WEF Special Meeting in Riyadh Tackles Global Collaboration
Bringing together 1,000 global leaders from 92 countries on April 28th–29th, the Special Meeting will discuss the war on Gaza and the economic challenges of the region.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has convened a special meeting in Riyadh. Bringing together 1,000 global leaders from 92 countries on April 28th–29th, the gathering will tackle the war on Gaza, global development, equitable energy transition, and sustainable growth.[1]
The two-day meeting will host a number of world leaders, development experts, and economic and political figures including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Talks will discuss negotiations for ceasefire and the latest developments in the war on Gaza including the humanitarian situation.
Besides the conflict, meetings will also discuss climate change, energy transition, economic growth, and AI and technology and information.
Following last year's inaugural Growth Summit in Switzerland, this meeting focuses on addressing interconnected crises while acknowledging short-term trade-offs. It seeks to bridge the North-South divide on issues like emerging economic policies, energy transition, and geopolitical shocks.
The meeting is structured around three thematic pillars:
Inclusive Growth Compact: Participants will explore how recent trends in innovation and economic policy, coupled with human development underinvestment, impact global inequality. They'll identify opportunities to counter these risks across economies.
Energy for Development Action: With the world facing significant energy access disparities and the threat of a 2.9°C temperature rise, solutions to scale up clean energy while ensuring equitable growth, especially in developing economies, are on the agenda.
Global Collaboration Revitalization: Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, leaders will foster dialogue to support international collaboration, humanitarian efforts, and economic resilience. They'll focus on strengthening collaboration between the global North and South.
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, the meeting boasts participation from over 220 public figures representing 60 countries. Prominent leaders include heads of state, ministers, and top officials from international organizations.
Accessible to the public through live streaming here, the meeting covers 50 sessions on topics like global development, equitable energy transition, and sustainable growth. Panel discussions and the Open Forum will engage thought leaders and the local community, addressing regional conflicts and humanitarian issues.
Over half of participants – spanning companies, governmental entities and thought leaders – are from the Global South and emerging economies, with over 80% of heads of state from developing or emerging economies.