Global CSR Forum Concludes in Riyadh with Over 3,000 Participants

Riyadh, October 6, 2026 — The second edition of the Global CSR Forum concluded in Riyadh on Tuesday, drawing more than 3,000 participants and over 100 speakers from around the world, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The event, held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, brought together ministers, chief executives, experts, and decision-makers in social responsibility from both local and international arenas. The forum underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing social responsibility and fostering global dialogue in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Context and Background

The Global CSR Forum is a key initiative within Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to promote social responsibility and sustainable development. Its second edition follows a successful inaugural event and reflects the Kingdom’s growing role in international discussions on corporate social responsibility (CSR). The forum is part of Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision to enhance social impact, innovation, and cooperation, as outlined in Vision 2030. It serves as a platform for sharing best practices, forging partnerships, and driving measurable change in CSR.

Key Details

Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi highlighted that the patronage of King Salman and the support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman embody the Kingdom’s dedication to strengthening social responsibility. “The forum has contributed to forging fruitful partnerships that open new horizons and create promising opportunities to enhance cooperation in social responsibility,” Al-Rajhi stated. The two-day event featured over 40 specialized sessions and dialogues across six strategic pillars: strategy and integration; climate, nature, and just transition; workforce, talent management, and social impact; responsible innovation; digital transformation and CSR; and governance, trust, and standards. Additionally, the Corporate Social Responsibility Award ceremony honored companies that have translated their commitments into tangible, measurable results.

Implications and Impact

The forum’s outcomes are expected to bolster international cooperation in CSR, enabling knowledge exchange and the adoption of best practices. By bringing together global leaders, investors, and experts, the event reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a hub for dialogue and innovation in social responsibility. The emphasis on measurable impact and sustainable practices signals a shift from mere commitment to actionable results, which could influence corporate strategies worldwide. This aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to support a sustainable and prosperous future, both domestically and globally.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Global CSR Forum directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives of building a sustainable society and a diversified economy. By promoting social responsibility, the Kingdom aims to enhance quality of life, empower communities, and drive inclusive growth. The event’s focus on innovation, governance, and digital transformation reflects the Vision’s pillars of a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. As Saudi Arabia continues to lead in CSR, it sets a benchmark for global cooperation and sustainable development.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the main outcome of the Global CSR Forum?

A1. The forum concluded with over 3,000 participants and 100 speakers, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to social responsibility and fostering international partnerships to advance sustainable practices.

Q2. Who attended the forum?

A2. The event was attended by ministers, chief executives, experts, specialists, and decision-makers in social responsibility from both local and international levels, reflecting broad global engagement.

Q3. What did Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi say about the forum?

A3. He affirmed that the patronage of King Salman and support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman embody the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening social responsibility and advancing toward leadership in this field.

Q4. How many sessions were held during the forum?

A4. More than 40 specialized sessions and dialogues were conducted over two days, covering six strategic pillars related to social responsibility and sustainable development.

Q5. What are the six strategic pillars addressed?

A5. The pillars are strategy and integration; climate, nature, and just transition; workforce, talent management, and social impact; responsible innovation; digital transformation and CSR; and governance, trust, and standards.

Q6. What was the purpose of the Corporate Social Responsibility Award?

A6. The award honored companies that have successfully translated their CSR commitments into tangible and measurable results, promoting a culture of impact measurement and effective institutional practices.

Q7. How does the forum align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A7. It supports Vision 2030’s goals of building a sustainable society, enhancing quality of life, and fostering a thriving economy through responsible business practices and international cooperation.

Q8. What is the significance of the forum’s timing?

A8. The forum comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to diversify its economy and promote social responsibility, reinforcing its role as a global leader in sustainable development and CSR.

Q9. Who patronized the forum?

A9. The forum was held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, demonstrating high-level support for social responsibility initiatives.

Q10. What did the minister call for at the conclusion?

A10. Minister Al-Rajhi called on participants to continue dialogue and joint work to shape a future based on sustainable practices and maximize the impact of social responsibility.

Q11. How does the forum reflect Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A11. It showcases the Kingdom’s growing stature in supporting international dialogue and exchange of expertise, positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for CSR innovation and cooperation.

Q12. What was the focus of the sessions?

A12. Sessions focused on moving social responsibility from commitment to tangible, measurable impact, with reviews of international experiences and practices across various sectors.

Q13. What is the expected impact of the forum?

A13. It is expected to forge partnerships, open new horizons, and create opportunities for cooperation, thereby supporting efforts to build a sustainable society and a more prosperous future.

Q14. How many speakers participated?

A14. Over 100 speakers from around the world participated, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the discussions on social responsibility and sustainable development.

Q15. What role did the private sector play?

A15. The private sector was represented by chief executives and investors who engaged in dialogues, shared best practices, and demonstrated their commitment to CSR through measurable actions and awards.

Q16. What is the significance of the award ceremony?

A16. The ceremony recognized companies that have achieved tangible results, encouraging others to adopt effective CSR practices and consolidating a culture of impact measurement.

Q17. How does the forum promote innovation?

A17. Through sessions on responsible innovation and digital transformation, the forum highlighted how technology and new approaches can enhance social responsibility and drive sustainable impact.

Q18. What does the forum indicate about Saudi Arabia’s future direction?

A18. It signals the Kingdom’s continued commitment to social responsibility, international collaboration, and sustainable development, aligning with Vision 2030’s objectives for a prosperous and inclusive society.

Q19. Who organized the forum?

A19. The forum was organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, under the patronage of King Salman, reflecting the government’s active role in promoting CSR.

Q20. What is the next step after the forum?

A20. Participants are encouraged to continue dialogue and joint work to implement sustainable practices and maximize the impact of social responsibility, building on the partnerships and insights gained.

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