The Misk Global Forum of 2023: Inspiring Our Youth for the Future

*By: Prof. Alaa Alghamdi

The Misk Global Forum, the largest youth forum in the region, recently concluded its seventh edition with great success, having brought together a diverse group of attendees from 59 countries in total, tallying about 40,000 participants total. The forum employed a hybrid-type format that blended over 150 enlightening sessions, featuring more than 120 speakers, including leaders, innovators, and successful entrepreneurs from around the world representing a spectrum of sectors. The sessions held over the course of the forum covered a slew of topics- from technology and innovation to social impact and sustainability. In addition to the inspiring lectures, speeches, and in-depth discussions, there were upwards of 50 workshops available both online and in-person, providing hands-on learning opportunities for the attendees. The forum was a huge success, with 1,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures participating in 14 different activities, including 80 workshops and 434 hours of learning. Attendees had the opportunity to explore different cultures and connect with others who share similar interests, making it a fantastic opportunity for individuals to learn, grow, and connect with others meaningfully.

The Misk Foundation has made a substantial investment of SR4 billion ($1.6 billion) to be disbursed throughout this upcoming decade. This investment will have a profound impact on the lives of over six million young men and women throughout this timeframe. At this year’s forum, the central idea that dominated most discussions was “The Big Now,” a sentiment derived from Saudi’s Vision 2030 program, says the CEO of the Misk Foundation, Dr. Badr Al-Badr. While encouraging young people to think big and take swift action, the forum aimed to inspire proactivity in problem-solving, channeling enthusiasm into productive efforts, while speakers at the event shared their insights on directing energy toward finding solutions and urged participants to act promptly. In various ways, the forum was a call to action for young individuals to make a positive impact on the world, and fortunately for yours truly, I had the pleasure of attending, and it was a worthwhile, enriching experience and a privilege to attend an exceptional gathering of individuals who are all committed to driving change. The Misk Global Forum’s thought-provoking speeches and discussions encouraged me to broaden my horizons and consider new perspectives, while the practical activities provided a unique opportunity to explore various leadership approaches.

I’m thankful for the chance to have participated in this event and established connections with such enthusiastic and motivating people by the time the forum ended. As an attendee, I left with a sense of empowerment, which I’m certain was shared with the other attendees- particularly our inspired youth, learning to demonstrate the potency of our actions and the significance of impactful results. Taking immediate and unwavering action to seize the present and pave the way for the future of which we give chase. By taking action now, we will be able to transform our aspirations and ideas into concrete outcomes that positively impact our lives and the lives of those around us.

*Prof. Alaa Alghamdi

Twitter@ayghamd