Third Global Project Management Forum Kicks Off in Riyadh

Riyadh, June 2, 2024 — The third Global Project Management Forum (GPMF) opened today in Riyadh under the theme “We Achieve the Dream: Leadership, Empowerment, Sustainability,” bringing together leading experts, decision-makers, and practitioners from around the world. Held under the patronage of the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, the two-day event highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global hub for project management excellence and innovation.

Context and Background

The Global Project Management Forum, organized by the Project Management Institute – Saudi Arabia Branch, has quickly established itself as a premier international platform for knowledge exchange. Since its inception three years ago, the forum has aimed to position the Kingdom as a leading beacon and global destination for project management. The first edition attracted 2,500 visitors, while the second edition drew over 8,000 participants from 100 countries, reflecting its expanding influence.

This year’s forum is held under the patronage of the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, underscoring the Saudi government’s commitment to advancing best practices in project management across sectors. The event aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to drive economic diversification, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth under Saudi Vision 2030.

Key Details

In a speech delivered on behalf of Eng. Al-Jasser, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Eng. Badr Al-Dulami emphasized that the forum has become a national and global platform for exchanging visions, ideas, and expertise and turning them into tangible realities for the prosperity of the nation. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving the Kingdom’s ambitious goals.

Eng. Badr Burshaid, President of the Project Management Institute – Saudi Arabia Branch and GPMF, noted in his opening remarks: “The Saudi Vision 2030 has become our primary inspiration to achieve the dream and sustainable change for a more prosperous and ambitious future. This is reflected in our choice of this year’s forum theme.” He also pointed out that the number of beneficiaries from the forum has exceeded expectations, with participants from 100 countries and a select group of thought leaders shaping the profession’s future.

The forum’s agenda covers ten main topics, including emotional intelligence, collaboration in multi-generational and multicultural teams, resource and competency management, artificial intelligence in project management, data-driven decision-making, strategies and project management, economic initiatives and entrepreneurship, managing mega projects, sustainability and green project management, and value and impact realization. These topics address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the field.

Implications and Impact

The third Global Project Management Forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a thought leader in project management, a field critical to the successful execution of Vision 2030’s transformative projects. By hosting this international gathering, the Kingdom facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices that can enhance project delivery worldwide, particularly in emerging economies. The focus on sustainability and green project management also reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible development.

Furthermore, the forum provides a platform for networking and collaboration among professionals from diverse backgrounds, fostering innovation and cross-cultural understanding. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in mega-projects and economic initiatives, the insights shared at the GPMF will help drive efficiency, resilience, and value creation. The event also reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a global destination for business and knowledge exchange.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Global Project Management Forum is a direct reflection of Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives to diversify the economy, empower youth and women, and build a sustainable future. By promoting excellence in project management, the forum supports the Kingdom’s efforts to deliver large-scale infrastructure, tourism, and technology projects on time and within budget. As Eng. Burshaid noted, Vision 2030 serves as the primary inspiration for the forum, driving the commitment to leadership, empowerment, and sustainability. The event’s success demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s ability to lead global conversations and turn ambitious dreams into reality, further solidifying its role as a beacon of progress and innovation.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Global Project Management Forum (GPMF)?

A1. The GPMF is an international conference held in Riyadh that brings together project management experts, decision-makers, and practitioners to discuss best practices, innovation, and sustainable development in the field.

Q2. When and where did the third GPMF take place?

A2. The third GPMF commenced on June 2, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and runs for two days, featuring a diverse group of speakers and participants from around the world.

Q3. Under whose patronage is the forum held?

A3. The forum is held under the patronage of Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of Saudi Arabia.

Q4. What is the theme of this year’s forum?

A4. The theme is “We Achieve the Dream: Leadership, Empowerment, Sustainability,” reflecting the forum’s focus on leadership, empowerment, and sustainable change.

Q5. Who is the President of the Project Management Institute – Saudi Arabia Branch and GPMF?

A5. Eng. Badr Burshaid serves as the President of the Project Management Institute – Saudi Arabia Branch and the GPMF.

Q6. How many visitors attended the first and second editions of the forum?

A6. The first edition attracted 2,500 visitors, and the second edition saw more than 8,000 visitors from 100 countries, demonstrating the forum’s growing global reach.

Q7. What are some of the main topics covered at the forum?

A7. Topics include emotional intelligence, collaboration in multi-generational teams, resource management, artificial intelligence in project management, data-driven decision-making, sustainable project management, and value realization.

Q8. How does the forum align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A8. The forum supports Vision 2030 by promoting excellence in project management, which is essential for delivering the Kingdom’s transformative projects and achieving economic diversification and sustainability.

Q9. What did Eng. Badr Al-Dulami emphasize in his speech?

A9. He stressed that the forum has become a national and global platform for exchanging visions, ideas, and expertise to turn them into tangible realities for the prosperity of the nation.

Q10. What did Eng. Badr Burshaid say about Vision 2030?

A10. He said that Saudi Vision 2030 has become the primary inspiration to achieve the dream and sustainable change for a more prosperous and ambitious future, reflecting the forum’s theme.

Q11. How many countries participated in the second edition of the forum?

A11. Participants from 100 countries attended the second edition, highlighting the forum’s international appeal and its role as a global knowledge-sharing platform.

Q12. What is the significance of the forum for Saudi Arabia?

A12. It reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for project management, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and leadership in line with Vision 2030.

Q13. What is the duration of the third GPMF?

A13. The third GPMF is a two-day event, taking place on June 2-3, 2024, in Riyadh, featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

Q14. Who delivered the speech on behalf of the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services?

A14. Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Eng. Badr Al-Dulami delivered the speech on behalf of Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.

Q15. What is the role of the Project Management Institute – Saudi Arabia Branch?

A15. The branch organizes the GPMF and works to advance the project management profession in Saudi Arabia, promoting best practices and supporting Vision 2030 objectives.

Q16. How does the forum address sustainability?

A16. The forum includes topics on sustainability and green project management, emphasizing environmentally responsible practices in project execution and aligning with global sustainability goals.

Q17. What can participants expect to gain from the forum?

A17. Participants can gain insights into cutting-edge project management trends, network with global experts, and learn strategies to enhance project delivery and drive economic growth.

Q18. How has the forum evolved since its inception?

A18. The forum has grown from 2,500 visitors in its first edition to over 8,000 in its second, expanding its global reach and becoming a key event for project management professionals.

Q19. What is the significance of the forum’s theme for Saudi Arabia’s future?

A19. The theme underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to leadership, empowerment, and sustainability, which are pillars for achieving Vision 2030 and building a prosperous future.

Q20. How does the GPMF contribute to global project management practices?

A20. By facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices among international experts, the forum helps elevate project management standards worldwide and fosters innovation and collaboration.

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