Riyadh: Under the patronage of Minister of Energy and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the Master of Public Policy (MPP) Program was held, comprising 21 graduates. The ceremony also honored the second and third cohorts of executive leadership training programs, including the Executive Program in Public Leadership and the Executive Program for Emerging Leaders.
According to Saudi Press Agency, KAPSARC School of Public Policy (KSPP) was established pursuant to a Cabinet's decision issued on 10/8/1445 AH, reflecting the support and empowerment extended to the education sector and human capability development by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. It was also based on a forward-looking vision introduced by Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, for the school to serve as a specialized national platform for preparing leaders and developing capabilities in the field of public policy, thereby strengthening national competencies and qualifying them to contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
President of KAPSARC and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of KAPSARC School of Public Policy, Eng. Fahad Alajlan, emphasized that the graduation marks not the end but the beginning of a greater responsibility. He stated, "The degree you receive today is more than an academic achievement; it is a commitment to lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and contribute meaningfully to society."
In his remarks to the graduates, he urged them to be ambassadors of knowledge and catalysts for positive change while maintaining integrity and excellence in service to the public good. These principles, he noted, should guide their leadership and define their impact.
The graduation of the first cohort of the Master of Public Policy Program, along with the honoring of the second and third cohorts of the Executive Program in Public Leadership and the Executive Program for Emerging Leaders at KAPSARC School of Public Policy, underscores the school's expanding role in preparing and empowering the next generation of leaders and specialists in public policy at both the national and international levels.
This initiative supports decision-making and promotes sustainable economic and social development through specialized academic and executive programs that respond to national development needs and align with global best practices. It highlights the school's role in developing the capabilities of leaders and practitioners through specialized educational pathways in public policy, leadership, and decision-making, thereby enhancing the readiness of national talents to contribute effectively to institutional performance development and transformation in priority sectors.
The Master of Public Policy Program is one of the school's principal academic endeavors, aimed at preparing leaders and professionals with the analytical and leadership skills necessary to contribute to the formulation, evaluation, and development of public policy, thereby enhancing the quality of decision-making and supporting national development.
The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application through specialized coursework and applied projects focused on addressing real-world challenges in both the public and private sectors.