Top News
Dhaka: Saudi Arabia has announced the third edition of the Human Capability Initiative (HCI) Conference 2026, set to take place in Riyadh on 03–04 May, with more than 15,000 global leaders expected to attend.
Organized by the Human Capability Development Program (HCDP), the conference will be held under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saudi, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Chairman of the HCDP Committee. The 2026 edition will run under the theme “The Human Code,” focusing on redefining learning and work environments in the age of artificial intelligence.
The United Kingdom has been named Country of Honor, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the UK in education, workforce development, and economic cooperation, read a press release.
According to organizers, HCI 2026 will feature more than 250 local and international speakers, including policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and experts from the public and private sectors, nonprofit organizations, and global think tanks. Discussions will center on unlocking human potential and building future-ready skills to support sustainable economic growth.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Education and Chairman of the Executive Committee of HCDP, Youssef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, said the conference reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to investing in people as a foundation for long-term competitiveness.
“Human potential remains the most critical driver of progress in a rapidly changing global landscape. Investing in people is central to building a competitive economy and a knowledge-based society,” he said, noting that the conference aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Welcoming the UK as Country of Honor, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Economic and Social Committee of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council, Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi, said the designation reflects continued cooperation between the two countries. He cited initiatives such as “Skills of the Future,” launched at the 2025 HCI Conference, aimed at strengthening educational exchange and workforce development.
Since its launch, HCI has emerged as a leading global platform for dialogue on human capability development. The previous two editions attracted more than 23,000 participants, featured over 550 speakers, and resulted in 156 partnerships and initiatives.
Registration for HCI 2026 is now open. Further details are available at the conference’s official website.
K
