The Global CSR Forum 2024 kicked off in Riyadh on Tuesday, drawing leaders from diverse sectors to champion sustainable development, under the patronage of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Held at the Four Seasons Hotel, the two-day event, themed “From Commitment to Impact,” is organized by Saudi Arabia’s Human Resources and Social Development Ministry.
The forum gathered an impressive mix of government ministers, international CEOs, and CSR (corporate social responsibility) experts, all interested in exploring the evolving CSR landscape and its global significance.
In his opening address, Saudi Human Resources and Social Development Minister Ahmad Al-Rajhi welcomed participants on behalf of King Salman, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to establish a world-class platform for dialogue on social responsibility.
“This forum is designed to build global partnerships and create new models for public-private collaboration in sustainable development,” Al-Rajhi said, underscoring the forum’s core mission. He emphasized the role of the event in facilitating knowledge exchange and tackling the challenges within corporate social responsibility.
Al-Rajhi noted the growing importance of private sector involvement in sustainability, which has become “essential” in today’s corporate world.
The minister highlighted the evolution of CSR, pointing to the increasing integration of innovation, sustainable digitization, and strategic transformation in corporate practices. He shared examples of companies adopting renewable energy and circular economy principles, reinforcing commitments to environmental sustainability and community development.
Al-Rajhi praised Saudi Arabia’s progress in social responsibility, describing it as “an inspiring story of transformation and empowerment,” and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to embedding CSR within its strategic vision, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
