The Misk Global Forum, held in Riyadh on November 18–19, 2024, has drawn participants from 78 countries, underscoring its growing role as a global platform for youth empowerment and dialogue. Organised by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) and reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), this year’s edition brought together ministers, philanthropists, athletes and thousands of young people for two days of discussions and workshops focused on the challenges and opportunities facing future generations.
Have you ever wondered how a national youth initiative can grow into a truly international movement? The forum’s reach across 78 countries offers a compelling answer. On its first day alone, 31 interactive workshops benefited young participants from the Kingdom and dozens of nations, while a virtual platform extended access to youth worldwide. The event reflects Saudi Arabia’s expanding commitment to nurturing talent, fostering cross-border collaboration and positioning young people at the heart of its Vision 2030 transformation.
Context and Background
Why does the Misk Global Forum matter so much in today’s global landscape? Launched by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, known as Misk, the forum has steadily evolved into a flagship gathering for young leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators. Misk itself was established to empower Saudi youth through education, training and mentorship, and the annual forum serves as its most visible international showcase. The 2024 edition, held from November 18 to 19 in Riyadh, built on previous years by expanding both the speaker roster and the number of practical workshops.
The forum’s timing is significant. As economies worldwide grapple with rapid technological change, shifting labour markets and the need for new skills, Saudi Arabia has placed youth development at the centre of its national strategy. The Kingdom’s population is overwhelmingly young, and Vision 2030 explicitly aims to unlock their potential. By hosting an event that attracts participants from 78 countries, Riyadh signals that its youth agenda is not inward-looking but globally connected, inviting international peers to share ideas and build networks that transcend borders.
Moreover, the forum’s structure—combining high-level discussions with hands-on workshops—reflects a practical approach. Rather than merely debating the future, participants are encouraged to acquire tangible skills. This dual focus on inspiration and capability-building helps explain why the event has resonated far beyond Saudi Arabia, drawing interest from governments, corporations and civil society organisations across continents.
Key Details and Participants
Who exactly took the stage at this year’s forum, and what did they discuss? The speaker list reads like a who’s who of international and regional leadership. Bandar Alkhorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, participated in a discussion on reinventing Saudi industry, highlighting how advanced manufacturing, mining and industrial innovation are central to the Kingdom’s economic diversification. Bill Gates, chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, joined a session focused on the challenges facing future generations, bringing a global philanthropic perspective on health, education and equitable development.
A session titled “A Future That’s Yours for the Taking” featured Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Bader Alkadi, Vice Minister of Sport in Saudi Arabia; and Rawan Tawfiqi, Bahraini Minister of Youth Affairs. Their participation underscored the Gulf region’s collaborative approach to youth empowerment, with neighbouring countries sharing strategies and success stories. The session emphasised that young people are not passive beneficiaries but active architects of their own futures.
Football fans had their own highlight: a panel discussion entitled “Game changers: legends beyond the field” brought together Majed Abdullah, former captain of Al-Nassr Club and the Saudi national team, and Sami Aljaber, former captain of Al-Hilal Club and the Saudi national team. Their presence illustrated how sport can inspire young people, instil discipline and create role models that transcend the pitch. Beyond these headline sessions, the forum offered 31 interactive workshops designed to enhance knowledge and develop practical capabilities, from digital skills to entrepreneurship and creative industries.
International and Regional Impact
How far does the Misk Global Forum’s influence actually reach? The answer lies in the numbers: participants from 78 countries attended the workshops on the first day alone. This international turnout transforms the event from a national initiative into a genuinely global exchange. Young people from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas came together to learn, network and collaborate, creating connections that will outlast the two-day gathering.
The forum also strengthens Saudi Arabia’s ties with its regional neighbours. The presence of youth ministers from the UAE and Bahrain, alongside Saudi officials, demonstrates a shared Gulf commitment to investing in the next generation. In a region often characterised by geopolitical tensions, such cooperation on youth, sport and education provides a positive, forward-looking narrative. It also positions Riyadh as a convening power—a capital where diverse voices can meet, exchange ideas and forge partnerships that benefit the wider region.
Internationally, the involvement of figures like Bill Gates amplifies the forum’s credibility. His participation signals that the challenges facing young people—from climate change to public health to digital inclusion—require cross-sector collaboration. By bringing together government, philanthropy, business and civil society, the Misk Global Forum embodies a multi-stakeholder approach that is increasingly essential for solving complex global problems. The virtual platform further extends this impact, allowing youth who could not travel to Riyadh to participate in workshops and discussions, democratising access to knowledge and mentorship.
Economic and Strategic Significance
What does the forum’s success mean for Saudi Arabia’s economy and strategic ambitions? At its core, the event is an investment in human capital. By equipping young people with skills, networks and confidence, the forum contributes to a more productive, innovative and entrepreneurial workforce—a key requirement for Vision 2030’s goal of diversifying the economy beyond oil. The workshops on industry, technology and creativity align directly with the Kingdom’s priority sectors, from advanced manufacturing to tourism and entertainment.
Furthermore, the forum enhances Saudi Arabia’s soft power. Hosting a major international youth event in Riyadh showcases the Kingdom’s modernisation, its world-class event infrastructure and its openness to global engagement. For international audiences, it offers a counter-narrative to outdated stereotypes, presenting a country that is dynamic, forward-looking and deeply committed to its young population. This reputational benefit can translate into tangible economic outcomes: attracting foreign investment, talent and partnerships that support Vision 2030’s economic goals.
The forum also creates a pipeline of future leaders who are familiar with Saudi Arabia and its opportunities. Young participants from 78 countries leave with new skills, contacts and a positive impression of the Kingdom. Many will go on to start businesses, lead organisations or shape policy in their home countries. Their connection to Saudi Arabia, forged at the Misk Global Forum, can become a lasting bridge for trade, diplomacy and cultural exchange.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does the Misk Global Forum fit into Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision? Vision 2030, launched under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, places youth at its very centre. The Kingdom aims to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation—and young people are the engine that will drive all three. Misk, as a foundation dedicated to empowering youth, is a direct expression of this vision. The annual forum operationalises it by creating a global stage for young talent and by fostering the skills, mindsets and connections that Vision 2030 requires.
The forum’s emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship and cross-cultural dialogue mirrors the Vision’s targets for economic diversification, increased female participation in the workforce, and the growth of non-oil sectors. By engaging international participants, it also supports the Vision’s goal of making Saudi Arabia a global investment and business hub. In short, the Misk Global Forum is not just an event; it is a strategic instrument for national transformation and international engagement.
As the 2024 edition concludes, its impact across 78 countries serves as a reminder that Saudi Arabia’s youth agenda is both local and global. The Kingdom is investing in its own young people while extending a hand to peers around the world, building a network of future leaders who share a stake in a prosperous, peaceful and innovative future. That is the promise of Vision 2030—and the Misk Global Forum is helping to deliver it, one workshop, one conversation and one connection at a time.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Misk Global Forum?
A1. The Misk Global Forum is an annual event organised by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) in Riyadh, bringing together young people, leaders and innovators to discuss future challenges and opportunities through talks and workshops.
Q2. When and where did the 2024 Misk Global Forum take place?
A2. The 2024 forum was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 18 to 19, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Q3. How many countries were represented at the forum?
A3. Participants from 78 countries took part in the forum’s workshops on its first day, highlighting its wide international reach and appeal.
Q4. Who is Bandar Alkhorayef and what did he discuss?
A4. Bandar Alkhorayef is Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. He participated in a discussion on reinventing Saudi industry, focusing on innovation and economic diversification.
Q5. What was Bill Gates’ role at the forum?
A5. Bill Gates, chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, participated in a session addressing the challenges facing future generations, bringing a global philanthropic perspective.
Q6. Which session featured youth ministers from the UAE and Bahrain?
A6. The session titled “A Future That’s Yours for the Taking” featured Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Bader Alkadi and Rawan Tawfiqi, focusing on youth empowerment across the Gulf region.
Q7. Who are Majed Abdullah and Sami Aljaber?
A7. Majed Abdullah is a former captain of Al-Nassr Club and the Saudi national team, while Sami Aljaber is a former captain of Al-Hilal Club and the Saudi national team. Both are football legends.
Q8. What was the title of the football legends’ panel?
A8. The panel was titled “Game changers: legends beyond the field,” where the two former captains shared insights on sport, leadership and inspiring young people.
Q9. How many interactive workshops were offered?
A9. The forum offered 31 interactive workshops designed to enhance knowledge and develop young people’s capabilities in various fields.
Q10. How did the virtual platform expand access?
A10. The virtual platform allowed youth worldwide to participate in workshops and discussions, significantly expanding the forum’s reach beyond those physically present in Riyadh.
Q11. What is the main goal of the Misk Global Forum?
A11. Its main goal is to support youth and harness their potential by providing a platform for dialogue, skill-building and networking on issues that matter to future generations.
Q12. How does the forum align with Saudi Vision 2030?
A12. The forum aligns with Vision 2030 by investing in youth, promoting economic diversification, fostering innovation and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for talent and collaboration.
Q13. Which Saudi ministry was represented at the forum?
A13. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources was represented by its Minister, Bandar Alkhorayef, who spoke about reinventing Saudi industry.
Q14. What topics were covered in the workshops?
A14. Workshops covered a range of future-focused topics, including industry innovation, entrepreneurship, digital skills and creative industries, all aimed at developing young people’s capabilities.
Q15. Why is international participation important for the forum?
A15. International participation enriches dialogue, fosters cross-cultural exchange and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a convening power for global youth issues.
Q16. How does the forum support Saudi Arabia’s soft power?
A16. By hosting a major international youth event, Saudi Arabia showcases its modernisation and openness, enhancing its global image and attracting investment and partnerships.
Q17. What is Misk’s broader mission?
A17. Misk, the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, aims to empower Saudi youth through education, training and mentorship, preparing them to lead and innovate in a changing world.
Q18. Where can people access forum activities?
A18. Forum activities can be accessed at https://miskglobalforum.com/, as noted in the official SPA report.
Q19. What makes the 2024 edition significant?
A19. The 2024 edition is significant for its broad international reach across 78 countries, its high-profile speakers and its expanded workshop programme.
Q20. What is the expected long-term impact of the forum?
A20. The forum is expected to build a global network of skilled, connected young leaders who will contribute to innovation, economic growth and cross-border cooperation in the years ahead.
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