World Leaders Stress the Importance of Inclusive Growth and Global Collaboration

Riyadh: The World Economic Forum's Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development kicked off in Riyadh with a resounding message from global leaders - people must be at the heart of inclusive growth, and collaboration is crucial to achieving it. Over 1,000 leaders from more than 80 countries gathered in Riyadh to collectively address shared challenges and find actionable solutions.

Faisal Alibrahim, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Economy and Planning, emphasized the categorical imperative of inclusive growth and the need to invest in human capital. Alibrahim called for investments in skills, education, and well-being to co-create a global economy that benefits everyone. Additionally, he stressed the responsible production, supply, and consumption of energy, stating that no one should be left in the dark.

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, highlighted the transformative role of technology in shaping the future. She expressed the aspiration for the current decade to be remembered as the "Transformational Twenties" and called for wealth distribution to be improved as the world progresses. Georgieva urged leaders to leverage technology to boost productivity and create a society of shared abundance.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria's President, acknowledged the immense potential Africa holds in terms of population, diversity, and resources. He discussed the impending technological changes, describing it as the age of intelligent economies. Tinubu emphasized the fusion of various technologies fueled by artificial intelligence, which has the potential to propel productivity to unprecedented levels and foster shared abundance.

Peter Orszag, CEO of Lazard, discussed the role of companies in addressing social and policy challenges that governments may not have dealt with adequately. He emphasized the importance of effective policy-making to navigate the energy transition and address social and economic complexities, acknowledging that it will be a challenging and costly endeavor.

The Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development provides a platform for global stakeholders to engage in dialogue on collaboration, sustainable growth, and a global energy transition for sustainable development. Participants are united in their vision for an inclusive and prosperous future.