Global business leaders back Saudi plan for change

Business leaders from the technology, industry and energy sectors gave their backing to Saudi Arabia’s skills, innovation and entrepreneurship drive at the MiSK Global Forum.

At the youth-focused event, they encouraged young Saudi Arabians to embrace the new opportunities afforded to them by the country’s Vision 2030 reform plan, reported the Saudi Gazette.

It is hoped that the inaugural two day event will empower, nurture and inspire young Saudi men and women by bringing them in front of a range of global leaders, businessmen and sportsmen from over 65 countries. Young Saudi entrepreneurs saw sessions featuring John Chambers from Cisco, Siemen’s President and CEO Joe Kaeser, and BP’s Chief Executive, Bob Dudley. Alongside the event, the MiSK Foundation announced new partnerships aimed at skills development with Bloomberg, Cisco, Siemens and Udacity, the specialist technology skills provider.

Speaking about the challenge of Vision 2030 and welcoming its ambition, John Chambers said: “I believe in KSA. I see a talented youth, a changing nation and leadership willing to take the necessary risks other countries aren’t.”

Yesterday Bill Gates said: “The future of any country is about its young people, in Saudi Arabia that is even more true because you’re the majority and you’re more educated and inquisitive than any generation that’s come before”

The forum, which is aimed at connecting the Saudi youth to the global economy, brings young Saudi men and women in front of a range of global business leaders.