Riyadh, WEF Cooperate to Kick off 4th Industrial Revolution

A person passes by a World Economic Forum logo in Davos, Switzerland, January 20, 2019. (Reuters)
A person passes by a World Economic Forum logo in Davos, Switzerland, January 20, 2019. (Reuters)
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Riyadh, WEF Cooperate to Kick off 4th Industrial Revolution

A person passes by a World Economic Forum logo in Davos, Switzerland, January 20, 2019. (Reuters)
A person passes by a World Economic Forum logo in Davos, Switzerland, January 20, 2019. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia and the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a framework for cooperation in various aspects, such as the establishment of the WEF Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the Kingdom and other areas of global importance.

The agreement was jointly signed by the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs and head of the Kingdom’s delegation to the Davos meetings, Dr. Ibrahim al-Assaf, and Professor Klaus Schwab, chairman of the Board of Directors of WEF.

The MoU will consolidate the partnership between the Kingdom and the WEF by supporting the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia through the various programs and initiatives of the Forum.

It focuses on cooperation in public-private partnerships as well as key initiatives, including the future of energy, health, health care, financial and monetary systems, and other areas. It also provides for collaboration over the Fourth Industrial Revolution Center being managed by WEF, including the establishment of the center in the Kingdom.

Assaf, who is also member of the Board of Directors of Saudi Center for International Strategic Partnerships, said on the occasion that the Fourth Industrial Revolution “will make changes in the way people live, and as such, the Kingdom will benefit from its many advantages and resources so as to ensure its global competitiveness through important partnerships.”

He added that the Kingdom would be in a privileged position to benefit of the opportunities in the heart of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.



Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum to Kick off in Riyadh on Monday

A view of the Saudi capital Riyadh. (Getty Images)
A view of the Saudi capital Riyadh. (Getty Images)
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Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum to Kick off in Riyadh on Monday

A view of the Saudi capital Riyadh. (Getty Images)
A view of the Saudi capital Riyadh. (Getty Images)

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development will hold in Riyadh on Monday the inaugural Global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Forum under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The event, held under the theme "From Commitment to Impact", aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 and the ministry's strategy to promote social responsibility by driving the Kingdom's development and building economic partnerships to foster a vibrant and collaborative society.

The forum will feature an extensive program that showcases local and international success stories, fosters communication among participants, and facilitates the exchange of insight and expertise in adopting sustainable policies globally.

Over 40 panel discussions led by more than 100 experts from 60 countries are planned during the forum. Participants include local and international ministers, private sector CEOs, experts, specialists, and decision makers.

Discussions will focus on the role social responsibility plays in aligning business strategies with the Saudi Vision 2030, global sustainability, and the role of modern technology toward reaching set goals.

The sessions will cover the use of AI to enable social responsibility and digital transformation, social responsibility in the industrial and financial sectors, corporate social responsibility initiatives that support the business environment and smart cities, and boost the global impact of corporate social responsibility.

The two-day forum will underscore Saudi Arabia's rising international status as one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies.

According to the Global Competitiveness Report, Saudi Arabia ranks 16th globally in social responsibility, which makes it a leader in addressing global challenges.