Misk Global Forum urges intergenerational dialogue, youth upskilling, to boost knowledge economy

Hosted at King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, the forum began on Wednesday. (Supplied)
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Updated 10 November 2022
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Misk Global Forum urges intergenerational dialogue, youth upskilling, to boost knowledge economy

  • Financial support key to empowerment, says energy minister
  • Talks held by top officials, intellectuals, artists, sports people

RIYADH: The two-day Misk Global Forum here saw some of the world’s leading intellectuals, officials, academics, influencers, sports people and artists gather to discuss how to boost the knowledge economy by bridging the gap between young and older people, developing new leaders and empowering communities.

The MGF, the flagship global platform of the Misk Foundation, established in 2016, has extended Misk’s mission to young people across the globe through international events, research and global initiatives. The forum ran from Nov. 9 to 10.

The event “brings together emerging and established leaders, innovators, and creators to explore, experience and experiment with ways to meet the challenge of change,” according to the forum’s website.

Hosted at King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, the forum began on Wednesday with the theme of “Multigenerational dialogue to break barriers and inspire change.”

One of the most well-attended sessions of the first day was titled “Generations of the Future,” which featured a conversation between Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Saudi minister of energy, and Omar Al-Jeraisy, the founder of the Socrates podcast. The two discussed ways to enable and empower young people to build society.

“To empower the youth, you have to enable an economic environment that gives them ownership,” said Prince Abdulaziz.

“Change is a journey, not a destination. It cannot be achieved unless there is a leadership that enables youth,” Al-Jeraisy said.

Another discussion on day one was led by Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa, the co-founder and CEO of Chill Food Center, who focused on ways to leverage intergenerational dialogue to raise awareness and destigmatize mental health.

She stressed the importance of these conversations during a UN Sustainable Development Goals circle discussion titled “Good Health and Wellbeing.”

“I am speaking about mental health and how the young and older generations can work together to create solutions that we can come up with for depression and anxiety. We discussed the idea of implementing a platform for the younger and older generation(s) to collaborate on finding new ways of addressing mental health,” Kaliisa told Arab News.

“These conversations are very important because if you are depressed, it is going to affect what you are going to do,” she added.

Intellectual and influencer Jay Shetty hosted a session focusing on how millennials and Gen Z can create and implement a unique purpose in the world. He then answered several questions from the audience on what it means to have success, how to handle pressure, and develop satisfaction and happiness in the workplace and in personal life.

“A lot of people think their profession has to be their purpose and the truth is that not every single hobby or purpose or passion can be turned into a career,” Shetty said.

“So if you are someone who has to go to work every day to make money and to pay the bills to take care of your family and you use your spare time in the evenings and the weekends to do what you’re passionate about, that’s a beautiful balance,” he added.

In the afternoon, Palestinian American standup comedian, Mo Amer, took to the stage in a fireside chat to discuss his journey, the power of comedy, and the importance of staying grounded while looking into the future.

“It’s important to understand your art form and tip the hat to those before you. Otherwise, all that hard work of the generations before you is lost. We have to keep the connection to the past alive,” Amer said.

The cities of the future were discussed in a session led by Alaa Al-Ban, chair of the interior design department and assistant professor at Dar Al-Hekma University, featuring Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and David Henry, CEO of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City.

“The cities of the future are generally expansions of existing cities. Proximity, living, and employment are what is important for the cities of the future,” Henry said.

In a session titled “We are Family,” Maha Al-Juffali, director and acting trustee at the Help Center, Daniah Ghandour, board member at the Help Center, and Marilyn Zakhour, CEO of Cosmic Centaurs, discussed philanthropy in Saudi Arabia. They also touched on the importance of family as an anchor to uphold intergenerational values, and address societal changes and transformations.

The second day of the forum saw participants discuss an array of topics including podcasting, e-sports broadcasting, intercultural communication, and innovation skills.


KSrelief signs initiative to support orphans in Mali

Updated 9 sec ago
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KSrelief signs initiative to support orphans in Mali

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has signed an agreement with an organization that supports orphans in Mali, the Saudi Press Agency reported late on Thursday.

Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, assistant supervisor general for operations and programs, inked the pact to sponsor 1,350 orphans, including covering their tuition fees.

In addition, the sponsorship would assist 430 orphans who are breadwinners for their families, the SPA reported.


Warning of heavy rain, flooding across Saudi Arabia

Commuters make their way through a flooded road after heavy rains in Mecca earlier this year. (File/AFP)
Updated 41 min 55 sec ago
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Warning of heavy rain, flooding across Saudi Arabia

  • Makkah and Riyadh to have moderate to heavy rain, Civil Defense forecasts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense has warned of possible heavy rainfall and flooding in several regions of the country until Tuesday.

In an advisory carried by the Saudi Press Agency late Thursday, the directorate said Makkah is likely to have moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by hail and strong wind.

Moderate to heavy rain is also expected in Riyadh, while Najran in the southwest may experience lighter rainfall.

Rainfall is also likely in the western regions of Madinah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, central Qassim, Hail and Northern Borders, and the Eastern Province.

“Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, avoid flood-prone areas, and adhere to safety guidelines shared via various media channels,” the Civil Defense advisory stated.


Civil defense warns of heavy rains, potential flooding across Saudi Arabia

Updated 02 May 2025
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Civil defense warns of heavy rains, potential flooding across Saudi Arabia

  • Makkah and Riyadh regions forecast to have moderate to heavy rain

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defense has warned against heavy rainfall and potential flooding in multiple regions across the Kingdom until Tuesday. 

In an advisory carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the directorate said Makkah region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by hail and strong winds.

Moderate to heavy rain are also expected in Riyadh region, while Najran in the southwest may experience lighter rainfall.

Also expected to experience rainfall are the western regions of Madinah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan; the central region of Qassim; Hail and Northern Borders in the north; and the Eastern Province region.

“Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, avoid flood-prone areas, and adhere to safety guidelines shared via various media channels,” the Civil Defense advisory said.


How Saudi schools are using AI to personalize learning and streamline administration

Updated 02 May 2025
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How Saudi schools are using AI to personalize learning and streamline administration

  • AI tools help students with disabilities through speech-to-text, adaptive interfaces, and screen-reading technologies
  • Educators’ roles are evolving as AI handles tasks like grading and performance tracking, freeing teachers to focus on mentoring

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia forges ahead with its Vision 2030 initiative, artificial intelligence is becoming a cornerstone of its education reform.

Across the Kingdom, AI technologies are reshaping classrooms — personalizing learning, streamlining administration and helping students of all abilities engage with their studies in new ways.

“AI technology has significantly changed the way many students, including myself, approach studying and managing coursework,” Abdullah Mohammed, a law student at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, told Arab News.

“Tools like AI tutoring systems and study apps have made learning more efficient, personalized and accessible.”

While Mohammed said AI tools have enhanced his learning experience, he also acknowledged the need for caution.

“Some AI tools provide quick solutions without much depth, so if I’m not careful, I might miss the critical thinking part of the learning process,” he said.

Tools like AI tutoring systems and study apps have made learning more efficient, personalized and accessible, observers Saudi law student Abdullah Mohammed,. (Reuters photo)

Ultimately, however, Mohammed said he is confident AI has better prepared him for the job market.

The strategic alignment between AI and Vision 2030 is clear, according to Abdulrahman Al-Motrif, professor of information technology and educational computing at King Saud University.

“AI supports the goals of Vision 2030 by enabling personalized learning, optimizing resource management and facilitating access to quality education regardless of geographic location,” he told Arab News.

“AI systems can analyze student performance in real-time, allowing educators to tailor instruction to individual learning needs, thereby enhancing student outcomes and supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to cultivate a future-ready workforce.”

Al-Motrif also highlighted AI’s role in promoting inclusive education.

“AI reinforces Vision 2030’s emphasis on equity, accessibility, and lifelong learning by reaching remote communities and students with special needs,” he said.

This demonstrates AI’s impact not just as a technological innovation, but also as a powerful force for social transformation.

Leading platforms like Alef Education and Classera are already putting this vision into practice. Using real-time analytics, they adapt content to each student’s learning style, proficiency and pace.

Classera platform offers a gamified Learning Management System (LMS) app called C-Kids for kindergarten to Grade 3 pupils. (Classer illustration image)

A study by Alef Education found that students using AI-enhanced platforms achieved a 25 percent improvement in academic performance over just one semester — strong evidence of AI’s ability to boost outcomes through personalized learning.

Crucially, AI is helping make education more accessible. In Saudi Arabia’s diverse learning landscape, tools such as speech-to-text software, adaptive interfaces and real-time assessments are opening doors for students with disabilities.

At King Saud University, collaborations with AI developers have produced tools for visually impaired students, converting written content into audio and using advanced screen-reading technology.

“AI has transformed the learning environment into a more interactive and engaging space,” said Al-Motrif. “Gamified learning platforms and intelligent tutoring systems provide immediate feedback and customized challenges.”

These innovations not only enhance academic performance, but also spark motivation and sustained engagement among learners.

AI is also streamlining back-end operations. Platforms like Madrasati now use AI to monitor attendance, track engagement and assess academic progress, freeing educators to focus more on teaching and mentoring.

Yet AI is not replacing teachers — it is redefining their roles.

“In AI-supported classrooms, educators serve as facilitators, mentors and human connectors in an increasingly digital ecosystem, using AI-generated insights to identify learning gaps,” said Al-Motrif.

A book issued by UNESCO cited the success of “Madrasati” as a globally innovative and distinguished educational model during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Madrasati illustration image)

Still, challenges remain. One significant obstacle is the shortage of Arabic-language content online — making up only 1.2 percent of global digital resources — which limits the effectiveness of AI systems trained on data-rich environments.

To fully realize AI’s benefits, Saudi Arabia must invest in digitizing traditional materials, promoting Arabic content creation and partnering with AI firms to develop language-specific algorithms.

Some institutions are already leading the way. Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University and King Abdulaziz University have adopted AI-powered systems to personalize instruction and track student performance, leading to higher satisfaction and retention rates.

These successes show that AI is not merely a technological upgrade — it is a catalyst for reimagining education.

Photo: Pexel/Pavel Danilyuk

By leveraging AI thoughtfully, Saudi Arabia has a unique opportunity to deliver high-quality, personalized and inclusive education while advancing its Vision 2030 goals.

But achieving this future will require more than just technology. It will demand investment, collaboration and a commitment to ensuring that innovation, pedagogy and policy move forward together.

With sustained effort, AI could become the foundation of a dynamic, future-ready education system — one that prepares all learners for the opportunities of the digital age.
 

 


Saudi FM discusses issues of common interest with Peruvian counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his Peruvian counterpart Elmer Schialer Salcedo in Riyadh on Thursday.
Updated 01 May 2025
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Saudi FM discusses issues of common interest with Peruvian counterpart

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Peruvian counterpart Elmer Schialer Salcedo and the country’s Minister of Mines and Energy Jorge Montero in Riyadh on Thursday.

During the meeting, Saudi-Peruvian relations, aspects of joint cooperation in various fields, and a number of international issues of common interest were discussed, Saudi Press Agency reported.