logo
Riyadh to Host Second Human Capability Initiative Conference on Sunday

Riyadh to Host Second Human Capability Initiative Conference on Sunday

Asharq Al-Awsat12-04-2025

Under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Human Capability Development Program Committee—a key initiative in achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030—the second edition of the Human Capability Initiative Conference will open in Riyadh on Sunday.
The two-day conference, themed "Beyond Readiness," underscores the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to investing in human capital as a cornerstone of national development and future progress, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.
Organized by the Human Capability Development Program, this premier global platform will bring together more than 300 distinguished speakers, including influential leaders, policymakers, and global experts from academia, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, for over 100 panel discussions.
The second edition will emphasize the vital role of unlocking potential to advance human capabilities through the strategic application of cutting-edge technologies. The goal is to cultivate an educational ecosystem that promotes lifelong learning and empowers individuals and communities to adapt effectively to rapid transformation.
Furthermore, the conference will highlight the importance of embedding values that underpin growth and development, contributing to the formation of interconnected societies capable of addressing both local and global challenges. A key focus will be on forging partnerships and creating opportunities that amplify the role of individuals in devising sustainable solutions for a brighter future.
Building on the success of its first edition, the conference further solidifies the Kingdom's efforts in human capability development and makes a significant contribution to the global discourse on the future of human potential in an era of rapid change.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ministry of Interior Issues Guideline to Facilitate Hajj Rituals
Ministry of Interior Issues Guideline to Facilitate Hajj Rituals

Leaders

time4 hours ago

  • Leaders

Ministry of Interior Issues Guideline to Facilitate Hajj Rituals

The Ministry of Interior has issued a guideline containing instructions and directives aimed at ensuring the security and safety of the Guests of Allah (pilgrims), and facilitating the performance of Hajj rituals for the year 1446 AH in a safe, smooth, and reassuring manner. The guide includes directions on how to reach the Grand Mosque in Makkah, along with an introduction to designated pedestrian routes and pathways leading pilgrims to the areas for Tawaf (circumambulation) and Sa'i (ritual walking between Safa and Marwah). It outlines peak times in the Grand Mosque and its courtyards, provides guidance on the use of vehicles during the Hajj season, and details regulations for pedestrian and crowd management. These include adherence to scheduled times for group movements during Tawaf, Sa'i, and Jamarat stoning, across all stages of the pilgrimage. The guideline also presents a number of safety and security tips to help ensure pilgrims perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind. Furthermore, the document outlines the Hajj regulations and instructions, emphasizing the principle of 'No Hajj without a permit,' and the penalties for violations. The Ministry of Interior urges everyone to comply with the Hajj regulations, which are designed to safeguard the security and wellbeing of pilgrims and ensure the smooth performance of their rituals. It also encourages reporting violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other parts of the Kingdom. Related Topics: Saudi Interior Min.: Tourism Companies Deceive Pilgrims, Encourage Hajj Violations Riyadh Global Health Exhibition to Bring Together Int'nal Healthcare Experts Intensive Preparations for Smooth, Safe Hajj Season: Mecca Deputy Governor New Chapter Unfolded: Saudi Arabia Launches Electronic Intensive Care Unit Short link : Post Views: 25

UN Chief Demands Immediate Release of Aid Workers Held by Houthis
UN Chief Demands Immediate Release of Aid Workers Held by Houthis

Leaders

time4 hours ago

  • Leaders

UN Chief Demands Immediate Release of Aid Workers Held by Houthis

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday demanded Iran-backed Yemen's Houthis release dozens of aid workers, including UN staff members. This demand comes one year after the rebels arrested these individuals, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The Iran-backed Houthis control much of war-torn Yemen and detained 13 UN personnel along with over 50 aid group employees last June. Guterres emphasized the need for their immediate and unconditional release in a statement issued by his special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg. Protection for Humanitarian Workers 'The UN and its humanitarian partners should never face targeting, arrest, or detention while serving the people,' Guterres stated. His remarks underscore the critical role humanitarian workers play in alleviating suffering in conflict zones. A decade of civil war has plunged Yemen into one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with more than half of Yemen's population relies on aid for survival, making the situation increasingly dire. Impact of the Arrests The arrests prompted the United Nations to limit its deployments and suspend activities in some regions of Yemen. The Houthis claimed an 'American-Israeli spy cell' operated under the guise of aid groups, an accusation firmly rejected by the UN. Guterres also expressed sorrow over the 'deplorable tragedy' of a World Food Programme staff member's death in detention this past February. The Houthis have kidnapped, arbitrarily detained, and tortured hundreds of civilians, including aid workers, during their conflict against a Saudi-led coalition. The UN continues to advocate for the safety and release of detained aid workers in Yemen. The international community must support these efforts to ensure humanitarian access and protect those who serve vulnerable populations. Short link : Post Views: 5

Redington's Vision for Saudi Arabia: Powering Digital Transformation and Ecosystem Growth
Redington's Vision for Saudi Arabia: Powering Digital Transformation and Ecosystem Growth

Saudi Gazette

time9 hours ago

  • Saudi Gazette

Redington's Vision for Saudi Arabia: Powering Digital Transformation and Ecosystem Growth

Marking more than two decades of operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Redington has emerged as the country's largest IT distributor, with annual revenues nearing $1.5 billion. As the company inaugurates its new headquarters in Riyadh, it is doing more than expanding infrastructure; it is signaling long-term commitment to shaping the future of digital transformation across the Kingdom. With a growing workforce, partnerships with hundreds of global technology brands, and a renewed focus on ecosystem development, Redington is placing itself at the heart of Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving tech landscape. V.S. Hariharan, Managing Director and Group CEO at Redington, shared insights into the company's journey, its strategic priorities, and the pivotal role it is playing in the Kingdom's digital ambitions. From Modest Beginnings to Market Leadership 'Our journey in Saudi Arabia spans more than 20 years,' Hariharan shared, 'and it has been a remarkable path of growth and transformation.' With strong support from the Saudi government and a willingness to invest in talent and technology, Redington has grown steadily, now generating nearly $1.5 billion in annual revenue. Its team of 360 professionals is spread across multiple offices, anchored by the company's new Riyadh headquarters. 'This headquarters represents more than a physical space,' Hariharan said. 'It's a statement of intent, a symbol of our commitment to people, partnerships, and innovation.' Located in Riyadh's dynamic Al Olaya technology district, the facility is designed to foster collaboration, serve as a technology showcase hub, and deepen relationships with vendors and customers. Reimagining the Role of a Distributor Redington's transformation reflects wider changes in the Saudi market. 'When we began, our revenues were in the low millions,' Hariharan recalled. 'It took time to reach $100 million, then $500 million, and eventually the $1.5 billion mark.' The acceleration, he explained, stems from two key shifts, sustained investment from the government and private sector, and a vastly improved ease of doing business in Saudi Arabia. Where the Kingdom once lagged in areas like cloud and digital infrastructure, it has now nearly caught up with Western markets. 'Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a global technology leader,' Hariharan noted, 'and we're proud to be a part of that evolution.' Once focused primarily on logistics and financing, Redington has evolved into a solution-driven company. 'Today, we don't just move products—we help partners apply technologies like AI and Cloud to real-world challenges,' he said. The Riyadh office now functions as a center of excellence, offering hands-on demonstrations and practical use cases for resellers and enterprise clients alike. Supporting Saudi's Cloud and AI Momentum As the Kingdom ramps up investments in AI and digital infrastructure, Redington is positioned to support both supply and demand. 'We may not have been directly involved in recent announcements, but the growth of AI and cloud services aligns closely with our capabilities,' Hariharan explained. The company partners with leading global brands to provide core data infrastructure and works directly with enterprises and SMEs looking to adopt cloud and AI solutions. 'Whether it's equipping new data centers or guiding cloud migrations, we're active at both ends of the value chain,' he said. Strategic Priorities and Future Outlook Looking ahead, Redington is focused on two core strategic pillars, deepening partnerships with global technology brands and building a strong, enabled partner ecosystem. 'We work with 300 to 400 brands—Apple, HP, Lenovo, Dell, and many others, and they represent 70 to 80 percent of our revenue,' Hariharan shared. With many of these brands establishing local operations in Saudi Arabia, Redington is committed to enhancing collaboration and joint go-to-market efforts. At the same time, the company is expanding its software business, driven by increased demand for cloud services, cybersecurity solutions, and AI tools. To meet this demand, Redington has developed CloudQuarks, a proprietary digital platform that streamlines software sales, manages renewals, and supports customer engagement, moving beyond traditional distribution models. A critical focus for Redington is its long-standing reseller network. From consumer and SME segments to large enterprises, the company is investing in upskilling and empowering its partners to deliver cutting-edge solutions and services to end customers. 'We want to ensure that our ecosystem is future-ready,' Hariharan emphasized. A Future-Facing Headquarters in Riyadh The inauguration of Redington's new headquarters in Riyadh is more than a milestone; it is a reflection of the company's role in Saudi Arabia's digital transformation journey. Strategically located in the heart of Al Olaya, just steps from the iconic Kingdom Tower, the office is designed to be a hub for innovation, collaboration, and partner growth. As the Kingdom continues to pursue its Vision 2030 goals, Redington is doubling down on its commitment to the market, investing in talent, building new capabilities, and helping shape a connected, intelligent, and digitally empowered future. 'We're not just adapting to change,' Hariharan concluded. 'We're helping lead it.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store