Today, Wednesday, the "Human Capability Initiative" conference kicked off at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, under the patronage of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During his opening speech, Minister of Education Youssef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan emphasized that the Human Capability Initiative reflects the Kingdom's commitment to enriching global dialogue on human capability development and enhancing practical strategies and solutions that inspire progress.
Al-Bunyan noted that over the next two days, more than 200 global leaders and experts will join the initiative to exchange views on how to unleash human capabilities and stimulate international cooperation to maximize resilience in times of uncertainty. He pointed out that the employment landscape is more dynamic than ever and critically important, stating that global estimates show that nearly 40% of workers' skills will become obsolete in the next five years, while reliance on technology and expansion is set to transform about 75% of business practices worldwide.
Al-Bunyan stated, "As economies continue to navigate the dynamic labor market, it has become crucial to work comprehensively to enhance positive outcomes for human capabilities, as the success of industrial developments in sectors such as green tech, healthcare, generative tech, and artificial intelligence depends on a workforce ready for the future with the right skills."
He explained that the Human Capability Initiative is part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, supporting the goal of developing skills, knowledge, competencies, and human capacities that will empower people to withstand changes in the employment landscape. The initiative stands out as a beacon of hope and progress, serving as a global collaborative platform dedicated to advancing the human capability agenda aimed at empowering individuals and strengthening resilient economies for the future.
Furthermore, the Kingdom, through the Human Capability Development Program, has established a dynamic strategy that spans learning phases, paving the way for individuals to unlock their full potential. He affirmed that the strategy aims for inclusivity, promoting collaboration among governmental bodies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations to ensure success and prosperity for all. The Kingdom welcomes collaboration with all partners to explore opportunities and enhance policy design and innovative solutions to boost human capabilities, adding that more than 45 agreements will be announced during the conference, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to working collaboratively with all partners from over 70 countries on a shared mission to enhance human potential.
