Sustainability Professionals of Saudi Arabia (SPSA) in 2023

As we conclude the year 2023, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for each and every one who has been part of this incredible journey since the inception of the Sustainability Professionals of Saudi Arabia (SPSA) ????? ?????? ????????? ???????? . Together, we have achieved extraordinary milestones, and I am honored to stand alongside you as the Founder and President of SPSA.

Our collective dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to sustainability have been the driving forces behind our accomplishments. By coming together as a community of sustainability professionals, we have not only elevated the importance of sustainable practices but have also created a lasting impact on Saudi Arabia's environmental, social, and economic landscapes.

7000+ members

In 2023, we reached a significant milestone, surpassing 7000 members. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the trust and confidence you have placed in SPSA as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth. We have built a vibrant network of sustainability champions who are making a tangible difference in their respective fields and communities.

With a diverse community of over 7000 sustainability professionals, SPSA has created a thriving network of experts, visionaries, and change-makers dedicated to creating a greener and more sustainable future for the Kingdom. This impressive membership base reflects the collective commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience.

Throughout the year, SPSA has continued to make remarkable strides, championing sustainability in various sectors and pushing the boundaries of innovation and collaboration. From influencing sustainable policies and regulations to spearheading education and awareness campaigns, SPSA has played a vital role in transforming mindsets, inspiring action, and advancing sustainability practices nationwide.

The exponential growth in membership underscores the value that SPSA brings to professionals seeking to make a tangible impact on sustainability. By providing a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and skill development, SPSA has cultivated a vibrant community where ideas flourish, partnerships thrive, and mutual support abounds.

2023 Saudi Sustainability Symposium

In 2023, SPSA launched it's first virtual event, titled: "2023 Saudi Sustainability Symposium" where SPSA had the honor of hosting esteemed speakers and renowned sustainability experts from across the globe. SPSA had the privilege of having guest keynote speakers including William McDonough , Mahesh Ramanujam , Michelle Benavides , and Richard Collins FICRS .

The "2023 Saudi Sustainability Symposium" hosted 5 panel sessions covering multiple topics that are of keen interest to the SPSA community and to Saudi Arabia which included:

• Sustainable Development Initiatives in Saudi Arabia
• Smart Cities
• Education For Sustainability
• Integration of Technology and Sustainability
• Advancing Zero Carbon in The Built Environment
• Sustainable Fashion
• Global Standards for Social Responsibility

For those who missed the event, you can catch the recordings on the SPSA Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@Susprosaudi

International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) Membership

In 2023, Sustainability Professionals of Saudi Arabia (SPSA) ????? ?????? ????????? ???????? is proud to be the first member organization in Saudi Arabia of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) . This collaboration will open up opportunities for SPSA members to excel in their profession and standout from the crowd.

Member of the Sustainability Professionals of Saudi Arabia (SPSA), will benefit from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) in several ways:

1. Global Networking
2. Professional Development
3. Certification
4. Access to Research and Publications
5. Access to Events and Conferences
6. Advocacy and Engagement

2023 Market Research

Sustainability Professionals of Saudi Arabia (SPSA) ????? ?????? ????????? ???????? in 2023 published it's first market research report which can be viewed here in the main website and we urge you all to join our community to benefit from such reports and engage in them.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead, let us carry this momentum forward. Let us continue to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and embrace new opportunities for sustainable development. Each one of you plays a crucial role in this ongoing journey, and I have no doubt that the impact we create in the years to come will be even more profound.

Our plan for 2024 and beyond is to achieve the following objectives:

1. Awareness and Education: Enhancing awareness and education about sustainability practices and principles among professionals, students, and the wider community.

1. Advocacy and Policy: Advocating for sustainable policies and regulations at local, regional, and national levels. Influencing decision-makers and promoting sustainable practices in various sectors.

1. Collaboration and Networking: Fostering collaborations and partnerships with stakeholders from different sectors, including academia, government entities, industry, and civil society organizations, to drive collective action towards sustainability.

1. Professional Development: Offering training programs, certifications, and opportunities for professional development to enhance the knowledge and skills of sustainability professionals.

1. Research and Innovation: Promoting research and innovation in sustainability, encouraging the development of new technologies, methodologies, and best practices to address sustainability challenges.

I am truly grateful for the dedication and passion each one of you brings to our community. Your expertise, ideas, and tireless efforts are shaping the future of sustainability in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

On behalf of the SPSA team, I extend my sincerest appreciation to every member for your invaluable contributions and for being part of this extraordinary movement. Together, we are making a lasting difference, and I am honored to stand with you, shoulder-to-shoulder, as we continue to lead the way towards a sustainable future.

Looking ahead, SPSA will embark on new endeavors, consolidating its position as a driving force of sustainable change. By further expanding its membership base, forging strategic alliances, and leveraging collective expertise, SPSA will continue to promote sustainability, foster innovation, and champion enduring environmental, social, and economic prosperity for Saudi Arabia.

As we conclude 2023, SPSA reflects on the remarkable journey so far, celebrating the achievements, the collaborations, and the shared commitment to a sustainable future. Together, as a united community of sustainability professionals, SPSA is poised to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, leading the way towards a brighter, greener, and more sustainable Saudi Arabia.

Happy New Year to you all and may 2024 be a prosperous year for all humanity.

Your's truly

Dr. Mohammed S. Al-Surf

SPSA Founder and President