KSA champions innovation and talent development 
The third Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity, held in Riyadh last month under the theme “Beyond Creative Minds,” highlighted Ƶ’s leadership in fostering global innovation and nurturing talent to tackle future challenges.
Organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, or Mawhiba, the event brought together visionaries, experts, and gifted youth from around the globe for an inspiring three-day journey of creativity and collaboration.
The conference underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a global hub for innovation and talent development, aligning with its Vision 2030 agenda. By promoting collaboration and creativity, Ƶ is paving the way for transformative solutions to global issues.
A key feature of the conference was the Creathon, an engaging competition involving 160 creative minds and experts across four main tracks. Designed to foster collaboration and collective intelligence, the Creathon showcased participants’ ability to apply design-thinking principles to address challenges and propose innovative solutions to enhance education and quality of life.
As a member of the judging panel, I had the privilege of evaluating innovative ideas developed by multidisciplinary teams. The participants’ creativity and dedication deeply impressed me, reaffirming my belief in the power of collaboration to unlock impactful solutions and underscoring the vital role of educational initiatives in nurturing talent.
Guided by international facilitators, the competition leveraged participants' diverse backgrounds and insights, ensuring practical and meaningful outcomes.
One of the conference’s standout contributors was Tatweer Education Holding Co., a key sponsor and advocate for education and innovation in Ƶ. Tatweer played a pivotal role in the event’s success, offering crucial support to the Creathon participants.
The event highlighted Ƶ’s commitment to innovation, nurturing talent, and equipping future leaders for a dynamic global landscape.
In addition to sponsoring the winning teams, the organization extended its generosity to all participants, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and talent empowerment. Through initiatives like this conference, Tatweer is not only advancing its mission to transform education but also fostering a thriving ecosystem of creativity and innovation. By investing in the next generation of thinkers and leaders, Tatweer solidifies its role as a cornerstone of educational advancement in the Kingdom.
The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center provided an ideal venue for the conference. Designed by the late renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the center’s futuristic architecture and dynamic spaces inspired participants to transcend conventional boundaries, perfectly aligning with the event’s themes of creativity and innovation.
A standout feature of the conference was the unveiling of the Mawhiba MetaMinds Portal, a state-of-the-art platform designed to foster professional growth and innovation. The portal offers mentorship, hands-on projects, and global networking opportunities, embodying the conference’s goal of building connections and sparking creativity.
This visionary initiative, led by Omar Al-Moammar, Mawhiba’s adviser, reflects a commitment to nurturing talent and enabling impactful collaboration. His leadership has been pivotal in bringing this transformative platform to fruition, advancing Mawhiba’s mission of empowering gifted individuals.
As a member of the judging panel, I was honored to work alongside esteemed colleagues like Iffat Alrowaithy, head of corporate innovation at SAB, Salem Al-Elyani, and Khawlah Sabha from Tatweer. Their expertise and insights enriched the evaluation process and exemplified the collaborative spirit that defined the conference.
The event showcased Ƶ’s unified vision for fostering innovation and creativity, providing a platform to nurture gifted individuals and equip them with the skills and opportunities needed to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
It was a true celebration of creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity. With the support of key sponsors, the conference highlighted Ƶ’s leadership in education and talent development. The passion and dedication of everyone involved — from participants to Mawhiba team members — were truly inspiring, bringing the event’s vision to life.
• Ahoud Alshaikh, Ph.D., M.Sc., M.A., Harvard CSML, is an education expert specializing in edtech, educational assessment, public-private partnerships and educational corporate governance.
