Latest news with #FahadAlajlan
Zawya
28-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
NASPAA 2025 Regional Conference kicks off at KAPSARC with Visionary Academic Exchange
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The 2025 NASPAA Regional Conference opens today at the KAPSARC School of Public Policy, marking a historic milestone as the first NASPAA event of its kind to be held in Saudi Arabia. The conference brings together distinguished scholars, senior policymakers, and public policy experts from around the world for high-level discussions on the future of public policy education and institutional innovation. Serving as a vital academic forum, the conference sets the stage for in-depth dialogue on key issues ranging from human capital development and sustainability to governance reform and the integration of emerging technologies in the public sector. The program features a series of panel discussions and expert-led sessions designed to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of policy education and leadership training. In his opening remarks, KAPSARC President Mr. Fahad Alajlan emphasized the conference's role in shaping a new global model for public service: 'Let us use this conference to challenge conventional wisdom, champion new voices, and construct a truly visionary model of public service – one rooted in ethics, collaboration, and, above all, results.' This inaugural regional gathering underscores Saudi Arabia's growing stature as an intellectual hub for public policy discourse. It also highlights the increasing value of cross-border collaboration in building resilient academic ecosystems and designing policy frameworks with real-world impact. 'The 2025 NASPAA Regional Conference affirms the essential role of academic dialogue in shaping the next generation of public policy professionals,' says Dr. Ghada Al-Arifi, Dean of the KAPSARC School of Public Policy. 'Through thought-provoking exchanges and the presentation of pioneering research, this conference is laying the groundwork for more agile, future-ready policy education – rooted in both academic rigor and practical relevance.' Dr. Al-Arifi adds, 'This event offers a rare opportunity to bridge theory and practice. By fostering collaboration between educators and policymakers, we are strengthening the impact of public policy education on institutional performance and governance excellence.' Dr. Mohamad Alkadry, President of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), expressed his deep appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting this year's event. He commended the launch of the conference and emphasized the importance of the growing partnership between NASPAA and the KAPSARC School of Public Policy. 'This collaboration is vital to advancing the quality and reach of public policy education across the region,' says Dr. Alkadry. 'We are committed to supporting academic institutions in Saudi Arabia as they prepare current and future public and nonprofit sector leaders with the skills and competencies required to navigate an increasingly complex policy environment.' The conference opens with a shared commitment among participants to strengthen academic frameworks, foster interdisciplinary research, and advance evidence-based solutions to pressing governance challenges. Over the coming days, attendees will engage in in-depth dialogue and collaborative sessions aimed at shaping the future of public policy education and institutional excellence. About KSPP The KAPSARC School of Public Policy (KSPP) is the first institution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dedicated to graduate studies and executive education in public policy. Officially established by a decision of the Council of Ministers on 10/8/1445H, the school aims to empower individuals to confront critical challenges and seize emerging opportunities shaping both the nation and the world. Through its rigorous academic programs, KSPP cultivates the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to make a lasting impact. About NASPAA The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is the global standard in public service education. It is a nonprofit membership network comprising more than 320 institutional member schools that offer degrees in public administration, public policy, public affairs, nonprofit management, and related fields. NASPAA is also the globally recognized accreditor of master's degree programs in these disciplines.
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
KAPSARC and the European Commission discuss future cooperation for a secure, sustainable energy future
Ms. Ditte Juul-Jørgensen, Director-General for Energy of the European Commission gave a key note speech as part of her first official visit to the Kingdom. The workshop builds on previous dialogues organized by KAPSARC to build bridges around energy issues with the European Union in Brussels in 2024 and 2025, reinforcing a long-term commitment to real-world, actionable energy and climate partnerships between the two regions. Riyadh: KAPSARC and the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia co-organized a high-level workshop titled 'Bridging Policy and Practice: EU-KSA Cooperation for a Secure Energy Future' at KAPSARC. The workshop convened European and Saudi business leaders, senior officials, and experts to explore ways to strengthen EU-Saudi energy ties, with a focus on shared priorities such as energy security, supply chain resilience, and the energy transition. KAPSARC President Fahad Alajlan opened the discussions by highlighting the Center's mission and the significance of the EU-Saudi relationship in today's global context. 'KAPSARC's role is to build bridges between ideas, regions, and sectors' he said. 'That's why our work will always be data-driven, helping policymakers navigate increasingly complex global dynamics.' Alajlan also noted KAPSARC's growing engagement with European institutions, including recent workshops in Brussels, as part of a long-term commitment to international cooperation. H.E. Christophe Farnaud, EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, emphasized the strategic value of pragmatic partnerships, particularly in today's volatile energy environment. In her keynote address, Ditte Juul-Jørgensen, Director-General for Energy of the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) at the European Commission, described the EU-Saudi partnership as essential and timely: 'This partnership is a shared commitment to building a resilient, interconnected and sustainable energy future,' she said. 'The EU and Saudi Arabia bring complementary strengths that, when united, can help secure global energy stability.' A panel discussion featuring experts from KAPSARC, Électricité de France (EDF), and ACWA Power explored strategic priorities for enhancing EU-Saudi energy ties. Panelists explored collaborative opportunities in renewables, hydrogen, critical minerals, and new technologies, emphasizing how the EU and Saudi Arabia are well-positioned to complement each other in the energy transition.
