MiSK Global Forum (MGF 2016), an initiative to empower the Arab youth to become global citizens and to lead the way for the sustainable development of the Kingdom will open here on Tuesday.
To be organized by the MiSK Foundation under the sponsorship of Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the two-day forum will focus on entrepreneurship and innovation issues covering 16 areas including education, leadership and planning, human development, sustainable development, PR, media, IT and electronic applications, innovations, personalized trademarks, energy, entertainment, exploration, employment, corporate development, literacy, arts and sports.
Through this forum, Misk Foundation seeks to enhance levels of innovation and entrepreneurship, unleash the potential of the country’s youth and find an international platform for them to exchange knowledge and experience in a way that could be positively reflected on the enhancement of their developmental roles in the Kingdom.
The maiden forum is focused on a variety of multidimensional formats, culture and technology for young Saudis and Arab youth in partnership with the brightest minds in the world.
The unique gathering also aims to unleash the potential of the country’s youth and advance the National Transformation Program (NTP-2020) and Saudi Vision 2030.
The forum will include a series of panel discussions and workshops where 130 experts and academics, government ministers, officials, businessmen and entrepreneurs will take part.
They represent scientific, technical, economic, cultural, commercial, and sports fields from inside and outside the Kingdom who plan to explore the success of their projects which are aimed at stimulating the youth to continue innovations in different areas in a manner that will boost their contributions to lead the development process with utmost confidence.
The forum plans to discuss all issues that will positively affect the youth and instill inspiration in their hearts to become entrepreneurs in different areas. About 1,500 male and female youths, half of them from the Kingdom and the other half from GCC countries, will attend the 40 panel discussions and workshops.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates will deliver a message during the sessions of the forum focusing on the role of technology in building a bright future and the importance of the forum in the development of innovation and skills.
UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs Shamma bint Suhail Al-Mazrui will speak about changing tools of the world in the hands of the new generations and her visions on policies and strategies to face negatives and boost positives among youths.
Also, business leaders representing mega global companies will address interactive panel discussions focusing on the importance of acquiring new skills to win confidence.
They will also determine the personal and technical skills required in the years to come to cope with the ongoing developments.
Among other key participants at the forum will be Nobel Peace Prize winner and prominent economist Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh and Commerce and Investment Minister Majid Al-Qassabi. Experts from the alternative energy sector will explore energy challenges, alternative sources as envisioned under Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify energy sources and the role of innovation in this context and how to benefit from the current potentials to reach easy technologies in the exploration and use of energy.
The forum will also explore innovation tools and entrepreneurship in the digital era where Siemens CEO Joe Kaeser will deal with new methods in innovation conducive to implanting innovative thinking in the minds of the new generation.
On the other hand, the forum will discuss the role of social media in enhancing the culture of dialogue and risks associated with new media.
To support initiators from the new generations, the forum has devoted special workshops on how to accelerate the growth of emerging companies in the Kingdom and how to overcome obstacles.
The forum will give special space to the new position of the global entrepreneurship system and how to invest in unexploited opportunities and develop a stimulating work environment for entrepreneurship.

Source: Arab News