Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 8, 2025 – In a significant meeting aimed at strengthening educational and human capital development initiatives, Turki bin Abdullah Al-Jawini, Director-General of the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), welcomed Professor Steve Smith, the United Kingdom’s International Education Champion, to the fund’s headquarters in Riyadh. Professor Smith, a prominent advocate for global education, was accompanied by a distinguished delegation of representatives from 16 leading UK universities, senior officials from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), and the Times Higher Education (THE) Foundation. The gathering was also attended by several senior leaders from the HRDF, highlighting the importance of the collaborative exchange between the two nations.
The meeting focused on the HRDF’s transformative journey, exploring the fund's evolving strategies and its pivotal role in investing in and developing Saudi Arabia’s human capital. As the Kingdom continues its ambitious economic and social development under Vision 2030, the discussion centered on how the HRDF can contribute to achieving the vision’s goals, particularly in improving the balance between supply and demand in the labor market. This involves fostering sustainable employment and creating robust educational opportunities that align with the ever-evolving needs of the economy.
One of the key topics of discussion was the HRDF’s strategy for shaping a skilled, competitive workforce capable of driving forward the Kingdom’s economic diversification plans. The HRDF, which plays a central role in human resource development in Saudi Arabia, is committed to ensuring that the Kingdom’s labor force is equipped with the necessary skills and capabilities to succeed in a globalized and knowledge-driven economy. In this regard, both the HRDF and the UK delegation explored innovative strategies to enhance human capital, with particular attention to developing new training methodologies, upskilling initiatives, and aligning educational curricula with the needs of both the public and private sectors.
The meeting also underscored the importance of fostering strong partnerships between Saudi Arabia and the UK in the fields of education and labor market development. It was agreed that collaboration between the two countries should focus on knowledge exchange, sharing best practices, and leveraging each other’s strengths to meet the growing demands of the global workforce. Professor Smith and his team emphasized the value of collaboration with leading Saudi institutions, particularly in areas like higher education, vocational training, and internationally recognized quality assurance practices.
A critical area of focus during the session was the potential for collaboration to strengthen sustainable employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia by equipping the Kingdom’s workforce with future-ready skills. Both parties acknowledged the need for continuous development of human resources in line with global trends, including digital transformation, technological advancements, and the emergence of new industries in sectors like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.
Additionally, the discussions touched upon the latest global practices in higher education and skills development. The UK delegation shared insights on innovative educational models, cutting-edge research, and the most recent developments in international quality assurance frameworks. By incorporating these practices into the HRDF’s initiatives, Saudi Arabia can ensure that its educational and training programs remain world-class and aligned with the highest global standards, preparing Saudi nationals for both local and international career opportunities.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepening cooperation between the HRDF and the UK, with both sides agreeing to continue exploring new avenues of collaboration. These include joint programs, scholarships, and partnerships with UK universities and research institutions, all aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Saudi workforce and ensuring the long-term success of the Kingdom’s human capital development efforts.
In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes human capacity development as one of its foundational pillars, this meeting marked a significant step forward in building a knowledge-based economy and sustainable workforce. The HRDF, in partnership with global education leaders such as the UK, is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education and employment in Saudi Arabia, helping the Kingdom build a competitive, skilled, and globally engaged workforce.