Charting a collective roadmap for a greener future
Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University is set to launch its Global South Partnership initiative at the 2025 THE Africa Universities Summit to enhance collaboration and academic exchange among institutions in the Global South
Sponsored by Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University
Sponsored by
Sponsored by
As hubs of knowledge and innovation, universities have the potential to drive change in society and tackle regional and global challenges. As the world grapples with environmental problems more frequently, sustainable development is crucial to securing a better future for us all. Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) in Saudi Arabia is dedicated to advancing this goal, aligning with the country’s broader sustainability targets.
In line with its commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the university unveiled the PSAU 2030 SDG Roadmap in 2023. A key focus of this plan involves making strategic investments to help Saudi Arabia achieve its national SDG objectives.
Stemming from the roadmap is the PSAU Global South Partnership, which emphasises the importance of global partnerships in addressing the complex challenges facing communities in the Global South. Set to be launched in 2025 during THE’s Africa Universities Summit in Rwanda, the Global South Partnership aims to serve as a driving force for cultivating meaningful collaborations and sustainable development outcomes in communities across Saudi Arabia and other emerging regions.
The initiative is motivated by a sense of shared responsibility and aims to leverage the collective knowledge, resources and capabilities of experts and institutions in different regions in the Global South to foster positive change and sustainable development.
The programme consists of two key initiatives: research on local, national and global issues; and the PSAU Physical Environment and Wellbeing Initiative, which highlights PSAU’s efforts in SDG-focused research, curriculum development and collaboration. Together, these initiatives define PSAU’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities and objectives.
Other key goals of the Global South Partnership include strengthening awareness of and commitment to the SDGs, addressing global inequality, promoting cooperation within the Global South and building resilience to global challenges.
The programme will pursue partnerships with institutions from countries across Africa, Asia and South America, including universities, research institutions, not-for-profit organisations and government agencies that are dedicated to sustainable development and enhancing societal impact.
Another key aspect of the initiative will be PSAU’s investment in research and innovation. The university will foster collaborative research projects on various SDGs by integrating diverse and interdisciplinary perspectives from PSAU researchers and partner institutions.
One of its goals is to co-create technological solutions such as renewable energy systems, sustainable agricultural methods and healthcare innovations, tailored to the needs of Global South communities. The project will also promote joint educational programmes and international workshops centred on ESG principles, sustainable development and social entrepreneurship.
Find out more about the Global South Partnership by Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University.
Find out more about THE Africa Universities Summit 2025.