MU REPRESENTS SAUDI ARABIA AT UN HLPF 2025 SIDE EVENT ON SUSTAINABLE HIGHER EDUCATION

Majmaah University proudly took part in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF 2025) under the theme:
“Innovation in Higher Education for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Future for All.”

The event was held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, and was co-organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and UNESCO, with academic partnership from CIFAL Saudi Arabia at MU.

Prof. Saleh Al-Mezal, MU Rector, delivered the university’s keynote address during the main session. In his speech, he reaffirmed Majmaah University’s leading role in education for sustainable development and highlighted its active contribution to the LEAP-FAST international program—an ambitious initiative that empowers higher education institutions to lead sustainability transformations.

Prof. Al-Mezal expressed the university’s pride in being a strategic partner in this global program, emphasizing that higher education is not limited to teaching, but is a driver of social change, inspiring youth to find solutions to global challenges. He also said that MU is committed to Saudi Vision 2030, and its dedication to building impactful international academic partnerships that support excellence and societal development.

The event brought high-level national and international participation. Representing the Kingdom in the opening session, Eng. Saad Al-Ghamdi, Deputy Minister of Education for Planning and Development, delivered remarks on behalf of Minister of Education H.E. Yousef Al-Benyan. Also in attendance was H.E. Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Wasel, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

In the closing session, MU was highly praised for its significant contributions to hosting the inaugural edition of the LEAP-FAST program. Organizers and participants expressed deep appreciation for the university’s supportive academic environment and strong institutional cooperation.

University leaders from across the world also participated in the event, including delegates from the University of Dublin (Ireland), Kenyatta University (Kenya), University of the Philippines, University of Mauritius, National University of Costa Rica, York University (Canada), and the University of Newcastle (Australia). Representatives from various UN agencies were also present, led by Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNITAR.

This international engagement reflects MU’s growing global reputation and its strategic role in supporting the Kingdom’s vision for sustainable education.