In a significant development announced by Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim and World Economic Forum President Børge Brende during the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to host a high-level World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting. Scheduled for 28-29 April 2024 in Riyadh, the event is poised to gather over 700 global leaders from diverse sectors to deliberate on critical issues of global cooperation, growth, and energy. This gathering marks a milestone in the longstanding collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the World Economic Forum, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to shaping the future agenda and addressing pressing global challenges.
Global Leaders Convene for Dialogue
The WEF Special Meeting in Riyadh is designed to bring together leaders from the public and private sectors, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia, and civil society. The objective is to facilitate meaningful dialogues that transcend national boundaries and reinvigorate international cooperation. At a time when the world faces growing challenges, this forum provides a platform for comprehensive discussions on fostering collaboration between developed and emerging economies.
Minister Alibrahim expressed the Kingdom's dedication to becoming a global capital for progress and thought leadership on contemporary global issues. He highlighted the importance of the new platform, stating, "We believe this new platform will enable the World Economic Forum, the Kingdom, and our global partners to further engage in cooperative dialogues and find the right answers to the challenges we have at hand."
Themes of Focus: Collaboration, Growth, and Energy
The central themes of the WEF Special Meeting in Riyadh revolve around global collaboration, growth, and energy. These themes are strategically chosen to address the interconnected challenges facing nations today. Børge Brende emphasized the urgency of identifying shared interests and fostering impactful partnerships, especially amidst growing divides between developed and emerging economies. Saudi Arabia, as a crucial player at the intersection of various global economies, is uniquely positioned to lead efforts to bridge gaps and foster cooperation between developed and developing markets.
Riyadh's Strategic Positioning
The selection of Riyadh as the host city is not incidental; it reflects the Kingdom's prominence in the global economic landscape. As the capital of the largest economy in the Middle East, Riyadh serves as a world-leading hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. Positioned midway between the Global South and the Global North, the city provides a neutral ground for diverse leaders to come together. The WEF Special Meeting aims to leverage Riyadh's strategic location to facilitate open discussions, assess current challenges, and propose transformative ideas that will have a positive global impact.
Continued Commitment to Shaping the Future
This collaboration follows Saudi Arabia's presidency of the G20 in 2020, underscoring the Kingdom's enduring commitment to shaping the global agenda. The longstanding partnership between Saudi Arabia and the World Economic Forum has been instrumental in fostering international cooperation and addressing global challenges. The WEF Special Meeting in Riyadh is a testament to the Kingdom's dedication to playing a pivotal role in shaping the future and finding solutions to the complex issues facing the international community.
As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia prepares to host the WEF Special Meeting in Riyadh, the world anticipates a gathering of global leaders committed to advancing international cooperation, fostering economic growth, and addressing energy challenges. Against the backdrop of a changing global landscape, this event serves as a beacon for collaborative efforts, offering a platform for dialogue, innovation, and impactful partnerships. The Kingdom's role as a bridge between nations positions Riyadh as an ideal host for this high-level meeting, emphasizing the importance of collective action in overcoming the pressing challenges of our time.
