JEDDAH — Saudi youth have participated in the UN Academy for Sustainable Development program held in Bonn, Germany, representing the largest percentage of participants. This includes a number of UN organization heads, public and private sector representatives as well as civil society organizations at the international level, and others interested in sustainability and the UN›s 17 sustainable development goals. Direction Program for Social Responsibility CSR led and managed this participation.

Dr. Shadi Khawandanah, Chairman of Direction, said Saudi Arabia›s participation this year represented one-third of the international participation. The delegation included 26 young women and men interested in sustainable development engaging with other 80 international participants from different 50 countries.

He asserted that the international outstanding representation in economy and growth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the massive efforts toward continuous development and constant dialogue with various cultures are derived from the interest of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to support the growth and development programs to elevate the country youth knowledge and expertise status, which is emphasized within the Saudi Vision 2030.

The selection took into consideration a wide range of educational and experience backgrounds to reflect a holistic image of the Saudi society. The event included a number of heads of United Nations organizations for sustainable development, Senior officials, the private sector and civil society institutions. — SG