Bill Gates: Saudi’s youth are key to its future

Microsoft cofounder and philanthropist Bill Gates believes young people in Saudi Arabia are key to the country achieving its Vision 2030 reform plan.

Gates, who is the chair of one of the world’s largest private philanthropic foundations, addressed the inaugural MiSK Global Forum, which opened today in Riyadh.

In the recorded opening address, Gates said: “The future of any country is about its young people, in Saudi Arabia that is even truer because you’re the majority and you’re more educated and inquisitive than any generation that’s come before.”

“Vision 2030 is a powerful set of goals, but it will be the young people whose



innovative work is needed to achieve them, that means lots of studying and getting the new skills that will equip you for the evolving job market, it means building on the deeply engrained values of giving back, caring for others and working toward a common goal.”

The MiSK Global Forum is aimed at connecting the Saudi youth to the global economy. The two-day event brings young men and women in front of a range of global thought leaders, business and sports people from over 65 countries.

Speakers will share their insights and ideas across a range of opportunities available to young people in the global economy, and reflect on the lessons required for future success.