Riyadh, January 31, 2024, The Crossroads GCC Future Impact Forum, held in collaboration with the Harvard Business School (HBS) Club, commenced at Princess Noura University in Riyadh. The event witnessed the presence of notable figures, including Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of the Riyadh Region, along with various government officials and leaders.
Zaher Al-Munajjid, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the alumni club for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasized the forum's significance, highlighting the strong partnership between the HBS GCC Club and Princess Nourah University. Al-Munajjid underscored the Kingdom's ongoing renaissance, especially in education, foreseeing a transformative phase with substantial advancements in technology, information, and initiatives.
Eng. Thamer Al-Sadoun, CEO of the National Transformation Program, conveyed the program's dedication to advancing national goals and ensuring long-term sustainability. Al-Sadoun expressed confidence in the program's trajectory, citing unwavering support from the wise leadership and relevant authorities. He outlined the program's objectives, aligned with Vision 2030, focusing on fostering the growth of government and private entities, and supporting medium and small enterprises.
Al-Sadoun highlighted a remarkable 156% increase in international investments over the past year, reflecting the Kingdom's growing appeal to global investors. Anticipating robust growth in the upcoming transformation phase, he emphasized the Kingdom's significant strides in technology and digital transformation, with over 6,000 government services now accessible online. Additionally, he underscored achievements in empowering individuals with disabilities, aligning with the overarching goals of Vision 2030.
The forum's first day delved into various topics, including empowering women in the workplace, talent and the future of healthcare, green sustainability, and the partnership between the private sector and educational institutions in promoting innovation and leadership in healthcare.
Scheduled to run for two days, the forum at Princess Noura University in Riyadh is set to continue featuring the active participation of eminent leaders from the business and technology sectors. The event promises to provide valuable insights, fostering discussions that contribute to the dynamic progress and development of the region.
