The work of the special meeting of the World Economic Forum began yesterday, Sunday, in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and with broad international participation. The goal is to discuss the unprecedented challenges currently facing the world. The discussions on the first day of "Davos Riyadh," attended by over a thousand heads of state, government leaders, and figures from the public and private sectors as well as international organizations, focused on the fragmentation of economic leadership and the impact of geopolitical shifts on global growth, in addition to energy for development, inflation indicators, interest rates, supply chains, and artificial intelligence.
On the sidelines of the forum, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, discussing with each the fraternal relations between their countries and opportunities for their development and enhancement.
The large turnout in Saudi Arabia reflects its success in the economic transformation process through "Vision 2030," which has turned the Kingdom into a global platform for international discussions, according to Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim, who stated that "the Kingdom has led its way in creating opportunities and developing global responsibility."
Borg Brende, President of the World Economic Forum, expressed thanks to the Saudi government for hosting the meeting, noting the development witnessed during the past period, which reflects global economic ambition. He emphasized the importance of finding solutions to confront economic challenges to enhance international cooperation.
Meanwhile, Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, affirmed that the success of "Vision 2030" in Saudi Arabia is a clear example of countries' ability to transform. She stressed the need for global cooperation to enhance growth and financial safety nets. Conversely, she warned against excessive reliance on individual supply chains and called for diversifying sources to mitigate economic risks.
Furthermore, Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman stated that "Saudi Arabia wants to provide the world with all types of energy, whether hydrogen or nuclear. We want to supply the world with energy of any kind," mentioning that "we are open to cooperation and partnership with all countries in the field of providing green energy."
On his part, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan emphasized the economic impact of regional conflicts, calling for a focus on growth and stability instead of politics. He stated that "the region needs stability and should focus on its people, their growth, and their economy instead of politics and disputes."
