The Misk Foundation, established by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has once again made a significant impact at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos. Through its innovative Youth Majlis initiative, Misk continues its mission of empowering Saudi youth, facilitating critical dialogues between young leaders and global decision-makers.
The theme for this year’s event, “The Big Now,” reflects the urgency and importance of involving young people in shaping the future. It emphasizes the vital role leaders play in creating opportunities and nurturing an environment where the voices and ideas of the youth are not only heard but are integral to decision-making processes. The core objective of the Youth Majlis by Misk is to stimulate social transformation among young people, highlighting the critical role of artificial intelligence, global citizenship, and innovation in driving this change.
Interactive displays at the event encourage participants to engage in a survey, contributing their perspectives towards youth-led positive social impacts. This year's Youth Majlis has been especially dynamic, featuring 35 speakers across 10 discussion sessions. These sessions have focused on vital topics ranging from combating misinformation on social media to fostering leadership skills and supporting the personal development of young individuals.
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Princess Reema bint Bandar, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States, played a pivotal role in the discussions. She highlighted Misk's commitment to empowering young people, offering them platforms to voice their ideas and make a global impact. Her participation underlines the importance of such initiatives in ensuring that young voices are heard at influential forums like Davos, where global policies and strategies are shaped.
In tackling the challenges of misinformation, particularly in the digital age, the Youth Majlis hosted insightful panels. One such discussion, led by Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas, underscored the crucial role of media literacy in combating misinformation. He pointed out the transformative impact of technology, noting, “In today’s world, anyone with a smartphone and internet access can create and share content, marking a revolutionary change in how information is disseminated.”
Casper Herzberg, CEO of AVENA Group and a member of Schneider Electric’s executive committee, shared his insights on leadership. He emphasized the importance of self-expectation and consistency, advising, “Before you expect things from others, expect things from yourself. Do what you say to establish trust. Consistency is key; erratic leadership is not appreciated.”
Since its inception in 2011, the Misk Foundation has been a cornerstone in nurturing Saudi Arabia's youth across various sectors, including leadership and entrepreneurship. The foundation operates several affiliated entities, such as the Misk Art Institute, Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, Manga Productions, Misk Schools, and Ilmi. Each entity plays a unique role in enhancing Misk’s impact and outreach, demonstrating the foundation's comprehensive approach to youth development and empowerment.
As Misk continues to participate in and contribute to global forums like the Davos meeting, it solidifies its position as a key player in shaping a future driven by young, innovative minds. The Youth Majlis initiative is a clear indication of Misk's dedication to fostering a generation of leaders equipped to navigate and shape an increasingly complex global landscape.
