His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Madinah Region, patronized the International Conference on Technological and Engineering Innovation for Sustainability (SusTAIN 2026), organized by Prince Mugrin University.

The opening ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Mugrin bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Board of Al-Bayan Charitable Society for Education, alongside academics, researchers, industry specialists and international participants.

The three-day conference brings together experts to explore how technology, engineering and scientific innovation can address environmental and developmental challenges while supporting Saudi Vision 2030.

Sustainability at the Center of the University's First International Conference

During the opening ceremony, University President Dr. Bandar Hajjar explained that sustainability was selected as the conference's central theme because of its relevance to the university's academic disciplines, its alignment with Vision 2030 and its global importance.

He highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, entrepreneurship and other disciplines in developing practical solutions to challenges involving climate change, food and water security, transportation, pollution, healthcare and education.

Proposed Global Madinah Innovation Network

Dr. Hajjar introduced an initiative to establish the Global Madinah Innovation Network for Sustainability, envisioned as an international platform connecting scientists, researchers and innovators.

The proposed network aims to encourage knowledge exchange, collaborative research and long-term academic partnerships.

He also highlighted the university's international engagement, including partnerships with global institutions and a student community representing 39 nationalities.

Responsible AI and Sustainable Development

Dr. Majid Al-Shehri, Acting Director General of the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), discussed the importance of moving beyond ethical principles toward practical, measurable applications of responsible artificial intelligence.

He emphasized developing AI systems that deliver lasting benefits while supporting sustainability and responsible technological progress.

AI Applications for Arabic Heritage and Scientific Discovery

Dr. Mohamed Abdul-Mageed, from a university in British Columbia, Canada, presented applications of artificial intelligence in cultural preservation and scientific research.

His presentation highlighted the Qalam project, which uses AI technologies to digitize Arabic heritage manuscripts and support deeper understanding of Arabic language varieties and local cultural contexts.

Other applications included technologies supporting pilgrims, scientific discovery, biological research and medical innovation.

The presentation also addressed computational sustainability, including improved energy efficiency, faster processing and systematic measurement of AI performance and resource consumption.

Honoring Conference Supporters

The opening ceremony featured a presentation titled “Min Nooriha”, highlighting the conference's objectives.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Prince Salman bin Sultan honored the sponsors and supporters of SusTAIN 2026.