The Human Capability Initiative (HCI) Conference was launched in Riyadh at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Center under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
On the sidelines of the conference, Energy Minister and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC), Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, inaugurated the Kingdom's first specialized educational institution for higher studies in public policy.
- Women's Empowerment
During his speech, the Energy Minister stated that the government is committed to a localization program with 75%, highlighting the global disparity in female participation across sectors.
He pointed out that while most sectors have 39-49% female participation, the energy sector lags with only about 15% globally.
"With our current leadership, we went to self-discovery of what truly drives our economy, and you will find it in no more than the two factors that I'm going to mention: youth and women empowerment," added Prince Abdulaziz.
He added that developing human resources is the most critical measure for determining the development of any society, stressing that there is a need to fill the gaps in education and training.
- Attracting talent
He pointed out that the energy sector can't be isolated from other entities and institutions, adding that there must be cooperation with all concerned parties to develop the human resources.
The Energy Minister asserted the need for cooperation with the Ministries of Education and Labor.
He noted the attempt to involve training institutions to ensure the achievement of the strategic goal of covering the workforce, organizing its affairs, building capabilities, attracting and retaining talented people, and empowering women.
The energy minister announced the launch of the Saudi Technical Institute for Petroleum Services, rebranded as the Energy Tech Institute.
Saudi Arabia is set to create 150,000 new jobs in chemical plants and renewable energy facilities with a commitment to achieving 75% localization, said the Minister.
"We see somewhere around 150,000 jobs being created, including not only working in chemical plants and with heavy wind or renewable facilities, but also we see many jobs are coming through the localization programs," announced Prince Abdulaziz.
"We also are committed to a localization program which is 75%."
- Enhance strategies
For his part, Saudi Education Minister Yousef al-Benyan stressed during his opening speech at the conference that the Human Capability Initiative demonstrates the Kingdom's commitment to enriching the global dialogue and promoting implementable strategies and solutions.
He stated that more than 200 global leaders and experts will join the conference to share their views on unleashing the potential of human capabilities and stimulate international cooperation to achieve maximum flexibility in times of uncertainty.
Benyan highlighted that global estimates indicate a potential disruption of 40% of workers' skills within the next four to five years due to these changes, and technology adoption is set to transform approximately 75% of business practices globally.
Highlighting the critical role of human capital in navigating a dynamic labor market, he emphasized the need for comprehensive efforts to enhance human capabilities.
"The success of industrial developments in green technology, healthcare, generative technology, and artificial intelligence hinges on a future-proof workforce equipped with the necessary skills," Benyan said, stressing that HCI aligns with Vision 2030.
- Shift in the employment landscape
He added that such a global platform aims to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving job market, ultimately fostering empowered individuals and resilient economies for the future.
The Kingdom's Human Capability Development Program has created a dynamic strategy that extends across the stages of learning.
He described the program as a comprehensive strategy designed to empower individuals to unleash their full potential, prioritizing collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations to ensure collective success and prosperity.
"The Kingdom welcomes collaboration with all stakeholders to explore opportunities and design innovative policies and solutions that enhance human capabilities," he said.
More than 45 agreements that reflect the Kingdom's commitment to cooperating with all partners will be announced during the conference.
The agreements were reached with representatives of over 70 countries with the shared mission of unlocking human potential.
- Innovation and development
Furthermore, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar al-Khorayef launched the Strategy for Developing Human Capability in the Industrial and Mining Sectors and the National Academy for Industry during the Human Capability Initiative (HCI) Conference, in partnership with the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Khorayef revealed that more than 50,000 employees had been trained during the past year in coordination with the private sector, with a 40% increase in the workforce.
Saudi Arabia should become an innovative country in research, development, and innovation, and those priorities lead to achieving sustainability in many sectors.
Khorayef highlighted efforts in the industry and mining sectors to incorporate new business models and technologies to shape the future of jobs for citizens.
- Attracting talent
The Minister unveiled the Human Capital Development Strategy for mining and industries with four key objectives.
"The first is to cultivate, grow, and attract the right talent; second is to empower the talent and leadership, create and complement the culture and environment for competitive human capital; third, boost innovation, productivity, and future readiness of the human capital," Khorayef said.
It also aims to drive a collaborative ecosystem where the ministry will orchestrate and build the regulatory foundation, and the private sector will lead.
A dialogue session within the "Human Capabilities Initiative Conference" shed light on advanced industries by empowering human capabilities and the importance of technology in creating more jobs.
- Stimulate human potential
The conference included a "Going Far, Going Together – The Critical Role of Collaboration" session with the participation of Saudi Permanent Representative to the EU Haifa al-Jedea, Dean of Said Business School at Oxford University Professor Soumitra Dutta, Udacity CEO Kai Roemmelt, Regional Director – Human Development for MENA at the World Bank Fadia Saadah, and Managing Director World Economic Forum Saadia Zahidi.
Participants pointed out to the importance of the Kingdom's Human Capacity Initiative Conference sponsorship, which is closely linked to Vision 2030.
They indicated that the conference is a testimony to Saudi Arabia's firm commitment to enhancing cooperation to stimulate human potential and innovation and evidence of its dedication to building a prosperous and sustainable future for its citizens and the world.
Jedea discussed providing everyone with good job opportunities, adding that policies must include all concerned parties.
She stressed the importance of government investments and multinational companies in human resources, investment in peace and work efforts, and cooperation with various sectors in empowering human capabilities.
For her part, the World Bank official touched on the influential role of human capabilities and that they are an essential factor in development, as they contribute to achieving 80% of the wealth of any developed country.
