Misk Global Forum urges region’s youth to ‘think big’

RIYADH: The Misk Global Forum has returned for its seventh session to help and encourage the region’s younger generations to develop their potential, promote collaboration, and instigate positive change on a global scale.
The event, the largest youth forum in the Middle East, is being held at Bujairi Terrace in Riyadh from Nov. 15-17, and is organized annually by the foundation to empower and unite young leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs worldwide.
Discussions, exchange of ideas, and networking opportunities play a key role in the forum’s success.
In an opening speech, Badr Al-Badr, CEO of the foundation, said that this year’s gathering celebrates the promising potential of people, especially the youth.
“These potentials lead me to four questions: Is it possible for one person to change the face of the world? Is it possible for a country to transform and develop itself economically in a short period? Is it possible to plan for the future in a turbulent world? How can one move from an ordinary situation to an exceptional space?”
Al-Badr said that these subjects are reflected in this year’s theme, “The Big Now,” which aims to inspire young people to think big and take quick action to solve problems proactively.
“Big” symbolizes having ambitious thoughts and ideas, while “Now” emphasizes timely action, he said.
The sub-theme of the forum, “Think Big, Act Now,” encourages young leaders to set daring goals, and take immediate and purposeful steps to realize their visions.
Al-Badr added: “Vision 2030 is the most eloquent example of this slogan, as it set very ambitious goals and developed a clear implementation plan with them, and urged everyone to work and take the initiative without procrastination.”
He added that between the great dream and the lived reality, there is a bridge.
“That bridge is planning and implementation, which is what we learned in this vision, and now we see its achievements on the ground in tourist destinations or global sports activities, NEOM, or others, each of us must ask ourselves: Will I just stand by, watching and listening, or will I be an active and decisive element in implementing this vision?”
The forum’s activities are supported by knowledge partners, including the UN, UNESCO, Saudi Fashion Commission, Apple Developer Academy, Meta, Adidas, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, LinkedIn, Zoom, National Geographic Channel, LVMH, University of Cambridge, and creative media studio Telfaz11.
With more than 100 panels featuring local and global CEOs and influencers, the forum will provide a link for ambitious youth, leaders, innovators and creative figures.
This is facilitated through the participation of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, or Misk, and its subsidiaries Manga Productions, Misk Art Institute, Misk Schools, Riyadh Schools, Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, and ilmi Science Discovery and Innovation Center.
More than 50 workshops will be conducted for visitors to attend in person or through the virtual platform.
For more details, visit miskglobalforum.com.