RIYADH: The second Forum for the Future of the Non-Profit Sector, which focused on family giving, took place in Riyadh on Monday. The forum discussed the nonprofit sector’s future, its growth factors, and its role in society.
Prince Turki Al-Faisal, founder and trustee of the King Faisal Foundation, participated in a special session discussing charitable foundations in Saudi Arabia and their societal significance.
Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi and Ghassan Al-Sulaiman, chairman of the National Center for Family Businesses, attended the forum.
“First of all, there is a target in Vision 2030 to raise the contribution of the nonprofit sector, from the existing 2 percent of GDP (gross domestic product) to 5 percent,” Al-Sulaiman said. “And we only have a few more years before we hit 2030. So, this is a big target, and 5 percent is a major contribution to GDP.”
He added: “The nonprofit sector plays a vital role in addressing social challenges. We are here as the National Family Business Center to collaborate with leading nonprofit organizations and the ministry.”
The forum featured three main dialogue sessions, two special sessions, and an exhibition featuring more than 30 exhibitors.
Participants included the Jeddah Institute for Speech and Hearing and Medical Rehabilitation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to treating individuals with communication disorders and hearing impairments.
“We’re here to introduce our organization, discuss its future in the context of Vision 2030, especially for nonprofits, and collaborate with other organizations to shape the future of nonprofit work,” said Nahar Al-Muhaisen, a speech-language pathologist at the institute.
The forum also discussed ways to transition from spontaneous to sustainable institutional support.
A “Risk Studio” booth offered legal, financial, and administrative consultations for the nonprofit sector. These included guides and tools to help determine the most suitable nonprofit structure and address inquiries.
