Professor Dr. Mohammad Nurunnabi
Prince Sultan University (PSU) has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first private university in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to receive provisional accreditation as an observer to the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
The accreditation, confirmed by the UNCCD Secretariat on October 14, 2024, positions PSU at the forefront of international collaboration for sustainable development goals (SDGs) and environmental stewardship in the region.
GROUNDBREAKING REGIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
This landmark accreditation establishes Prince Sultan University as a pioneer in academic engagement with global environmental initiatives. As the first and only private institution from Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region to achieve this status, PSU demonstrates its commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges, particularly desertification and land degradation.
The university's accreditation comes at a significant time, as Riyadh prepares to host COP16 from December 2-13, 2024, bringing global attention to environmental sustainability issues in the Kingdom.
COLLABORATION FOR SDG BEST PRACTICE & RESEARCH
Through international collaboration and research, PSU will review comparative approaches and develop international best practices on tackling the SDGs. The university's participation will enable it to:
- Contribute to global policy discussions on combating desertification
- Share research and innovative solutions from the Saudi and MENA perspective
- Collaborate with international institutions on sustainable land management
- Advance the Kingdom's Vision 2030 environmental objectives
- Bridge academic research with practical implementation of environmental policies
ADVANCING SDG 15: LIFE ON LAND
PSU's accreditation allows it to contribute to global policy discussions and research on sustainable land management and land restoration, which are core elements of SDG 15—particularly:
- Target 15.3: Achieve a land degradation-neutral world by 2030.
- Target 15.9: Integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into planning and decision-making.
Through this accreditation, PSU will actively participate in shaping policies and research initiatives that support land restoration, combat desertification, and promote biodiversity conservation—critical priorities for both Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region.
PROVISIONAL ACCREDITATION STATUS
According to the official communication from Marcos Montoiro, External Relations Officer at UNCCD, Prince Sultan University has been granted provisional accreditation pending final confirmation by the Parties during COP16. This accreditation is governed by paragraph 7 of Article 22 of the Convention and Rules 6 and 7 of the rules of procedure of the COP, as adopted by decision 1/COP.1.
The accreditation allows PSU to register delegates to attend COP16 and participate in the conference proceedings as an official observer organization.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE FOR THE REGION
Dr. Ahmed Yamani, representing Prince Sultan University in this initiative, has been instrumental in securing this recognition for the institution. The accreditation reflects PSU's growing international reputation and its strategic focus on environmental sustainability and climate action.
As the first private Saudi and MENA institution to achieve this distinction, PSU sets a precedent for other regional universities to engage more actively with international environmental conventions and contribute to global sustainability efforts.
PRINCE SULTAN UNIVERSITY'S CENTER FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE
The Center for Sustainability and Climate at Prince Sultan University leads the institution's research, education, and policy engagement on sustainable development, climate change, and environmental sustainability. The Center serves as a bridge between academia, government, and civil society in advancing Saudi Arabia's sustainable development priorities.
Through its comprehensive approach to environmental challenges, the Center positions PSU at the intersection of research excellence and practical policy implementation, contributing to both national and international sustainability goals.
Learn more: https://www.psu.edu.sa/CSC
LOOKING AHEAD
The UNCCD Secretariat has encouraged Prince Sultan University to continue its involvement in the implementation of the Convention and to keep the secretariat informed of its activities. This ongoing engagement will allow PSU to:
- Participate in future COP sessions and related UNCCD events
- Contribute to the development of international best practices
- Enhance research collaborations on desertification and land degradation
- Strengthen the link between academic research and policy implementation
- Position Saudi Arabia as a leader in environmental education and research
- Advance land degradation neutrality and ecosystem restoration goals
ABOUT UNCCD COP16
The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2-13, 2024. This marks the first time the Kingdom hosts this significant international environmental conference, providing an opportunity to showcase Saudi Arabia's commitment to combating desertification and promoting sustainable land management.
Visit the COP16 website: unccdcop16.org
ABOUT PRINCE SULTAN UNIVERSITY
Prince Sultan University is a leading private institution of higher education in Saudi Arabia, committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community service. With this historic accreditation, PSU reinforces its position as a forward-thinking institution dedicated to addressing global challenges and contributing to sustainable development through innovative research and international collaboration.
CENTER FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE
The Center for Sustainability and Climate at Prince Sultan University leads the institution's research, education, and policy engagement on sustainable development, climate change, and environmental sustainability, serving as a bridge between academia, government, and civil society in advancing Saudi Arabia's sustainable development priorities.
