Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Human Capability Development Program Committee, Riyadh is preparing to host the third edition of the Human Capability Initiative (HCI) Conference. The conference is scheduled to take place at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center from 16-17 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1447 AH, corresponding to 3-4 May 2026, under the theme "The Human Code.".
Investing in people: A cornerstone of Vision 2030
This initiative is an integral part of the Human Capital Development Program, one of the programs for achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030 launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, which aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Saudi citizens. This conference serves as a global platform, bringing together decision-makers and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing human capital development amidst rapid economic and technological changes. This edition is particularly significant given its timing, coinciding with the maturation of several Vision objectives, making it an opportunity to assess achievements and anticipate the future of jobs and skills at both the local and international levels.
Strategic approaches to address future challenges
The third edition of the conference focuses on three key themes: communication, reflection, and innovation. These themes are considered fundamental pillars for preparing the workforce for the future, especially with the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence and automation. The event aims to attract more than 15,000 visitors, including specialists and interested parties, and will host over 250 speakers from among leading thought leaders and policymakers from government, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, to share global best practices and showcase inspiring success stories.
Saudi-British partnership to enhance skills
In a move reflecting the depth of the Kingdom's international relations, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will be the guest of honor at the third edition of the conference. This hosting comes as a culmination of the strategic partnership between the two countries in the fields of education, training, and economic development. This step aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and the exchange of high-quality expertise in capacity building, contributing to the development of an educational and training system capable of meeting the demands of global markets.
Official statements and confirmation of government commitment
Minister of Education and Chairman of the Program's Executive Committee, Yousef Al-Bunyan, affirmed that the Crown Prince's patronage of the conference embodies the leadership's firm belief that human beings are the true wealth and the primary driver of growth and prosperity. He noted that the conference will contribute to enriching the global dialogue on human capital development. For his part, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi explained that the United Kingdom's hosting of the conference is a continuation of the fruitful cooperation witnessed in previous editions, pointing to the "Future Skills" initiative as a model of effective partnership that enhances the Kingdom's international competitiveness.
A proven track record of achievements
Previous editions of the Human Capabilities Initiative have been remarkably successful, attracting over 23,000 visitors and featuring more than 550 speakers. These editions also saw the announcement of 156 agreements and the launch of several impactful initiatives with local and international partners. The upcoming edition aims to build upon these achievements to solidify Riyadh's position as a global capital for dialogue on the future of humanity and its development.
