The GREAT Futures Initiative Conference is set to witness active participation from both Saudi and British stakeholders across public and private sectors. This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to driving innovation, sustainability and socio-economic development in the region.
The two-day conference to be held at the King Abdullah Financial District, is one of the initiatives of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council chaired by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The conference comes at a crucial time when Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant transformation across various sectors. From Vision 2030 initiatives to diversify the economy to ambitious plans for sustainable development, the kingdom is charting a course towards a more vibrant and inclusive future.
One of the key themes of the GREAT Futures Initiative Conference is innovation. Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, recognising it as a driving force for economic growth and job creation.
The conference will serve as a catalyst for international partnerships and collaborations. With global leaders, innovators and experts converging in Saudi Arabia, the conference will facilitate knowledge exchange, networking and initiatives aimed at addressing regional and global challenges.
Saudi Arabia’s public sectors involvement in the conference underscores the government’s dedication to fostering a conductive environment for growth and progress. The conference will feature 47 sessions and workshops with 127 speakers, covering 13 promising economic sectors, including tourism, culture, education, health, sports, investment, trade and financial services. It will also showcase Saudi Arabia’s cultural richness, heritage and hospitality and provide participants with a holistic experience.
The collaboration between Saudi and British participants underscores the strong bilateral relations and mutual interests in fostering innovation, trade and investment. Joint ventures, research collaborations and technology transfers are expected outcomes of this partnership contributing to the advancement of both economies.
In addition, the involvement of the public and private sectors from both countries ensures a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue on key issues such as digital transformation, renewable energy, healthcare, innovation, smart cities and sustainable development. This multi-stakeholder approach promotes knowledge exchange, networking and collaborative solutions that benefit societies and economies on a global scale.
Highlighting the role of impact investment, social entrepreneurship and sustainable finance, the conference explores innovative financing models, impact measurement tools and investment strategies that generate social and environmental returns alongside financial returns.
The conference provides a stage for showcasing innovative projects, startups and solutions that address regional and global challenges. This includes exhibitions, pitch sessions and showcases cutting-edge technologies, products and services.
Both Saudi Arabia and Britain share a commitment to sustainable development, climate action and environmental conservation. The conference provides a platform for collaboration on green initiatives, renewable energy projects, conservation efforts and sustainability best practices.
Britain’s world class universities, research institutions and expertise align with Saudi Arabia’s goals in human capital development, innovation and knowledge exchange. Participation in panel discussions, workshops and policy dialogues provides Saudi Arabia with valuable insights, best practices and strategic recommendations from global experts and thought leaders. This knowledge exchange informs policy decisions, enhances governance practices and fosters sustainable development strategies.
Bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and the British stood at some SAR82 billion in 2023 -through trade missions, investment forums, business delegations and trade promotion activities. Beyond trade in goods, the two countries engage in investment partnerships, joint ventures and business collaborations. Strong economic ties contribute to mutual benefits, economic growth and enhanced economic relations between the two countries.
Collaborating with strategic partners, international organisations, industry associations and academic institutions enhances the conference’s credibility, visibility and impact. Partnerships lead to joint initiatives, shared resources and co-hosted events that amplify the conference’s influence and outcomes.
The conference prioritises youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystems by integrating youth focused programs. This focusses on youth engagement nurtures talent, drives innovation and cultivates future leaders. This results-oriented approach enhances accountability, tracks progress and drives continuous improvement.
The conference serves as a platform for thought leadership, thought provoking discussions and thought exchange on pressing global issues, trends and opportunities. Thought leaders, experts and visionaries contribute insights, perspectives and innovative solutions to shape the future agenda.
The Great Futures Initiative Conference’s unique blend of inclusivity, innovation, sustainability, global engagement, youth empowerment, actionable outcomes and thought leaders makes it a standout event that drives positive impact, inspires collaboration and catalyses transformative change.
