Richard Attias, CEO and board member of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, met with international media outlets in New York on September 24, 2024, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, to outline key details of the 8th annual FII conference. The conference will be held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud from October 29 to 31 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. Attias emphasized the importance of the event, which will convene global leaders to address pressing economic and social priorities.
Context and Background
The Future Investment Initiative Institute, a global non-profit foundation driven by data and powered by artificial intelligence, was established to foster dialogue and action on the most critical challenges facing humanity. The annual FII conference has become a premier platform for international collaboration, attracting heads of state, business leaders, and innovators. This year’s edition builds on the momentum of previous gatherings, which have catalyzed initiatives such as the FII Institute’s priority framework, focusing on sustainability, technology, healthcare, and education. As the world recovers from economic uncertainties, the 8th conference aims to provide actionable insights and foster partnerships that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Key Details
During the media briefing, Attias highlighted that the 8th FII conference will feature a robust agenda shaped by a global survey of people’s priorities. The event expects over 520 speakers, including global CEOs, and will welcome approximately 450 registered international media outlets and more than 40 media networks as partners. For the first time, two pre-conference summits will be held on October 28 in Riyadh: a mini-summit on Africa and a summit on women’s empowerment, chaired by Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi ambassador to the United States. Attias stated, ‘We invited all international media outlets to take a closer look and learn more about the prepared program, speakers, and initiatives. We also explained what FII will offer in its 8th edition in Riyadh, based on indicators collected through a global survey of people’s priorities around the world.’ The conference will also showcase the FII Institute’s commitment to addressing global challenges through data-driven solutions and inclusive dialogue.
Implications and Impact
The 8th FII conference underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global hub for investment and innovation. By hosting such a high-profile event, the Kingdom reinforces its position as a bridge between continents and a catalyst for economic diversification. The inclusion of summits on Africa and women’s empowerment demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering inclusive growth and empowering underrepresented voices. The participation of numerous international media outlets and global CEOs will amplify the conference’s reach, facilitating cross-border collaborations and highlighting investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia and beyond. This aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to attract foreign investment, promote tourism, and enhance its soft power on the world stage.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The FII conference directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, foster international partnerships, and improve quality of life. By convening global leaders to discuss future-oriented solutions, the event embodies the Vision’s pillars of a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. The pre-summit on women’s empowerment, chaired by Ambassador Princess Reema bint Bandar, highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing women’s roles in all sectors, a key objective of Vision 2030. As Saudi Arabia continues to transform, platforms like FII demonstrate its leadership in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for the region and the world.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Future Investment Initiative Institute?
A1. The Future Investment Initiative Institute is a global non-profit foundation driven by data and artificial intelligence, focused on fostering dialogue and action on critical global challenges. It hosts the annual FII conference in Riyadh, attracting world leaders and innovators.
Q2. When and where will the 8th FII conference take place?
A2. The 8th FII conference will be held from October 29 to 31 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Q3. Who met with media outlets to discuss the conference?
A3. Richard Attias, CEO and board member of the FII Institute, met with foreign media outlets in New York on September 24, 2024, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Q4. How many speakers are expected at the conference?
A4. More than 520 speakers, including global CEOs, have confirmed their attendance at the 8th FII conference, ensuring a diverse and high-level dialogue on global priorities.
Q5. How many media outlets are registered for the event?
A5. Approximately 450 registered international media outlets and more than 40 media networks as partners are expected to cover the 8th FII conference, highlighting its global significance.
Q6. What are the pre-conference summits scheduled for October 28?
A6. On October 28, the FII Institute will host a mini-summit on Africa and a summit on women’s empowerment, chaired by Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Saudi ambassador to the US.
Q7. Who is chairing the women’s empowerment summit?
A7. Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi ambassador to the United States, will chair the women’s empowerment summit, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to gender inclusivity.
Q8. What did Richard Attias say about the conference program?
A8. Attias stated that the program is based on indicators from a global survey of people’s priorities, and he invited international media to learn more about the speakers and initiatives planned for the 8th edition.
Q9. Why is the FII conference important for Saudi Arabia?
A9. The FII conference reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a global investment hub, promotes economic diversification, and showcases the Kingdom’s progress under Vision 2030, attracting international partnerships and investment.
Q10. What themes will the 8th FII conference focus on?
A10. The conference will focus on global priorities identified through a survey, including sustainability, technology, healthcare, education, and empowerment, with a special emphasis on Africa and women’s initiatives.
Q11. How does the FII Institute use data and AI?
A11. The FII Institute leverages data and artificial intelligence to identify global priorities and shape actionable solutions, ensuring that conference discussions are relevant and impactful for addressing humanity’s challenges.
Q12. What is the significance of the Africa mini-summit?
A12. The Africa mini-summit highlights Saudi Arabia’s engagement with the continent, fostering economic cooperation and development opportunities, and aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of strengthening international partnerships.
Q13. How does the FII conference support women’s empowerment?
A13. By hosting a dedicated summit on women’s empowerment, the conference promotes gender equality and highlights initiatives that advance women’s roles in economy and society, a key focus of Vision 2030.
Q14. Who is Richard Attias?
A14. Richard Attias is the CEO and a board member of the FII Institute. He is a prominent figure in global events and investment, leading efforts to convene world leaders for impactful dialogue.
Q15. What role does the Saudi Press Agency play in covering the event?
A15. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) is the official news agency of Saudi Arabia, providing authoritative coverage of the FII conference and other national events, ensuring accurate information dissemination.
Q16. How many editions of the FII conference have been held?
A16. The upcoming conference is the 8th edition, building on the success of previous gatherings that have established the FII as a leading global platform for investment and innovation.
Q17. What is the expected impact of the conference on the global economy?
A17. The conference facilitates dialogue and partnerships that can drive investment, innovation, and sustainable development, contributing to global economic growth and stability.
Q18. How does the FII conference align with Vision 2030?
A18. The conference supports Vision 2030 by promoting economic diversification, international collaboration, and social progress, embodying the Kingdom’s ambitious goals for a prosperous future.
Q19. What opportunities does the conference offer for international businesses?
A19. The conference provides networking opportunities with global leaders, insights into emerging markets, and a platform to explore partnerships and investments in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Q20. What is the significance of holding the conference in Riyadh?
A20. Hosting the conference in Riyadh underscores the city’s emergence as a global business hub and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leading international discussions on investment and sustainable development.
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