Policy- and Lawmakers Outreach and Education

Prince Sultan University (PSU) actively contributes to SDG 16—particularly in promoting strong institutions, inclusive decision-making, and partnerships between academia and policymakers—through its involvement in national urban policy initiatives. His Highness Prince Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ayaf honored three student teams from PSU’s Department of Architecture for their outstanding participation in the Urban Design Studio for Humanizing Residential Neighborhoods initiative. This national initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Quality of Life Program, engaged over 200 architecture students from various universities and culminated in an exhibition at King Saud University attended by policymakers, government officials, academics, and researchers.

The initiative serves as a model of policy-oriented education, where students contribute to real urban challenges aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. It supports the development of youth as future contributors to public policy and urban governance by empowering them to propose innovative, human-centered design solutions that integrate cultural heritage, sustainability, social interaction, and green infrastructure. Through this platform, PSU strengthens participatory governance, fosters dialogue between academic institutions and municipal authorities, and enhances institutional responsiveness to societal needs—key components of SDG 16.

The awarded projects—supervised by Dr. Jane Handal, Dr. Majd Al-Homood, and Dr. Rasha Mousa—demonstrated evidence-based planning, responsible innovation, and alignment between academic curricula and national development priorities. By integrating research, public service, and policy discourse, PSU contributes to nurturing a new generation of architects and urban planners capable of shaping transparent, inclusive, and human-centered cities, reinforcing the role of universities as strategic partners in national policymaking and sustainable urban development.

Prince Sultan University (PSU) contributes to SDG 16—particularly in promoting transparent institutions, informed policymaking, and civic awareness—by facilitating high-level dialogue between academia, policymakers, and sustainability experts. As part of its Policy- and Lawmaker Outreach initiative, PSU hosted a lecture by Dr. Mohammed S. Al Surf, a leading ESG advisor, sustainability policy expert, and founder of the Sustainability Professionals in Saudi Arabia Network (SPSA), representing over 7,000 members. Dr. Al Surf, the first Saudi to become a USGBC® Faculty, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 in alignment with the Paris Agreement, and highlighted the shared responsibility of individuals, corporations, and government institutions in this national transition.

The lecture, held under the SALab Seminar Series on February 14, 2024, educated students, faculty, and future policy influencers on sustainable construction, green governance, and the strategic role of legislation in advancing climate action. Dr. Al Surf also discussed challenges and opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s environmental policies, emphasizing how collaborative governance, stakeholder participation, and evidence-based policymaking contribute to stronger institutions and sustainable urban development.

Through initiatives like this, PSU supports SDG 16 by enhancing civic education, promoting transparency in national sustainability efforts, and equipping future leaders with the knowledge to contribute to policy formation. This positions universities as essential partners in shaping responsible governance and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 sustainability commitments.

A team from the Architectural Department at Prince Sultan University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, participated in the prestigious World Urban Forum (WUF12). Led by Dr. Shaimaa Ashour, Dr. Erna Husukic, and Dr. Malathe Hamid, they shared their expertise at two key events: "Housing Our Future: Bridging Divides, Challenges, and Innovations Across Cultures" and "Visions for Rebuilding Sudan: Inclusivity, Resilience, and Participatory Placemaking."