The Digital Government Authority (DGA) participated in the Qassim Forum for Youth Empowerment “Forsty 4”, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah from January 22 to 25, 2025, under the organization of the Qassim Principality in partnership with several ministries and relevant authorities. The forum, announced via the Saudi Press Agency, brought together young men and women from across the Qassim region to explore opportunities in training, employment, entrepreneurship, and e-commerce, while connecting them with experts, consultants, and supporting entities.
What does it take to turn a regional youth gathering into a national engine for digital talent? The DGA’s presence at Forsty 4 offers a clear answer: by showcasing its initiatives, programs, and contributions to digital transformation, the authority positioned itself as a bridge between fresh graduates and the Kingdom’s fast-expanding digital government sector. Through a dedicated exhibition, the DGA highlighted the “Namo” program and detailed the application process for available job opportunities, aiming to attract the best talents from among the region’s young men and women. The participation reflects the authority’s belief in the importance of its role in building and developing national capabilities in digital transformation, a core enabler of Saudi Arabia’s long-term development agenda.
Context and Background
Why has youth empowerment become such a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s regional development strategies? The Qassim Forum for Youth Empowerment, now in its fourth edition under the “Forsty 4” banner, is designed to introduce young men and women to the opportunities available in the Qassim region, as well as to the entities that support entrepreneurs. Organized by the Qassim Principality in partnership with several ministries and relevant authorities, the forum provides a platform where young people can meet experts and specialists in training, employment, entrepreneurship, and e-commerce. It also focuses on identifying the interests and aspirations of youth to help them make informed choices and to create a comprehensive database for entrepreneurs in the region, with the participation of experts and consultants.
The event is part of a broader national movement in which Saudi ministries and government agencies are increasingly engaging directly with young citizens at the regional level. The Digital Government Authority, which leads the Kingdom’s digital transformation efforts across the public sector, used the forum to present its initiatives and programs and to explain how young people can join its workforce. A training session held on the sidelines of the forum, titled “Digital Transformation and its Impact on Job Seekers,” gave attendees practical insight into how digital skills are reshaping the labor market. Together, these activities show how national institutions are aligning their talent strategies with the aspirations of a young, digitally native population.
The forum’s timing is significant. Saudi Arabia’s youth represent the majority of the population, and their participation in the economy is essential to the sustainability of national development plans. By bringing government entities, entrepreneurs, and job seekers into one space, Forsty 4 creates a feedback loop: young people learn what the market needs, while institutions learn what young people aspire to achieve. The DGA’s participation adds a digital dimension to that exchange, reinforcing the message that technology and public service are increasingly intertwined career paths.
Key Details
What exactly did the Digital Government Authority bring to the Qassim Forum? Through its dedicated exhibition, the authority showcased its initiatives, programs, and contributions to digital transformation, providing visitors with information about the “Namo” program and the application process for available job opportunities. The goal, according to the Saudi Press Agency report, is to attract the best talents from fresh graduates to work with the authority. The DGA also seeks to attract distinguished talents to contribute to achieving its vision and strategic goals, which center on making Saudi Arabia a global leader in digital government services.
The training session titled “Digital Transformation and its Impact on Job Seekers” was a key feature of the DGA’s agenda at the forum. It addressed how digital tools, automation, and data-driven services are changing the nature of employment, and what job seekers can do to remain competitive. For young attendees from Buraidah and the wider Qassim region, the session offered concrete guidance on skills development, career planning, and the growing demand for digital competencies in both the public and private sectors. The authority’s team was on hand to answer questions about job applications, training pathways, and the qualifications that the DGA looks for in new recruits.
The forum itself ran for four days, from January 22 to 25, at the King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah, and was organized by the Qassim Principality in partnership with several ministries and relevant authorities. Its objectives included introducing young men and women to available opportunities in the region, connecting them with supporting entities for entrepreneurs, and building a comprehensive database of entrepreneurs in the region. By participating in this multi-stakeholder environment, the DGA reinforced its commitment to national capability building and to the idea that digital transformation is not only about technology but also about people.
International and Regional Impact
How does a regional youth forum in Qassim connect to Saudi Arabia’s global digital standing? The Digital Government Authority’s engagement at Forsty 4 is part of a wider effort to position the Kingdom as a leader in digital public services, an area where Saudi Arabia has earned international recognition for its e-government maturity. By recruiting fresh graduates from regions outside the major metropolitan centers, the authority broadens its talent base and ensures that digital transformation benefits are distributed across the country. This regional approach strengthens the Kingdom’s human capital pipeline and supports the development of a knowledge economy that can compete internationally.
For international observers, the DGA’s participation signals that Saudi Arabia’s digital agenda is deeply integrated with its youth and education strategies. The forum’s focus on entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and training aligns with global trends in workforce development, where digital skills are increasingly the gateway to economic participation. By creating a comprehensive database of entrepreneurs in the Qassim region and connecting them with experts and consultants, the forum also lays groundwork for future cross-border partnerships and investment opportunities. Regional development of this kind enhances the Kingdom’s attractiveness as a destination for technology companies and investors seeking a skilled, young workforce.
Within the Gulf region, Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on youth empowerment and digital government serves as a model for neighboring states pursuing similar diversification goals. The DGA’s presence at Forsty 4 demonstrates that national digital strategies are most effective when they are paired with local engagement and grassroots talent identification. This approach can inform regional cooperation on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and public-sector innovation, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub for technology and human capital development in the Middle East.
Economic and Strategic Significance
Why does attracting fresh graduates to digital government matter for Saudi Arabia’s economy? The Digital Government Authority’s recruitment efforts at Forsty 4 are directly linked to the Kingdom’s need for a skilled workforce capable of sustaining its ambitious digital transformation programs. As government services move online and data-driven decision-making becomes standard, the demand for professionals in software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and digital project management grows. By engaging young people early, the DGA helps ensure that Saudi talent is prepared to fill these roles, reducing reliance on external expertise and keeping high-value jobs within the national economy.
The forum’s broader economic impact extends to entrepreneurship and small business development. By connecting young people with supporting entities and creating a database of entrepreneurs in the Qassim region, Forsty 4 helps stimulate local enterprise and innovation. Entrepreneurs who receive guidance and access to networks are more likely to launch and scale businesses, contributing to job creation and economic diversification. The DGA’s participation adds a digital lens to this ecosystem, encouraging young entrepreneurs to adopt technology and e-commerce platforms that can expand their market reach beyond the region.
Strategically, the DGA’s investment in youth aligns with the Kingdom’s goal of building a resilient, knowledge-based economy. Human capital is a critical asset in the digital age, and Saudi Arabia’s ability to compete globally depends on nurturing a generation that is fluent in technology and innovation. The authority’s training session on digital transformation and its impact on job seekers is a practical example of how government agencies can directly contribute to workforce readiness. By attracting distinguished talents, the DGA strengthens its own capacity to deliver on its vision and strategic goals, which in turn supports the efficiency and effectiveness of public services across the country.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does the Digital Government Authority’s work at Forsty 4 advance Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030 aims to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation, with digital transformation and youth empowerment as cross-cutting themes. The DGA’s participation in the Qassim Forum for Youth Empowerment directly supports the Vision’s human capability development objectives by linking young Saudis to training, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities. It also reinforces the Vision’s goal of increasing the private sector’s contribution and creating a diversified economy, since digital skills and entrepreneurship are essential drivers of non-oil growth.
Moreover, the forum’s emphasis on creating a comprehensive database for entrepreneurs and connecting youth with experts and consultants reflects Vision 2030’s commitment to data-driven planning and inclusive development. By bringing national digital transformation initiatives to a regional audience, the DGA helps ensure that the benefits of Vision 2030 are felt across all parts of the Kingdom, not only in major cities. The authority’s efforts to attract fresh graduates and distinguished talents contribute to the long-term sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s digital government sector, which is a cornerstone of the Vision’s modernization agenda. As the Kingdom continues to advance its global role in technology and innovation, initiatives like Forsty 4 demonstrate how local engagement and national strategy can work hand in hand to build a prosperous future.
20 Questions
Q1. What was the Digital Government Authority’s role at the Qassim Forum for Youth Empowerment “Forsty 4”?
A1. The DGA participated with a dedicated exhibition, showcased its initiatives and programs, provided information about the “Namo” program, and explained job application processes to attract fresh graduates.
Q2. Where and when was the Forsty 4 forum held?
A2. The forum took place at the King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah, Qassim region, from January 22 to 25, 2025, organized by the Qassim Principality.
Q3. Who organized the Qassim Forum for Youth Empowerment “Forsty 4”?
A3. The forum was organized by the Qassim Principality in partnership with several ministries and relevant authorities, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Q4. What are the main objectives of the Forsty 4 forum?
A4. It aims to introduce youth to regional opportunities, connect them with entrepreneur-supporting entities, and create a comprehensive database of entrepreneurs in the Qassim region.
Q5. What training session did the DGA hold on the sidelines of the forum?
A5. The DGA held a session titled “Digital Transformation and its Impact on Job Seekers,” offering practical insights into how digital skills are reshaping the labor market.
Q6. What is the “Namo” program mentioned by the Digital Government Authority?
A6. The “Namo” program is a DGA initiative highlighted at the forum to inform young people about available opportunities and the application process for jobs with the authority.
Q7. Why does the DGA seek to attract fresh graduates?
A7. The authority aims to build and develop national capabilities in digital transformation and to attract distinguished talents who can contribute to its vision and strategic goals.
Q8. How does the forum help young people make informed career choices?
A8. It identifies their interests and aspirations, provides access to experts and consultants, and offers information on training, employment, entrepreneurship, and e-commerce opportunities.
Q9. What kind of database is the forum creating for the Qassim region?
A9. The forum is building a comprehensive database for entrepreneurs in the region, with input from experts and consultants, to support business development and networking.
Q10. How does the DGA’s participation reflect its belief about national capabilities?
A10. It reflects the authority’s belief in the importance of its role in building and developing national capabilities in digital transformation, a key enabler of Saudi Arabia’s modernization.
Q11. What opportunities does the forum offer in terms of employment sectors?
A11. The forum covers training, employment, entrepreneurship, and e-commerce, giving youth a broad view of career paths in the region’s growing economy.
Q12. How does the DGA’s presence at Forsty 4 support Saudi Vision 2030?
A12. It supports human capability development, digital transformation, and economic diversification, all of which are central objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Q13. What is the significance of holding the forum in Buraidah?
A13. It brings national digital transformation initiatives to the Qassim region, ensuring that youth outside major cities can access opportunities and contribute to the Kingdom’s development.
Q14. What role do experts and consultants play at the forum?
A14. They participate to help identify youth interests and aspirations, provide guidance, and assist in creating a comprehensive database of entrepreneurs in the region.
Q15. How does the DGA’s training session benefit job seekers?
A15. It explains how digital transformation affects employment, helping job seekers understand the skills and qualifications needed to compete in a changing labor market.
Q16. What does the DGA hope to achieve by showcasing its initiatives at the forum?
A16. The authority aims to attract the best talents from fresh graduates and to raise awareness of its programs, including the “Namo” program and available job opportunities.
Q17. How does the forum support entrepreneurs in the Qassim region?
A17. It connects them with supporting entities, experts, and consultants, and creates a database that can help them access networks, guidance, and potential funding opportunities.
Q18. What is the broader national significance of the DGA’s participation in regional forums?
A18. It ensures that digital transformation and talent recruitment are inclusive and nationwide, strengthening the Kingdom’s human capital and supporting balanced regional development.
Q19. How does the forum reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to youth empowerment?
A19. By dedicating a multi-day event to youth opportunities, training, and entrepreneurship, Saudi authorities demonstrate that young people are central to the Kingdom’s future prosperity.
Q20. What are the next steps for youth who engaged with the DGA at Forsty 4?
A20. They can apply for available job opportunities through the processes explained at the exhibition, explore the “Namo” program, and use the training insights to prepare for careers in digital government.
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