Riyadh Hosts World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development
In a gathering of 1,000 leaders from 92 countries, Riyadh sets the stage for the World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development happening this Sunday and Monday.
With the spotlight on the war in Gaza and escalating tensions in the Middle East, the forum expects high-profile attendees such as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Palestinian leaders, all working towards brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Saudi planning minister Faisal Al-Ibrahim emphasized the delicate balance between security and prosperity in today’s world during a press conference leading up to the event. He stressed the importance of avoiding misjudgments, miscalculations, and miscommunications that could further complicate global challenges.
Building upon last year’s Growth Summit in Switzerland, the Riyadh meeting aims to address interconnected crises with forward-thinking solutions while acknowledging short-term trade-offs. The World Economic Forum aims to bridge the growing North-South divide on emerging economic policies, the energy transition, and geopolitical shocks.
WEF President Børge Brende highlighted the urgency of international collaboration and purposeful dialogue in a world where geopolitical tensions and socio-economic disparities are widening global divides.
Under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the special meeting offers a platform for leaders to translate ideas into actionable solutions for interconnected challenges, according to Brende.
Saudi Economy and Planning Minister Faisal Al-Ibrahim emphasized the importance of revitalizing international collaboration at a critical global inflection point. The event in Saudi Arabia serves as a dynamic platform for thought leadership, solutions, and action at a pivotal moment.
The event’s three main themes are ‘A Compact for Inclusive Growth,’ ‘Catalyzing Action on Energy for Development,’ and ‘Revitalizing Global Collaboration.’
Distinguished participants include leaders such as the Emir of Kuwait, Egyptian Prime Minister, Iraqi Prime Minister, Jordan’s Prime Minister, Malaysian PM, Pakistani PM, Palestinian President, Qatari PM, US Secretary of State, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, IMF Managing Director, UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, and WHO Director-General.