Tuesday, April 22, 2025
2:00 p.m.
Zoom registration
Abstract
This seminar explores the mission, principles, and global impact of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)—the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative mobilizing companies to adopt responsible practices grounded in universally accepted principles and internationally recognized values. UNGC provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and action-driven engagement on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues. The session will highlight how the UNGC fosters principled and sustainable conduct and promotes cross-sector collaboration to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The seminar will delve into the UNGC’s expanding role in Saudi Arabia, showcasing how business, industry, and academia are aligning with its principles to support the Kingdom’s sustainability ambitions. A special focus will be placed on the role of universities. Participants will gain insights into success stories and opportunities to engage with the UNGC network and contribute meaningfully to national and global sustainability agendas.
About the speaker
Ibrahim Alhelali is the Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network in Saudi Arabia and the Chair of the Regional Network Council for the Middle East.Previously, Ibrahim worked as an Economist and the Head of Partnerships and Development Finance in the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in Saudi Arabia, where he also served as the lead on SDGs localization. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Merrimack College in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and a master’s degree in Economics and Policies from the University of Bologna, Italy. Ibrahim’s career includes experience as a medical professional at Lawrence General Hospital in the US and as an Economist at the Vision Realization Office of the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. Since he joined the United Nations, Ibrahim has coauthored several significant papers, including the UN Diagnostics Paper on the Socio-Economic Impact of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia and How to Build Back Better, The UN Cooperation Framework with Saudi Arabia 2022-2026, as well as a paper on the role of academic institutions in achieving the Saudi Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
This event is brought to you by Students for Sustainability, with the support of the Office of Student Life and the Office of Sustainability. Should you have any questions, please contact us via our social media platforms.