Riyadh hosts Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum

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Minister Ahmad Al-Rajhi spoke of the evolution of social responsibility, emphasizing innovative practices, sustainable digitization, technology, and circular economy integration. (SPA)
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Minister Ahmad Al-Rajhi spoke of the evolution of social responsibility, emphasizing innovative practices, sustainable digitization, technology, and circular economy integration. (SPA)
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Updated 28 October 2024
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Riyadh hosts Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum

  • Minister Ahmad Al-Rajhi says Saudi Arabia’s CSR is ‘an inspiring story of transformation, empowerment’ 
  • Kingdom’s global social responsibility ranking improved from 41st in 2021 to 16th in the 2024 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook

RIYADH: The first Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum launched in Riyadh on Monday, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and boasting the theme “From Commitment to Impact.”

Minister Ahmad Al-Rajhi said the forum aimed to be a global platform for dialogue on social responsibility, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering private sector involvement in sustainable development to establish a global model for public-private partnerships.

Al-Rajhi spoke of the evolution of social responsibility, emphasizing innovative practices, sustainable digitization, technology, and circular economy integration.

He also looked at the development of individuals and communities in a balanced manner with their environment, and how the private sector has become important in making the world a better place today.

Al-Rajhi emphasized that the Kingdom’s achievements in social responsibility were “an inspiring story of transformation and empowerment,” as the Kingdom paid attention to empowering social responsibility and setting it as a strategic goal in Saudi Vision 2030, which aimed to “enhance companies’ fulfillment of social responsibility.”

Saudi Arabia has implemented tools for corporate social responsibility, including a Social Responsibility Committee, a national platform for transparency, Social Responsibility Day on March 23, and a national social responsibility index.

Al-Rajhi said that these efforts had led to a notable rise in corporate contributions to social spending, which grew from 1.19 percent in 2019 to 4.15 percent by the end of 2023, with active programs rising from 30 percent to 65 percent among major companies.

The Kingdom’s global social responsibility ranking improved from 41st in 2021 to 16th in the 2024 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, and aims at being among the top countries by 2030.

The forum brings together leaders from various sectors to discuss growth opportunities, promote innovation, foster partnerships, and advance international collaboration in social responsibility.


Diriyah in 2025 — A year of exceptional achievement

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Diriyah in 2025 — A year of exceptional achievement

  • Jerry Inzerillo: In 2025, the project reached a pivotal stage, transitioning from laying foundations to large-scale delivery, marking a clear shift from vision to execution
  • Partnerships with The Helicopter Co. and Kakao Mobility advanced smart aerial and ground transportation solutions

JEDDAH: Under the theme “Vision to Reality,” Diriyah has moved beyond aspiration in 2025, translating long-held plans into a tangible, lived experience, according to Jerry Inzerillo, group chief executive officer of Diriyah Co.

Throughout the year, Diriyah Company, the Saudi Public Investment Fund entity developing the Diriyah giga-project, advanced from planning and preparation into delivery. Contracts and agreements exceeding SR24 billion ($6.4 billion) marked a pivotal transition from the establishment phase to early operations. 

Inzerillo told Arab News: “At Diriyah, progress is measured by what is delivered on the ground against the plans we set. In 2025, the project reached a pivotal stage, transitioning from laying foundations to large-scale delivery, marking a clear shift from vision to execution. 

“Together, these achievements reinforce Diriyah’s role as one of the Kingdom’s most important national transformation projects, with growing impact locally and internationally. We remain committed to advancing with responsibility and purpose, transforming ambition into reality and creating a destination that honors history while shaping the future.”

In 2025, Diriyah Co. signed eight major contracts, alongside 16 agreements, reinforcing delivery momentum across multiple development streams. International recognition also continued to grow, with Diriyah earning prestigious global awards and securing positions in influential international rankings, Inzerillo said.

Infrastructure development played a central role in shaping the visitor experience. New road networks were delivered to ensure smooth connectivity between historic districts and contemporary developments.

The company also inaugurated two high-capacity electricity transmission substations, securing the power required to support residents, visitors and a growing portfolio of residential, hospitality, educational and cultural assets. 

Collaboration with Majid Al-Futtaim Group introduced a portfolio of global brands, positioning Diriyah Square as a distinctive shopping and entertainment destination, Inzerillo said. At the same time, Diriyah’s partnerships with the Saudi Contractors Authority and the Saudi Tennis Federation embedded sports, events and professional initiatives into the fabric of urban life. 

Diriyah’s vision extended into the future of mobility and design, Inzerillo said. Partnerships with The Helicopter Co. and Kakao Mobility advanced smart aerial and ground transportation solutions, designed to make movement across the city faster, more efficient and integrated.

Diriyah Company, in collaboration with Pantone, unveiled “Diriyah Tan,” a custom color inspired by the city’s historic mud architecture. More than a visual signature, the color captures Diriyah’s identity, bridging its origins with its contemporary expression.

Diriyah’s excellence was also recognized at the highest international level, Inzerillo said. In 2025, TIME magazine named Diriyah Company among the World’s 100 Most Influential Companies, acknowledging the project’s cultural, economic and urban impact.