At the Misk Global Forum in Riyadh, Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud, the Kingdom's Vice Minister of Tourism, highlighted the importance of this initiative in empowering young Saudis. Addressing the audience, she emphasized that the future of the nation is deeply intertwined with the potential of its youth. "Our Vision 2030 is not just a blueprint for economic growth but also for the development of the human capital that will shape the future of this Kingdom," she said. Her message underscored the vital role the younger generation plays in realizing the ambitious goals set forth in the Vision 2030 framework.
The Princess urged young Saudis to harness the power of modern technologies, advising them to master emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and robotics. These areas are seen as critical drivers of the nation’s diversification from oil dependence. As part of the Vision 2030 strategy, the Kingdom has been making significant investments in education, innovation, and infrastructure to create a thriving digital economy. By providing opportunities for youth to engage in cutting-edge sectors, the government is fostering a generation that can compete on the global stage.
Princess Haifa emphasized the importance of staying well-informed in the digital age, advising the youth to rely on credible sources of information. With the rise of misinformation and the growing impact of social media, it is increasingly important for young people to be discerning consumers of knowledge. In an era where information is abundant but not always accurate, the ability to critically evaluate sources has become an essential skill for success.
The Princess’s comments at the forum were in line with a broader effort by Saudi Arabia’s leadership to cultivate a culture of informed and skilled individuals, capable of making strategic decisions. Vision 2030 aims to develop critical sectors such as technology, tourism, and entertainment, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in innovation and sustainable growth.
This focus on youth empowerment is reflected in several recent initiatives and projects aimed at providing young Saudis with the tools and opportunities to excel. The Kingdom has introduced new educational reforms and launched programs aimed at developing leadership skills among young people. These programs are designed to equip the youth with the mindset and technical skills needed to thrive in a competitive global marketplace.
Saudi Arabia has been fostering partnerships with global tech companies and educational institutions to bring world-class resources to its young people. This includes collaborations with top universities and technology firms, aimed at establishing knowledge hubs and innovation centers within the Kingdom. These efforts are helping to create a vibrant ecosystem where entrepreneurship and creativity are encouraged, and where young people are motivated to explore new opportunities in emerging fields.
Princess Haifa also addressed the need for patience and perseverance in the pursuit of success. "The journey to success is not always easy or quick, but with determination and a clear vision, there is no limit to what can be achieved," she said. This message of resilience is central to Saudi Arabia’s broader social and economic agenda, as it works to foster an environment in which perseverance and dedication are valued.
As Saudi Arabia continues to push forward with its Vision 2030 agenda, the role of its youth is critical to its success. The Kingdom’s focus on technology, education, and innovation is setting the stage for a new era of progress and development. With youth at the forefront of this transformation, the Kingdom is poised to not only achieve its ambitious goals but also become a model for other nations looking to harness the potential of their young populations.
The youth-centric focus of Vision 2030 is not merely about providing opportunities; it is about instilling a sense of purpose and responsibility. By investing in the next generation, Saudi Arabia is building the foundations for long-term economic and social success. The encouragement of technology mastery, critical thinking, and perseverance is creating a population that is equipped to face the challenges of the future and contribute to the Kingdom’s global standing.
As part of this vision, the Saudi government has also been creating a more conducive environment for innovation by supporting startups and businesses led by young entrepreneurs. Programs like the Saudi Green Initiative and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program are examples of initiatives that are generating new job opportunities and encouraging young people to take active roles in the country’s transformation.