In a move reflecting its unwavering commitment to empowering future generations, the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (MiSK) actively participated in the third edition of the International Labor Market Conference, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. This participation provided the Foundation with a strategic platform to present its innovative visions and recommendations, aimed at enhancing young people's readiness to face the challenges of the evolving global labor market and ensuring their ability to seize future opportunities.
General context: The role of “Misk” and Saudi Vision 2030
The Misk Foundation was established in 2011 at the initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with the aim of encouraging learning and developing leadership skills among young people in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Foundation serves as a vital arm in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places human capital development and youth empowerment at the heart of its priorities, based on the belief that they are the primary drivers of the desired economic and social transformation.
The importance of the conference and Misk's active participation
The International Labour Conference is a leading global platform that brings together a select group of decision-makers, experts, and thought leaders from around the world to discuss pressing challenges and formulate innovative policies. At the heart of its participation, Misk presented a policy session showcasing the findings of an in-depth research report titled “Building Resilience Among Youth.” The report highlighted the pivotal challenges facing young people today, most notably the accelerating digital transformation that is changing the nature of jobs, and the climate change that necessitates a shift towards a green economy and demands new skills.
From challenges to opportunities: Recommendations for building a resilient generation
The report did not merely diagnose the problems; it offered a forward-looking vision and urgent solutions to transform these challenges into real opportunities. The recommendations emphasized the importance of investing in education and training programs that equip young people with digital and green skills, as well as fostering soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability—essential factors for building a resilient generation capable of thriving in a constantly evolving job market. Through its information booth, the organization also sought to build strategic partnerships with local and international entities to expand the reach and impact of its programs.
The voice of youth in international forums
Believing in the importance of youth participation in shaping their future, Misk Foundation ensured they had a voice at the conference. Several beneficiaries of the foundation's programs, such as Khalid Al-Thukair (from the Global Elite Universities Preparation Program) and Ghada Al-Habib (from the Global Voices Program), participated in panel discussions, sharing their experiences and perspectives firsthand. This initiative underscores the foundation's philosophy that empowering youth begins with listening to them and involving them in decisions that impact their future.
Expected impact: locally and globally
This participation is of paramount importance on several levels. Locally, Misk's efforts align with the national drive to reduce youth unemployment and diversify the economy. Regionally, the Kingdom presents a leading model for investing in its young talent. Internationally, Misk actively contributes to the global dialogue on the future of work, offering innovative solutions that can be widely adopted, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a global hub for developing young talent.
