Participatory Bodies for Stakeholder Engagement

SDG 16 emphasizes the importance of inclusive and participatory governance, which is exemplified by the role of Advisory Boards like the College Industrial Advisory Board at the College of Business Administration (CBA). This board, comprising business, government, and academic leaders, as well as alumni from various sectors in Saudi Arabia, plays a crucial role in enhancing CBA programs. By providing insights and guidance, the Advisory Board helps ensure that academic offerings align with market demands, thus producing qualified and skilled graduates. Their collaborative efforts in program development and the identification of best practices enable the College to maintain high educational standards and effectively meet the expectations of the job market, thereby fostering a more engaged and capable workforce.

The collaboration between the Deanship of Student Affairs at the university and Alfanar Group, formalized through a memorandum of cooperation on October 1, 2024, illustrates a practical application of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which advocates for inclusive and participatory governance. This partnership aims to enhance student engagement by providing valuable training opportunities during their cooperative training periods. By aligning with a prominent company like Alfanar Group, the Deanship is not only improving students' employability but also fostering connections between academia and the labor market, both locally and internationally. This initiative exemplifies how participatory bodies can facilitate stakeholder engagement, creating pathways for students to gain practical experience and skills that meet the demands of the workforce. Ultimately, this collaboration contributes to a more inclusive educational environment, supporting the broader goals of SDG 16 by promoting transparency, accountability, and collaboration among educational institutions and industry leaders.