RIYADH: The Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, or Misk, launched the ninth edition of its global forum on Wednesday under the theme “Created by Youth.”
The two-day Misk Global Forum is being held at Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh.
This year’s event builds on a legacy of empowering young people as agents of change.
Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the event, Saudi Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal highlighted the importance of the Kingdom's young population.
“The youth is the future, and in Saudi Arabia, 70 percent of the population is below the age of 40,” Prince Abdulaziz said.
“So, we need to have a strong, bright, inspiring youth for the future and for a bright future for Saudi Arabia and to leave a legacy for the future to the next generation coming up.”
He went on to say: “We engage with them and the Ministry of Sports and the Olympic Committee every day, and having such foundations like Misk and programs supports all of these growth paths for the future and to have a brighter future for the Kingdom.”
Alwaleed Shaaban, agency and ecosystem lead at Snapchat, was one of the speakers who took the stage at the Skills Lab.
Sharing with Arab News an inspiring message for young professionals, Shaaban said: “Being part of a country that is pushing its youth forward, with global companies hiring local talent, you have to put yourself out there. Be yourself. Don’t put a ceiling on yourself. Ask questions, learn, make mistakes, and get back up—that’s how you grow.”
Expected to draw more than 10,000 visitors, the 2025 edition features more than 200 speakers and experts participating in over 80 sessions and workshops.
Youth-led spaces and initiatives is focusing on providing practical solutions for real-world challenges, supported by more than 30 local and global partners.
The spotlight this year is on arts and culture, entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, global engagement, sports, quality of life and sustainability.
This environment is aimed at helping young people connect to decision-making processes locally and globally.
Additionally, the forum is encouraging partnerships between government entities, the private sector and nonprofits, aimed at promoting long-term youth empowerment.
A Skills Lab at the event is providing capacity-building workshops focused on innovation, while the Impact Lighthouse initiative facilitates policy-driven discussions among young people.
The 180 Space will challenge conventional perspectives, and the Majlis area encourages open dialogue inspired by Saudi Arabia’s tradition of social gatherings.
A Leaders Meet event will extend this discourse in a television-style format, while the main stage serves as a central hub for global leaders and youth to exchange ideas.
In this ninth edition, young people will play a pivotal role in designing, delivering and measuring the forum's impact.
This year’s forum also includes a number of projects focused on cross-cultural training.
