Riyadh to Host Third Edition of Int’l Future Minerals Forum

The Second Edition Future Minerals Forum in 2022 (SPA)
The Second Edition Future Minerals Forum in 2022 (SPA)
TT

Riyadh to Host Third Edition of Int’l Future Minerals Forum

The Second Edition Future Minerals Forum in 2022 (SPA)
The Second Edition Future Minerals Forum in 2022 (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced the third edition of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The Ministry explained that the third edition will build on previous editions of FMF, offering a deep dive into a broad spectrum of topics and critical issues facing the global minerals industry, including sustainability practices and standards, developing green and future minerals value chains, and attracting investments in the super region.

It also aims to integrate knowledge and technology in mining operations and assert the role of the minerals sector in developing local economies and societies.

FMF is an essential platform for the super region, which stretches from Africa to West and Central Asia, bringing together industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and experts to shape the future of the minerals sector collectively.

The Forum is an essential platform for the super region, which stretches from Africa to West and Central Asia, bringing together industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and experts to shape the future of the minerals sector collectively.

The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar al-Khorayef, confirmed that the international conference is considered the most important in the world, with the support of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Khorayef pointed out that the conference's third edition will include the supply and demand of the most used mineral, playing a crucial role in the global shift towards clean energy.

It will establish a platform for discussion between metal-producing and consuming countries and ensure continuity of investment in the sector, starting with mines, manufacturing, refining, and processing operations.

"Recognizing the sector's challenges, there's an urgency to develop a clear roadmap and address the growing demand for critical minerals essentials for energy transition. We must facilitate dialogue, decision-making, and collaboration among stakeholders to realize our ambitious energy transition goals," said the Minister.

He stressed that the third edition will continue as a pioneering platform to lay more foundations for participation in decisions and procedures.

The goals are shared between investors, mining companies, and parties worldwide and will also work to highlight the role that the targeted region can play in achieving the world's goals in green transformation.

The main events of FMF will take place on January 10-11, convening ministers, mining investment leaders, and several prominent figures and innovators from a cross-section of global minerals and mining companies.

The sessions will foster rich dialogue on industry trends, investments, and sustainable practices.



Future Investment Initiative Conference Gathers Global Decision-Makers in Riyadh

One of the dialogue sessions of the Future Investment Initiative in its previous edition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of the dialogue sessions of the Future Investment Initiative in its previous edition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Future Investment Initiative Conference Gathers Global Decision-Makers in Riyadh

One of the dialogue sessions of the Future Investment Initiative in its previous edition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of the dialogue sessions of the Future Investment Initiative in its previous edition (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Riyadh is set to launch the eighth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference on Monday.
This year’s event carries the theme, “Infinite Horizons... Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow” and will feature prominent figures in finance, investment, and technology.
Through its annual conference, often called the “Davos of the Desert,” the Future Investment Initiative aims to foster discussions on how investment can drive a prosperous and sustainable future, expanding the possibilities for humanity.
The conference is expected to attract over 7,000 guests and 500 speakers, covering a wide range of current topics across more than 200 sessions. Key areas of focus include economic stability, equitable development, climate change, artificial intelligence, innovation, health, and geopolitical issues.
Among those looking to leverage projects aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 are David Solomon of Goldman Sachs, Jane Fraser of Citigroup, and Larry Fink of BlackRock, which recently agreed to establish a multi-asset investment platform in Riyadh, backed by a $5 billion investment from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. This year, the conference will also host the New Africa Summit, featuring speakers from Africa’s mining and banking sectors.
Reflecting Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on technology and artificial intelligence, industry leaders in these fields will participate in the event. Notably, Alphabet President Ruth Porat, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, and tech entrepreneur Benjamin Horowitz, co-founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, are scheduled to speak for the first time.
According to Richard Attias, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative, executives worldwide are expected to announce deals exceeding $28 billion. Some of these initiatives will focus on artificial intelligence, including a new potential fund with Andreessen Horowitz that could grow to $40 billion, as reported by Bloomberg.
The Kingdom is also expected to announce a new company that will invest at least $10 billion in making Saudi Arabia the world’s largest producer of hydrogen—a low-carbon fuel critical for the global transition away from fossil fuels. Key speakers from Asia will include Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan and Belt and Road Commissioner Nicholas Ho.
On the eve of the event, Swiss entrepreneur and FII participant Stephan Knuser told Asharq Al-Awsat that the conference will provide significant business insights for both local and international communities, anticipating that new partnerships will form between Swiss and Saudi companies in energy-efficient technologies and food security.
Neil Bush, Chairman of Sky Towers, remarked: “We view FII as not only a driver for attracting capital but also for bringing in technologies that accelerate Saudi Arabia’s goals.” According to Bush, the FII topics align with needs like business registration processes, free trade zone policies, and strategies for developing industrial complexes, which will help accelerate Vision 2030 goals, including carbon reduction.