The Open Forum Riyadh: Global Challenges and Opportunities - A Public Dialogue on Digital Currencies, Mental Health, AI, and More
The Open Forum Riyadh, a two-day event taking place in Saudi Arabia's capital on April 25 and 26, is a collaboration between the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning.
The forum aims to highlight global challenges and opportunities, and runs parallel to the WEF's Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development in Riyadh on April 28 and 29.
Faisal F.
Alibrahim, Saudi minister of economy and planning, stated in a press release that Riyadh has become a global hub for thought leadership and innovation under Saudi Vision 2030, and hosting the Open Forum in the city is a testament to its growing international influence.
The WEF Open Forum is a public event that encourages dialogue between thought leaders and the public on various topics, including environmental issues, mental health, digital currencies, artificial intelligence, arts, entrepreneurship, and smart cities.
The agenda includes discussions on digital currencies in the Middle East, culture's role in public diplomacy, urban development for smart cities, and mental wellbeing.
Established in 2003, the forum has been hosted in several countries and features speakers from government, arts, civil society, entrepreneurship, and multinational corporations.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund's deputy governor Yazeed A.
Al-Humied, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the US Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, and British royal family member and Big Change Charitable Trust founder Princess Beatrice are among this year's speakers at the World Economic Forum.
Michele Mischler, head of Swiss public affairs and sustainability at the WEF, emphasized in a press release the importance of public participation in Open Forum sessions, stating that it leads to diverse perspectives, enriches global dialogue, and fosters collective solutions for a more inclusive and sustainable future.