Princess Nourah University hosts the 30th Gulf Community Service Meeting

Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University hosted the 30th meeting of the Secretariat of the Committee of Deans of Colleges, Faculties, and Community Service Centers at universities and higher education institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on Thursday. The meeting was attended by the Acting President of Princess Nourah University , Dr. Fawzia Al-Amro, and the Director of Education at the GCC Secretariat, Dr. Abdullah Al-Shaqsi, along with a number of representatives from Gulf universities and higher education institutions, at the university's headquarters in Riyadh.

Sharing experiences and reviewing successful practices

This prominent Gulf meeting featured discussions on best practices and successful experiences among Gulf universities in the areas of community service and continuing education. Participants focused on shared Gulf societal issues and ways to develop high-quality training and qualification programs that meet the demands of the evolving Gulf labor market. The importance of developing digital infrastructure, enhancing cooperation and knowledge exchange, and promoting a culture of volunteerism among faculty and students was also highlighted.

In her speech, the Acting President of the University, Dr. Fawzia Al-Amro, affirmed that the meeting reflects the depth of the joint Gulf presence, and that priorities are harmonized in a single development path that enhances partnership, consolidates integration, and creates a sustainable impact. She pointed out that this meeting represents a shared ambition towards building an advanced model of responsible community work in which the roles of universities are integrated as platforms for producing development solutions and improving the quality of life for the Gulf citizen.

The historical context of joint Gulf cooperation in higher education

This thirtieth meeting is a continuation of a long history of joint academic and educational cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which began decades ago with the aim of unifying educational visions and efforts and developing national competencies. The Committee of Deans of Community Service is a key pillar that seeks to connect academic institutions with their surrounding communities and translate theoretical knowledge into practical projects that serve comprehensive development plans. The periodic hosting of these meetings demonstrates the region's commitment to strengthening bonds of brotherhood and scientific cooperation, and to coordinating educational policies in line with the ambitious visions of the Gulf states, most notably the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

Expected impact and pioneering role of Princess Nourah University

This meeting is expected to contribute to a qualitative leap at the local and regional levels by launching joint community initiatives that transcend the borders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Locally, the meeting reinforces Princess Nourah University's as a leading scientific and community beacon that supports women's and society's empowerment and keeps pace with digital and knowledge-based transformations. Regionally, it paves the way for unifying vocational training and qualification standards, facilitating the transfer of expertise and national manpower among GCC countries. Internationally, such academic alliances highlight the Gulf states' ability to offer unique development models that combine tradition with digital innovation.

In this context, Amal Al-Hawas, Director General of the General Administration for Corporate Communication at the university, explained that the meeting is an important scientific platform to promote integration and develop community programs that support sustainable development in the region, which contributes to achieving a tangible positive impact that reflects the leadership of Gulf educational institutions and their ability to face future challenges efficiently and competently.