Members of the Young Global Leaders program with Saudi Aramco management
Members of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders (YGLs), a unique and diverse community of the world’s most outstanding, next generation leaders, recently enjoyed an unprecedented, high-level visit to Saudi Arabia.
They came from all over the world, and took part in a busy week of insightful meetings with some of the Kingdom’s leadership, industry visits, discussions with public and private sector decision makers, and conversations with social innovators and policymakers, all interspersed with a mix of Saudi hospitality, culture and recreation.
The visit gave the young leaders an opportunity to hear these Saudi business leaders speak candidly about their work and direction. The common trait among them was that they were all working toward positive social impact channeled through industries, vocations and missions.
The YGLs spent the day with Saudi Aramco, meeting with leadership and learning about the culture, output and talent of the business. One of the participants, Asma Siddiki said of the visit: ‘The day with Saudi Aramco may have been the most diverse. Nationally, both its own output and its talent are at the forefront of work being carried out through the Accelerated Transformation Program. The culture at Saudi Aramco needs replication, adaption, and execution across the country. It is efficient, focused, inclusive and forward-looking’.
Amin Nasser, President and CEO of Saudi Aramco, spent time with the YGLs during their visit, providing the opportunity for conversation about the business. The young leaders also learnt more about Saudi Aramco’s own young leaders program, the Young Leaders Advisory Board (YLAB). Composed of young men and women from across the company, it is an inclusive program that diversifies the counsel and perspectives received by corporate management while also empowering its future stakeholders and leaders.
Other highlights of the day included a visit to the new King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, a futuristic hub for learning and outreach, and an overview of plans for a wildlife preserve area near the Shaybah oil field.
The YGL community is made up of leaders from all walks of life, from every region in the world. Nominated under 40, they are proposed through a qualified nomination process and assessed according to rigorous selection criteria that creates a diverse and representative body.