The Saudi Center CIFAL participated in the official side event organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and UNESCO, which was held at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) under the theme: Higher Education Institutions as Vital Partners in Designing and Delivering Sustainable, Resilient and Innovative Solutions".
The Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, attended the event which discussed how higher education institutions can play a pivotal role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through interdisciplinary learning, knowledge-based and community-oriented actions, and integrating sustainability as a core objective of education and research.
Education leaders from over 10 countries to discuss ways forward in making future policies for higher education institutions. Among the attendees were the Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research - Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations - Nikhil Seth, in addition to a group of presidents of international universities such as: Victoria University, Newcastle University, and high-level representatives from United Nations organizations and the governments of Ireland, Finland, and Croatia.
MU was represented in this event by the Vice-Rector for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Prof. Muhammad Al-Shehri, and the Director of the Saudi Cifal Center, Dr. Ayman Al-Barakati, who pointed out that the support of MU's rector and the Chairman of Cifal Council has played a role in allowing the center to participate in such events.