APSIA Welcomes KAPSARC School of Public Policy as the first Affiliate Member from Saudi Arabia

Press Release:

September 2, 2026 

The KAPSARC School of Public Policy (KSPP) has become the first institution in Saudi Arabia to join the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) as an Affiliate Member. The milestone connects Saudi Arabia's public policy education ecosystem to APSIA's global network of leading schools of international affairs and public policy.

APSIA is the world's leading association of graduate schools in international affairs and public policy, bringing together leading institutions committed to advancing excellence in policy education, research, and professional practice. KSPP's affiliation reflects its commitment to evidence-based public policy education and international academic collaboration while supporting Saudi Arabia's efforts to develop the next generation of public policy leaders.

Based in Riyadh, KSPP was founded by KAPSARC and is the Kingdom's first institution dedicated to graduate studies and executive education in public policy. Through its Master of Public Policy program and executive education offerings, the school combines rigorous academic training with practical approaches to addressing complex policy challenges. As an APSIA Affiliate Member, KSPP will have opportunities to engage with a global network of institutions through academic exchange, professional collaboration, conferences, and knowledge sharing.
"Joining the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs strengthens KSPP's international academic engagement," said Dr. Ghadah Alarifi, Dean of KSPP. “This affiliation strengthens our ability to collaborate with leading public policy institutions around the world while contributing Saudi Arabia's growing experience in evidence-based policymaking to the global community. We look forward to creating new opportunities for our students, faculty, and partners through international collaboration and academic exchange."

"KSPP brings a valuable and distinctive perspective to our network through its expertise in public policy," said Michelle Reddy, Executive Director of APSIA. "We are delighted to welcome KSPP to the APSIA community and look forward to fostering collaboration across our global network."

KSPP joins APSIA at a time when public policy challenges increasingly transcend national borders and require innovative, collaborative solutions. By bringing together institutions from diverse regions and perspectives, APSIA continues to strengthen the educational foundations that prepare future leaders to navigate an evolving global landscape.