Vice Minister of Tourism, Princess Haifa Bint Mohammed Al Saud has delivered an inspiring address at the Misk Global Forum 2024 on Saudi Arabia’s transformative journey and its implications for future generations. Speaking during a high-profile panel discussion during the Riyadh-based event, Princess Haifa underscored the unprecedented nature of the Kingdom’s progress, both regionally and internationally, and shared valuable insights from her personal and professional experiences.
The Misk Global Forum is an annual flagship event hosted by the Misk Foundation, established by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Since its inception in 2016, the forum has served as a platform to engage global youth in dialogue, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Focused on equipping young people with the skills and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly changing world, the forum brings together thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers to address challenges and explore solutions.
The theme, “By Youth For Youth”, highlights the importance of youth-led initiatives, showcasing how young people can motivate and support one another to achieve individual and collective growth and innovation; emphasising the power of youth collaboration to advance their communities and beyond
This year’s edition featured a variety of discussions and workshops centred around leadership, technology, and sustainability, with guests including the likes of Bill Gates, Steve Wozniak, Steven Bartlett and Olympian Dunya Abutaleb. By providing a space for cross-cultural and intergenerational dialogue, the Misk Global Forum plays a pivotal role in aligning global perspectives with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Lessons from a transformative journey
At the forum, Princess Haifa outlined three key lessons drawn from her experience as a leader at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s socio-economic transformation.
- Understanding the scale of change and recognising individual roles: She emphasised the importance of appreciating the breadth of reforms underway in Saudi Arabia, urging individuals to understand how they can contribute to this monumental shift.
- Adapting quickly to succeed: In a rapidly evolving world, adaptability is a critical skill, according to Princess Haifa. She highlighted how this principle has driven the Kingdom’s success in achieving its ambitious goals.
- Believing in the impossible: “Nothing is impossible in Saudi Arabia,” she said, pointing to the nation’s remarkable progress as evidence that even the most ambitious aspirations can be realised through determination and strategic planning.
A message for the younger generation
Princess Haifa praised the unique qualities of Saudi Arabia’s youth, describing them as a driving force behind the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. She encouraged young people to seek reliable information, stay informed about new technologies, and embrace patience and perseverance on their journey to success.
“Our national efforts have created an environment that empowers young people to achieve their ambitions,” she noted, underscoring how Vision 2030 initiatives have prioritised youth empowerment through education, entrepreneurship, and skill development.
Advancing women’s rights: Princess Haifa’s legacy
Beyond her role as Vice Minister of Tourism, Princess Haifa has also been a trailblazer in advancing women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. She has been instrumental in driving reforms that promote gender equality, such as initiatives to increase women’s participation in the workforce and leadership roles, with her efforts contributing to landmark changes, enhancing access to education and employment opportunities.
Princess Haifa’s work reflects the broader efforts of Vision 2030, which aims to elevate women’s contributions to the economy from 22% to 30%. Her advocacy has helped challenge stereotypes and pave the way for Saudi women to thrive across diverse sectors, from tourism to technology. Her participation in the Misk Global Forum further underlines her commitment to fostering an empowered, informed, and resilient generation.
…
Read also: Saudi Arabia takes bold steps to elevate tourism education and training
…
Photos: Courtesy of SPA
