultation, PSAU amplifies its environmental initiatives into concrete policy inputs, helping to integrate SDG concerns into national development plans.
Prosperity – Informing Economic and Innovation Policies
PSAU actively collaborates with government and industry to shape policies that drive sustainable economic growth, employment, and innovation (SDGs 8, 9, 11). Under the Prosperity pillar, the university has forged formal partnerships with national ministries and agencies, ensuring its programmes align with and inform development policies. A prime example is PSAU’s MoU with the Ministry of Defence to provide advanced training for ministry staff – this collaboration not only builds capacity but also feeds into national policy on workforce upskilling in the defence sector. PSAU shares curricular frameworks and training results with policymakers, influencing how vocational and technical education policies (SDG 8) are structured for government employees.
PSAU’s cooperation with government agencies, such as joint events with the Ministry of Defence, demonstrates its role in shaping human capital policies and diversifying training opportunities in line with Vision 2030.
Similarly, an MoU with the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) provides a platform for PSAU to advise on developing new vocational programmes for the growing entertainment industry, aligning education policy with emerging economic sectors.
In the realm of entrepreneurship and innovation policy (SDG 9), PSAU provides leadership through its Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub (PIEh). The university’s experiences in incubating start-ups and hosting innovation competitions are shared with bodies like the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at). By contributing data on start-up success rates and skill gaps, PSAU will help to shape policies that foster entrepreneurship nationally (e.g. recommending incentives for university spin-offs and improved access to R&D grants). PSAU’s role in the first national Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference supported policy dialogues on supporting student entrepreneurs, where PSAU advocated for regulatory changes to ease the transition from academia to market. In urban development policy (SDG 11), PSAU is geared to advise local municipalities using insights from its “Walk@Work” sustainable transport program – influencing city planners in Al-Kharj to consider pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and smart mobility solutions.
PSAU also directly supports employment policy goals by aligning its academic programmes with national workforce strategies. The university frequently consults with the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf), offering input on youth employment initiatives and apprenticeship schemes. For instance, PSAU’s success in achieving high graduate placement through industry-designed diplomas was presented to Hadaf for consideration in policy adjustments to encourage similar academia-industry alignment across Saudi universities. Through these engagements, PSAU acts as a bridge between private sector needs and government policy, ensuring that SDG 8 (Decent Work) targets are met via evidence-backed strategies.
In summary, PSAU’s Prosperity pillar contributions range from advising on skills development policies, innovation funding, to urban planning – all grounded in the university’s practical experiences and forecasting future economic trends to guide adaptive policy-making.
Peace – Strengthening Governance and Social Policy
Under the Peace pillar, PSAU advocates for policies that promote good governance, justice, and societal harmony (SDG 16). The university has taken initiative to embed principles of transparency and ethics internally and then share these as best practices in national policy discussions on governance in higher education. PSAU’s planned Governance & Ethics Training Series (for all administrators and student leaders) will be shared with the Council for University Affairs, aimed at system-wide adoption with PSAU advising on similar ethics compliance frameworks. By modelling participatory decision-making through its Student Civic Council, PSAU influences policy by demonstrating ways to enhance youth engagement in institutional governance – aligning with SDG Target 16.7. These examples show PSAU helping to shape policy norms for accountable governance both within and beyond the university.
PSAU also contributes to legal access and justice policies through its Law Department’s initiatives. By planning a Legal Aid Clinic to serve disadvantaged communities, PSAU is not only addressing local needs but also informing national conversations on legal aid provision and clinical legal education. The university’s MoU with the national Board of Grievances (the administrative judiciary) exemplifies direct input into judicial training policy – PSAU provides expertise in curriculum development for judge and lawyer training programmes, influencing policies that aim to modernise the judicial sector in line with SDG 16.3 (access to justice). Moreover, PSAU organised public workshops on tolerance and coexistence, timed with International Day for Tolerance and under the theme of Vision 2030’s inclusive society goals. Outcomes from these workshops (e.g. recommendations on countering extremism and fostering digital civility) were compiled and shared with relevant government bodies, feeding into national strategies for combating extremist ideologies and strengthening social cohesion.
PSAU’s “Empowerment Hackathon” on intellectual security – focusing on countering extremism and promoting moderate thinking – highlights the university’s proactive role in shaping discourse and policy on peace and anti-radicalisation.
By involving security officials, educators, and students, PSAU ensured the hackathon’s policy recommendations (such as integrating critical thinking modules and digital literacy into curricula) reached the policymakers who can implement them. This synergy between PSAU’s grassroots initiatives and national policy development underscores the university’s role as a thought leader in SDG 16, translating its field experiences into concrete policy inputs.
Ultimately, PSAU’s Peace pillar engagements demonstrate how an academic institution can champion policies for ethical governance and peaceful communities by working hand-in-hand with governmental and civil society partners.
Partnerships – Driving SDG Policy through Collaboration
Through Partnerships, PSAU extends its influence on the regional, national, and global stage, co-developing SDG policies via multi-stakeholder alliances (SDG 17). PSAU joined key networks like the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), Sulitest’s Tool for Assessment of Sustainability Knowledge (TASKTM), and the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Network, where it exchanges policy insights with international peers and global agencies. By participating in SDSN’s working groups, PSAU contributes Saudi perspectives to global SDG policy white papers, ensuring that regional contexts (such as Gulf-region climate challenges or education needs) are reflected in international guidelines. Locally, PSAU spearheaded the Global South Partnership (GSP), uniting dozens of universities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to collaborate on common SDG challenges. This consortium not only produces joint research but also policy documents offering recommendations to governments across the Global South on issues like water scarcity and renewable energy – with PSAU often taking the lead in drafting and advocacy. Furthermore, PSAU by mandating the use of TASKTM tests throughout its GSP, PSAU promotes sustainability knowledge and practices across its network of 50+ institutions from 20+ countries.
PSAU is also instrumental in organising forums that bridge academia and government for SDG policy dialogue. The university plans to host an Annual SDG Forum in Saudi Arabia starting in 2027, envisioned as a platform where academia, government officials, and industry leaders can review SDG progress and co-create new policy initiatives. This idea emerged from PSAU’s experience in co-hosting international conferences (e.g. Times Higher Education’s Global Sustainable Development Congress). By convening such dialogues, PSAU enables continuous adaptive management of SDG policies – ensuring feedback from implementation (on campuses or communities) informs policy refinement at the national level.
Crucially, PSAU’s partnership approach often means it co-authors SDG policy guidance. For instance, PSAU academics were contributors to a THE-Times Higher Education White Paper on Green Skills, which provided policy recommendations to governments on integrating sustainability into higher education curricula worldwide. Regionally, PSAU plans to work with the GCC Association of Universities on a policy brief to standardise community engagement metrics (aligning with SDG 11 and 17) across Gulf universities, supporting policymakers in harmonising social impact assessments.
PSAU’s delegation at the 2025 THE Africa Universities Summit in Kigali – where it led roundtable discussions with international partners – illustrates its leadership in forming global partnerships and influencing policy agendas beyond its borders.
Through the outlined collaborations, PSAU demonstrates the power of partnership in driving policy: pooling resources, sharing data, and jointly advocating for the SDGs. In sum, PSAU’s Partnerships pillar solidifies its position as a catalyst for SDG policy development, leveraging alliances to magnify its impact from local government consultations to shaping the global SDG narrative.
PSAU’s SDG Policy Implementation Initiatives (2024–2026)
Building upon the policies and frameworks outlined previously, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) has translated its commitments into a wide range of practical initiatives. These on-the-ground programmes, aligned with national and regional SDG strategies, demonstrate how PSAU implements policy into action. Structured again by the five pillars – People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships – the following examples show concrete interventions, collaborations, and programmes that bring SDG policies to life, illustrating PSAU’s leadership in achieving results that support government and societal goals.
People – Initiatives for Social Development and Inclusion
Under the People pillar, PSAU’s policy engagements have given rise to numerous community-focused initiatives that directly improve lives in line with SDG priorities. To support national objectives on poverty alleviation and quality education (SDGs 1 and 4), PSAU launched a Community Volunteer Programme in 2024. Through this structured scheme, over 200 student and staff volunteers have provided free tutoring, literacy classes, and vocational training to low-income families in Al-Kharj region. By 2025, these efforts benefited more than 500 community members – boosting school performance among disadvantaged youth and imparting job skills (like basic IT and crafts) to adults. The programme is scaling up to reach 1,000 beneficiaries by 2026, establishing a culture of volunteerism that complements government social support programs. Notably, PSAU’s volunteers also participate in national campaigns: in 2025, the university sent 108 students and 13 staff to assist pilgrims during Hajj, heeding the government’s call for volunteer support at the holy sites. This contribution earned official commendation from the Governor of Al-Kharj, underlining how PSAU’s practical help reinforces Saudi Arabia’s SDG commitments to inclusive society and service to others.
PSAU has also driven health and well-being initiatives that align with public health strategies (SDG 3). The College of Medicine regularly organises free health camps and awareness drives in local communities – for example, running a “Clear Vision” eye health campaign that screened hundreds of residents for vision problems, and hosting blood donation drives in partnership with regional hospitals. These practical activities improve health outcomes (early detection of disease, more blood supplies) while advancing SDG 3 targets on preventative care. On campus, PSAU opened a Student Health and Wellness Centre (with counselling and mental health services), directly implementing policies around youth mental health support. The Deanship of Student Affairs complements this with frequent wellness workshops (e.g. stress management, nutrition, first aid training). The impact is evident in improved student awareness of healthy lifestyles and greater uptake of counselling services – tangible progress supporting national mental health objectives.
Crucially, PSAU’s commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment manifests in hands-on programmes for women and girls (SDGs 5 and 4). The university’s “We Are All STEM” mentorship scheme exclusively pairs female students with industry and academic mentors, encouraging more women to pursue careers in science and engineering. It also hosts coding workshops and technology competitions for female students – one highlight being a PSAU women’s team winning an AI-for-Healthcare hackathon in 2024. Following this success, PSAU expanded training sessions for women in AI and cybersecurity, an implementation step that supports both the university’s own gender policy and the wider Vision 2030 goal of empowering women. Additionally, PSAU’s “Little Scout” programme has introduced schoolgirls to leadership and personal development through scouting activities. By hosting pupils from local elementary schools on campus for skills workshops, PSAU not only fosters community goodwill but also acts on SDG 4.7 (education for sustainable development), teaching values of discipline, cooperation, and responsibility to the next generation.
Planet – Practical Sustainability and Climate Action
In the Planet pillar, PSAU has turned sustainability policies into concrete projects that green the campus and community, aligning with national environmental initiatives (SDGs 6, 7, 12, 13, 15). A flagship practical effort is PSAU’s Green Campus Operations programme, which has made the university a living model of sustainability. For instance, in support of SDG 7 (Clean Energy), PSAU installed solar photovoltaic panels on rooftops and parking structures across its campus. It is envisaged that by 2027, these panels generate a significant portion of campus electricity – cutting carbon emissions by hundreds of tonnes annually. The solar arrays are monitored by engineering students, giving them real-world experience, and their performance data is reported to national energy authorities as a proof-of-concept for renewables in public institutions. Complementing solar power, PSAU implemented extensive energy efficiency upgrades: retrofitting all major buildings with LED lighting, smart HVAC controls, and automated energy management systems (in partnership with the National Energy Services Company, Tarshid). Within two years, these measures reduced campus energy use per capita by about 10%, a practical result that advances SDG 13 (Climate Action) and supports Saudi Arabia’s energy efficiency targets. PSAU has also partnered with industries in the smart and renewable energy space, notably Alfanar and CHINT, to support students’ training and research.
At the First Conference of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, PSAU showcased sustainable tech prototypes – such as solar-powered water purification – reflecting its on-ground efforts to drive environmental innovation in line with national priorities.
In waste management (SDG 12), PSAU’s introduction of the “RRR – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” policy is translating into visible changes on campus: installation of segregated recycling bins, a phase-out of single-use plastics (free reusable water flasks were distributed to all students), and digitisation of administrative processes to slash paper consumption by half. By 2026, PSAU aims to divert over 30% of its waste from landfills (up from near-zero before) and cut plastic waste significantly – tangible evidence of policy implementation. The university involves students in these efforts through recycling competitions and sustainability workshops, ensuring that behaviour change accompanies infrastructure change.
Beyond campus, PSAU actively contributes to community environmental projects. It joined the national “Let’s Make it Green” campaign, with students volunteering in local tree-planting drives and park clean-ups in surrounding towns. PSAU’s Adopt-a-Tree initiative saw targeted students and staff members plant and care for at least one tree, resulting in approximately 1,800 new trees planted on and around campus by 2025 (far exceeding initial goals). These trees, mostly native species, improve local air quality and biodiversity, and their growth data is used in PSAU research on carbon sequestration – bridging practical action with academic insight. In recognition of these efforts, the National Centre for Vegetation Development named PSAU an official afforestation partner. Likewise, PSAU’s environmental science faculty collaborated with Al-Kharj municipal authorities to conduct flood risk assessments and develop a local climate adaptation plan (covering better drainage and heat-mitigation landscaping). Recommendations from this partnership have been incorporated into the city’s development plans, demonstrating PSAU’s hands-on role in enabling adaptive SDG management at the municipal level.
Prosperity – Fostering Innovation, Skills, and Jobs on the Ground
PSAU’s Prosperity initiatives translate economic and industry partnership policies into actionable programmes that develop skills, create jobs, and spur innovation (SDGs 8, 9, 11). A centrepiece of this is the Career Guidance and Employment Programme launched in cooperation with Hadaf (Human Resources Development Fund). Starting in 2025, PSAU rolled out a series of career workshops, CV clinics, and mock interviews for final-year students and recent graduates. Over two academic years, more than 1,000 students benefitted from these sessions, which improved their job readiness and directly contributed to a rise in employment rates of PSAU graduates (over 70% of 2025 graduates secured employment or paid internships within six months). This programme’s success demonstrates implementation of SDG 8.6 (youth employment) and feeds into the Kingdom’s broader effort to reduce youth unemployment. Additionally, PSAU’s Applied College introduced 12 new specialised diploma programmes (in fields like logistics, cybersecurity, renewable energy) specifically designed with employer input to meet labour market needs. These one- to two-year diplomas enrolled hundreds of students and have already produced graduates working in their specialisations – a clear outcome supporting national diversification and skills development goals under Vision 2030.
To nurture entrepreneurship (SDG 8.3 and 9), PSAU established the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub (PIEh) in late 2024. This on-campus incubator provides co-working space, mentorship, and seed funding to student and alumni start-up teams. Each year, the Hub runs a “Sattam Innovates” competition, where dozens of budding entrepreneurs pitch ideas. Winners receive modest funding and intensive mentoring. As a result, multiple start-ups have been launched – including a student-founded tech company developing a smart wheelchair (an SDG-oriented innovation for disabled mobility) which won awards at international competitions. PSAU’s hub has so far incubated 5 start-ups and facilitated 8 industry-sponsored student projects (as of end 2025), directly contributing to job creation and innovation in the region.
PSAU’s team to the 2025 Shell Eco-Marathon competition in Qatar, reflecting the university’s practical support for innovation aligned with SDG 9.
The presence of PSAU’s entrepreneurs at such national expos both demonstrates the outcomes of PSAU’s programmes and encourages knowledge exchange, helping to embed a culture of innovation in line with national entrepreneurship policies.
On the infrastructure and urban development side (SDG 11), PSAU actively participated in local projects like the Smart City pilot in Al-Kharj. Engineering students, under faculty supervision, developed IoT sensor prototypes to improve traffic management and reduce congestion. These prototypes were tested on campus and will be presented to the city council. This hands-on collaboration contributes to more sustainable urban services and gives students practical experience, embodying SDG 11.6 (reduce urban environmental impact). Furthermore, PSAU co-hosted an Industry–Academia SDG Exhibition in late 2025, bringing together companies, government agencies, and researchers to showcase projects related to sustainable construction, clean energy, and smart agriculture. Several Memoranda of Cooperation were signed during this event between PSAU and local SMEs to collaborate on product development (for instance, creating eco-friendly building materials). These tangible partnerships strengthen the local economy and align academic output with market needs, implementing the university’s partnership strategies and supporting SDG 9.b (domestic technology development). Through such myriad activities, PSAU demonstrates that its prosperity-related policy engagement is matched by effective execution – equipping students with employable skills, encouraging enterprise, and driving regional economic progress on the ground.
Peace – Building Good Governance and Community Peace Initiatives
PSAU’s Peace pillar initiatives put into practice the policies and principles of strong institutions, justice, and community peace (SDG 16). Internally, the university took concrete steps to enhance governance – notably establishing an Independent Unit for Integrity and Transparency by 2025. This unit oversees ethical conduct, implements anti-corruption training, and provides channels for reporting misconduct. As part of this, PSAU held two rounds of Ethics and Governance workshops in 2025, training 100% of department heads and many senior administrators in best practices of transparent decision-making and financial integrity. Early indicators show improved compliance and a more open organisational culture (e.g. student and faculty feedback are now regularly incorporated into policy revisions), demonstrating progress toward SDG Target 16.6 (effective institutions). These internal reforms not only fulfill PSAU’s own governance goals but also serve as a pilot model being shared with other Saudi universities, thus indirectly contributing to stronger governance across the higher education sector.
PSAU’s Law Department, acting on its commitment to broaden access to justice, progressed in setting up a Legal Aid Clinic aimed to open by late 2026. In preparation, law faculty and students have been participating in free weekly legal consultation sessions at local community centres (as a prelude to the full clinic). They have already assisted dozens of individuals with issues like filing labour complaints or understanding family law rights. This practical outreach directly supports SDG 16.3 by helping marginalised citizens navigate the legal system. The experience has the dual benefit of enriching legal education (students gain supervised practice) and resolving real disputes or guiding people to proper legal channels. PSAU is tracking outcomes – such as number of cases resolved or referred – to ensure the clinic will effectively complement government legal aid efforts. Indeed, local authorities have welcomed PSAU’s initiative, noting that it eases burdens on public legal aid offices and raises legal awareness in the community.
In alignment with national strategies to counter extremism and promote a culture of tolerance, PSAU actively organised and participated in peace-building programmes. For example, the university held an “Empowerment Hackathon” on Intellectual Security, which brought together students, security experts, and educators to generate innovative ideas against extremist ideologies. Over a 48-hour hackathon, teams developed campaigns and apps to promote critical thinking and digital media literacy. This is a direct, ground-level contribution to fostering peace and inclusivity (supporting SDG 16.B on promoting non-discriminatory policies). Additionally, PSAU commemorated the International Day for Tolerance each year with campus-wide events, including seminars and exhibitions about cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence. Hundreds of students engaged in these events, many sharing personal projects (like short films and art) that celebrate tolerance. Such activities create a microcosm of an inclusive society on campus and feed into broader efforts by illustrating positive youth engagement.
The practical initiatives and activities enumerated here underscore PSAU’s commitment to not only advocate for peace and justice policies but to implement them tangibly within its community and region, thereby strengthening the overall social fabric in alignment with SDG 16 goals.
Partnerships – Collaborative Projects Supporting SDG Strategies
PSAU’s implementation of the policies under the Partnerships pillar is evident in a range of collaborative projects and alliances that actively support and complement national and regional SDG efforts (SDG 17). One key avenue is PSAU’s leadership in international academic networks aimed at solving shared challenges. Since joining the SDSN (Sustainable Development Solutions Network) in 2025, PSAU aims to contribute to joint research and capacity-building projects across the network. For example, PSAU aims partnerships with universities in its Global South Partnership on a trilateral water security project. Together, they will conduct comparative studies on efficient irrigation in arid climates – with PSAU focusing on Saudi case studies – and sharing findings with policymakers in all three countries. This collaborative project not only produces research outputs (papers, policy briefs) but has led to training workshops for local farmers in each country, thereby directly supporting SDG 6 and SDG 2 (food security) in an integrated South-South cooperation model.
PSAU has also taken the initiative to host and participate in high-profile SDG conferences that foster new partnerships and actions. In 2025, PSAU was an active participant in the THE Global Sustainable Development Congress in Istanbul and Africa University Summit in Kigali, where its delegation led roundtable sessions with peers from over 20 countries.
PSAU and international delegates at the 2025 GSD Congress and Africa University Summit exchanged best practices and forged new alliances – an outcome of PSAU’s partnership-driven approach to SDG implementation.
From these interactions, PSAU secured over 30+ new Letters of Intent (LoIs) for collaborations with institutions as far-flung as Indonesia and Kenya, focusing on projects like clean energy research and public health interventions. These partnerships often come with concrete implementation components. As part of its GSP, in late 2025, PSAU facilitated a student mobility tour of 3 institutions in Cape Town, South Africa by 200+ students and staff from 11 Saudi universities. Such exchanges spread knowledge and skills, directly helping implement SDG targets in both countries.
Finally, PSAU’s commitment to knowledge sharing and transparency is evident in how it documents and communicates these partnership outcomes. The university publishes an annual SDG Partnerships Report detailing activities, challenges, and lessons learned, which it circulates among government stakeholders and partners. This reporting mechanism ensures that successful models can be replicated and that any hurdles are jointly addressed – embodying the spirit of SDG 17’s call for collaborative problem-solving. Through active partnerships, PSAU not only amplifies its own impact but also strengthens the collective capacity to achieve the SDGs. Every joint research project, exchange programme, or consortium that PSAU leads or joins is a building block of a larger support structure helping national and regional authorities reach their SDG targets more effectively and efficiently. In sum, the practical partnership initiatives of PSAU, from global cooperation networks to local public-private projects, are vital implementations that underpin and accelerate the broader SDG agenda.
