PSU And UNDP Sign Agreement For Saudi Think Tank Focused On Public Diplomacy Development

Prince Sultan University has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to launch a Saudi think tank dedicated to public diplomacy. This initiative, formalised at the university's Riyadh headquarters, was attended by Ahmed bin Saleh Al-Yamani, President of Prince Sultan University, and Nahid Hussein, UNDP Resident Representative for Saudi Arabia.

The think tank aims to develop a distinctively Saudi approach to public diplomacy. It will focus on enhancing local capabilities and becoming a leader in creative and innovative thinking within the Kingdom. The centre plans to form partnerships with other think tanks and institutions specialising in public diplomacy, both domestically and regionally.

This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting positive engagement with foreign communities. Prince Sultan University intends to utilise UNDP's vast international expertise through this collaboration. The partnership will involve working with experts in public diplomacy to analyse global experiences and establish specialised partnerships.

The first phase of the project includes conducting studies to set up the centre and support the university's strategy in public diplomacy. This phase also involves creating an innovative national academic environment that encourages discussion on key developments and trends in this field.

This cooperation aims to bolster research efforts at Prince Sultan University and foster innovation in emerging fields. Public diplomacy is increasingly important for building partnerships with foreign communities, helping countries achieve international goals aligned with their values.

The centre seeks to provide a platform for discussing significant developments in public diplomacy, supporting ongoing national efforts. By leveraging UNDP's expertise, Prince Sultan University hopes to enhance its research capabilities and contribute positively to national public diplomacy initiatives.

Overall, this collaboration represents a significant step towards establishing a centre of excellence in public diplomacy within Saudi Arabia. It reflects the growing importance of such initiatives in achieving international aspirations while staying true to national principles.

With inputs from SPA