G20 Engagement

Strengthened Impact, New Frontiers: Evolving our Role and Reach Through G20 Engagement

Several months after I took on the role of KAUST President, it was announced that Saudi Arabia would hold the G20 presidency for the first time. I knew I would have many unprecedented opportunities and responsibilities that come with the honor of leading this one-of-a-kind institution into a new era. But the chance for KAUST to quickly contribute to the global conversation in heightened ways, when all eyes would be on Saudi Arabia, was something that even I had not expected. After a discussion with Senior Associate to the President and Vice President for Strategic National Advancement Najah Ashry, we proceeded with a proposal coordinated by Chief of Staff John Tannaci to host the S20, the G20 Science Engagement Group, and to work with Saudi ministries to share KAUST’s knowledge and expertise. The excitement grew when KAUST was appointed by the Kingdom to lead the S20.

At KAUST we believe that innovation through science and technology promises to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. We believe that as the presiding country for this year’s G20 Leaders’ Summit, it is fitting that Saudi Arabia establish itself as a champion for the next decade of global development. The Kingdom is uniquely positioned, in both mindset and ability, to help usher in a new era of progress through

DONAL BRADLEY Vice President for Research

G20 ENGAGEMENT Supporting global socio-economic development

KAUST is among the Kingdom’s key institutions currently supporting Saudi Arabia’s 2020 presidency of the G20, or Group of 20. Saudi Arabia took over the presidency in December 2019 and is due to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2020. It will mark the first time the summit is held in the Middle East.

The G20 is one of the most important forums for international economic cooperation. It gathers the leaders of the world’s largest economies to discuss financial and socio-economic issues. G20 members represent approximately 80% of the world’s GDP, 80% of international trade and two-thirds of the world’s population. While the G20 is a non-binding, coordinating body, it has the potential to have a significant impact on global social, economic and environmental development.

The presidency plays a leading role in setting the G20’s agenda for the year. Under the overarching theme of “Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for All”, Saudi Arabia has identified women and youth empowerment, energy and climate change, and food and water security as key topics. Numerous ministerial and engagement group meetings are taking place in Saudi Arabia throughout 2020 in the build-up to the Leaders’ Summit.

KAUST’s G20 efforts are being led by Vice President for Research Donal Bradley, who is coordinating the university’s six technical responses to G20 teams. Key KAUST faculty members working with G20 teams include Carlos Duarte, Professor of Marine Science; Mohamed Eddaoudi, Distinguished Professor of Chemical Science; Jorge Gascon, Professor of Chemical Engineering; Matthew McCabe, Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering; William Roberts, Professor of Mechanical Engineering; and Mani Sarathy, Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering.