SDG 17 SDG 13
Sunday, December 7, 2025 - Tuesday, December 9, 2025 Location: Buildings 19 & 20

KAUSTxKSPP Course – Sustainability and Public Policy in a Data-Driven World

Program overview

This three-day course, co-designed by KAUST and KSPP, aims to strengthen national capacity to design and deliver sustainability-focused public policy. Anchored in Saudi Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the course will demonstrate how research and systems thinking can inform integrated approaches to complex challenges. Participants will explore how data, artificial intelligence, and behavioral science can be applied to policymaking to ensure decisions are both evidence-based and socially responsive.

Through a combination of keynotes, master classes, and interactive workshops, the program will draw on Saudi and international case studies to illustrate practical strategies across economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability. A dedicated focus on communication will equip participants with tools to translate insights into impact, enabling them to influence policy debates and develop solutions that align national priorities with global sustainability goals.

Learning Outcomes

  • An understanding of systems thinking and its application to sustainability, policymaking, and AI-supported decision making.
  • Insights into behavioral science and its role in influencing decision-making for sustainable outcomes.
  • Exposure to case studies and best practices from Saudi Arabia and international contexts.
  • Opportunities to network with experts and peers from academia, government, and industry.

Who Should Attend?

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For various sectors

Professionals in energy, environment, public policy, engineering, urban planning, and related fields.

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Early and Mid-career professionals

Early- and mid-career professionals (approximately 2-10 years of experience) seeking to expand their expertise in sustainability-focused public policy and data-driven decision making using AI.

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Innovation Driven

Change-makers and innovators interested in applying data, AI, or behavioral insights to sustainability.

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English Language Proficiency

Professionals fluent in English (speaking, reading, and writing).

 

Please find below the list of speakers

 

HH Princess

Mashael bint Saud Al Shalan,

Founding Partner, AEON

HH Princess Noura bint

Turki Al Saud,

Founding Partner, AEON

 

 

Dr. Anvita Arora, Executive Director-

Transportation &

Infrastructure, KAPSARC

Dr. Fateh Belaid,

Principal Fellow- Climate & Sustainability, KAPSARC

Dr. Khaled Alshehri,

Fellow- Utilities

& Renewables, KAPSARC

 

 

 

Prof. Yoshihide Wada, Professor, Plant Science,

KAUST

Prof. Bernard Ghanem,

Professor, Electrical &

Computer Engineering Chair,

Center of Excellence for Generative Al, KAUST

Prof. Sami Al Ghamdi,

Associate Professor, Environmental Science & Engineering- Associate

Dean of Research & Partnerships, KAUST

Prof. Ana Costa,

Professor of Practice – Chief Sustainability Officer, KAUST

Dr. Jonathan Grant,

Vice President for

Strategic Initiatives, KAUST

 

 

Dr. Obaid Younossi,

Executive Director,

The Policy Institute, KAUST

Dr. Michael Miess, Research Scientist in

Ecological Macroeconomics& Biophysical- Macroeconomic Modelling, KAUST