RIYADH, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The second Human Capability Initiative (HCI) Conference concluded in Riyadh on Monday, bringing together global policymakers, experts, and industry leaders to explore strategies for unlocking human potential amid today's economic and social challenges.
The two-day conference attracted more than 13,000 participants from 120 countries, along with over 300 high-level speakers representing 40 countries, according to the conference's press release.
Saadia Zahidi, managing director at the World Economic Forum, said that the global economy now needs ever than before an injection of talent and skills. She noted that the conference brings together a unique network, allowing them to transcend traditional public-private divides and work collectively toward a future powered by human potential.
Zahidi also emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue amid global shifts. "The most important thing we can do is dialogue and collaboration -- whether through South-South, North-South, or East-West partnerships," she said.
The significance of investing in youth education and global collaboration was echoed by other senior officials. Yousef Al-Benyan, Saudi minister of education and chairman of the executive committee of the Human Capability Development Program, said that the conference showed that sustainable human capability development requires cross-sector partnerships, and strategic alignment across governments, private sectors, academic institutions and civil society.
Ju-Ho Lee, South Korea's deputy prime minister and minister of education, shared insights from his country's own transformation, noting that South Korea's shift from an agricultural to a manufacturing, and eventually a technology-driven economy, was fueled by an education system that actively nurtured the skills and talent essential for driving these structural changes.
Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Saudi minister of human resources and social development, emphasized the shift in global priorities: "Today we find ourselves at a time when human capital is not a subset of economy and fiscal policy -- it is the defining variable of global prosperity."
The event also showcased China-Saudi cooperation in human capability development. Hisense, a leading Chinese consumer electronics and home appliance manufacturer, is expanding its training and operations in Saudi Arabia.
"China is seen as a great development partner by Saudi Arabia, and Hisense is fully committed to supporting local talent," said Moteb Alshammary, chief of staff of Hisense Electronics in Saudi Arabia, during an interview with Xinhua.
The conference witnessed the signing of more than 100 agreements and initiatives, with total investments exceeding 8.5 billion Saudi riyals (about 2.2 billion U.S. dollars) across multiple sectors, including education, technology, and future skills training.
