Saudi Arabia is a global destination for talent and creativity
In a historic move reflecting its growing status as a hub for knowledge and innovation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the 19th Asian Conference on Talent and Creativity for the first time. This prestigious global event will be held in Jeddah from February 7-11, 2026, under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Education, Mr. Yousef Al-Bunyan, and with the participation of experts, researchers, and thought leaders from more than 40 countries worldwide.
Historical background and strategic context
The Asian Conference on Talent and Creativity is one of the most important international gatherings specializing in this field. It was launched decades ago as a platform for exchanging expertise, the latest research, and best practices in nurturing talent. The Kingdom's hosting of this edition underscores its unwavering commitment to developing human capital, a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030. Through leading institutions such as the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), Saudi Arabia has worked for years to build a comprehensive system for discovering, nurturing, and empowering young talent, making it a natural partner and an ideal host for this global event.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
The conference's significance extends beyond its role as a scientific gathering; it represents a pivotal milestone in the development of gifted education at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, the conference will enrich the Saudi educational environment, enhance the capabilities of teachers and specialists, and inspire a new generation of innovators. Regionally, it reinforces the Kingdom's leading role in educational development in the region and opens new avenues for cooperation among Asian nations. Internationally, the Kingdom is making unique contributions through this conference, most notably the official launch of the first global index for measuring and evaluating talent—an initiative that will set new standards for assessing and developing talent worldwide.
A rich program and a future vision
The conference, themed “Towards the Future: A Vision for Gifted Education 2050,” offers a rich scientific program featuring over 100 sessions and keynote speeches, in addition to 350 scholarly contributions discussing the latest trends and challenges. Beyond the academic component, the conference includes innovative accompanying activities such as an enrichment camp for gifted youth and an educational innovation hackathon, providing a comprehensive experience for participants. These events are part of a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Education, Mawhiba (the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity), the Ministry of Culture, and leading non-profit organizations, aiming to achieve integration across various sectors to support the Kingdom’s innovation ecosystem.
