Official announcement of the third edition of the conference
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Human Capability Development Program Committee, the third edition of the Human Capability Initiative (HCI) Conference was announced. This prominent global event is scheduled to be held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh from 16-17 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1447 AH, corresponding to 3-4 May 2026. This year's conference, themed "The Human Code," continues its mission as a leading global platform dedicated to envisioning and developing human capabilities to meet rapidly evolving global challenges.
Human Capability Initiative in the context of Saudi Vision 2030
The Human Capability Initiative is a cornerstone of the Human Capability Development Program, which is itself a key component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Launched in 2016, Vision 2030 aims to achieve a comprehensive economic and social transformation and reduce dependence on oil by diversifying income sources. From the outset, the Vision has prioritized investing in Saudi citizens, recognizing that a qualified and globally competitive human capital is the true engine of sustainable development. The program aims to equip citizens with the skills and knowledge necessary for the jobs of the future, foster creativity and innovation, and ensure that educational outcomes align with the evolving demands of the labor market.
Conference themes and strategic objectives
The third edition of the conference focuses on three key pillars that represent the core of human capital development in the modern era: communication, critical thinking, and innovation. These pillars are designed to be fundamental to enhancing the future readiness of human resources, especially in light of rapid technological advancements. The conference aims to bring together more than 15,000 experts, specialists, and policymakers from around the world, and host over 250 speakers, including thought leaders and experts from the public, private, and non-profit sectors. This platform will provide a unique opportunity to exchange global best practices, showcase inspiring success stories, and build strategic partnerships that contribute to developing human capital systems at the local, regional, and international levels.
The importance and expected impact of the conference
The conference's significance extends far beyond the Kingdom's borders. Domestically, it reinforces the Kingdom's efforts to build a competitive knowledge-based economy and provides a platform for Saudi institutions to explore the latest trends in skills development. Regionally and internationally, the conference solidifies Riyadh's position as a leading global hub for human capital development dialogues and reflects the Kingdom's commitment to actively contributing to addressing shared global challenges related to education and employment. His Excellency the Minister of Education, Mr. Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, emphasized that the Crown Prince's patronage of the conference embodies the wise leadership's focus on investing in human capital, recognizing it as the cornerstone of a prosperous and sustainable future.
