Saudi Economy Minister: Riyadh WEF Special Meeting is a ‘Unique Opportunity’ to Reshape Development

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim and WEF President Borge Brende. SPA
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim and WEF President Borge Brende. SPA
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Saudi Economy Minister: Riyadh WEF Special Meeting is a ‘Unique Opportunity’ to Reshape Development

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim and WEF President Borge Brende. SPA
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim and WEF President Borge Brende. SPA

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim has said the World Economic Forum's (WEF) special meeting in Riyadh presents a vital chance to reshape development strategies globally.

This opportunity allows for a new approach to international cooperation, prioritizing overcoming differences and fostering mutual prosperity.

Alibrahim made this statement during the meeting's initial press conference, joined by WEF President Borge Brende. The conference took place at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, leading up to the special meeting on April 28-29.

This year's theme is "Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development.”

Heads of state and government representatives from 92 nations will gather to discuss the challenges of worldwide economic instability, climate change, and technological disruption. Their objective is to discover fresh avenues for sustainable development while fostering greater collaboration among nations.

The meeting will serve as an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to present Vision 2030 as a strategic plan for fostering innovation-led development and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Alibrahim stated that Saudi Arabia is ready to spearhead a progressive growth model centered on transformation, innovation, and sustainability. “Our vision is to cultivate a flourishing economy driven by knowledge and innovation, fully harnessing the immense potential of our people.”

The primary focus will be on crafting forward-thinking strategies to tackle climate change, economic volatility, and natural disasters.

The WEF's upcoming special meeting is expected to generate new recommendations and guide nations towards increased collaboration in addressing global challenges. Its objective is to forge a more sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders involved.



Syria Meeting Focused on Need for Credible Economic Data, IMF Chief Says

International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva, speaks during a Press Briefing on "International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC)" during the IMF/World Bank Group Spring Meetings at the IMF headquarters in Washington, DC, on April 25, 2025. (AFP)
International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva, speaks during a Press Briefing on "International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC)" during the IMF/World Bank Group Spring Meetings at the IMF headquarters in Washington, DC, on April 25, 2025. (AFP)
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Syria Meeting Focused on Need for Credible Economic Data, IMF Chief Says

International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva, speaks during a Press Briefing on "International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC)" during the IMF/World Bank Group Spring Meetings at the IMF headquarters in Washington, DC, on April 25, 2025. (AFP)
International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva, speaks during a Press Briefing on "International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC)" during the IMF/World Bank Group Spring Meetings at the IMF headquarters in Washington, DC, on April 25, 2025. (AFP)

Officials from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and key countries met with Syrian authorities this week on efforts to rebuild the war-torn country, emphasizing the need for credible data, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Friday.

Georgieva said rebuilding Syria's central bank and expanding the country's capacity to generate revenue were other key issues addressed during the meeting that took place during the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank.

Saudi Arabia's Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, who chairs the International Monetary and Financial Committee, said he was grateful to the IMF and World Bank for stepping up support for Syria, noting others including Yemen, Palestine and Lebanon would also need help.