Maximizing Potential and Developing Concepts: The Human Capability Initiative

*By Alaa Alghamdi

The Human Capability Initiative (HCI) in Riyadh was a resounding success, bringing together more than 10,000 participants from over 100 countries to prepare for the future under the leadership and direction of HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Harnessed by the theme “Future Readiness,” the event inspired over 250 speakers to share their insights and engage in 100 discussion sessions, dialogues, and key speeches. The HCI facilitated global cooperation in human capital development, with more than 50 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements signed. The conference was divided into four platforms, including the Future Readiness Arena, HCI Dialogues, Transformation Stages, and Success Stages, enabling extensive global participation and focused discussions on human capability development across various sectors. As the second day of the event came to a close, it became apparent that the HCI was a testament to the power of collaboration and brought to the forefront the importance of investing in human potential to build a better future for Saudi Arabia’s citizenry and beyond.

At the event, a diverse group of individuals, including opinion leaders, company CEOs, and decision-makers, came together for a series of fruitful discussions aimed at exploring how prepared various sectors are for the future and identifying potential opportunities and probable challenges that may arise. The activities and discussions were an effective platform for contributors to share their concepts, insights, and experiences and engage in meaningful conversations about how businesses can best navigate the changing landscape ahead while simultaneously conquering Vision 2030 Program economic goals. The Success Stage platform provided an opportunity for attendees to review globally competitive Saudi success models. During the discussions, some topics were brought up that discussed the potential impact of current and future technologies on the job market due to the rise of automation and AI technology, as many traditional jobs are at risk of being replaced. As a result, plans were introduced to manage this shift and create new job opportunities, such as one possible solution being the creation of “bionic workers” who are equipped to work alongside, through, or on future technologies (which was one of many focal points of the event).

In attendance was Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Energy Minister and also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC), who officially announced the formulation of the Energy Tech Institute, which is the first-ever educational institution in the Kingdom that is dedicated to higher studies in the field of public policy, made possible by the rebranding of the Saudi Technical Institute for Petroleum Services. The Minister announced that Saudi Arabia plans to establish chemical plants and renewable energy facilities, generating 150,000 employment opportunities while committing to attaining 75% localization. More information about the goings on during the Human Capability Initiative, such as the 50+memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements that were signed, the decisions that were made, and the hands that clasped in cooperation, will be rolled out as time passes as this effort made by the KSA has proven itself a success, yielding results that will strengthen the workforce of the future.

*Prof. Alaa Alghamdi

Saudi Academic & Writer