WASHINGTON — Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim participated in a panel discussion titled "Human Capital: The Key to Economic Growth" at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and World Bank Group (WBG) event, held on the sidelines of the IMF-WBG Annual Meetings. During the discussion, Alibrahim emphasized that "Saudi Vision 2030 is leading a transformative shift, redefining approaches to health, education, social protection, and gender equality, all aimed at building long-term resilience and global competitiveness." He elaborated on the education reforms being implemented, noting that they are strategically designed to future-proof the workforce by emphasizing skills-based learning and fostering innovation, particularly in STEM fields. This initiative aims to position the Kingdom as a leader in technology and engineering. In the health sector, Alibrahim highlighted efforts to expand infrastructure, integrate digital health solutions, and prioritize preventive care, with the strategic goal of improving national wellness and healthcare efficiency. He also pointed out that preparing for the future of work is a critical priority, requiring targeted reskilling initiatives and strong private sector partnerships to navigate the shifts brought about by automation and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, Alibrahim underscored the importance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as key drivers of economic growth, detailing the dedicated efforts to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that supports sustainable development in the Kingdom.
