#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #UK #Human Capability Initiative

Saudi Arabia's Human Capability Initiative Conference 2026

Saudi Arabia's Human Capability Development Program (HCDP) has officially announced the upcoming third edition of the Human Capability Initiative (HCI) Conference, set to take place in Riyadh on May 3-4, 2026. This major event, expected to draw over 15,000 global leaders, aims to explore future development paths for human capabilities under the theme "The Human Code."

The UK has been designated as the Country of Honor for this year’s conference, signifying a deep-seated strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia that focuses on education, workforce development, and economic collaboration. This announcement coincides with Prince William’s anticipated visit to the kingdom, further emphasizing the significance of this alliance.

A Platform for Global Leaders

This year’s HCI Conference is truly a global affair, bringing together more than 250 speakers from diverse sectors, including key policymakers, industry leaders, educators, academic scholars, and representatives from non-profit organizations and think tanks. The conference seeks to foster vibrant discussions around optimizing working environments that enhance human capabilities amid the rising influence of artificial intelligence.

Youssef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Education and Chairman of the Executive Committee of HCDP, articulated the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering people as a cornerstone for sustainable growth. He remarked that “Human potential remains the most vital driver of progress in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.”

Celebrating Strategic Partnerships

Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi, the Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Economic and Social Committee of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council, expressed his enthusiasm about the UK being the Country of Honor. He noted that this status reflects the ongoing cooperative ventures between the nations, building on initiatives like the "Skills of the Future" introduced at the previous year's conference, which aimed at fostering educational exchanges and workforce development.

Since its inception, the HCI has transformed into a leading global forum addressing the enhancement of human capabilities. In its past two editions, the conference has attracted over 23,000 attendees, featured more than 550 speakers, and resulted in over 156 partnerships and initiatives dedicated to developing human potentials. Hosting the HCDP is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 goals, aimed at elevating the human potential of its citizens to improve the country's overall competitiveness on the international stage.

Registration and Participation

With registration now open, interested participants and organizations can find more details by visiting the official HCI website at www.humancapabilityinitiative.org. This conference promises to be an invaluable opportunity for fostering dialogue on human capabilities, influencing the trajectory of global workforce development, and engaging in meaningful partnerships that align with the pillars of the Vision 2030 framework.

In conclusion, as the countdown towards the HCI Conference 2026 begins, discussions surrounding the role of human capability in an increasingly digital world become more pertinent. This year's theme, "The Human Code," is not just a catchy slogan; it encapsulates the core objective of the conference: to decode the complexities of human capabilities in a technology-driven future.