"Prince Nawaf Bin Abdulaziz Chair for Sustainable Development"

The Prince Nawaf Bin Abdulaziz Chair for Sustainable Development was established at Jouf University on April, 2019, with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal Bin Nawaf Bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al-Jouf Region, aiming to promote the path of sustainable development in the region and align it with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Chair was initially founded for a three-year term, and subsequently renewed for another three years, confirming its success in achieving its objectives and contributing to regional development priorities in Al-Jouf.
The Chair operates under an annual executive plan that supports its research and community objectives and contributes to advancing the Kingdom’s directions in sustainability and balanced regional development.

Vision

Leadership and excellence in the field of sustainable development.

Mission

The Chair seeks to contribute to achieving sustainable development in the Kingdom in general, and particularly in the Al-Jouf region, across economic, social, and environmental domains, by employing scientific methodologies in various fields to address sustainability challenges and enhance opportunities in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Objectives

•    Address the challenges of sustainable development and enhance opportunities.
•    Strengthen capacities, expand opportunities, and reduce poverty.
•    Encourage the adoption of modern administrative approaches and e-governance.
•    Promote the culture of entrepreneurship and support small and medium enterprises.
•    Increase the contribution of the agricultural sector and strengthen food security.
•    Contribute to providing a healthy life for all.
•    Support the Kingdom’s directions in the education sector.
•    Reduce gender inequality and promote inclusion.
•    Support the Kingdom’s efforts to combat corruption.
•    Support national initiatives in renewable energy.
•    Contribute to consumer protection and achieving balance between production and consumption.
•    Activate social responsibility initiatives.

Scientific Research

The Chair is one of the active research platforms at Jouf University, having supported more than 31 research projects since its establishment. Several studies have been published in internationally indexed journals listed in Scopus and Web of Science, covering various fields such as management, environment, agriculture, health, knowledge economy, and renewable energy.
Published Research under the Chair

Partnerships and Collaboration

The Chair has signed a cooperation agreement with CIFAL Saudi Arabia to develop training and consulting programs in sustainability. It also maintains local research partnerships with government and academic institutions in the Al-Jouf region, reinforcing its role in supporting applied research and development initiatives aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Activities and Initiatives

The Chair conducts a wide range of annual programs, including workshops and training courses in artificial intelligence, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and citizenship, as well as awareness lectures in health, environment, and sustainable development.
It also implements community-based initiatives such as:
•    The Prince Faisal Bin Nawaf Program for the Development of General Education (Etqan).
•    Sustainable Research Visions for a Prosperous Society in Al-Jouf (research initiative).
•    Your Advisor – empowering persons with disabilities and their families.
•    Able – promoting rehabilitation and empowerment for people with disabilities.
•    Women’s Digital Health Hackathon – encouraging innovation in technology-driven public health solutions.
The Chair also takes part in national conferences and forums, including the International Forum of Universities and Sustainable Development Goals, the Forum of Developmental Initiatives of the Emirate Regions, and the Forum on Sustainable Youth Development, reflecting its active role in supporting national progress and research-driven sustainability efforts.

Achievements

•    Implementation of numerous initiatives, training programs, and awareness activities.
•    Reaching a broad segment of beneficiaries across the Al-Jouf region.
•    Supporting research publications in globally indexed journals.
•    Participation in the Al-Jouf Olive Festival and major national conferences.
•    Contributing to initiatives in education development, community empowerment, and sustainable health.

Future Goals

•    Strengthening research impact in sustainable development fields such as energy, environment, and public health.
•    Supporting digital transformation within developmental sectors of Al-Jouf.
•    Expanding national and international partnerships with research institutions.
•    Developing professional and executive training programs in sustainability.
•    Empowering local communities through targeted initiatives that align with Saudi Vision 2030.