The forum attracted over 250 young professionals and students from across the GCC
The first edition of the GPCA Youth Forum was held successfully on the sidelines of the 16th Annual GPCA Forum on 5-6 December 2022 in the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh. Held under the theme ‘For The Youth. By The Youth.’, the forum attracted over 250 young professionals and students from across the GCC.
Opening the forum was Mohammed Al-Akil, Sr. Sustainability Analyst, SABIC, while the welcome remarks were presented by Naser Aldousari, President and CEO, EQUATE Group.
Young delegates enjoyed a fantastic program filled with insightful leadership conversations and inspirational dialogues with some of the most successful changemakers among the region’s youth. The event kicked off on 5 December with a dialogue with the first female Aerospace Engineer in the GCC and Special Advisor to the CEO of the Saudi Space Commission, Eng. Mishaal Ashemimry.
“You should fail, and fail often, because you will learn more from failures than success. It’s better to have tried and failed, than not to have tried at all,” Ashemimry told delegates.
As part of the forum’s first Youth Majlis session, Reema Juffali, Saudi Arabia’s first female racing driver, shared her experience in breaking barriers and advancing female diversity in the region.
“Six years ago I wouldn’t imagine myself behind the wheel on the track, representing Saudi Arabia but with time it happened,” Juffali said, encouraging young professionals to follow their dreams and persevere.
Faris Al-Obaid, Consultant to The State of Kuwait, and Advisor at The Office of H.E. The Secretary-General, General Secretariat of The Supreme Council for Planning and Development, highlighted to the forum’s participants the value of reading and writing as a key tool to help them debate and showcase their side of the story to their peers. “Getting comfortable in uncomfortable situations shapes your character.” he said.
Delegates also had the opportunity to hear from and meet with Othman Almoamar, Chairman of Y20 Saudi Arabia, the official platform bringing young voices together to the G20 leaders. Almoamar discussed ways in which the regional youth can adapt and embrace the technological progress to equip themselves with the skills needed in the future. In a session entitled ‘See the ‘Big Picture’, he shared valuable insights with the delegates and provided them with first-hand knowledge on how to capitalize on the digital revolution to grow and develop their career.
As part of the second Youth Majlis session, delegates heard from industry leaders Dr. Mohammed Al-Mulla, Managing Director and CEO, QAPCO – Qatar Petrochemical Company, Mutlaq Almorished, CEO, TASNEE, and Abdullah S. Alsaadoon, CEO, SIPCHEM.
Dr. Al-Mulla encouraged participants to embrace creativity through the revolution of technology, while Al-Morished advised the youth to gain hands-on experience and learn a variety of skills. “We live in a competitive environment, [therefore] we need to constantly keep up to date,” he told delegates, reminding them that the only people in charge of their career journey are they themselves.
“Every problem is an opportunity for learning,” Al-Saadoon concluded, highlighting the need to understand one’s workplace objectives and the importance of working towards them.
The final session of the day was dedicated to sustainable development and preparing the GCC human capital for a net-zero future. Abdulaziz Al-Oudan, EVP – Corporate Human Resources, SABIC, said: “Sustainability extends to our organizations, teams, priorities and even families.” His fellow panellist, Faisal AlBalushi, VP – People, Technology & Culture (PT&C), OQ RPI & Plastics, added: “Allow people to make judgements to adapt what they have learned.”
“Sustainability and profitability go hand on hand,” said Yves Morieux, MD & Senior Partner, Boston Consulting Group (BCG). “Our ultimate resources are not [material] things, they are human knowledge and intelligence,” he added.
The forum’s day one agenda ended on a high note with a special workshop hosted by Hasan Alkabeer, Partner, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Stefano Castoldi, Principal, BCG. On day 2 delegates enjoyed part 2 of the workshop and a Speed Mentorship session.
