The Shura Council held its seventeenth regular session of the second year of its ninth term, chaired by Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh. The Council issued a package of important decisions and recommendations aimed at improving performance in several vital sectors, most notably higher education and major environmental projects. These decisions fall within the Council's oversight and legislative role in supporting the Kingdom's comprehensive development and ensuring that government plans align with the objectives of Vision 2030.
Promoting environmental sustainability in major projects
At the outset of the session, the Council directed its decisions to the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Park Foundation, urging it to expedite the completion of its strategic plan. The Council emphasized the necessity of conducting in-depth environmental studies for the project area to identify projects that are compatible with the site's sensitive nature. The Council also called upon the Foundation to enhance coordination and integration with the "Green Riyadh" program and relevant entities to exchange expertise and implement global best practices. This approach is an integral part of the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes quality of life and environmental protection to transform the capital into one of the world's most sustainable cities, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to international environmental standards in its recreational and tourism projects.
Developing academic and institutional performance at Jazan University
On the educational front, the council discussed Jazan University's annual report, with members urging the university to adopt effective plans to attract and retain academic talent, which would positively impact the quality of educational and administrative outputs. The council also called for restructuring the university's branches according to modern operational models that take into account the comparative advantages of each governorate within the region, thereby strengthening the university's role in regional development and aligning education with the needs of the local labor market.
The recommendations also included a call to establish specialized research chairs to support the university's strategic goals in scientific research and community development, as well as to strengthen partnerships with industry and international institutions. The council emphasized the importance of working diligently towards the transition to the new university system, which grants greater autonomy and flexibility to academic institutions, considering this an urgent necessity for enhancing competitiveness, not merely an option, especially given the availability of the necessary infrastructure.
Umm Al-Qura University: A gateway to soft power and knowledge
Regarding Umm Al-Qura University, the Council's recommendations focused on the need to capitalize on the unique religious and geographical significance of Mecca. The Council urged the university to encourage structured research collaborations through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, and to attract researchers with high-impact academic records to publish their findings in prestigious international journals.
The members also emphasized the importance of transforming Makkah's unique character into a global hub of attraction and influence by drawing in international students. They noted that this is not merely a traditional educational activity, but a strategic choice for building the Kingdom's soft power. This aligns with the "Study in Saudi Arabia" program, where the university serves as a cultural gateway for sharing the Saudi experience and its values of moderation and openness with the Islamic world. This necessitates developing high-quality academic programs and an effective global alumni network that contributes to maximizing the diplomatic and cultural impact of Saudi education.
