On International Women’s Day, the International Youth Foundation (IYF), J.P. Morgan, and Hilton together with Saudi social enterprise, Alf Khair, announced the launch of a new employability initiative to prepare unemployed young Saudi women with skills training and job placement in the retail, hospitality, and other promising sectors.
“Through our global partner network, IYF proudly draws on the rich experience of organizations such as Alf Khair,” said Bill Reese, IYF CEO. “Their local knowledge and networks allow us, J.P. Morgan, and Hilton to more effectively achieve our goal of preparing young Saudi women to access quality employment.”
The initiative will offer work readiness training using IYF’s proven Passport to Success (PTS) curriculum. The skills learned in these interactive sessions include time management and problem solving and will serve these young women throughout their careers and lives. Participants then will be placed in jobs with established employers in the retail and hospitality sectors, where they will receive three to four weeks of job-specific technical training plus mentoring from within the hiring company.
In Saudi Arabia, 60 percent of young women are unemployed, compared to 17 percent of young men. The government of Saudi Arabia has prioritized increasing young women’s employment, and associated regulatory changes have prompted a greater willingness by companies to hire young women.
Bader Alamoudi, senior country manager, J.P. Morgan Saudi Arabia, said: “Woman are an important part of any competitive workforce. At J.P. Morgan in Riyadh, more than 35 percent of our employees are women. We are proud to support this innovative program to help young Saudi women enter the labor market in industries that can offer good jobs.”
To ensure success on the ground in Riyadh, the initiative has engaged local partner Alf Khair. This social enterprise will recruit and pre-screen participants, prepare them for job interviews, provide an orientation on the sectors and employer expectations, and offer one-on-one follow-up support once young women have secured employment.
“Hilton’s future depends on resilient and thriving societies and that starts with investing in young people. Hilton has been continually recognized as a leading employer in Saudi Arabia and employs 209 female team members in the country, including 158 Saudi nationals,” said Rudi Jagersbacher, president Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Hilton.
New initiative prepares Saudi women to enter workforce
New initiative prepares Saudi women to enter workforce
Social Development Bank launches entrepreneurship forum ‘DeveGo 2025’ in Riyadh
The Social Development Bank has launched the second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum, known as DeveGo 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The event runs from Dec. 21 to 23, under the patronage of Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of SDB’s Board of Directors Ahmed bin Sulaiman Alrajhi. This landmark forum positions itself as the region’s leading platform for entrepreneurship, innovation, and setting the latest trends in modern work practices, bringing together local and international entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. This year’s edition is being held under the theme “Don’t start from zero… start from DeveGo.”
DeveGo 2025 serves as a comprehensive national platform showcasing the latest trends in entrepreneurship through a range of diverse panel discussions, workshops, and other initiatives. The forum brings together an elite group of local and international entrepreneurs, investors, experts, government leaders, as well as prominent global figures in innovation and entrepreneurship, including Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, futurist Ian Khan, and Jonathan Greechan, CEO of the Founder Institute, among other experts, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs. Their participation reinforces the forum’s international focus and enriches its agenda by enabling the sharing of the latest knowledge and experiences from diverse global markets.
DeveGo 2025 will witness the launch of a package of supportive programs and initiatives, including new financial products specifically designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and startups, in addition to the signing of strategic agreements and partnerships aimed at stimulating entrepreneurial ventures, creating opportunities, and empowering the most promising projects — all while opening new pathways for growth. The forum will also host the “NEXT UP Challenge,” which will enable 20 startups to showcase their innovative projects and solutions before a panel of experts and specialists, while offering entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with more than 50 local investors during the third day of the forum.
In addition, the forum will host the “DeveGo Handicrafts Competition,” which celebrates high-quality small enterprises that have evolved into impactful success stories with clear economic and social impact.
The “Salam Award for Promising Projects” will be given in collaboration with Saudi Telecom Integrated Company, or Salam, to encourage entrepreneurs and startup owners to present their projects in a smart and simplified manner, on social media platforms.
Furthermore, DeveGo 2025 offers participants and visitors a comprehensive, interactive, and knowledge-driven experience designed to enhance awareness of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as financial and non-financial programs. This will include training and consultancy services to support growth across three main tracks: the “Inspiration Zone,” focusing on modern technologies and the creative economy; the “Growth Zone,” dedicated to modern business models, flexible work, franchising, and business development; and the “Entrepreneurship Zone,” which highlights future economic trends, venture capital, and sustainability.
The forum is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors over three days, who will benefit from specialized workshops and advisory sessions delivered by more than 50 consultants and experts, providing an integrated experience in business development, guidance, and innovation.
