Misk Foundation Boosts Youth Skills with 2025 Programs

On International Youth Day, the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) highlights its 2025 achievements in empowering young people across Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. The Foundation, named after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has significantly expanded its role in human capital development through programs focused on leadership, skills, entrepreneurship, culture, and arts, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Context and Background

Established in 2011, the Misk Foundation is a key driver of youth empowerment in Saudi Arabia, aiming to discover, develop, and enable young leaders. In 2025, the Foundation reinforced its commitment to Vision 2030 by launching several flagship initiatives, including the ninth edition of the Misk Global Forum and Misk Art Week, as well as the new Misk Heritage Museum Asaan. These efforts are part of a broader national strategy to nurture a skilled and innovative generation capable of leading the Kingdom’s future.

Key Details

According to SPA, over 524,000 individuals directly benefited from Misk programs and entities in 2025. More than 539,000 training hours were delivered through Misk Skills, with 461,000 participants gaining valuable competencies. Additionally, 597 emerging leaders graduated from leadership development programs, and over 28,000 individuals engaged with the Misk Entrepreneurship School. The Foundation also supported the creation of 71 youth organizations through Misk Community initiatives. Cumulatively, Saudi startups founded or supported by Misk have reached a value of 4.9 billion Saudi riyals, generating 3,112 jobs.

Implications and Impact

Beyond domestic achievements, Misk strengthened its global presence in 2025 by participating in the World Economic Forum in Davos, launching the third edition of the Global Youth Index, and engaging with international audiences at AnimeJapan 2025 in Tokyo. These efforts enhance the Kingdom’s global standing in youth development and showcase its commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and innovation. The substantial economic impact of Misk-backed startups underscores the Foundation’s role in diversifying the Saudi economy and creating sustainable employment opportunities for the nation’s youth.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The accomplishments of the Misk Foundation directly support Vision 2030’s goals of developing a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. By investing in youth capabilities, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting cultural enrichment, Misk is helping build a generation of Saudis equipped to lead the Kingdom’s transformation. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward a diversified and knowledge-based economy, initiatives like those of Misk are crucial in realizing the full potential of its human capital, ensuring a prosperous future for the nation and its people.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Misk Foundation?

A1. The Misk Foundation, formally known as the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, is a Saudi non-profit organization established to discover, develop, and empower young people to become positive and active members in their communities, supporting Vision 2030.

Q2. When was International Youth Day first celebrated?

A2. International Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12, and it was first designated by the United Nations in 1999 to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community.

Q3. How many people benefited from Misk programs in 2025?

A3. According to the Saudi Press Agency, over 524,000 individuals directly benefited from Misk programs and entities in 2025, across various initiatives focused on leadership, skills, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Q4. What are the main pillars of Misk’s strategy?

A4. Misk’s strategy is organized around five key pillars: Misk Leaders, Misk Skills, Misk Entrepreneurship, Misk Community, and global initiatives, each addressing different aspects of youth development.

Q5. What is the Misk Global Forum?

A5. The Misk Global Forum is an annual event that brings together global leaders, thinkers, and young innovators to discuss and inspire youth-led change, fostering dialogue on future skills and leadership.

Q6. How many training hours did Misk Skills provide in 2025?

A6. Misk Skills delivered over 539,000 training hours in 2025, benefiting more than 461,000 people with essential skill-building opportunities.

Q7. What is the total value of startups supported by Misk?

A7. The cumulative value of Saudi startups created or supported by Misk programs reached 4.9 billion Saudi riyals, demonstrating significant economic impact.

Q8. How many jobs did these startups help create?

A8. These startups contributed to the creation of 3,112 jobs, showcasing Misk’s role in fostering entrepreneurship and employment for Saudi youth.

Q9. What is Misk Heritage Museum Asaan?

A9. The Misk Heritage Museum Asaan is a new initiative launched by Misk to preserve and promote cultural heritage, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s rich history and supporting Vision 2030’s cultural goals.

Q10. How did Misk engage with the World Economic Forum?

A10. Misk participated in the World Economic Forum in Davos, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global dialogue on youth development and innovation.

Q11. What is the Global Youth Index?

A11. The Global Youth Index is an initiative by Misk that measures and benchmarks youth development across nations, providing insights for policymakers and leaders.

Q12. Why is International Youth Day important?

A12. International Youth Day highlights the importance of addressing youth-related issues and celebrates the contributions of young people to peace, development, and social progress.

Q13. How does Misk support entrepreneurship?

A13. Misk operates the Misk Entrepreneurship School, which provides training and resources to over 28,000 individuals in 2025, helping them develop entrepreneurial skills.

Q14. What role does Misk play in leadership development?

A14. Misk’s leadership development programs have graduated 597 leaders, preparing them to take on key roles in Saudi Arabia’s evolving economy.

Q15. How does Misk contribute to community development?

A15. Misk Community programs have created or supported 71 youth organizations, strengthening civic engagement and volunteerism among Saudi youth.

Q16. What was the significance of Misk Art Week?

A16. Misk Art Week celebrates creativity and artistic expression, providing a platform for young artists and reinforcing cultural development aligned with Vision 2030.

Q17. How does Misk support cultural heritage?

A17. Through initiatives like the Misk Heritage Museum Asaan, Misk preserves and promotes Saudi cultural heritage, ensuring its continuity and global recognition.

Q18. What is Misk’s global impact?

A18. Misk’s participation in international events like AnimeJapan 2025 and the launch of the Global Youth Index extend its influence, fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Q19. How do Misk’s achievements align with Vision 2030?

A19. Misk’s work directly supports Vision 2030 by cultivating human capital, boosting entrepreneurship, and preserving culture, which are central to the Kingdom’s diversification goals.

Q20. What are Misk’s future prospects?

A20. Misk is poised to continue expanding its programs and global partnerships, further empowering youth and driving innovation in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision.

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