Aljouharah Aljbreen has approximately 7 years of experience in the HR field. She currently works at Riyadh Airports Company. Most of her experience revolves around HR Business Partnerships, and she has recently transitioned into the Engagement & Culture field. Her previous roles involved ownership and management of Employee Engagement Surveys, encompassing analysis, facilitation of results, and the formulation of forward-thinking action plans. Aljouharah has also spearheaded the creation of employee recognition programs tailored to acknowledge high-potential employees. Prior to joining Riyadh Airports, Aljouhara worked in a different industry (Engineering/Manufacturing.

Eng. Majed M. Aldahwi has been serving as the Deputy Minister of Localization and Female Enablement in the labor market at the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development since 2019. Additionally, he holds positions on the Board of Directors of various governmental and semi-governmental entities, including the Saudi Engineers Commission, Healthcare Transformation Program Vision 2030, and the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants, among others. He obtained a BSc in Electrical Engineering from King Abdul Aziz University and completed Executive Leadership Programs at the London Business School (LBS), INSEAD, and IMD.

Aldahwi has held multiple executive positions in both public and private sectors. Within major Saudi conglomerates like Savola, he played a pivotal role in expanding its FMCG business across the MENA region by designing and implementing marketing and sales strategies. His experience also encompasses senior roles at AlAfandi Group, where he oversaw operations ranging from real estate to renewable energy and sustainability. Serving as VP Commercial, CEO, and board member, he secured major BOT government contracts.

Joining MHRSD in 2019, Aldahwi assumed a crucial role in the strategic localization agency as deputy minister. His responsibilities included empowering women and promoting new job opportunities in the Gig economy, such as freelancing and remote work. He significantly contributed to the ministry's output by overseeing strategic Vision 2030 KPIs, focusing on increasing women's participation, reducing unemployment, and boosting employment rates. Through his efforts, he played a key role in reducing local Saudi unemployment to an all-time low of 8% and elevating Saudi female participation in the labor market to a record high of 35%, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030

Ashar Nazim is the founder and Group CEO of Aion Digital, a fintech entrepreneur, investor, and board advisor. Before establishing Aion Group, Nazim served as a partner and global head of the Islamic banking practice at EY, leading the firm’s advisory practice in developing 30 major Islamic financial institutions across emerging markets.

Ashar's extensive network and unique track record in strategy consulting, operational buildout, and customer experience provide him with a holistic understanding of the digital influences propelling change within the banking industry. He spearheaded the establishment of a fintech consortium of banks in the GCC, provided consultancy to Islamic banks' boards on digital transformation, and collaborated with management teams to implement digital strategies operationally. Ashar's primary focus lies in the fintech journey of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Over the past year, he has dedicated himself to preparing Aion Group's trajectory within the Kingdom and across the broader GCC.

Eng. Mazen Khalefah is a Chief Human Capital Officer (CHCO) at Riyad Bank since 2018. Previously, during his 15 years of experience, he has shown a solid record of successfully managing organizational transformation in the banking sector through progressive Human Resources (HR) practices and commitment to excellence.

Prior to joining Riyad Bank, Khalefah held the position of GM of Human Resources (HR) Department at the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). Before that, He held Human Resources (HR) leadership positions at various banks, including Head of Learning and Talent at Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), Head of Talen Acquisition and People Development at Bank Albilad, and Head of Training Relationship Management at the Saudi National Bank (SNB).

Khalefah holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from King Abdulaziz University. He received further professional development through numerous executive and leadership programs from esteemed institutions, such as the Institute for Management Development (IMD), INSEAD, and Michigan Ross School of Business.

Engineer Fawaz Farhan Al-Shammari is an esteemed figure serving as the Director General at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, while also holding the crucial position of Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Job Localization Association in Riyadh. His professional journey is marked by a diverse history, encompassing pivotal roles in supportive organizations and extensive contributions to numerous employment initiatives. Engineer Fawaz has garnered vast experience, actively engaging both at the Riyadh headquarters and on international platforms, establishing himself as a distinguished expert in the Saudi labor market. He fervently champions the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, especially in the realm of job localization, showcasing his dedication and ambition.

With a Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning Engineering from the prestigious Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University in Saudi Arabia, coupled with postgraduate studies in Safety Engineering and Fire Prevention, Engineer Fawaz possesses a strong academic foundation. Widely respected for his prolific contributions in employment, digital transformation, and the establishment of organizations and initiatives supporting localization efforts, he is also recognized for his developmental work within the non-profit sector, boasting numerous published works.

Engineer Fawaz Al-Shammari's professional trajectory reflects substantial engagements with policymakers and collaborative efforts with labor organizations, all in alignment with the objectives of Vision 2030. His expertise predominantly centers on formulating and advising on employment policies, showcasing his unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of job seekers and fostering professional growth. Additionally, he has acquired high-level leadership qualifications from esteemed institutions, solidifying his standing as a prominent figure in the field.

Tareq Al Sadhan leads Riyad Bank as its President and CEO, overseeing assets exceeding USD 100 billion, placing it as the 5th largest bank in the GCC. Under his guidance, the bank has evolved into a dynamic, customer-centric institution and earned him recognition as one of the 100 Most Powerful CEOs in the Middle East according to Forbes in 2021.

With over 25 years in finance, Al Sadhan commenced his career at KPMG Saudi Arabia, culminating in a tenure of 18 years, reaching the role of CEO/managing partner and chairman of the advisory committee. His diverse experience includes key positions like Advisor to the Chairman at the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), Acting Director-General at the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATKA), and Deputy Governor for Supervision at the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).

Beyond his leadership at Riyad Bank, Al Sadhan contributes to various boards and committees, including roles at the Public Investment Fund (PIF), NLG Oman, Riyad Capital, and as an Advisory Board member at Mastercard. He has also held roles in influential organizations like the World Economic Forum and chaired committees enhancing banking awareness.

Al Sadhan holds a Master's in Business Administration from École des Ponts Paris Tech and a Bachelor's in Administration Science from King Saud University, specializing in Accounting.

Raza Jafar is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who has led the development of numerous successful ventures and projects.

As a member of the Synergos Global Philanthropists Circle, he has been a philanthropist since a very young age. Currently, he is focused on Sustainable Economic Development as identified in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Goal 8. This goal includes Ending Modern-Day Slavery; Decoupling Economic Development from Environmental Degradation (Triple Bottom Line); Protecting Labor Rights; Securing a working and living environment for all workers—men, women, and migrant workers; and Substantially Reducing Youth Unemployment by creating jobs and promoting education for employment.

He is the founder of the Global Sustainability Network (GSN), a platform that brings leaders from each respective sector—such as faith, government, business, media, academia, and non-profits—to achieve Goal 8. Numerous events have been held at Lambeth Palace, the Vatican, the United Nations, and Dubai, gathering over 300 global changemakers.

In addition to his philanthropic endeavors, Raza has successfully led ventures in banking, aviation, real estate, and hospitality. His projects include the Palazzo Versace in Dubai, earning the hotel numerous accolades; the Emirates Financial Towers with the world's largest robotic parking facility; D1 Tower in Dubai; the Capital Club, which was featured in CNN's top 10 private membership clubs; and other projects.

Susanne Mikhail Eldhagen (Egypt/Sweden) serves as the Regional Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) for the Arab States. In this role, she spearheads UN Women’s normative, programmatic, and coordination efforts in the Middle East and North Africa, leveraging her extensive 20-year background in development and humanitarian work across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Previously, Susanne held the position of Head of Humanitarian Aid at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), overseeing operations across more than 25 countries, including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen. Her experience within the UN system encompasses pioneering roles such as the inaugural Head of Office and Resident Programme Coordinator for UNICEF in South Sudan, and the management of the UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia. In these capacities, she directed various regional protection programs benefiting children and women in nations like Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. Additionally, she played pivotal roles in humanitarian initiatives, focusing on disarmament and the reintegration of child soldiers in Afghanistan and Nepal.

Before her tenure at UNICEF, Susanne contributed as a Regional Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa at ECPAT International and extended her support to the World Bank's initiatives on community-based economic development in fragile settings. Her international career commenced in 1999 at OCHA in Africa, where she covered countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Somalia.

Susanne, a national of both Sweden and Egypt, holds a Master of Arts Degree in Political Science from Uppsala University, Sweden.

Mohannad Ahmad Aleisa holds the role of Deputy Minister of Labor Market Policies at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development since 2023, following a tenure as Assistant Deputy Minister of Saudization from 2020 to 2023. Formerly, Aleisa directed the execution of the National Transformation Program from 2018 to 2019.

With a substantial career at Saudi Aramco spanning 2003 to 2018, Aleisa occupied various managerial roles, amassing extensive industry expertise. Their influence extends beyond the corporate realm, serving on multiple governmental and private entity boards, shaping policies and fostering growth.

Recognized for strategic leadership and a steadfast commitment to socio-economic progress, Mohanna Ahmad Aleisa continues to drive impactful change in labor policies, leveraging a wealth of experience to further the nation's development.

Alfaris currently serves as the co-founder and CEO of Intelmatix, a leading deep-tech Artificial Intelligence company with a global presence in Riyadh, London, and Boston. Additionally, he holds the position of Chairman for Saudi Arabia's Science20 (S20) in the G20 and is a member of UNESCO’s International Scientific Board. Previously, Alfaris held the role of President at the Saudi National Labs and National Science Agency, known as KACST. He has also served as Chairman and Board Member for numerous national and international institutions and organizations.

Furthermore, Alfaris is the Founding Director of Riyadh’s Fourth Industrial Revolution Center in partnership with the World Economic Forum. He established the Joint Centers of Excellence Program in collaboration with prestigious institutions such as Stanford, Oxford, and MIT, among others. He also holds the position of Founding Director at the Center for Complex Engineering Systems with MIT and the Decision Support Center with Boeing. Additionally, he was an affiliate Professor at MIT’s Institute for Data, Systems, and Society. Prior to these roles, Alfaris contributed to MIT’s Media Lab as a member of both the Strategic Engineering Group and the Smart Cities Group.

Alfaris earned an MSc degree from the Center of Computational Engineering and a Ph.D. in Design Computation from MIT. He is a prolific author with wide-reaching publications and is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences and events.

Jude is a skilled professional specializing in public policy research, economic analysis, and sustainable socioeconomic solutions for the Saudi Arabian labor market. Through monthly publications and quarterly white papers, she offers valuable insights into this landscape.

Fluent in Arabic, English, and Chinese, Jude holds a BA in International Studies with a minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation from the University of California, Irvine.

Her expertise and commitment drive her to shape impactful strategies for the KSA labor market.

Rima Assi, global co-leader of McKinsey's Social, Healthcare, and Public Sector Practice, spearheads the Abu Dhabi office in the UAE. She advises leaders, policymakers, and governments on large-scale transformations, specializing in fiscal management and sustainable investment programs for economic growth across the Middle East and North Africa, impacting over 400 million lives.

Rima drives innovation within McKinsey, focusing on knowledge investment and analytics platforms for enhanced client insights in public finance and economic development since 2019.

A strong advocate for gender diversity, she leads diversity efforts in the Middle East, transforming performance reviews to mitigate biases and foster an inclusive environment. Rima publishes on women's empowerment and contributes as a speaker at diversity-awareness events.

Acknowledged as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and recognized among Forbes' top 50 powerful businesswomen in the Middle East (2022), Rima previously worked in risk control at a multinational investment bank in France. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, her expertise spans diverse sectors, driving impactful change.

Chiara Marcati is a Partner at McKinsey & Company in the Middle East, where she collaborates closely with leading private- and public-sector institutions on matters concerning big data/advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and expenditure optimization. Within the EEMA Region, she holds the leadership role in QuantumBlack, a specialized division focused on data and AI (http://quantumblack.com/).

Her passion revolves around reshaping the operational landscape for individuals and organizations by leveraging technology to enhance lives and livelihoods, while harnessing the potential of data-centric decision-making. Her expertise encompasses accelerating business growth through GenAI deployment, facilitating data-enabled large-scale transformations, formulating advanced-analytics strategies and models, leading change management and capability building initiatives, managing cost turnarounds, and applying analytics capabilities to public finance. Additionally, she co-leads research on gender diversity and women in the workplace in the Middle East.

Chiara holds an M.Sc. in Telecommunication Engineering summa cum laude from the University of Pisa and an MBA from HEC Paris.

Virginia has over 35 years of experience in the telecommunications, cloud and sensor technology fields. She is the Co-Founder of Aretas AI, a Canadian AI and IoT data platform company focused on sensor technology and optimization solutions for the IoT industry. Aretas is the winner of the Panasonic DeepTech Global AI Innovation Challenge for odor detection. Prior to Aretas, Virginia led the Global Sales Excellence practice at Zenzu, an advisory firm in internet infrastructure including data centers, subsea cabling, and networks for 12 years. She started her career at AT&T where she spent 20 years leading global sales and marketing teams and was one of the first leaders to bring AT&T into the data center industry. Virginia holds an Executive MBA from Smith College and a B.A. from James Madison University. She was appointed to the Board of Directors for James Madison Innovation. JMI is organized exclusively for educational and scientific purposed to support the creation and development of intellectual property. Virginia is based in Santa Monica, California and has over three decades of experience spanning the telecommunications, data center, cloud computing, IoT, AI, and sensor technology sectors.

Dr. Abdallah is the Executive Director of Adaptive Global, a boutique consulting firm that specializes in organizational readiness. He holds a leading role in shaping organizational culture and leadership transformation, as well as in enhancing customer experiences that directly impact top and bottom-line performance. Ehssan's expertise spans strategy planning and implementation, organizational excellence, culture, customer experience, and technology.

With over 20 years of experience, he has provided growth solutions globally across various sectors, including consumer goods, healthcare, automotive, transportation, technology, financial services, and government sectors. Before joining Adaptive Global, Ehssan established regional consulting practices for top-tier international firms in emerging markets and spearheaded the Victorian Government’s (Australia) International Development initiatives. Apart from his corporate engagements, Ehssan frequently presents at industry forums worldwide and contributes to various business journals.

Al Badr is a veteran executive who excels in leading complex businesses, developing new revenue streams and business lines, transforming organizations, as well as orchestrating corporate mergers and acquisitions in technology, telecom, real estate, hospitality, and non-profit fields. He is an expert in corporate governance, leadership, and business development, and a mentor to a number of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Since joining Misk as the CEO in July 2019, Al Badr led the foundation’s transformation from a fast-growing startup to an organization operating in full capacity. He has received numerous awards including Best Manager honors and ranked among the top 100 business executives in the Middle East, and the top 20 hospitality executives in the Gulf.

As a seasoned executive, Al Badr expresses his thoughts and views through books, blogs, social media, and speaking engagements. He has presented talks at corporate or public events, featuring as a keynote speaker and speaker at top conferences in Saudi Arabia and regionally such as Future Investment Initiative (FII), Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF), Misk Global Forum (MGF) and Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC).

Through the use of practice-based stories that include case studies, and his own hands-on experience, he stimulates, inspires, and satisfies inquisitive minds like his own into finding ways of improving themselves and their organizations. This helps them spot insights and truths that will pivot them in the right direction regarding their business strategies. In his engagements he uses his energetic and engaging style to help people tap into their own enthusiasm and motivation for taking action to make their business future-proof like never before.

Dr. Abdulghani Al-Sayegh is the Head of the Saudi Employers' Delegate Team at the International Labor Conference in Geneva (ILC) for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, representing the International Labor Organization (ILO). Additionally, he serves as the Head of the Saudi Employers' Delegate Team at the Arab Labor Conference, participating in the 48th Cairo 2022 and the 49th Cairo 2023 conferences of the Arab Labor Organization. He holds the position of Head of the Saudi Committee for the Labor Market at the Federation of Saudi Chambers from 2020 to the present and holds the role of Vice Chairman of the National Committee for Precious Metals and Gemstones since 2017.

Dr. Abdulghani Al-Sayegh hails from an ancient Saudi family with a deep-rooted history in the gold trade, a heritage passed down through generations. This legacy propelled Dr. Abdulghani Al-Sayegh to the esteemed position of Sheikh of the Goldsmiths of Mecca, a role he has held since 2015. Moreover, he is the CEO of Abdulghani House of Gold and Jewelry Company, a position he has held since 2002.

His academic achievements include a PhD in Computer Engineering from King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, Faculty of Engineering (2022); a Diploma in Examination of Diamonds and Precious Stones from IGI International (2012); a Master's degree in Computer Engineering from King Abdul-Aziz University in Jeddah, Faculty of Engineering (2013); and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah (2006).

Abdullah Abuthnain has held the position of Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Development since 2018. Throughout his 25-year career, he has occupied several leadership positions. He served as Deputy Minister of Planning, Development, and IT from 2016 to 2018 and as Deputy Minister of Inspection and Development of Work Environment at the Ministry of Labor between 2010 and 2012. Additionally, he was the General Director of Economic and Finance Programs at the Institute of Public Administration in Riyadh, KSA.

Furthermore, His Excellency is the Vice Chairman of Takamol Group and the Vice Chairman of Future Work. He also serves as a board member of the Council of Universities’ Affairs, the Saudi Business Center, and the National Council of Occupational Health and Safety.

He holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration/Finance from Old Dominion University, VA, USA, a Master of Arts in Economics from the same university, and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Valérie Berset Bircher holds a PhD in law from the University of Geneva and the University of Strasbourg (France). Her PhD focused on the impact of new technologies on labor law (international law – labor law – human rights - comparative law).

Valérie Berset Bircher possesses in-depth knowledge of international labor law issues, encompassing global supply chain matters, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, international labor regulations, and social partnerships. She represents Switzerland in the International Labor Organization (ILO) and previously managed the SECO portfolio of Swiss-ILO technical cooperation projects. Additionally, she is a member of two federal committees: the Federal Commission for the Advisory Board of the National Contact Point for the OECD and the Tripartite Commission for ILO Affairs.

In January 2019, she was appointed Ambassador by the Federal Council and became Head of International Labor Affairs at SECO. She is also a member of the SECO Labor Directorate.

From 2017 to 2021, she served as a member of the ILO's Committee on Freedom of Association, representing governments. Between 2019 and 2021, she chaired the legal section of the ILO Governing Body.

In 2022, she was seconded by SECO to the team of the new Director-General of the ILO to advise him on assuming his post and to help implement his strategic vision by providing concrete recommendations on organization, management, and substantive matters.

Her Excellency Paula Narváez was elected as the seventy-ninth President of the Economic and Social Council on 27 July 2023.

Ambassador Paula Narváez is currently the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations in New York. Her Excellency Paula Narváez assumed her duties as Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations on 08 June 2022.

Before this latest appointment, Ms. Narváez was the Officer-in-Charge at the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) in Guatemala, from February to May 2022. .

She also served as a Socio-Political Adviser at the UN-Women Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, from October 2021 to February 2022, and as a Regional Adviser for Governance and Political Participation in the same office, from 2018 to 2020.

Between 2016 and 2018, Ms. Narváez was Minister Secretary General of the Government, and she served as a Presidential Adviser from 2014 to 2016. From 2012 until 2014, she was a Latin America and Caribbean Section Program Specialist at UN-Women, based in New York.

Following the eruption of the Chaitén Volcano in Chile in May 2008, Ms. Narváez served as the delegate of then-President Michelle Bachelet to the Chaitén Volcano Emergency, from 2008 to 2009. She has also held a number of other government positions.

Ms. Narváez earned a master’s degree in Latin American Studies from Georgetown University in the United States, a master’s degree in Economics and Regional Management from the Universidad Austral de Chile, and a degree in Psychology from the Universidad Nacional Andrés Bello, also in Chile.

Alin Loaneș, one of the most admired leaders in Romania, is the CEO of ROMBAT, a Romanian company that has been producing car batteries for over 40 years. He is also the Vice-President of ROMBAT Board of Directors, and the President of the Rombat Foundation. He is a member of the Association of Automotive Manufacturers of Romania’s Board of Directors and a member of CEO Clubs Transylvania Board of Advisers.

Previously, he held Managing Director and Member of the Board positions in various international companies. He also held various executive positions in manufacturing and consultancy.

With over 20 years of experience in the international business environment, Alin sets in motion a whole team that places ROMBAT on a leading position in the automotive field. His expertise in economics and management contributes every day to the development and innovation of ROMBAT’s projects.

His passion for sustainable businesses and for circular economy motivated him to get involved in various entrepreneurial businesses, as well.

Awards or publications:

• 2022 - Top 100 - The most admired CEOs in Romania – Business Magazine
• 2023 – Top 20 Dynamic European CEOs of 2023 – The CEO Publication

Academic qualifications:

• Executive MBA – WU Executive Academy
• Master’s degree in strategic management - British Academy for Affairs and Communication
• Master’s degree in business development – Babes Bolyai University

Amlan Roy is a Macro-Finance Researcher & Thought Leader specialising in Global Macroeconomics & Demographics. His book “Demographics Unravelled” was mentioned by the FT as one of the best new books in Economics. He is an Investment Advisor and global keynote speaker who has worked with institutional clients from across 50+ countries. He is a Partner (Investments) at LCP and a Research Associate at LSE’ (Financial Markets Group & Systemic Risk Centre). He is an elected Honorary Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

He founded Global Macro Demographics in 2021. Over 2017-2021, he was Senior MD with State Street Global Advisors and Global Head of Macro Research. Prior to that he was MD and Head of Global Demographics & Pensions Research with Credit Suisse Investment Bank over 1998-2016. He developed Global Risk & Asset Allocation models as a Financial System Architecture expert.

Amlan had a distinguished award-winning university teaching career (US & UK) for over a decade. He was UK ESRC Research Fellow, Ponders Fellow, a Boston University Doctoral Scholar and a Government of India National Scholar. He has a PhD in Financial Economics from the University of Iowa, an MBA from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and BA (Hons.) Economics degree from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi.

Anthony O’Sullivan, a seasoned professional with two decades of experience in strategy and policy advisory, specializes in areas such as competitiveness, private sector development, investments, innovation, entrepreneurship, employment, and sustainable development. Currently serving as Partner and Director at Whiteshield, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table. In addition to his role at Whiteshield, Anthony has been a distinguished professor at the Grande École Sciences Po since 2008.

Prior to his tenure at Whiteshield, Anthony held the position of Deputy Director and Senior Economist at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). His extensive career includes advising numerous countries and multinational entities on critical matters such as competitiveness, investment, innovation, and private sector development.

Commencing his professional journey as a consultant at Accenture, Anthony later joined Michael Porter's Monitor Group, where he honed his skills in country competitiveness. Notably, he contributed significantly as a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council and served on the Advisory Board for the WEF's World Competitiveness Report.

Eduarda Castel-Branco is a seasoned expert in qualifications systems and labor market intelligence, collaborating extensively with the European Commission and European Training Foundation. Her work spans Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa (including Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Angola, Mozambique, South Africa), and Brazil in the Americas.

She led significant projects like the Compendium of Guides on Labour Market Information methods and the 'Big Data for Labour Market Intelligence' project in Ukraine, Tunisia, Georgia, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco, focusing on analysis and capacity building.

As the coordinator of the 'African Continental Qualifications Framework' project, she crafted mapping studies, guidelines, and policy documents. With over 30 training programs, she's dedicated to advancing qualifications frameworks and understanding labor markets.

Eduarda's contributions to advisory groups, like the European Qualifications Framework Advisory Group, and involvement in ESCO projects exhibit her commitment to shaping qualifications frameworks and improving skill mapping.

Her impact extends to establishing the African Qualifications and TVET Network after the 1st African TVET Round Table in Kinshasa, showcasing her dedication to global qualifications systems and labor market intelligence.

Engineer Faisal Bakhashwain serves as the Deputy Minister for Digital Transformation at the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, bringing with him more than 17 years of effective experience contributing to achieving various regional and national goals.

In his role, he has been responsible for digitally transforming the ministry and providing smart and digital services to all of its customers by re-engineering and automating the ministry's processes for human resource and social development. In terms of emerging technologies, he was one of the early adopters in that area in the kingdom, applying many innovative and creative models at the ministry to raise its level of digitization and intelligence.

He is a member of several national strategic committees and programs that contribute to digital transformation initiatives. Faisal has broad experience in IT solutions and technologies, which he utilized in the telecom, banking, and government sectors. He also has a successful track record in managing and delivering strategic projects related to cloud computing, data center hosting, outsourcing, managed services, and IoT. In his career, he was the head of ICT product development at Mobily and part of the team that established Alinma Bank, leading its IT Infrastructure.

Ismail Radwan is the Senior Director for Economics and Strategy at the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia a position he assumed in June 2023.

Prior to that Ismail was World Bank Group chief economist for the GCC based in Riyadh. Ismail has 30 years of experience in private sector development and public sector reform issues in Europe, MENA, Africa and Asia.

Ismail’s work includes economic development, trade and growth strategies, private sector development, innovation and technology, special economic zones as well as governance. Prior to joining the World Bank Group, Ismail was a principal economist with PwC London where he worked around the world for a variety of blue-chip clients.

Ismail studied economics at Oxford University receiving a BA and MA with honors before obtaining a masters’ degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania. He has lived and worked in more than fifty countries. Ismail is originally from Cairo Egypt and speaks English, Arabic and French.

Ms. Vujinovic is the CEO of OGroup, focused on investment and integration of emerging technologies with older legacy systems. In early 2000’s Ms. Vujinovic was a pioneer in mobile payments in Africa and Latin America, data analytics and digital assets i.e. Bitcoin. In her previous role as a CIO of General Electric emerging technologies, Ms. Vujinovic oversaw global digital transformation and integration of AI, data analytics and blockchain. Ms. Vujinovic was a catalyst for the combination of smart contracts and machine learning for devices on the edge at GE, Amazon, JPMorgan and Microsoft. In addition, Ms. Vujinovic designed the Future of Work initiative for General Electric employees gathering data on how each job will be affected.

Currently, OGroup works with enterprises, governments, large family offices and asset managers on choosing the right AI and blockchain tools for future work. OGroup has invested in payments, space exploration, digital assets and longevity. She is on a board of Longevity Science foundation and a frequent speaker at places like Davos, FII Institute in Saudi Arabia, Debt Wire, Financial Times and leading family offices around the world.

Niam is leading the People & Change practice in KPMG Saudi Arabia and the Levant Cluster

Niam has 18 years of experience in management consulting which have enabled her to build strong relationships with public officials and C-level executives while advising them on their people strategies, align them with their business strategies, and help develop purpose-led organizations.

Prior to joining the KPMG team, Niam worked with reputable global management consulting firm and has deep expertise in transformational leadership, change management, executive coaching, talent management and succession planning. She has delivered well over 1000 sessions of executive coaching, focusing on high-performance, cultural integration, behavioral change, and alignment of purpose, values and business strategy.

Her positions include Director of People and Change at PwC Middle East (9 years) working closely with the public sector practice, and Senior Manager at Deloitte Consulting LLP (6 years). Throughout her career, she has delivered value to C-suite executives in the USA and internationally (USA, Canada, UK, UAE, KSA, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Lebanon).

With over 1000 executive coaching sessions, Niam empowers CEOs and the C-Suite to drive businesses, foster high-performance cultures, and craft purpose-driven organizations. Her expertise spans cultural integration, behavioral change, and aligning purpose with values and strategy. Notably, she advocated for Avian Influenza preparedness at the White House. Niam's credentials include an MS in Psychology from Harvard, MBA in Change Management from the American University of Beirut, PMP certification, a post-grad diploma in Organizational Development from DePaul University, and a Leadership Decision Making Certificate from Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Ousmane Diaby serves as the Lead Youth Empowerment Specialist in IsDB's Resilience and Climate Action Department. He is at the forefront of devising programs and initiatives that support young individuals in realizing their full potential. His expertise encompasses digital literacy, entrepreneurship skills, and fostering active civic engagement, all aimed at contributing to inclusive growth and holistic development. Ousmane also manages various partnerships related to youth empowerment.

Before assuming this role, Ousmane was the Lead Fund Management Specialist in the Bank’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Fund. He played a key role in managing the fund, emphasizing an investment approach that leverages science and technology applications to support early-stage start-ups and sustainable projects. His responsibilities included making informed investment decisions, overseeing ongoing projects, and actively engaging with clients to meet their needs.

Prior to joining the IsDB, Ousmane Diaby worked as an Investment Banker and Senior Fund Manager, overseeing trading operations and risk management in leading financial institutions such as Bank of America, Citi Group, and Aviva Investors, all based in London. During his tenure, he oversaw trade operations across a diverse range of asset classes, ensuring meticulous risk management, and spearheaded teams to achieve optimal efficiency and compliance. His in-depth knowledge of global equity funds enabled him to successfully manage these funds, while his grasp of various asset classes empowered him to navigate market complexities.

Ousmane holds a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Leicester and is a holder of the CFA UK Investment Management Certification. He graduated with distinction from the University of East London, earning a Bachelor of Finance, Money, and Banking.

Ousmane Diaby, driven by effective strategies and dedication to social impact, aims for a brighter future. His versatile expertise and passion position him as a driving force in finance and development.

Dr. Paul Gruenwald is the Chief Economist at S&P Global Ratings, leading the economic forecasting and research efforts and serving as the primary spokesperson on macroeconomic matters for the company.

Before joining S&P Global, Paul spent five years at ANZ bank as the Asia-Pacific Chief Economist, where he was responsible for helping set and direct the economic research agenda, as well as for building the bank’s profile in the region.

Prior to that, Paul worked at the International Monetary Fund for nearly 16 years, where he led the team producing their Asia-Pacific regional outlook, represented the Fund in Hong Kong SAR and Korea, was the Deputy Chief of the China division, and worked on an array of sovereign debt restructuring issues. Paul has a Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia University in New York and a bachelor’s degree in Economics/Mathematics from the University of Texas.

Market Presence:

• Frequent print and broadcast spokesperson featured on CNBC, Yahoo! Finance, Bloomberg, Forbes, and other top-tier financial outlets.
• Global speaker and panelist, including at the World Bank, United Nations, CERAWeek, and key global industry conferences.
• Publishes the S&P Global Ratings Essential Economics newsletter on LinkedIn with over 20,000 subscribers.

Prof. Dr. Park is a professor emeritus of economics at Hansung University, Korea. He received his master’s degree and a Ph.D. in economics from Cornell University, USA.

He was one of the founding members of the Korea Labor Institute, a government think tank. He has served as the president of the Human Resources Development Service of Korea and as president of the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training. He also held the position of president at the Korea Labor and Employment Relations Association.

Prof. Dr. Park has served as an advisory member for several government ministries, including the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, as well as for international organizations such as the ILO, OECD, and World Bank.

Aloysius boasts 30 years of senior leadership experience in the MICE & Events sector, spanning both public and private domains. His present roles encompass:

(i) Chairman, Asia at CloserStillMedia Pte Ltd, a UK-based trade show organizer overseeing a global portfolio of 80+ leading exhibitions in healthcare, technology, and future infrastructure. He advises on Asian business growth strategy, M&A and business operational excellence.

(ii) Chairman of Orange Room Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based sports business focusing on professional and mass participation sporting events, alongside technology-driven performance programs. He charts the growth & regional expansion of the business.

Previously, Aloysius served as Chief Executive Officer of SingEx Holdings, a Temasek Holdings subsidiary, managing Singapore EXPO and spearheading innovative business events like the Singapore Fintech Festival. As Assistant Chief Executive at the Singapore Tourism Board, he elevated the MICE segment into a crucial pillar of Singapore’s tourism industry, contributing to the Integrated Resorts projects and organizing the groundbreaking Singapore F1 Grand Prix.

Aloysius held presidencies at AIPC (International Association of Convention Centres) from 2018 to 2021 and SACEOS (Singapore Association of Convention, Exhibition & Event Organizers and Suppliers) from 2019 to 2021. He was also a member of Singapore's Emerging Stronger (Covid) Taskforce Alliance for Action in 2020-2021. Recognized for his contributions, he received the Public Administration Medal and Public Service Medal (COVID-19). Aloysius graduated with honors in Economics from the National University of Singapore and completed the Advanced Management Program at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

Hon. Florence Bore holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education Arts from Moi University besides a Diploma in Education from Kagumo Teachers College and boasts a career marked by dedicated public service and transformative leadership.

With a profound commitment to education and social welfare, Hon. Florence Bore has made significant contributions across various sectors:

Her current role as the Cabinet Secretary (Minister), Ministry of Labour and Social Protection in the Republic of Kenya showcases her visionary leadership and policy-making prowess.

Previously, as the County MP (Woman Representative) in the Kenya National Assembly (Parliament) representing Kericho County, she championed initiatives for gender equality and socioeconomic development.

Her tenure at the Geothermal Development Company Ltd as a Board Member and Head of the HR Committee highlighted her strategic oversight and organizational management skills.

Within the County Government of Bomet, she served as the Education Director, focusing on vocational training to empower individuals with practical skills.

Her twenty three year journey within the Teachers Service Commission, from teaching positions to leadership roles, underscores her unwavering dedication to education and academic excellence.

Hon Florence Bore's leadership roles, including her advocacy as the Kericho Woman Representative for KUPPET, further exemplify her commitment to advancing educational rights and empowering communities.

Her career stands as a testament to her dedication to public service, education, and social upliftment, making her a dynamic and impactful leader in Kenya's governance landscape.

H.E. Malek Ezzahi is a dedicated advocate for social change and human rights, drawing from a legacy of familial commitment to activism and societal progress. H.E.'s activism commenced during his tenure with the General Union of Students of Tunisia (UGET) from 2000 to 2006, which propelled his involvement with the Tunisian League for the Defense of Human Rights, where he actively championed fundamental freedoms.

His leadership roles include the presidency of the "Zoom on Mornaguia" local development association, focusing on community empowerment and grassroots progress. He played a significant role in the social movements pivotal to the Tunisian revolution of January 2011, contributing significantly to shaping the nation's history.

Educationally, H.E. holds a Master's degree in business administration from the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management of Tunis, complemented by a Master's in Economics and risk Management, along with a Diploma in communication techniques and technology, enhancing his adeptness in contemporary communication landscapes.

His professional journey has been rooted in the insurance sector, where he served in various capacities, from Head of commercial service to Trainer in insurance sciences, culminating in his role as General agent and insurance expert.

In 2021, H.E. assumed the esteemed position of Minister of Social Affairs, a testament to his extensive expertise and unwavering commitment to championing societal welfare. In this capacity, he focuses on policy advocacy targeting critical social issues and the upliftment of marginalized communities, striving to foster a more equitable and just society.

H.E. Malek Ezzahi continues to stand as a steadfast beacon for positive societal change, utilizing his diverse skill set, extensive experience, and unwavering dedication to social justice to lead initiatives that advance the betterment of society.

Eng. Bandar brings over two decades of proven expertise in strategy formulation, business development, sales, marketing, brokerage, board facilitation, and executive general management. His extensive experience spans various industries, including telecommunications, media, technology, business services, automotive, defense, security, education, and training.

Eng. Bandar's distinguished career includes serving as CEO of Emkan/Malaz Capital Group, Executive Director at the Capital Market Authority, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer at Saudi Research and Marketing Group, Executive Director of Strategic Management and Business Development at STC, and Senior Manager of Programs and Projects at Saudi Aramco.

A seasoned consultant, Eng. Bandar has advised major investors and private equity firms, guiding business owners and senior executives through numerous transactions. His expertise extends to corporate communication, project management, and collaboration with top global management consulting firms, auditors, financial consultants, and investment banks.

Abdulmajeed Alqusaibi joined Riyadh Airports Company in 2022 as Talent Management Director and within months, assumed the role of acting HRGM. He was officially appointed Chief Human Capital Officer for the organization in April 2023. He and his team are responsible for executing all Human Resource aspects of the 2023 – 2026 Company Strategy. In 2023, our Human Capital Team's achievement of 'Best HR Team of the Year' was recognized by GCC & Informa.

Driven by his passions, he obtained certification as a Professional Coach and is Certified via CIPD. More recently, he was nominated as a representative on the Asia-Pacific Regional HR Committee within ACI (Airports Council International).

He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature and completed an MBA at Alfaisal University, Riyadh.

With over 17 years of experience, Abdulmajeed has held senior-level HR roles for leading national entities and organizations in Saudi Arabia, including Alshaya Group Talent Acquisition Manager & Area HR Manager, Almarai Personnel Manager, Saudi Central Bank -SAMA (roles held in SAMA included Director of HR Services Division & Director of HRBP Division), and extensive HR experience with Saudi Government Finance Ministry, where he was the General Manager of Human Resources. Before joining Riyadh Airports Company, he provided HR Consultancy Services to Saudi Government Ministries.

Entrepreneur Andrew Barnes has built a career marked by transformative innovations and digitalization efforts within the business landscape. His leadership has left an indelible mark on companies across the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2018, he captured global attention with an ambitious idea aimed at boosting workplace productivity and enhancing employee well-being – the implementation of a four-day workweek.

At the helm of New Zealand's largest corporate trustee firm, Perpetual Guardian, Andrew introduced a groundbreaking four-day workweek trial, granting employees an additional day off while maintaining full pay. The trial achieved resounding success, garnering widespread international interest and earning numerous global accolades.

Today, Barnes stands as the vanguard and mastermind behind the worldwide four-day workweek movement. As the co-founder of 4 Day Week Global alongside his partner, Charlotte Lockhart, they are orchestrating the most extensive trials ever conducted, spanning the UK, US, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Over 250 companies worldwide, encompassing more than 100,000 employees, are participating in these trials, coinciding with a comprehensive global research initiative involving esteemed academic institutions such as Boston College, Cambridge, Oxford, and others.

Nadhmi Al-Nasr has enjoyed a distinguished career leading prominent Saudi Arabian companies and projects. Since July 2018, he has been the Chief Executive Officer of NEOM, a crucial component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy. Under his leadership, NEOM is set to become a national economic engine and a global innovation hub.

Al-Nasr, with an Engineering degree from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, began his career at Saudi Aramco in 1978, holding increasingly important roles and overseeing significant projects such as the Ghawar oil field expansion and the Shaybah Development Program. He also served in key positions, including Manager of Facilities and Planning, Manager of Long-Range Planning, and Managing Director of Saudi Petroleum Overseas Ltd. (SPOL).

In 2006, he became Vice President of the KAUST Development Program, later appointed as KAUST's Executive Vice President of Administration and Finance. Al-Nasr holds prominent board positions, including his 2009 appointment to the Advisory Board of the Supreme Economic Council and his 2017 role as Interim President of the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC).

Sukti Dasgupta serves as the Director of the Conditions of Work and Equality Department at the International Labour Organization (ILO) headquarters located in Geneva. With a rich history of diverse roles within the ILO, she has accumulated extensive experience, both at the Geneva headquarters and in the field. Dr. Dasgupta is a distinguished scholar, holding a Ph.D. in Economics from the prestigious Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. She is widely recognized for her prolific contributions to the fields of employment, structural transformation, gender studies, informality, and inequality, with numerous publications to her credit.

Ms. Dasgupta's professional journey has been marked by substantial engagements with policymakers, as well as active collaboration with workers' and employers' organizations. Her expertise lies in crafting and advising on employment policies and labor protection measures, reflecting her commitment to advancing labor rights and social equality.

Amanda, a Senior Behavioural Scientist, spearheads our team's efforts in community engagement and capacity-building. Her focus lies in supporting Canada’s behavioural science community and bolstering the federal government’s application of behavioural science insights and methods. She accomplishes this through four key activities:

She facilitates training and experiential learning, offers consultation and guidance to public servants, supports the dissemination of knowledge in partnership with other Impact Canada teams, and leads IIU's involvement with BeSci networks and Communities of Practice, such as the Government of Canada Behavioural Science Community of Practice.

Before assuming this role, Amanda contributed to Employment and Social Development Canada’s Education Savings Program. Her work centered on leveraging behavioural science to raise awareness and eliminate barriers to accessing educational savings incentives, like the Canada Learning Bond.

Amanda holds a Master's degree in Experimental Psychology from Laurentian University and a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University. Her doctoral research focused on mindfulness and its relationship with mental health.

Gilbert F. Houngbo, born in Togo in 1961, has dedicated much of his life to enhancing the prospects of the world's most vulnerable people. His extensive experience in policy issues, economic development, diplomacy, and financial accountability has been instrumental in his mission.

After earning an advanced degree in business management from the University of Lomé (Togo), Gilbert F. Houngbo obtained a degree in accounting and finance from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Canada) and became a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants.

He commenced his professional journey at Price Waterhouse in Canada in 1986, where he remained until 1993. Subsequently, between 1994 and 1996, he served as the Director of Finance at the International Bank of Mali. Following this, he joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), assuming various roles including Head of Financial Reporting and Trust Fund Management, Comptroller and Director of Finance and Administration, Chief of Staff, and Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Africa.

In 2008, Gilbert F. Houngbo was appointed as the Prime Minister of Togo, a position he held until 2012. He reengaged with the United Nations system in 2013, taking on the role of Deputy Director-General for Field Operations and Partnerships at the International Labour Office.

In 2017, he was elected as the sixth President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and in 2021, he was re-elected to the same post. Since 2017, he has also served as the Chair of UN-Water, the United Nations' coordination mechanism for water and sanitation.

Additionally, Gilbert F. Houngbo chairs the Board of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) and is a board member of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA).

In March 2022, Gilbert F. Houngbo was elected by the ILO's Governing Body as the Organization's 11th Director-General, becoming the first African to hold this position. He assumed this role on October 1, 2022, with a focus on promoting greater social justice, combating inequalities and discrimination in the world of work, and improving working conditions through national action and effective multilateral coordination and leadership. His priorities include universal social protection, decent work in global supply chains and the platform economy, the fight against child and forced labor, protecting the rights of migrant workers, promoting social dialogue and freedom of association, ensuring just transitions, and achieving gender equality.

His Excellency Prof. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi is currently the President of Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), at the rank of Minister, and a Chairman/Member of several boards and committees. He was formerly appointed as the Director of the National Information Center (NIC), at the excellent rank. His Excellency has a broad experience in digital transformation for over 30 years, in which he has made many outstanding achievements at the national level as he led many pioneering national initiatives, most notably of which were the founding of SDAIA, developing NIC’s strategy and the National Strategy for Data & AI (NSDAI), and the founding of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity Programming and Drones (SAFCSP). Additionally, he worked as a digital transformation consultant to several civil and military government entities and founded the AI Center of Advanced Studies (Thakaa). He was also appointed as a Chairman of the BOD of the Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI).

His Excellency received King Abdulaziz Sash of the second class, and the Moderation Award in its sixth edition. He attained full professorship in Software Engineering in 2011 and a post-doctoral certificate in Web Engineering from the University of Ottawa, Canada, in 2005. He also obtained a Ph.D. in Computer Science (Distinction) in 1997 and an M.Sc. in Computer Science (Distinction) in 1993, both of which from the University of Sheffield, UK. In terms of research, he published over (100) peer-reviewed scientific papers in international journals and conferences and authored many books.

In December 2020, Mike became a part of Pearson, where he assumed the role of leading the Workforce Skills initiative. His primary focus within this role is on data-driven upskilling and reskilling programs aimed at fostering career advancement, driving employer growth, and unlocking individual potential.

Before joining Pearson, Mike served as HM Consul General in Los Angeles, dedicated to advancing trade, investment, scientific cooperation, creative and media collaborations, and educational partnerships between the UK and the Western United States (California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Hawaii). With over two decades of experience in international business and global affairs, he held senior leadership positions within the British diplomatic network, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, and gained experience in international development, human rights law, the UK tech sector, and at HSBC.

Mike's educational background comprises a master's degree in international law from the University of Nottingham and a degree in Anthropology from University College London.

Osasuyi Dirisu currently serves as the Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre and holds the position of Senior Fellow at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, where she oversees behavioral and policy interventions in health, governance, gender, and social inclusion in Nigeria.

With over twenty years of experience, she previously served as the Research Director at the Population Council, leading development and gender projects across various sectors. Notably, she led the development of the innovative National Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Dashboard, designed for real-time collation of validated GBV data in Nigeria.

In 2022, she introduced the Gender and Development certificate course and organized the inaugural National Gender and Inclusion Summit, with 700 in-person attendees and 9,000 virtual participants.

Osasuyi is a highly accomplished academic, holding degrees from the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Pan-Atlantic University, and the University of Leeds. She has been recognized with the 2015 SOUTER-ISAM Fellowship and is an alumna of the Harvard Kennedy School and the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. She is also a sought-after speaker and one of the top 100 career women in Africa.

Virginia Dignum, a Professor of Responsible Artificial Intelligence at Umeå University in Sweden, serves as a senior advisor on AI policy to the Wallenberg Foundations. She earned her PhD in Artificial Intelligence from Utrecht University in 2004 and is a distinguished member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) and a Fellow of the European Artificial Intelligence Association (EURAI). In addition to her academic achievements, she plays a vital role as a member of various prestigious organizations, including the United Nations Advisory Body on AI, the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), UNESCO's expert group on AI recommendations implementation, and she is the founder of ALLAI, the Dutch AI Alliance. Furthermore, she co-chairs the WEF's Global Future Council on AI and was a key member of the EU's High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Dignum also led the development of UNICEF's guidance on AI and children. She is the author of "Responsible Artificial Intelligence: Developing and Using AI in a Responsible Way," which was published by Springer in 2019.

George J. Borjas holds the Robert W. Scrivner Research Professorship in Economics and Social Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. His accolades include the prestigious IZA Prize in Labor Economics in 2011. Additionally, he serves as a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research and a Research Fellow at IZA. Professor Borjas is a prolific author, with notable works such as "Immigration Economics" (Harvard University Press, 2014), "Heaven's Door: Immigration Policy and the American Economy" (Princeton University Press, 1999), and the widely used textbook "Labor Economics" (McGraw-Hill, 2020), now in its eighth edition. His most recent publication is "We Wanted Workers: Unraveling the Immigration Narrative," released by W. W. Norton in Fall 2016. He boasts a substantial body of work, with over 170 articles in books and scholarly journals.

Professor Borjas has received professional honors, including recognition in Who's Who in the World and Who's Who in America. He was elected as a fellow of the Econometric Society in 1998 and the Society of Labor Economists in 2004. In 2016, Politico ranked him 17th on their list of the "50 thinkers, doers, and visionaries transforming American politics for his candid perspective on immigration issues." He earned his Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University in 1975.

Dr. Usamah Al-Gemili, a distinguished data scientist with a Ph.D. in Data Science from George Washington University, is renowned for his substantial contributions to data science and big data processing. His expertise lies in leveraging data for effective decision-making and policy design, impacting sectors like SMEs, Healthcare Insurance, and the Labor Market.

Spanning over two decades, his career spans pivotal roles in private and government sectors. Notable contributions include shaping data utilization at leading companies like Advanced Electronics and Elm. His tenure at the Impact Center further honed his proficiency in big data and strategies. As a senior advisor at the Saudi Telecom Company (STC), his insights were instrumental in shaping the data sector.

Driven by societal advancement, he founded non-profits dedicated to big data strategies. Currently, as the Chief Executive Director of the National Labor Observatory (NLO), Dr. Al-Gemili employs data-driven approaches to tackle labor market challenges and inform policy decisions.

His certifications in policy design, information technology, governance, and project management underscore his commitment to staying at the forefront. Collaborations with national and international institutions have led to numerous achievements, solidifying his influence in Strategic Data Science. Dr. Usamah Al-Gemili remains a highly respected figure, continuing to elevate data-driven decision-making and policy design.

Seamus McGuinness, a Research Professor and Research Area Coordinator specializing in labor market research, serves at the Economic and Social Research Institute. His academic journey led him through key positions at Queen's University Belfast, the Northern Ireland Economic Research Centre, and the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic & Social Research (University of Melbourne). He earned his PhD in Economics from Queen's University Belfast in 2003.

The bulk of his published work concentrates on labor economics and the economics of education, with additional research contributions spanning industrial relations, small business economics, regional economics, and the economics of constitutional change in Ireland.

In parallel with his endeavors in the Irish labor market, Seamus has spearheaded multiple European labor studies in collaboration with a multitude of international research partners. He also holds the titles of Research Fellow at the Institute of Labor Studies (IZA) in Bonn and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Economics at Trinity College Dublin.

Mohammad A. Abunayyan is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ACWA Power, a publicly listed company on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul). The company is at the global forefront of the energy transition, offering transformative solutions in clean energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen.

An accomplished business leader with over four decades of experience in various sectors, Abunayyan is widely recognized as a global reference in the water and energy sectors.

As Chairman of the Board of Directors since ACWA Power's inception, Abunayyan has remained focused on ensuring that the company's operating model is founded on sustainability, technological innovation, cost leadership, and operational excellence. He also emphasizes the development of strong public-private sector partnerships with a clear purpose: to deliver the highest level of sustainable value to all stakeholders, while also focusing on driving community impact. He is a strong advocate and enabler of local talent and content in all the markets where ACWA Power operates.

Additionally, Abunayyan serves as Chairman of Vision Invest and Dussur, and he is on the executive board of numerous reputed organizations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region.

Dr. Frida Polli is an award-winning Harvard and MIT neuroscientist turned entrepreneur, AI ethicist, and tech policy expert. She was the CEO and co-founder of pymetrics, a company that pioneered the use of behavioral science and audited AI in workforce decisions. With global clients like BCG and Blackstone, pymetrics was a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer and Global Innovator, an Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing company, and a Forbes AI 50 company. After raising approximately $80 million from Khosla Ventures, Mercer, Randstad, Workday, Salesforce, and General Atlantic, pymetrics had a successful exit to a strategic acquirer, Harver, in 2022, where Dr. Polli served as the Chief Data Science Officer. She recently founded Alethia, an organization promoting AI literacy and transparency. A member of YPO, Frida has also been named one of Inc.'s Top 100 Female Founders and one of Entrepreneur's Top 100 Powerful Women. Frida and her work have been featured by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Economist, and many other outlets. Frida also played a pivotal role in passing the first-in-the-nation AI law – New York's Automated Employment Decision Tool law, which went into effect in July 2023.

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb is the Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As Saudi Arabia’s first Minister of Tourism, he is responsible for opening the Kingdom to international tourism and realizing the sector’s full social and economic potential. His Excellency is the Chairman of several boards, including the Tourism Development Council, Saudi Tourism Authority, the Tourism Development Fund, Saudi Fund for Development, Saudi Arabian Military Industries, and the Saudi Red Sea Authority. His Excellency serves as a Board Member of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), NEOM, the National Development Fund, and the Red Sea Global. He is also the Secretary-General of Diriyah Gate Development Authority and Jeddah Central Development Company, Event Investment Fund, and Secretary-General of Al Diriyah Company Limited.

As Minister of Tourism, His Excellency was among the leading figures of the government framework guiding Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and currently chairs the Quality of Life Program. During his tenure as Minister of Tourism, His Excellency has been one of the most influential driving forces in the Kingdom today, with his work spanning across Saudi Arabia’s most critical industrial sectors, including the military complex, foreign direct investment, and commerce. Most recently, he led elements of the National Transformation Program 2020.

Prior to joining the Ministry of Tourism, His Excellency served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority, Minister of Health, and Advisor to HRH the Crown Prince at the Royal Court, as well as an advisor to the Minister of Defense. He established private investment banking at Riyadh Bank and was also the Founder of Jadwa Investment Company, Founder of Islamic Banking (Amanah) – SABB Bank, and Advisor to the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers. His Excellency has over 25 years of experience in investment and financial services, during which he established, managed, and restructured multiple private sector and government entities. He is known for his ability to drive institutional transformation to achieve long-term strategic objectives.

His Excellency holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from King Saud University, KSA, a Diploma in Wealth Management from Dalhousie University, Canada, and is a Certified Financial Advisor.

With over two decades of experience in both print and broadcast journalism, Charlotte Kan is a seasoned business journalist and communication expert based in the UK. She is a bilingual (French/English) graduate holding a Master's in International Journalism from City University, London. Charlotte's impressive career has seen her collaborate with global media giants like Bloomberg TV, Euronews, M6, RTL, and Standard & Poor's. She has a remarkable track record of conducting interviews with influential figures, from CEOs to politicians.

As an international conference host and moderator, Charlotte has steered discussions at prestigious events, including the Astana International Forum, Uzbekistan Economic Forum, Zayed Sustainability Prize (Concordia Summit), London Climate Innovation Forum, Paris Impact Finance Forum, Riyadh Expo 2030 Symposium in Paris, Sustainable Construction Talks by Saint-Gobain at New York Climate Week, COP28 in Dubai, and the AI Global Summit in Geneva.

In addition to her journalistic endeavors, Charlotte provides communication strategy and editorial consultancy services to leading global players in the financial services and tech sectors, including Société Générale, Deloitte UK, HSBC Global Private Banking, Oracle, Royal Bank of Canada, and IBM.

Furthermore, Charlotte serves as the President of Humanity Diaspo, a Paris-based NGO dedicated to promoting humanitarian aid and championing female empowerment worldwide.

Husayn Kassai is the Founder and CEO at Quench.ai, where he helps organizations empower smarter work by training AI on their internal learning content. Previously, he founded and served as the CEO at the tech unicorn Onfido for 10 years, during which he raised $200m in funding from TPG, Salesforce, Microsoft, and others, and grew a global team of 600. He is recognized as a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer, a Forbes Contributor, and part of the “30 Under 30” list. Husayn holds a BA in Economics and Management from Oxford University.

Xinchen-Gerald Xu, an accomplished journalist, joined CGTN in 2017. With a focus on economy, finance, construction, and engineering, Xu's reporting encompasses a diverse range of subjects. Additionally, Xu serves as the host of CGTN's "Mega World," a 15-minute program dedicated to examining how construction, engineering, and policies address global development challenges.

Before his tenure at CGTN, Xu contributed to the media landscape with bilingual hosting roles at Shanghai Media Group and KATV7 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Notably, Xu has also lent his expertise to moderating panels at prominent conferences in Saudi Arabia, including the Financial Sector Conference and the Tenth Arab-China Business Conference.

China Global Television Network (CGTN), the international wing of China Media Group (CMG) headquartered in Beijing, China, stands as one of the world's foremost international broadcasters. With a viewership of over 600 million cable subscribers and 200 million online followers, CGTN reaches audiences across the globe. The network maintains a significant presence in Beijing, Washington D.C., Nairobi, and London, delivering content in English, Arabic, French, Spanish, and Russian.

Meet Mohamed Ghallab, a dynamic entrepreneur reshaping the HR landscape. As the CEO of two thriving entities—a groundbreaking HRIS provider and a revered outsourcing agency—Ghallab has redefined how businesses manage human resources.

With a visionary approach, Ghallab's HRIS platform revolutionizes workplaces. Catering to over 120 companies and 50,000+ employees, it simplifies HR processes with features spanning recruitment, payroll automation, and performance management.

Identifying industry hurdles, Ghallab didn't stop there. He founded his HRIS provider to solve these challenges and elevate employee experiences. His dedication expanded into an outsourcing agency, propelling 3,900+ individuals toward stable livelihoods across diverse industries like healthcare, technology, and retail.

Ghallab's commitment to innovation has garnered him widespread recognition and speaking engagements, emphasizing his profound impact on HR and outsourcing. His drive, coupled with business acumen, echoes through his businesses, empowering countless businesses and individuals alike.

In summary, Mohamed Ghallab epitomizes a new breed of entrepreneurs, pioneering change in employment strategies. His ventures not only streamline HR functions but also create pathways to meaningful employment, showcasing his enduring dedication to fostering a better workplace for all.

Oli Barrett is passionate about connecting people and ideas. He co-founded Clean and Cool, a platform that has facilitated numerous connections between cleantech founders and partners/clients across the globe. Oli is a shareholder in various companies, such as Ethos (dedicated to transforming our relationship with energy), the mental health-focused Calm.com, and Troubadour Theatres, which is involved in the creation of new theaters and film studios.

Furthermore, Oli played a pivotal role in co-founding Tenner, the UK's largest schools enterprise competition, which is now administered by the charity Young Enterprise. He was also a co-founder of StartUp Britain, an initiative that received support from the British Prime Minister, and the global literacy campaign Turn On The Subtitles (TOTS), which advocates for broadcasters and tech companies to enhance children's reading experiences.

Prior to his current endeavors, Oli worked as a cast member at Walt Disney World and has since become a regular event host and presenter. He also serves on the advisory boards of Tech London Advocates, Global Tech Advocates, One Million Mentors, and Founders4Schools.

Dr. Fadi Makki, Partner & Director at Boston Consulting Group, serves as the Global Co-Lead of BCG’s Behavioral Science Lab. Pioneering the application of behavioral insights and "nudge" concepts in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA), he conducted over 150 experiments in health, sustainability, inclusion, and human capital development before joining BCG.

Founder of the first behavioral insights units in the Middle East, Dr. Makki led B4Development at Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, integrating behavioral science into aspects of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Additionally, he established Nudge Lebanon, a groundbreaking behavioral science unit in the Global South. Currently, he co-chairs the WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Behavioral Insights for Health.

With prior senior roles in the private sector, Dr. Makki served as Director General at the office of the prime minister and the Ministry of Economy and Trade in Lebanon. Holding a PhD from Cambridge University, he earned master's degrees from LSE and Hull University, and bachelor's degrees from AUB and the Lebanese University.

In 2021, Dr. Makki was recognized in the Agile 50, listed among the World's 50 Most Influential People Navigating Disruption, a collaboration by Apolitical and World Economic Forum Global Future Council on Agile Governance.

Anna Ekeledo is the Executive Director of AfriLabs, a network organization uniting 400 technology and innovation hubs across 52 African countries and the diaspora. In this role, she leads the AfriLabs community to realize its vision of a thriving innovation economy in Africa. She manages a pan-African team focused on creating initiatives and building partnerships that support African innovation hubs, fostering high-potential entrepreneurs, and driving economic growth and social development in Africa.

Anna is a versatile professional, excelling as an international speaker, trainer, innovation ecosystem builder, and mentor. She also serves in advisory roles, including membership in the Africa-Europe Foundation Digital Strategy Task Force and active participation in a High-Level Policy Dialogue on the Science, Technology, and Innovation working group AU-EU Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). Additionally, she is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the future of technology policy.

Anna holds a first-class degree in psychology from Covenant University, Nigeria, and an M.Sc. in International Marketing Management from Leeds University Business School, UK. She has received recognition as a top African economic and tech leader by organizations such as Choiseul 100 Africa, Agile 50, and the World Economic Forum.

H.E. Turki Aljawini earned a bachelor's degree in management information systems from Clarion University in Pennsylvania, USA in 1998. In 2001, he joined the Saudi British Bank (SABB) and steadily advanced through different roles, ultimately attaining the position of branch network manager.

From 2006 to 2008, he worked in the investment sector. In 2009, he transitioned to the aviation industry and held a position at NAS Holding Company until 2013. Subsequently, he served as the Head of the Commercial Department at NasJet Private Aviation Company until the conclusion of 2015.

In January 2016, he assumed the role of advisor to the Assistant to the President for Airport Sectors at the General Authority of Civil Aviation. In March 2016, he was appointed as the Director General of King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. In July 2017, he took on the responsibility of managing Dammam Airports Company's privacy program and served as CEO until October 2019. Throughout his tenure, his focus was on strategic planning and overseeing various development projects at King Fahd International Airport.

In November 2019, he was appointed as the Director General of the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) to lead the transformation project of the fund to support overall development of the KSA Human Resources ecosystem and position HRDF as the key enabler for the private sector through its programs and initiatives funding mechanisms.

Carl Benedikt Frey is a globally recognized authority on the future of work and the profound impact of technology on our labor force and economies. He has advised and consulted with prominent international organizations, think tanks, governments, and businesses, including the G20, OECD, European Commission, and the United Nations. As an op-ed contributor to esteemed publications such as the Financial Times, Foreign Affairs, Scientific American, and the Wall Street Journal, Frey explores subjects ranging from the economics of AI to the history of technology, the future of cities, and remote work trends.

His academic work has been featured in over 100 media outlets, and he is a frequent guest on international broadcast media, including CNN, BBC, and Sky News. Frey remains a Senior Fellow in the Department of Economic History at Lund University and is affiliated with the RSA. Since 2019, he has been a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on the New Economic Agenda and the Bretton Woods Committee. In 2020, he joined the GPAI, a multi-stakeholder initiative hosted by the OECD, dedicated to guiding the responsible development and utilization of AI. He obtained his Ph.D. from the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition in 2011.

Adonis Georgiadis was born on November 6th, 1972, in Athens. He is married to Eugenia Manolidou, and they have two children, Perseus and Alcaeus. He graduated from the Faculty of History & Archaeology of the School of Philosophy of the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens.

In 1993, he took over the management of publications 'GEORGIADIS-LIBRARY OF GREEK.' In 1994, he founded the Liberal Studies Center "GREEK EDUCATION."

Elected MP in Athens B region in the elections of 2007 and 2009 with the LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) political party.

In February 2012, he joined the Nea Demokratia political party, having resigned from the parliamentary office. He was elected with Nea Demokratia in Athens B in the national elections of 2012 and 2015.

In 2011, he was Vice Minister of Shipping in the Government of Lucas Papademos, and in 2013, he was appointed Minister of Health in the Government of Antonis Samaras.

On July 9, 2019, Adonis Georgiadis was sworn in as Minister of Development and Investments in the Government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a position he held for four years until [insert end date].

In the elections of May 21, 2023, Adonis Georgiadis was re-elected as a Member of Parliament for the Northern Sector of Athens. On June 27th, he was sworn in as the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare.

Çağlar Özden, a Turkish national and a seasoned professional migrant, holds the position of Lead Economist in the Development Research Group at the World Bank. Alongside this role, he serves as the co-director for the 2023 World Development Report on International Migration. His academic journey includes attaining undergraduate degrees in economics and industrial engineering from Cornell University, followed by a Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University. Çağlar is recognized as a fellow of prestigious institutions like IZA, CreAM, and ERF.

His extensive research delves into the interconnectedness of global product and labor markets, government policies, and their impact on economic development. With three edited books and numerous publications in esteemed academic journals such as the American Economic Review and the Economic Journal, he stands as a leading authority in his field. Notably, he spearheads the flagship report "Moving for Prosperity: Global Migration and Labor Markets."

Currently, his research focus spans various facets of global labor mobility, exploring factors influencing migration patterns, the effects of migrants on destination labor markets, medical brain drain, and the interplay between migration, trade, and foreign direct investment flows.

Johannes Koettl, a Senior Economist at the World Bank’s Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice, is also a Research Fellow at both the Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) and the Global Labor Organization (GLO). With a dedicated focus on labor and social policies, he has contributed to the World Bank since 2004, particularly emphasizing Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Holding a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Vienna, Koettl's extensive research portfolio spans topics such as aging societies, migration, informal employment, work disincentives, long-term care, skills development, and active labor market policies.

Dr. Mark C. Thompson, currently serving as the Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Socioeconomics Program at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) in Riyadh, previously held the position of Assistant Professor of Middle East Studies at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) from 2012 to January 2020. With a focus on socioeconomic development, societal transformation, and youth issues in Saudi Arabia, Mark has authored several notable works, including "Saudi Arabia and the Path to Political Change: National Dialogue and Civil Society" (Bloomsbury, IB Tauris, 2014), "Being Young Male and Saudi: Identity and Politics in a Globalized Kingdom" (Cambridge University Press, 2019), and "Youth Issues and Everyday Life in Saudi Arabia" (Cambridge University Press, 2025). Additionally, Mark has co-edited publications such as "Policymaking in the GCC: State, Citizens and Institutions" (Bloomsbury, IB Tauris, 2017), "Governance and Domestic Policy Making in Saudi Arabia: Transforming Society, Economics, Politics, and Culture" (Bloomsbury IB Tauris 2022), and "Saudi Youth: Policies and Processes" (Springer 2024) alongside Dr. Neil Quilliam.

Tumi is the founder and executive director of AfricaWorldwide Media, a media company with interests in broadcast content production, publishing, communication strategy and the development and execution of strategic events. She is also founder and director of Kutlwano Realty (Pty) Ltd, a real estate investment business based in Johannesburg. In addition, she serves on a number of Boards as a Non-Executive Director where her portfolios have included, risk, audit, infrastructure, marketing and social and ethics.

In 2008 Tumi was nominated to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Forum of Young Global Leaders, a multi-stakeholder community of exceptional leaders below the age of 40, selected from around the world. Having joined that community, she served as the vice chairperson of the WEF’s Global Agenda Council on Women’s Empowerment as well as a member of its Global Agenda Councils on Africa and the Gender Gap.

Following a number of years as an accomplished broadcaster, anchoring and co-producing for CNN International at its Atlanta headquarters and also hosting numerous programmes for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Tumi headed International Affairs and Communications for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee.

As well as a degree in International Relations & Diplomacy, she has completed a leadership programme at Harvard University as well as professional development courses in Finance, Strategy, and Mergers and Acquisitions.

Steffen Hertog, an associate professor in the Department of Government at the London School of Economics, boasts over twenty years of dedicated research in Gulf political economy and public policy. His extensive expertise extends to collaborative endeavors with globally recognized entities such as the World Bank, OECD, ILO, European Commission, ESCWA, and numerous private consultancies and local GCC clients. Hertog's research focal points encompass labor market regulations, public sector management, and industrial policy matters within the MENA region.

He is renowned as the author of "Princes, Brokers and Bureaucrats: Oil and State in Saudi Arabia" (Cornell University Press, 2011) and as the editor of "Labour Market, Unemployment and Migration in the GCC" (Gerlach Press, 2012). Notably, his latest comprehensive work, "Locked Out of Development: Insiders and Outsiders in Arab Capitalism" (Cambridge University Press, 2022), solidifies his standing in the field. His academic journey includes the attainment of a PhD from the University of Oxford.

His Excellency Engineer Abdullah Alswaha has over two decades of experience in leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship. Throughout his decades-long career, he built multi-billion riyal, high-performing organizations in the private and public sector. His Excellency was appointed as the Minister of Communications and Information Technology in April 2017.

Prior to this, he was the Chief Digital Ocer of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in charge of leading key digitization eorts across the public sector, including the creation of a national digital identity scheme, promoting open data and driving digital entrepreneurship. Before His Excellency joined the Vision 2030 team, he was the Chief Executive Ocer of Cisco Saudi Arabia.

Under his leadership, the company consolidated its position as the leading digitization partner in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding region. He also founded Ubieva, a social entrepreneurship incubator, that went on to launch the first mobile health app in the Middle East. In addition to his role as the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, His Excellency chairs the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, the Saudi Space Agency, the Research Development and Innovation Authority, the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).

His Excellency is a member of several ministerial level social and economic committees and sits on the boards of the MISK Foundation, NEOM, and King Saud University. His Excellency holds bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering from the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and computer science from the University of Washington and attended the Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School.

Dr. Hala Bint Mazyad Altuwaijri is a distinguished academic and advocate serving as the President of the Human Rights Commission. With a PhD in English literature, she holds pivotal roles, including Chairing the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons and leading the Women Empowerment Team at the G20 Summit. Dr. Altuwaijri spearheads initiatives for women's empowerment and children's protection in cybersecurity, contributing significantly to the national Family Strategy. She represents Saudi Arabia in various international forums focusing on women, children, and labor rights and actively participates in local conferences. Her multifaceted contributions reflect her commitment to advancing human rights on a global scale.

Brian Christian, an esteemed author and researcher, delves into the intersection of computer science and human experiences. Renowned for his bestselling books, each distinct in its exploration:

"The Most Human Human" draws from Christian's firsthand encounter as a human "confederate" in the Turing test, unraveling insights into language and communication through interactions with chatbots. Praised by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The New Yorker.

Teaming up with Tom Griffiths, "Algorithms to Live By" applies computational principles to human decision-making, reshaping perceptions of rationality. Garnering top spots as an Audible bestseller, Amazon's best science book, and MIT Technology Review's standout.

In "The Alignment Problem," Christian scrutinizes the ethical and safety challenges within AI, spotlighting the researchers striving to confront these issues. Acclaimed by Nature and The New York Times, endorsed by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and honored with prestigious awards.

His work, translated into nineteen languages, spans across reputable publications and scientific journals, earning literary accolades and fellowships. Christian's expertise extends to guest appearances on renowned shows and lectures at prominent institutions worldwide.

Holding degrees in philosophy, computer science, and poetry from Brown University and the University of Washington, Christian's influence spans academia, advising global leaders, and residing in San Francisco and the UK.

Dr. Daniel Susskind, a Research Professor in Economics at King’s College London and a Senior Research Associate at Oxford University's Institute for Ethics in AI, delves into the impact of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, on work and society. His insights reveal the transformative influence of automation and AI across all job sectors, urging proactive measures to adapt and prepare for this shift. Offering a blend of pragmatism and optimism, he advocates for rethinking education and training to align with the evolving workplace landscape, emphasizing the incredible potential for prosperity amidst disruption.

Co-author of the influential book "The Future of the Professions," Susskind challenges outdated professional practices in an increasingly digital era where AI continuously advances. Originally published in 2015 and updated in 2022 to encompass recent technological strides, the book remains pertinent. His 2020 release, "A World Without Work," hailed by The New York Times as vital reading for prospective presidential candidates contemplating the future economy, earned acclaim on numerous Best Books of 2020 lists. With his upcoming book, "Growth: A Reckoning," slated for spring 2024, Susskind continues to shape discourse on technological evolution.

Notably, his TED Talk, debunking prevalent myths about the future of work, amassed over 1.6 million views. Susskind's prior experience includes pivotal roles within the British Government and a tenure as a Kennedy Scholar at Harvard University.

Alpha Osman Timbo was born on the twenty-seventh of April, 1961, in a small town named Rokulan, situated in the Sanda Tendaren Chiefdom, Karene District, and Northern Western Province of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

He attended the Bombali District Education Committee (BDEC) Primary School in Rokulan from 1967 to 1973/74. Following that, he continued his education at St. Francis Secondary School in Makeni up to Form Five from 1974 to 1979.

Later, he transferred to Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School (AMSS) in Freetown in 1980 or 1981. Subsequently, he moved to Fourah Bay College FBC, University of Sierra Leone - USL, from 1981 to 1985, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, Law, and Philosophy.

His postgraduate Diploma in Education was completed at Fourahbay College, University of Sierra Leone in 1986. He dedicated almost seven years of teaching at the Sierra Leone Muslim Women Educational Institute, Kankaylay Secondary School Kissy, Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School, Freetown, and the Cardinal Educational Enterprises in Freetown.

From 1990 to 2002, he served as the Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU). Later, at the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC), the umbrella organization of all trade unions in Sierra Leone, Timbo became The Deputy Secretary General and acted as Secretary General for four years.

In 2002, he was appointed Minister of Labour, Social Security, and Industrial Relations under the Late President Kabba. During his tenure, he significantly transformed the Ministry of Labour into a more formidable institution.

One of his notable accomplishments in government was the establishment of the Industrial Court in Sierra Leone, alongside the creation of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) and the National Social Safety Net.

He also served as Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education under President Julius Maada Bio from 2018 to 2019. Notably, he launched the Free Quality School Education Program with President Bio.

In 2019, he was reappointed as Minister of Labour and Social Security until 2023. Presently, he holds the position of Presidential Adviser on Job creation in the office of the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Mr. Timbo is married to Mrs. Isatu Dainkeh-Timbo, and together they are blessed with four children.

Ved Mani Tiwari holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and serves as the Managing Director of NSDC International (NSDCI). With three decades of experience spanning government roles and collaborations with major corporations across infrastructure, energy, urban development, transportation, education, and skill development sectors, he passionately advocates for leveraging technology to democratize skill development, employment, and entrepreneurship.

His extensive experience in public, private, and development sectors significantly contributed to NSDC's strategy execution, scaling skilling operations through Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), training providers, and industry partners. As MD of NSDC International, he focuses on building a robust partner network, enhancing youth skills and employability. Under his tenure, NSDC International established partnerships with leading economies like Australia, Germany, Japan, the UAE, and Switzerland, spanning manufacturing, hospitality, agriculture, renewable energy, and electric vehicles.

Ved held pivotal managerial positions at Welspun, Sterlite Power, SunEdison, and key directorial roles at the Ministry of Railways, Kochi Metro, Chennai Metro, and Nagpur Metro. Notably, he was instrumental in Delhi Metro's initial phase and facilitated a successful partnership between Kochi Metro and 'Kudumbashree,' empowering young women in Kerala for facility management jobs.

He holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from MMMUT, an MBA from ISB, Hyderabad, and completed executive programs at Kellogg School of Management and Wharton Business School.

Mr. Sven Otto Littorin boasts over 30 years of diverse expertise in international business and policy making. Currently chairing the White Pearl Technology Group, an esteemed IT transformation agency present in 28 countries and listed on Nasdaq First North in Stockholm, he leads with a wealth of experience. Alongside this role, he holds positions on multiple private company boards, spanning from merchant banking to real estate development.

During his tenure as Sweden’s Cabinet Minister for Employment from 2006 to 2010, he made significant contributions. Subsequently, from 2017 to 2021, he served as an advisor to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development in Riyadh, concentrating on crafting and implementing the New Labor Market Strategy aligned with Vision 2030. His leadership extends to various fronts, including founding the Emirati Sweden Business Council and chairing entities like the listed mining exploration company Beowulf Mining and several other esteemed organizations.

Shanghai-based independent economist Dr. Andy Xie specializes in China and Asia and contributes as a guest columnist for the South China Morning Post.

Renowned for his accurate predictions of economic bubbles, Dr. Xie foresaw events like the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and the more recent subprime meltdown in the United States. His career spans significant roles, including Managing Director and Head of Morgan Stanley's Asia/Pacific economics team from 1997 to 2006. Prior to that, he served as an associate director in corporate finance at Macquarie Bank in Singapore for two years and spent five years as an economist at the World Bank.

His impactful insights and contributions have been widely recognized. Bloomberg Magazine named him one of the 50 most influential individuals in finance in 2013. Additionally, institutional investors voted him the best economist in Asia Pacific from 2000 to 2006 in an Institutional Investors poll. Furthermore, both CCTV and the WEF acknowledged him as one of the ten future leaders in China in 2001.

Dr. Xie holds a PhD in economics (1990) and an MS in civil engineering (1987) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Erika, a Professor of Economics, currently holds the DSI/NRF Trilateral Research Chair in Transformative Innovation, the 4IR & Sustainable Development at the University of Johannesburg. Her research unit, a collaboration among the University of Johannesburg, the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in Kenya, and the University of Sussex in the UK, focuses on innovation systems' analysis in relation to equitable and inclusive development. Trained as an Economist, she earned her Masters in Science and Technology Policy from the Science and Policy Research Unit (University of Sussex) and a doctorate in Development Studies from the University of Oxford.

Her expertise lies in pioneering research on innovation within the African informal sector. Alongside her role as the Research Chair in Transformative Innovation, she serves as a Visiting Professor at the University College London (UK) and a research associate at the Centre for Law, Technology and Society, University of Ottawa (Canada). Furthermore, she is actively involved in various research networks focusing on innovation and development, holding positions such as President of Globelics, Steering Committee member of OpenAIR, and advisory board member of UNU-MERIT in the Netherlands.

Phil Malem serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Serco Middle East, responsible for leading the business across the region where it has operated for over 70 years. With over 25 years of experience spanning various sectors and industries, Phil joined Serco in April 2019. Since his appointment, he has defined the company’s purpose: bringing national visions to life. Additionally, he has driven the repositioning of the business, aligning it with a new strategy to continue its growth trajectory.

During his tenure at Serco Middle East, Phil introduced several new service lines, including citizen services to support the visions of the UAE and Saudi Arabian leadership, contributing to the government’s overarching ambitions and goals. Furthermore, Serco’s service offering has been strengthened through the addition of ExperienceLab, the company’s research and design agency focusing on creating world-class user-centric experiences driven by data and the latest insights.

Recently, Phil Malem spearheaded the launch of a new Advisory with Purpose service, dedicated to supporting governments and organizations in operating sustainably as part of the region’s drive to achieve its Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) goals. Serco's primary focus in 2023 revolves around leveraging its expertise to further the ESG agenda. The introduction of Advisory with Purpose exemplifies the company’s vision to empower workforces to operate more sustainably.

Based in Dubai, Renée McGowan is the Chief Executive Officer of Marsh McLennan- India, Middle East & Africa. Renée leads the business in the region, driving growth and innovation for greater client impact through Marsh McLennan’s market-leading brands: Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Mercer, and Oliver Wyman.

Throughout her two-decade journey with Mercer, she served as President of Asia, Middle East & Africa and held key leadership roles, including Global Leader for Individual Wealth in New York, as well as Chief Customer & Marketing Officer for the Pacific region. Renée, a global executive, has led businesses in Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, New York, Singapore, and Sydney.

Passionate about financial inclusion, girls’ education, and advancing women in society, she mentors entrepreneurs in developing nations and proudly serves as a Board Member of INJAZ UAE, a local chapter of INJAZ Al Arab, and as a member of Junior Achievement Worldwide (JAW), reaching over 10 million students a year across 121 countries.

As a Board Member and media spokesperson, Renée has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Forbes, CNBC Asia, CNBC Arabia, Channel News Asia, and Arab News. Her first book – The Friday Email – 88 Tips for Aspiring Leaders - is set to be published in December 2023.

Mohammed Al-Kabour is the Director at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development's Riyadh Behavioral Insights Center for Labor Market Policies. With expertise in labor market dynamics and employment research, he is driven by a passion for equal opportunities. Collaborating with governments, multilaterals, and academia, Mohammed aims to implement impactful change.

His focus revolves around understanding the human impact of social policies. He actively engages with affected individuals, prioritizing their insights. Previously, as a Senior Researcher at the UAE’s Education and Human Resources Council, he delved into labor market and education policy.

At Harvard University’s Evidence for Policy Design, Mohammed researched female employee hiring and retention practices in Saudi Arabia's SMEs. His tenure at the former Ministry of Labor involved studying youth employment and career progression.

Mohammed holds a master's degree from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. In his leisure, he cherishes family time, practices gymnastics, and indulges in football.

Jawad Khan boasts 20 years of extensive experience in strategic planning, new business development, operational execution, and fostering global partnerships within diverse industries across the GCC. Currently serving as the Advisor on Workforce Development at PIF National Development Division, he also assumes the role of interim Founding Managing Director at the newly established PIF Automotive Academy (NAVA).

Before his tenure at PIF, Jawad served as the CEO of PSDF, overseeing the largest skills development fund in Pakistan with a committed capital of USD 200 million. His expertise also led him to be among the 15 global experts on the World Economic Forum’s Future Global Council on Education and Skills from 2019 to 2022.

During his 15-year residency in Dubai from 2002 to 2016, Jawad held significant leadership positions within prominent conglomerates in the UAE such as the Investment Corporation of Dubai, TECOM Group, Smart City Dubai, and Dubai Holding.

His educational background includes a graduate degree in International Finance & Business from Columbia University in New York.

Imad, the Chief People Officer at Tiqmo, collaborates closely with senior leadership teams, offering a strategic Business Partner Service model. He delivers invaluable support in steering the people agenda amidst rapid business growth, transformations, and start-up phases. With over 15 years of experience in various senior HR management and talent development roles, Imad is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD. He is an award-winning HR Leader, having held prominent positions in global and start-up companies across diverse sectors including e-commerce, fintech, oil & gas, aerospace, manufacturing, project management, engineering, and consulting services.

Chad Hartnell is the Director of Operations of the Impact and Innovation Unit within the Government of Canada’s Privy Council Office. In this capacity, he oversees work under Impact Canada, a cross-government initiative collaborating with both governmental and non-governmental organizations to implement innovative financing approaches (such as challenge prizes and pay-for-results projects), new partnership models, impact measurement methodologies, and behavioral science in priority areas.

Throughout his career in the federal government, Chad has held positions at the Public Health Agency of Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, Health Canada, and the Privy Council Office. In these roles, he contributed to various initiatives in policy, legislative, and programming domains, including healthy living/chronic disease prevention, Indigenous health, employment, social and economic development, as well as justice and public safety.

Chad holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Mississippi and a Bachelor of Arts (in economics and political science) from Colorado College.

A Partner in Oliver Wyman’s IMEA Public Sector Practice, Abhishek Sharma has over 15 years of consulting experience and has worked with public and private sector players extensively across the IMEA region. advising on policy, fiscal and business topics. His expertise spans national economic development themes including a focus on employment, quantified economic analysis, and government performance, as well as cross-border deals and portfolio management.

Matthieu De Clercq is the head of Oliver Wyman’s Public Sector & Policy practice for the India, Middle East, and Africa region. He possesses over 20 years of management consulting experience, with 15 years specifically focused on the Middle East/GCC. Matthieu specializes in economic and industrial development strategy. He has actively developed and supported various international and regional economic development policies, including strategies and plans for human capital and talent development. His work encompasses education, skills competitiveness, labor-related sector development plans, spanning issues from education and research to talent mobility and unemployment.

Matthieu holds a combined master's degree in architecture and civil engineering, along with an MBA from ESADE, Barcelona.

Dr. Najah Ashry holds the role of Vice President for Strategic National Advancement at KAUST, contributing significantly to the university's evolution since its inception. Joining in 2008 as the founding Senior Assistant Provost, she orchestrated the blueprint for Graduate Affairs, shaping admissions, enrollment, and scholarship programs. Her tenure as the founding Vice President of Saudi Initiatives, now Strategic National Advancement, solidified alignment between KAUST's strategy and Saudi Arabia's transformational needs.

In her current capacity, Dr. Ashry steers KAUST's strategy to address Saudi Arabia's 21st-century requirements, cultivating future leaders and fortifying STEAM education. Her portfolio houses flagship initiatives empowering communities, fostering innovation, and nurturing environmental protection.

Previously, Dr. Ashry's impactful career at King Abdulaziz University spanned leadership roles, overseeing multiple faculties and institutions. With qualifications in Computer Science, an MBA from Seattle University, and a PhD focusing on strategic development, she's not only garnered accolades like the Middle East Women Leaders Excellence Award but also contributed to various boards and committees, showcasing her commitment to advancing education and strategic planning.

Matteo Renzi, born on January 11, 1975, in Florence, served as the youngest Prime Minister of the Italian Republic from 2014 to 2016. Prior to his premiership, he held the position of mayor of Florence from 2009 to 2014. Renzi was actively involved in global forums, participating in multiple G7 and G20 summits between 2014 and 2016. He notably assumed the role of President of the European Union in July/December 2014 and inaugurated the Milan Expo 2015.

Renzi is also an accomplished author, with several books, including "Il Mostro," "Controcorrente," and "La mossa del cavallo," which collectively sold over 1 million copies. Presently, he holds multiple assignments, serving as a Senator of the Italian Republic, an adjunct professor at Stanford University in Florence and New York University Abu Dhabi, and holding positions on the boards of FII Institute, Algebris, Lakestar, and the Royal Commission for AlUla. Additionally, he took on the role of directing the national Italian daily newspaper, il Riformista, as its Direttore since May 2023.

Abdullah serves as the Managing Director of Qiddiya and concurrently holds the position of Chairman at Saudi Entertainment Ventures Company (SEVEN), a PIF company dedicated to developing 20 entertainment complexes across the cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aiming to be the national leader in advancing the sector within the Kingdom.

Additionally, he is the Founder and Chairman of Al-Raedah Finance Company, authorized by the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia. Prior to this role, Abdullah held the position of Vice President for Investment Banking Services at Deutsche Bank in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Abdullah earned a master’s degree in foreign policy from Georgetown University in the United States, along with an MBA with honors from the same institution.

Sylvain Côté is an economist and public policy analyst with over 25 years of experience providing expertise and strategic advice to governments in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. His research and policy interests are diverse, situated at the intersection of the labor market, human capital, entrepreneurship, and energy transition. Sylvain has previously held positions at several institutions, notably the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (Saudi Arabia), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (France), the North American Commission for Labor Cooperation (USA), and the Government of Canada. Additionally, he taught labor economics at the University of Ottawa, Canada. Sylvain holds master’s degrees from both the University of Victoria and the University of Alberta, Canada.

In addition to these experiences, Mr. Côté has contributed as an advisor to various board and committee activities. His recent contributions include serving on: The UNDP Knowledge Index Advisory Board (2021-present); the College of Business Administration Industrial Advisory Board at Prince Sultan University (2021-present); the Saudi Labor Market Strategy Advisory Committee (2018-19); the Saudi Arabia Global Entrepreneurship Monitor National Expert Group (2017-19); and the Eurostat-OECD Entrepreneurship Indicator Development Programme (2011-15).

Michel leads the CEO and Board Practice for the firm. He has spearheaded numerous senior searches for board members and C-suite executives for financial sponsors and leading international corporations across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Prior to joining Lancor, Michel founded and managed the European Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure Practice at Heidrick & Struggles.

In his earlier career, Michel served as the Deputy Managing Director of the Benelux countries for AT&T, overseeing sales, business development, and customer support. Michel is a Member of the Board of IDATE. He holds a master’s degree in industrial engineering and biochemistry from Institut Meurice Engineering School Brussels, along with an executive master’s degree in management from Universite Libre de Bruxelles. Additionally, he is an AMP graduate from IMD, Lausanne.

In the last three decades, Steven has built a rewarding career in the tourism sector. Invariably, he found great satisfaction in impacting individual lives and societies by fashioning meaningful and sustainable brand experiences.

Past industry appointments with listed corporations have included board chair positions, directorships, and 'C-suite' assignments. Particularly, his expertise includes industry development, business strategies, and human capital development.

In the domains of industry development, master-planning, and capital investments, Steven was involved in the redevelopment of Singapore’s Sentosa Island resort, the development of Ponte 16 Casino Resort in Macau, Dhensa Boutique Resorts in the Kingdom of Bhutan, China’s Pearl River Delta Zhuhai Wanshan Marine Development Zone, and Singapore Sports Hub.

His operations management experience includes years with Shangri-la Hotels & Resorts, The Mandarin, Singapore Airport Terminal Services (“SATS”), Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore Hotel and Tourism Education College (“SHATEC”), and the Tourism Management Institute of Singapore. He worked in the areas of Attractions Development & Management, Sales & Marketing, Operations, Business-to-Business Hospitality Solutions, and Human Capital Development, respectively.

Steven read Sociology, Management and Asia Pacific Studies in the Universities of Surrey, Massachusetts and Leeds, respectively. As well, he had attended École hôtelière de Lausanne (“EHL”) and Cornell Executive Programmes.

Amin Bukhari leads the HR department at NEOM under the umbrella of NEOM People. As the Executive Director of NEOM People, Bukhari is responsible for attracting, recruiting, developing, and retaining the brightest talent necessary to execute the NEOM Vision.

Before joining NEOM, Bukhari accrued 15 years of hands-on, end-to-end, diverse HR expertise in large, reputable organizations in the Middle East. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Operation Research from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, along with a Postgraduate degree in Business Administration from The University of Manchester.

Safaa El Tayeb El-Kogali serves as the Country Director for the (GCC) countries, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, at the World Bank. Throughout her career at the Bank, she has held several leadership roles across different regions. These include being the Sector Leader in the Latin America and Caribbean region, Practice Manager for Education in the Middle East and North Africa Region, and Practice Manager for Education in the Eastern and Southern African Region.

With over 27 years of experience in international development, she is a prominent expert in strategic leadership, government policy, program management, and research. Safaa has spearheaded policy dialogues and programs with governments in more than 30 countries. She has also contributed significantly to the field, publishing numerous studies and reports covering a wide array of development topics.

Raed Safadi currently serves as the Chief Economist at Whiteshield and has previously held positions with the Government of Dubai, the OECD, and the World Bank. Dr. Raed boasts extensive experience advising governments, regional development banks, and various UN agencies on economic policy and management. He has also occupied visiting positions at numerous universities and research centers across Europe and the Middle East.

Dr. Raed earned his Ph.D. in economics from Georgetown University. He is a Senior Associate of the Economic Research Forum for Arab countries, a member of the editorial board of the Middle East Development Journal, and a referee for several academic journals. His published works span various topics including economic development, regional trading arrangements, the world trading system, tariffs and non-tariff barriers, special and differential treatment, trade and environment, services trade, and global value chains. Among his recent publications are the Global Labour Market Resilience Index for 2022 and 2023, the Global Trade Resilience Index for 2023, and 'Inclusive Global Value Chains,' focusing on enhancing the inclusivity of GVCs by addressing participation constraints for SMEs and improving access for low-income developing countries.

Ms. Carlotta Ferrero is the Head of the Gulf Sustain Initiative at the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB). She has nineteen years of professional experience in international relations, policy development, and advocacy in sustainability and labor practices, with a special focus on gender equality, youth, and vulnerable groups. Carlotta has provided technical assistance to state and non-state counterparts, including governments, United Nations agencies, Non-State Actors/CSOs, and local community and grassroots organizations.

As Head of Gulf Sustain, Carlotta is responsible for its strategy development and daily management. The initiative operates at the intersection of climate and worker welfare agendas, aiming to contribute to a vision of a green economy driving social change in the GCC in line with economic diversification plans.

Most recently, Carlotta served as a senior advisor to the G20’s engagement group, Women 20, during the G20 Saudi Arabia presidency. In Saudi Arabia, she also played an advisory role to the MISK Foundation and the United Nations Country Team. In her previous roles, Carlotta led the development of policy recommendations and helped strengthen the capacity of local authorities, communities, and CSOs across various regions (Europe, Africa, MENA, and Asia). She collaborated with the European Commission, United Nations, World Bank, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/DGCS, INGOs, and international think tanks

A seasoned HR executive with over two decades of experience, Saeed Alharbi has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to aligning HR strategies with business goals, fostering a high-performance culture, and building a strong and engaged workforce. His expertise in talent management, organizational transformation, and change management has been instrumental in driving business growth and transformation.

Currently serving as Vice President of Human Resources at Olayan Saudi Holding Company (OSHCO), a diversified conglomerate with five sectors and 25 operating companies across the region, Saeed leads a team of HR professionals responsible for supporting over 15,000 employees. Under his leadership, OSHCO has implemented a range of strategic HR initiatives that have enhanced employee engagement, performance, and retention, while ensuring a pipeline of future leaders through effective talent management.

Prior to joining OSHCO, Saeed held various HR leadership positions at renowned organizations, including King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Savola Group, Bupa Arabia, and GlaxoSmithKline. Through these diverse experiences, he developed a deep understanding of HR best practices across various industries.

Saeed holds a Bachelor of Business Administration majoring in E-Commerce and Information Systems with a minor in Leadership from Seattle University, USA. He also holds an Associate (HR) certification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in the UK and an Associate Degree in Management from the Institute of Public Administration in Saudi Arabia.

Nour, a pioneering entrepreneur in translation technology, leads Tarjama, offering language solutions supporting 55+ languages, and chairs Ureed.com, connecting 55,000+ freelancers. Managing hyper-growth across 8 markets, she champions women's empowerment, founding Tarjama in 2008 to bridge gaps for Arabic-speaking women in Jordan’s business content landscape. Transitioning from law to excel in localization, she prioritizes social inclusion and opportunity creation.

Tarjama and Ureed.com host the world's largest Arabic-speaking women translator network. Nour’s forward-thinking approach drives proprietary language tech development, reshaping regional language industries. Recognizing technology’s role, she transformed Tarjama into a tech-enabled LSP, leveraging 15+ years of data and an in-house AI team. Their innovations include cutting-edge machine translation, subtitling, client portals, and more, empowering Arabic-speaking markets.

Hailing from Amman, Nour's global exploration shaped her perspective. She holds a Law degree from Al Ahliyya Amman University and possesses leadership certificates from Singularity University, Stanford, and Harvard, enriching her versatile expertise.

Nasser serves as Chairman of the Saudi National Committee of Workers’ Committees and Vice Chairman at the Arab Labor Organization. His leadership includes heading the L20 Workers’ during Saudi Arabia's 2020 Summit and being elected Chairman of the GCC's Coordinating Council in 2022. Prior to this, he directed fiber optic projects at STC for 15 years.

His remarkable contributions were recognized by GCC Ministers of Labor in 2022. Nasser's extensive involvement spans membership in Saudi Arabia's inaugural Workers’ committee and his five consecutive terms as an elected member of STC committees since 2004.

Within the Kingdom, he actively shapes labor strategies under the Minister of Human Resources, contributing to Labor Law amendments and national policy formulation. His leadership extends to negotiating for workers and building partnerships with key authorities on Labor affairs.

Abdullah Asiri is a seasoned entrepreneur, a three-time founder, investor, and board member, wielding a notable presence in diverse tech startups across fintech, logistics, and e-commerce. Since 2011, he has significantly influenced the tech startup landscape in Saudi Arabia.

An active participant in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Mr. Asiri serves as a speaker, judge, and mentor at various events across the Middle East. His impactful contributions have earned recognition, notably being featured in Forbes as one of the '100 Entrepreneurs Shaping Saudi's Future' and acknowledged by Alrajjol magazine as one of the top 10 entrepreneurs in Saudi.

Mr. Asiri holds two Master's degrees: one in Computer Science with a focus on AI from KAUST, and the other in Business Administration & Entrepreneurship from MBSC/Babson College.

Chiara Palieri is an award-winning Senior Director and MICE Advisor (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) for the Saudi government. She has been featured on CNN, Arab News, and Euronews, and is recognized as an influential advocate and speaker on Gen Y issues, education, and women in leadership. With 11 years of top-tier MICE experience as an Executive Producer across 8 countries, Chiara has successfully produced IPs and managed over 50 high-caliber LSEs (Large-Scale Events) for government entities, leading PCOs/PEOs, and Fortune 500 companies. Her career transitioned into national and city-level sector strategy for the Saudi government.

Hanaa Almoaibed is an academic researcher and strategic sociocultural consultant. She collaborates with governments, non-profit organizations, academia, and the private sector to conduct and activate research in the Arab Gulf States. Her work primarily focuses on education, skills, and labor markets, alongside addressing youth, gender, and sustainability issues. Currently, she serves as a Research Fellow at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh and holds the role of Consulting Fellow at Chatham House in London. Additionally, she is a Visiting Research Fellow at the London School of Economics.

Hanaa holds the position of Vice President of Research at the Arab Institute for Women’s Empowerment and serves as the Education Pillar Chair at Johara Global, a network connecting women's experiences in the Middle East with those in Europe and North America. Her extensive experience includes board-level roles in the energy and education sectors; she serves as a non-executive director of Rawabi Holding in AlKhobar and United Safety Ltd. in Canada. Moreover, she is the Vice Chairman of the International Advisory Board at the ZADK Culinary Academy and holds a Council Member position at the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies.

Educationally, Hanaa holds a PhD from UCL and an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Joan is recognised as a leading strategic social marketer internationally with over 30 years’ experience in social research and evaluation. Her passion for using behavioural research to address labour market issues began in 1993 with a job seeker segmentation for the New Zealand Employment Service. Since then she has pioneered the application of behavioural research to employment issues e.g. developing needs-based employer, employee and jobseeker segmentations in New Zealand, Australia, and Saudi Arabia to inform communications, services and programmes aiming to influence behaviour.

Joan joined Colmar Brunton in 1989 to lead the Wellington Qualitative Unit and later establish The Social Research Agency in New Zealand. She co-founded Colmar Brunton Australia’s government business and was Colmar Brunton Australia’s CEO 2010-2020. Joan joined The Behaviour Change Collaborative to lead its research and evaluation function in 2020 and was appointed Managing, Director, Canberra at 3arc Social in 2023. While continuing her work with 3arc Social and The Behaviour Change Collaborative Joan has recently founded her own consultancy, Behaviour Change Research, to support organisations to develop and evaluate effective behavioural interventions and client centred services, programmes, and communications.

In recognition of her contribution Joan was made a Fellow of The Research Society in 2021.

Paul Chineme Chioba is a passionate People Associate at AfriLabs, specializing in human resources and career coaching. He thrives on implementing innovative approaches to people management that unlock individual potential and drive value within organizations.

Drawing upon his diverse skillset, Paul has a proven track record in:

• Developing and implementing talent management strategies
• Coaching and mentoring individuals to achieve their career goals
• Building positive and inclusive workplace cultures

Driven by his unwavering commitment to human potential, Paul aspires to revolutionize people management practices. He envisions a future where organizations prioritize employee well-being and cultivate environments that empower individuals to thrive both personally and professionally.

Holder of a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a staunch advocate for collaborative learning and knowledge sharing, Paul is excited to contribute his insights at the Global Labour Market conference.

Yannick F. Djoumessi is an economist with a Ph.D., specializing in Innovation and Technology, Productivity, Agribusiness, and Rural Economy. Currently, he serves as a consultant for the Economic and Market Research Department at the World Bank Group-IFC, having entered through the prestigious WBG Fellowship program. Prior to this role, he held a postdoctoral research fellowship at the DSI/NRF/Newton Fund Trilateral Research Chair in Transformative Innovation at the University of Johannesburg. Yannick garnered valuable experience as a consultant at the 3ie-International Initiative for Impact Evaluation for nearly three years. Additionally, he was awarded a Research Grant from the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) for two years to conduct policy-relevant work in Africa. He has also made significant contributions to various development reports in Central Africa with the support of the Economic Commission of the United Nations for Africa (ECA/UN).

Audrey Simbiso Chidawanyika, MBA (The African Wildfire), is a multidimensional pan-African leader, an award-winning disruptive innovator, and a globally celebrated educator from Zimbabwe. Passionate about accelerating human growth, Audrey has over ten years of experience working in innovation, development, humanitarian, and entrepreneurial ecosystems as a global educator, ecosystem builder, and human capital development specialist. She has collaborated with leading organizations in Africa, Asia, America, and Europe, exploring the roles of entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, and local knowledge in creating paths to sustainable development. Audrey holds executive roles in leading organizations across Africa. In 2022, she was an honoree of the Africa 40 under 40 Awards under Professional Services, and in 2023, she was a finalist for the Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Awards. Audrey is an alumna of the University of Zimbabwe, Clark Atlanta University, Quantic School of Business and Technology, and the University of Stellenbosch Business School. She is a member of AfriLabs, a Young African Leaders Initiative Mandela Washington Fellow, and a GIZ Make-IT in Africa Women in Leadership Fellow.

Zeina Afif is a Senior Social Scientist at the World Bank's Mind, Behavior & Development Unit (eMBeD). Her focus lies in leveraging behavioral insights to enhance women's financial inclusion and employment, tackle youth unemployment, foster social cohesion, and improve access to public services. Additionally, she works on integrating behavioral science into government practices.

Before joining eMBeD, Zeina provided operational communication and behavioral insights support to World Bank projects. She has worked in countries such as Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, and Yemen, primarily focusing on taxes, social protection, social accountability, and citizen engagement.

Zeina has several published works, including the 'Behavioral Science Around the World' series, 'Women’s Labor Force Participation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Study of Social and Psychological Barriers', 'Towards a National Jobs Strategy for Kuwait: Behavioral Jobs Diagnostic Study', 'Using Behavioral Science to Increase Women’s Participation in Natural Resource Management in Mexico', and 'Behavioral Strategies to Support Social Stability in Lebanon'.

She earned her MBA from George Washington University and an M.Sc. in Behavioral Science from the London School of Economics.

Sultan currently leads GE HR for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey at General Electric, VERNOVA. He is passionate about building strategies and initiatives focused on HR excellence, culture, localization, diversity & inclusion, and organizational effectiveness.

With over 18 years of experience as a practitioner in driving HR strategy in HR business partnering, transforming cultures, enhancing people's capabilities, talent acquisition, and change management, Sultan has demonstrated success in working across various industries and companies, developing trust, building effective partnerships, and leading several HR projects and initiatives.

Ahmed has over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, serving various roles in the domains of policy, research, advisory, and administrative positions. He joined the Institute of Public Administration as a faculty member in 1996, where he fulfilled multiple roles ranging from key administrative positions to academic posts. He has also held positions in several government organizations, such as Head of the Economic and Finance department, and served as the Director of the Business Center, where he was responsible for innovating, developing, and commercializing IPA intellectual services. Additionally, he served as the Director General Deputy for the National Labor Observatory at the Human Resource Development, overseeing analytics, data, and reporting on labor market matters. Later, he worked as a Senior Advisor for Strategy and Research at the Capital Market Authority, CMA.

More recently, he served as the Deputy Minister for Labor Matters at the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development for two years. In 2020, he assumed the role as Chair of the G20 Employment Group and Deputy for Labor Market Matters.

Ahmed holds a PhD in Business and Finance from Brunel University in London. He has research interests and publications in public policy, behavioral economics, and financial markets.

Dr. Christiane Mueck has pursued her passion at the intersection of strategy consulting, entrepreneurship, and human empowerment for the past 15 years in Europe and the Middle East. She has advised Ministries and MNCs with the Boston Consulting Group, established a medical college at Qatar University, and currently supports the Misk Foundation in expanding its portfolio of youth-focused programs. Additionally, she serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Zayed University.

She has co-founded several companies, including INTO Financial Coaching and Ghaya LLC, both focusing on using group coaching formats to enable individuals during critical transitions. An enthusiastic executive coach, mentor, angel investor, and fund LP, she enjoys working closely with emerging leaders and impact-driven founders. Holding a PhD summa cum laude in Education Economics, she has resided and worked in the GCC since 2009.

Sarita Patil brings with her 30 years of experience in strategically developing content across feature films, television, and digital formats in Hindi, as well as all regional languages. She has held leadership positions in some of India's largest studios and production houses. During her last role as Vice President at Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Sarita successfully led both the content and production teams.

After completing the INSEAD Leadership program for Senior Executives in 2017-2018, Sarita transitioned from the corporate sector to embark on her entrepreneurial journey as a Partner at Matchbox Shots.

Matchbox Shots is a boutique production company specializing in identifying premium content and bringing it to the screen.

Anton Wibowo boasts over fourteen years of diverse business, management, and investment experience within the Singaporean biotechnology and agribusiness communities. Presently, he serves as the CEO of Trendlines Agrifood Innovation Centre (AFIC), a startup incubator and venture capital investor specializing in agrifood technologies. AFIC stands as a subsidiary of The Trendlines Group, a prominent VC listed on the Singapore Exchange SGX.

Before his tenure at AFIC, Anton held positions as the operations director and business development director at Biomax Group of Companies, an award-winning biotech firm dedicated to recycling agricultural waste into fertilizer and animal feed. During his time there, Anton steered the company’s technical and sales teams.

Anton takes pride in his knack for cultivating relationships, whether internal or with key external decision-makers and stakeholders. His acute insights enable him to identify and manage critical problem areas effectively.

Possessing a Master of International Business from Central Queensland University and a Bachelor of Engineering (first-class honors) from Nanyang Technological University, Anton comprehends the intricacies of establishing and running efficient operations.

Jeffry Aronsson is a renowned global business leader, advisor, and operator in the apparel, fashion, and luxury industry. After a career as an international tax attorney, Mr. Aronsson led five international fashion companies, serving as CEO at Marc Jacobs and Oscar de la Renta, Chairman & CEO of Donna Karan, and interim CEO at Emanuel Ungaro (Paris) and Ralph Rucci.

Presently, Mr. Aronsson leverages his diverse range of expertise and relationships for strategic planning, execution oversight for turnarounds, and business development. His work also involves conflict resolution and occasional operational deep dives. His broad and deep global network of relationships includes creatives, C-suite executives, conglomerates, and press.

As a volunteer, Mr. Aronsson has served as a mentor for NYU’s Fashion and Luxury MBA program, advisory board member for FIT’s Global Fashion Management Program, and advisor to the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s joint venture with NYU’s business school. He is a frequent guest lecturer for NYU’s law school’s joint JD/MBA program. Additionally, Mr. Aronsson was tasked by Detroit’s mayor to initiate the development of local apparel supply chain functionality to serve the multi-trillion-dollar apparel/fashion industry.

Mr. Aronsson received his A.B. in History from the University of Michigan, his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School, and his LLM in Taxation from NYU Law School.

Milimo Banji is an award-winning entrepreneur, leader, and advisor. He is the founder and CEO of TapIn, a talent agency supporting some of the largest employers in the U.K. by assisting them in attracting, engaging, and hiring diverse talent. Additionally, he serves as a board member and advisor to FTSE 100 companies, is a prominent public speaker, and possesses extensive expertise in the future of work, social media, engaging diverse talent, leadership, change management, and building inclusive teams. He is also mentored by Richard Branson.

His Excellency Khalid A. Al-Falih has been Minister of Investment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 25 February 2020. He previously served as Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources from May 2016 to September 2019, as Minister of Health from April 2015 to May 2016, and as Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) Board of Directors from April 2015 to September 2019. Prior to his appointment as Chairman, HE Al-Falih also held key leadership positions across the company, including President and Chief Executive Officer from January 2009 to May 2015.

HE Al-Falih has been consistently recognized for his leadership in spearheading the strategic transformation of leading sectors and organizations across Saudi Arabia. His achievements include driving large-scale business initiatives and industrial projects, building organizational capacity for the benefit of Saudi citizens through economic and social programs, and enhancing the performance and impact of complex organizations. For many years, he has taken a particular interest in leveraging business activities to fuel social development and economic diversification; fostering strong collaboration between Saudi Arabia’s public, private and academic/research sectors; and promoting the importance of the fields of science and digital technology among young people.

HE Al-Falih remains committed to enriching society through the nurturing of entrepreneurship and innovation; the creation of a knowledge-based society equipped to meet the challenges of the future; the creation of new business and human resource development opportunities; and the protection of the environment. His appointment as Minister of Investment is in line with HE Al-Falih’s exceptional achievements in advancing private sector growth in the Kingdom, which is a central driver of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s ongoing economic diversification plan.

In 2009, HE Al-Falih received the prestitious King Abdulaziz Medal (First Class), which is Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honor for service to the country. HE Al-Falih has received many notable awards and recognitions throughout his career. In 2018, the Japanese government awarded him its national decoration, The Order of the Rising Sun. In 2016, he was recognized as Energy Intelligence Petroleum Executive of the Year. HE Al-Falih earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1982 and completed his MBA at KFUPM in 1991. In 2009, he received an honorary doctorate from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

Faisal F. Alibrahim is the Minister of Economy and Planning of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Alibrahim is also the Supervisor of the Secretariat of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA) and a member of the council. His Excellency also chairs the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Statistics.

Alibrahim is a member of several governmental committees such as the Finance Committee, the Strategic Management Committee, the CEDA Standing Committee, the Supreme National Investment Council, the Supreme National Council for Industry, the Supreme Transportation and Logistics Committee, the Large Companies Investment Committee, the National Incentives Committee, the Privatization Program Committee, the Financial Sector Development Program Committee, and the National Transformation Program Committee. HE also serves on several boards including the Public Investment Fund, National Development Fund, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the General Organization for Social Insurance, the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, the National Center for Performance Management, and the Cultural Development Fund. His Excellency served as secretary/second secretary of the Aramco IPO Committees. He was also chairman of the Executive Committee and member of the Supervisory Committee for the Kingdom’s participation in EXPO 2020 Dubai which has received multiple awards and recognitions.

Previously, Alibrahim served as Vice Minister of Economy and Planning and prior to that held key positions at Saudi Aramco including head of mergers and acquisitions, project manager of King Salman International Complex for Maritime Services and Industries, project manager for the Vela-Bahri merger, the largest transaction in Saudi at that time, and Vice President of Aramco Development Company.

Alibrahim holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a bachelor’s degree in economics, a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and a Minor in Management Information Systems from the Pennsylvania State University. HE is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and member of the UCLA Health International Advisory Board.

Ahmad bin Sulaiman AlRajhi, the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia, brings vast experience and expertise to his role. With a Bachelor's in Systems Engineering from King Fahd University, his career spans pivotal positions in Saudi Arabia's economic and social sectors.

Previously, AlRajhi chaired the Council of Saudi Chambers, served as Vice President of the Federation of GCC Chambers, and contributed to Modon and the Riyadh Chamber. His private sector involvement includes board positions in companies like AlArd Holding, Enjaz Real Estate, Gulf Packaging Industries Ltd., Al Rajhi Invest Holding, Al-Rajhi Takaful, and ACWA Power, showcasing diverse expertise.

Demonstrating a commitment to social development, he chaired entities like Hadaf, the Social Development Bank, and humanitarian institutions like Ekhaa. He played key roles in disability care, social studies, and occupational safety, affiliating with esteemed organizations like the Institute of Public Administration and the National Center for Non-Profit Sector.

AlRajhi's contributions expanded to awards in social work and occupational safety, highlighting his multifaceted dedication. His extensive cross-sector experience and steadfast commitment to societal well-being underline his influential role in shaping Saudi Arabia's landscape.

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