The Misk Global Forum aims to empower young men and women to overcome challenges in life to become useful citizens in society, Prof. Shaima Hamidaddin, executive manager of the Misk Foundation, told Arab News after the opening of the second forum at the Four Seasons Hotel on Wednesday.
“It’s never been more important to empower young people to meet the challenges of the unprecedented change taking place around us, and that’s why the Misk Global Forum is so important, not only for the young people here in Saudi Arabia, but for those around the world,” she said.
“Our ambition through the global forum is to bring together global innovators, policymakers and high-potential young people to meet the challenge of change,” Hamidaddin explained.
Describing it as an action-oriented event, she said: “We want participants to create their own experiences over the next two days, choosing their own masterclasses and workshops, and to feel empowered to contribute, and inspired to learn how they can shape the future.”
The gathering has a varied schedule looking at four key areas of life for young people: Living, learning, working and contributing. Participants will be given insights into a range of issues including how artificial intelligence will affect tomorrow’s work and how young people can develop and deliver new social entrepreneurial ideas.
“It was important for us to secure a rich selection of speakers for the second annual gathering of the forum to provide young leaders, creators and innovators with a unique opportunity to engage and connect with established global innovators and leaders," Hamidaddin said, pointing out that through the participatory sessions young people from around the world will be able to explore, experience and experiment with cutting-edge concepts and ideas that can help them meet the challenge of change.
To become the pre-eminent global platform to discuss vital issues relating to young people, their future and the knowledge economy, she said, Misk has expanded the ambition and scope of the forum.
The forum, brainchild of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the largest youth event in the region, was inaugurated by Abdullah Alswaha, minister of telecommunications and information technology in the midst of a packed audience comprising local and foreign youths and experts in various fields