MU STRENGTHENS ITS GLOBAL PRESENCE IN LEADING A HIGHER EDUCATION TRANSFORMATION EVENT THROUGH UN PLATFORM

Majmaah University, represented by the CIFAL Saudi Arabia Center took part in the Global Learning Conference in Africa 2026, held in Kigali from 19 to 20 February 2026. The event brought together senior decision-makers, university leaders, policy experts, and representatives from international and non-profit organizations.

The University’s participation came through a high-level side event organized by UNITAR via the CIFAL Global Network, in partnership with the Villars Institute and the Higher Education Leadership for Alliance and Sustainability Transformations (HELAST) program. Discussions focused on developing university leaders capable of driving institutional transformation and strengthening higher education readiness for the rapid changes brought by artificial intelligence and digital transformation to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In her opening remarks, Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNITAR, commended Majmaah University and CIFAL Saudi Arabia as an active academic partner in supporting leadership development and institutional transformation. She emphasized the importance of sustaining this role in the coming phase.

Dr. Ayman Al-Barkati, Director of CIFAL Saudi Arabia, represented MU in this events, reinforcing the University’s international presence and fostering strategic partnerships aligned with sustainable development goals.

This recognition from the United Nations reflects the growing standing of CIFAL Saudi Arabia as a key international partner in advancing university leadership and institutional transformation.

The participation also aligns with the strategic vision of MU Rector, Prof. Saleh Al-Mezal, to strengthen the University’s global engagement and enable it to play a meaningful role in connecting international agendas with national priorities, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.