Entrepreneur Andrew Barnes has built a career marked by transformative innovations and digitalization efforts within the business landscape. His leadership has left an indelible mark on companies across the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2018, he captured global attention with an ambitious idea aimed at boosting workplace productivity and enhancing employee well-being – the implementation of a four-day workweek.

At the helm of New Zealand's largest corporate trustee firm, Perpetual Guardian, Andrew introduced a groundbreaking four-day workweek trial, granting employees an additional day off while maintaining full pay. The trial achieved resounding success, garnering widespread international interest and earning numerous global accolades.

Today, Barnes stands as the vanguard and mastermind behind the worldwide four-day workweek movement. As the co-founder of 4 Day Week Global alongside his partner, Charlotte Lockhart, they are orchestrating the most extensive trials ever conducted, spanning the UK, US, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Over 250 companies worldwide, encompassing more than 100,000 employees, are participating in these trials, coinciding with a comprehensive global research initiative involving esteemed academic institutions such as Boston College, Cambridge, Oxford, and others.

Nadhmi Al-Nasr has enjoyed a distinguished career leading prominent Saudi Arabian companies and projects. Since July 2018, he has been the Chief Executive Officer of NEOM, a crucial component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy. Under his leadership, NEOM is set to become a national economic engine and a global innovation hub.

Al-Nasr, with an Engineering degree from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, began his career at Saudi Aramco in 1978, holding increasingly important roles and overseeing significant projects such as the Ghawar oil field expansion and the Shaybah Development Program. He also served in key positions, including Manager of Facilities and Planning, Manager of Long-Range Planning, and Managing Director of Saudi Petroleum Overseas Ltd. (SPOL).

In 2006, he became Vice President of the KAUST Development Program, later appointed as KAUST's Executive Vice President of Administration and Finance. Al-Nasr holds prominent board positions, including his 2009 appointment to the Advisory Board of the Supreme Economic Council and his 2017 role as Interim President of the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC).

Sukti Dasgupta serves as the Director of the Conditions of Work and Equality Department at the International Labour Organization (ILO) headquarters located in Geneva. With a rich history of diverse roles within the ILO, she has accumulated extensive experience, both at the Geneva headquarters and in the field. Dr. Dasgupta is a distinguished scholar, holding a Ph.D. in Economics from the prestigious Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. She is widely recognized for her prolific contributions to the fields of employment, structural transformation, gender studies, informality, and inequality, with numerous publications to her credit.

Ms. Dasgupta's professional journey has been marked by substantial engagements with policymakers, as well as active collaboration with workers' and employers' organizations. Her expertise lies in crafting and advising on employment policies and labor protection measures, reflecting her commitment to advancing labor rights and social equality.

Gilbert F. Houngbo, born in Togo in 1961, has dedicated much of his life to enhancing the prospects of the world's most vulnerable people. His extensive experience in policy issues, economic development, diplomacy, and financial accountability has been instrumental in his mission.

After earning an advanced degree in business management from the University of Lomé (Togo), Gilbert F. Houngbo obtained a degree in accounting and finance from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Canada) and became a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants.

He commenced his professional journey at Price Waterhouse in Canada in 1986, where he remained until 1993. Subsequently, between 1994 and 1996, he served as the Director of Finance at the International Bank of Mali. Following this, he joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), assuming various roles including Head of Financial Reporting and Trust Fund Management, Comptroller and Director of Finance and Administration, Chief of Staff, and Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Africa.

In 2008, Gilbert F. Houngbo was appointed as the Prime Minister of Togo, a position he held until 2012. He reengaged with the United Nations system in 2013, taking on the role of Deputy Director-General for Field Operations and Partnerships at the International Labour Office.

In 2017, he was elected as the sixth President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and in 2021, he was re-elected to the same post. Since 2017, he has also served as the Chair of UN-Water, the United Nations' coordination mechanism for water and sanitation.

Additionally, Gilbert F. Houngbo chairs the Board of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) and is a board member of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA).

In March 2022, Gilbert F. Houngbo was elected by the ILO's Governing Body as the Organization's 11th Director-General, becoming the first African to hold this position. He assumed this role on October 1, 2022, with a focus on promoting greater social justice, combating inequalities and discrimination in the world of work, and improving working conditions through national action and effective multilateral coordination and leadership. His priorities include universal social protection, decent work in global supply chains and the platform economy, the fight against child and forced labor, protecting the rights of migrant workers, promoting social dialogue and freedom of association, ensuring just transitions, and achieving gender equality.

In December 2020, Mike became a part of Pearson, where he assumed the role of leading the Workforce Skills initiative. His primary focus within this role is on data-driven upskilling and reskilling programs aimed at fostering career advancement, driving employer growth, and unlocking individual potential.

Before joining Pearson, Mike served as HM Consul General in Los Angeles, dedicated to advancing trade, investment, scientific cooperation, creative and media collaborations, and educational partnerships between the UK and the Western United States (California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Hawaii). With over two decades of experience in international business and global affairs, he held senior leadership positions within the British diplomatic network, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, and gained experience in international development, human rights law, the UK tech sector, and at HSBC.

Mike's educational background comprises a master's degree in international law from the University of Nottingham and a degree in Anthropology from University College London.

Osasuyi Dirisu currently serves as the Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre and holds the position of Senior Fellow at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, where she oversees behavioral and policy interventions in health, governance, gender, and social inclusion in Nigeria.

With over twenty years of experience, she previously served as the Research Director at the Population Council, leading development and gender projects across various sectors. Notably, she led the development of the innovative National Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Dashboard, designed for real-time collation of validated GBV data in Nigeria.

In 2022, she introduced the Gender and Development certificate course and organized the inaugural National Gender and Inclusion Summit, with 700 in-person attendees and 9,000 virtual participants.

Osasuyi is a highly accomplished academic, holding degrees from the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Pan-Atlantic University, and the University of Leeds. She has been recognized with the 2015 SOUTER-ISAM Fellowship and is an alumna of the Harvard Kennedy School and the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. She is also a sought-after speaker and one of the top 100 career women in Africa.

Virginia Dignum, a Professor of Responsible Artificial Intelligence at Umeå University in Sweden, serves as a senior advisor on AI policy to the Wallenberg Foundations. She earned her PhD in Artificial Intelligence from Utrecht University in 2004 and is a distinguished member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) and a Fellow of the European Artificial Intelligence Association (EURAI). In addition to her academic achievements, she plays a vital role as a member of various prestigious organizations, including the United Nations Advisory Body on AI, the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), UNESCO's expert group on AI recommendations implementation, and she is the founder of ALLAI, the Dutch AI Alliance. Furthermore, she co-chairs the WEF's Global Future Council on AI and was a key member of the EU's High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Dignum also led the development of UNICEF's guidance on AI and children. She is the author of "Responsible Artificial Intelligence: Developing and Using AI in a Responsible Way," which was published by Springer in 2019.

George J. Borjas holds the Robert W. Scrivner Research Professorship in Economics and Social Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. His accolades include the prestigious IZA Prize in Labor Economics in 2011. Additionally, he serves as a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research and a Research Fellow at IZA. Professor Borjas is a prolific author, with notable works such as "Immigration Economics" (Harvard University Press, 2014), "Heaven's Door: Immigration Policy and the American Economy" (Princeton University Press, 1999), and the widely used textbook "Labor Economics" (McGraw-Hill, 2020), now in its eighth edition. His most recent publication is "We Wanted Workers: Unraveling the Immigration Narrative," released by W. W. Norton in Fall 2016. He boasts a substantial body of work, with over 170 articles in books and scholarly journals.

Professor Borjas has received professional honors, including recognition in Who's Who in the World and Who's Who in America. He was elected as a fellow of the Econometric Society in 1998 and the Society of Labor Economists in 2004. In 2016, Politico ranked him 17th on their list of the "50 thinkers, doers, and visionaries transforming American politics for his candid perspective on immigration issues." He earned his Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University in 1975.

Seamus McGuinness, a Research Professor and Research Area Coordinator specializing in labor market research, serves at the Economic and Social Research Institute. His academic journey led him through key positions at Queen's University Belfast, the Northern Ireland Economic Research Centre, and the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic & Social Research (University of Melbourne). He earned his PhD in Economics from Queen's University Belfast in 2003.

The bulk of his published work concentrates on labor economics and the economics of education, with additional research contributions spanning industrial relations, small business economics, regional economics, and the economics of constitutional change in Ireland.

In parallel with his endeavors in the Irish labor market, Seamus has spearheaded multiple European labor studies in collaboration with a multitude of international research partners. He also holds the titles of Research Fellow at the Institute of Labor Studies (IZA) in Bonn and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Economics at Trinity College Dublin.

Mohammad A. Abunayyan is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ACWA Power, a publicly listed company on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul). The company is at the global forefront of the energy transition, offering transformative solutions in clean energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen.

An accomplished business leader with over four decades of experience in various sectors, Abunayyan is widely recognized as a global reference in the water and energy sectors.

As Chairman of the Board of Directors since ACWA Power's inception, Abunayyan has remained focused on ensuring that the company's operating model is founded on sustainability, technological innovation, cost leadership, and operational excellence. He also emphasizes the development of strong public-private sector partnerships with a clear purpose: to deliver the highest level of sustainable value to all stakeholders, while also focusing on driving community impact. He is a strong advocate and enabler of local talent and content in all the markets where ACWA Power operates.

Additionally, Abunayyan serves as Chairman of Vision Invest and Dussur, and he is on the executive board of numerous reputed organizations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region.

Dr. Frida Polli is an award-winning Harvard and MIT neuroscientist turned entrepreneur, AI ethicist, and tech policy expert. She was the CEO and co-founder of pymetrics, a company that pioneered the use of behavioral science and audited AI in workforce decisions. With global clients like BCG and Blackstone, pymetrics was a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer and Global Innovator, an Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing company, and a Forbes AI 50 company. After raising approximately $80 million from Khosla Ventures, Mercer, Randstad, Workday, Salesforce, and General Atlantic, pymetrics had a successful exit to a strategic acquirer, Harver, in 2022, where Dr. Polli served as the Chief Data Science Officer. She recently founded Alethia, an organization promoting AI literacy and transparency. A member of YPO, Frida has also been named one of Inc.'s Top 100 Female Founders and one of Entrepreneur's Top 100 Powerful Women. Frida and her work have been featured by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Economist, and many other outlets. Frida also played a pivotal role in passing the first-in-the-nation AI law – New York's Automated Employment Decision Tool law, which went into effect in July 2023.

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb is the Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As Saudi Arabia’s first Minister of Tourism, he is responsible for opening the Kingdom to international tourism and realizing the sector’s full social and economic potential. His Excellency is the Chairman of several boards, including the Tourism Development Council, Saudi Tourism Authority, the Tourism Development Fund, Saudi Fund for Development, Saudi Arabian Military Industries, and the Saudi Red Sea Authority. His Excellency serves as a Board Member of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), NEOM, the National Development Fund, and the Red Sea Global. He is also the Secretary-General of Diriyah Gate Development Authority and Jeddah Central Development Company, Event Investment Fund, and Secretary-General of Al Diriyah Company Limited.

As Minister of Tourism, His Excellency was among the leading figures of the government framework guiding Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and currently chairs the Quality of Life Program. During his tenure as Minister of Tourism, His Excellency has been one of the most influential driving forces in the Kingdom today, with his work spanning across Saudi Arabia’s most critical industrial sectors, including the military complex, foreign direct investment, and commerce. Most recently, he led elements of the National Transformation Program 2020.

Prior to joining the Ministry of Tourism, His Excellency served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority, Minister of Health, and Advisor to HRH the Crown Prince at the Royal Court, as well as an advisor to the Minister of Defense. He established private investment banking at Riyadh Bank and was also the Founder of Jadwa Investment Company, Founder of Islamic Banking (Amanah) – SABB Bank, and Advisor to the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers. His Excellency has over 25 years of experience in investment and financial services, during which he established, managed, and restructured multiple private sector and government entities. He is known for his ability to drive institutional transformation to achieve long-term strategic objectives.

His Excellency holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from King Saud University, KSA, a Diploma in Wealth Management from Dalhousie University, Canada, and is a Certified Financial Advisor.

With over two decades of experience in both print and broadcast journalism, Charlotte Kan is a seasoned business journalist and communication expert based in the UK. She is a bilingual (French/English) graduate holding a Master's in International Journalism from City University, London. Charlotte's impressive career has seen her collaborate with global media giants like Bloomberg TV, Euronews, M6, RTL, and Standard & Poor's. She has a remarkable track record of conducting interviews with influential figures, from CEOs to politicians.

As an international conference host and moderator, Charlotte has steered discussions at prestigious events, including the Astana International Forum, Uzbekistan Economic Forum, Zayed Sustainability Prize (Concordia Summit), London Climate Innovation Forum, Paris Impact Finance Forum, Riyadh Expo 2030 Symposium in Paris, Sustainable Construction Talks by Saint-Gobain at New York Climate Week, COP28 in Dubai, and the AI Global Summit in Geneva.

In addition to her journalistic endeavors, Charlotte provides communication strategy and editorial consultancy services to leading global players in the financial services and tech sectors, including Société Générale, Deloitte UK, HSBC Global Private Banking, Oracle, Royal Bank of Canada, and IBM.

Furthermore, Charlotte serves as the President of Humanity Diaspo, a Paris-based NGO dedicated to promoting humanitarian aid and championing female empowerment worldwide.

Xinchen-Gerald Xu, an accomplished journalist, joined CGTN in 2017. With a focus on economy, finance, construction, and engineering, Xu's reporting encompasses a diverse range of subjects. Additionally, Xu serves as the host of CGTN's "Mega World," a 15-minute program dedicated to examining how construction, engineering, and policies address global development challenges.

Before his tenure at CGTN, Xu contributed to the media landscape with bilingual hosting roles at Shanghai Media Group and KATV7 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Notably, Xu has also lent his expertise to moderating panels at prominent conferences in Saudi Arabia, including the Financial Sector Conference and the Tenth Arab-China Business Conference.

China Global Television Network (CGTN), the international wing of China Media Group (CMG) headquartered in Beijing, China, stands as one of the world's foremost international broadcasters. With a viewership of over 600 million cable subscribers and 200 million online followers, CGTN reaches audiences across the globe. The network maintains a significant presence in Beijing, Washington D.C., Nairobi, and London, delivering content in English, Arabic, French, Spanish, and Russian.

Oli Barrett is passionate about connecting people and ideas. He co-founded Clean and Cool, a platform that has facilitated numerous connections between cleantech founders and partners/clients across the globe. Oli is a shareholder in various companies, such as Ethos (dedicated to transforming our relationship with energy), the mental health-focused Calm.com, and Troubadour Theatres, which is involved in the creation of new theaters and film studios.

Furthermore, Oli played a pivotal role in co-founding Tenner, the UK's largest schools enterprise competition, which is now administered by the charity Young Enterprise. He was also a co-founder of StartUp Britain, an initiative that received support from the British Prime Minister, and the global literacy campaign Turn On The Subtitles (TOTS), which advocates for broadcasters and tech companies to enhance children's reading experiences.

Prior to his current endeavors, Oli worked as a cast member at Walt Disney World and has since become a regular event host and presenter. He also serves on the advisory boards of Tech London Advocates, Global Tech Advocates, One Million Mentors, and Founders4Schools.

Dr. Fadi Makki, Partner & Director at Boston Consulting Group, serves as the Global Co-Lead of BCG’s Behavioral Science Lab. Pioneering the application of behavioral insights and "nudge" concepts in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA), he conducted over 150 experiments in health, sustainability, inclusion, and human capital development before joining BCG.

Founder of the first behavioral insights units in the Middle East, Dr. Makki led B4Development at Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, integrating behavioral science into aspects of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Additionally, he established Nudge Lebanon, a groundbreaking behavioral science unit in the Global South. Currently, he co-chairs the WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Behavioral Insights for Health.

With prior senior roles in the private sector, Dr. Makki served as Director General at the office of the prime minister and the Ministry of Economy and Trade in Lebanon. Holding a PhD from Cambridge University, he earned master's degrees from LSE and Hull University, and bachelor's degrees from AUB and the Lebanese University.

In 2021, Dr. Makki was recognized in the Agile 50, listed among the World's 50 Most Influential People Navigating Disruption, a collaboration by Apolitical and World Economic Forum Global Future Council on Agile Governance.

Anna Ekeledo is the Executive Director of AfriLabs, a network organization uniting 400 technology and innovation hubs across 52 African countries and the diaspora. In this role, she leads the AfriLabs community to realize its vision of a thriving innovation economy in Africa. She manages a pan-African team focused on creating initiatives and building partnerships that support African innovation hubs, fostering high-potential entrepreneurs, and driving economic growth and social development in Africa.

Anna is a versatile professional, excelling as an international speaker, trainer, innovation ecosystem builder, and mentor. She also serves in advisory roles, including membership in the Africa-Europe Foundation Digital Strategy Task Force and active participation in a High-Level Policy Dialogue on the Science, Technology, and Innovation working group AU-EU Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). Additionally, she is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the future of technology policy.

Anna holds a first-class degree in psychology from Covenant University, Nigeria, and an M.Sc. in International Marketing Management from Leeds University Business School, UK. She has received recognition as a top African economic and tech leader by organizations such as Choiseul 100 Africa, Agile 50, and the World Economic Forum.

H.E. Turki Aljawini earned a bachelor's degree in management information systems from Clarion University in Pennsylvania, USA in 1998. In 2001, he joined the Saudi British Bank (SABB) and steadily advanced through different roles, ultimately attaining the position of branch network manager.

From 2006 to 2008, he worked in the investment sector. In 2009, he transitioned to the aviation industry and held a position at NAS Holding Company until 2013. Subsequently, he served as the Head of the Commercial Department at NasJet Private Aviation Company until the conclusion of 2015.

In January 2016, he assumed the role of advisor to the Assistant to the President for Airport Sectors at the General Authority of Civil Aviation. In March 2016, he was appointed as the Director General of King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. In July 2017, he took on the responsibility of managing Dammam Airports Company's privacy program and served as CEO until October 2019. Throughout his tenure, his focus was on strategic planning and overseeing various development projects at King Fahd International Airport.

In November 2019, he was appointed as the Director General of the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) to lead the transformation project of the fund to support overall development of the KSA Human Resources ecosystem and position HRDF as the key enabler for the private sector through its programs and initiatives funding mechanisms.

Carl Benedikt Frey is a globally recognized authority on the future of work and the profound impact of technology on our labor force and economies. He has advised and consulted with prominent international organizations, think tanks, governments, and businesses, including the G20, OECD, European Commission, and the United Nations. As an op-ed contributor to esteemed publications such as the Financial Times, Foreign Affairs, Scientific American, and the Wall Street Journal, Frey explores subjects ranging from the economics of AI to the history of technology, the future of cities, and remote work trends.

His academic work has been featured in over 100 media outlets, and he is a frequent guest on international broadcast media, including CNN, BBC, and Sky News. Frey remains a Senior Fellow in the Department of Economic History at Lund University and is affiliated with the RSA. Since 2019, he has been a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on the New Economic Agenda and the Bretton Woods Committee. In 2020, he joined the GPAI, a multi-stakeholder initiative hosted by the OECD, dedicated to guiding the responsible development and utilization of AI. He obtained his Ph.D. from the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition in 2011.

Adonis Georgiadis was born on November 6th, 1972, in Athens. He is married to Eugenia Manolidou, and they have two children, Perseus and Alcaeus. He graduated from the Faculty of History & Archaeology of the School of Philosophy of the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens.

In 1993, he took over the management of publications 'GEORGIADIS-LIBRARY OF GREEK.' In 1994, he founded the Liberal Studies Center "GREEK EDUCATION."

Elected MP in Athens B region in the elections of 2007 and 2009 with the LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) political party.

In February 2012, he joined the Nea Demokratia political party, having resigned from the parliamentary office. He was elected with Nea Demokratia in Athens B in the national elections of 2012 and 2015.

In 2011, he was Vice Minister of Shipping in the Government of Lucas Papademos, and in 2013, he was appointed Minister of Health in the Government of Antonis Samaras.

On July 9, 2019, Adonis Georgiadis was sworn in as Minister of Development and Investments in the Government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a position he held for four years until [insert end date].

In the elections of May 21, 2023, Adonis Georgiadis was re-elected as a Member of Parliament for the Northern Sector of Athens. On June 27th, he was sworn in as the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare.

Çağlar Özden, a Turkish national and a seasoned professional migrant, holds the position of Lead Economist in the Development Research Group at the World Bank. Alongside this role, he serves as the co-director for the 2023 World Development Report on International Migration. His academic journey includes attaining undergraduate degrees in economics and industrial engineering from Cornell University, followed by a Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University. Çağlar is recognized as a fellow of prestigious institutions like IZA, CreAM, and ERF.

His extensive research delves into the interconnectedness of global product and labor markets, government policies, and their impact on economic development. With three edited books and numerous publications in esteemed academic journals such as the American Economic Review and the Economic Journal, he stands as a leading authority in his field. Notably, he spearheads the flagship report "Moving for Prosperity: Global Migration and Labor Markets."

Currently, his research focus spans various facets of global labor mobility, exploring factors influencing migration patterns, the effects of migrants on destination labor markets, medical brain drain, and the interplay between migration, trade, and foreign direct investment flows.

Johannes Koettl, a Senior Economist at the World Bank’s Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice, is also a Research Fellow at both the Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) and the Global Labor Organization (GLO). With a dedicated focus on labor and social policies, he has contributed to the World Bank since 2004, particularly emphasizing Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Holding a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Vienna, Koettl's extensive research portfolio spans topics such as aging societies, migration, informal employment, work disincentives, long-term care, skills development, and active labor market policies.

Dr. Mark C. Thompson, currently serving as the Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Socioeconomics Program at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) in Riyadh, previously held the position of Assistant Professor of Middle East Studies at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) from 2012 to January 2020. With a focus on socioeconomic development, societal transformation, and youth issues in Saudi Arabia, Mark has authored several notable works, including "Saudi Arabia and the Path to Political Change: National Dialogue and Civil Society" (Bloomsbury, IB Tauris, 2014), "Being Young Male and Saudi: Identity and Politics in a Globalized Kingdom" (Cambridge University Press, 2019), and "Youth Issues and Everyday Life in Saudi Arabia" (Cambridge University Press, 2025). Additionally, Mark has co-edited publications such as "Policymaking in the GCC: State, Citizens and Institutions" (Bloomsbury, IB Tauris, 2017), "Governance and Domestic Policy Making in Saudi Arabia: Transforming Society, Economics, Politics, and Culture" (Bloomsbury IB Tauris 2022), and "Saudi Youth: Policies and Processes" (Springer 2024) alongside Dr. Neil Quilliam.

Tumi is the founder and executive director of AfricaWorldwide Media, a media company with interests in broadcast content production, publishing, communication strategy and the development and execution of strategic events. She is also founder and director of Kutlwano Realty (Pty) Ltd, a real estate investment business based in Johannesburg. In addition, she serves on a number of Boards as a Non-Executive Director where her portfolios have included, risk, audit, infrastructure, marketing and social and ethics.

In 2008 Tumi was nominated to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Forum of Young Global Leaders, a multi-stakeholder community of exceptional leaders below the age of 40, selected from around the world. Having joined that community, she served as the vice chairperson of the WEF’s Global Agenda Council on Women’s Empowerment as well as a member of its Global Agenda Councils on Africa and the Gender Gap.

Following a number of years as an accomplished broadcaster, anchoring and co-producing for CNN International at its Atlanta headquarters and also hosting numerous programmes for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Tumi headed International Affairs and Communications for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee.

As well as a degree in International Relations & Diplomacy, she has completed a leadership programme at Harvard University as well as professional development courses in Finance, Strategy, and Mergers and Acquisitions.

Steffen Hertog, an associate professor in the Department of Government at the London School of Economics, boasts over twenty years of dedicated research in Gulf political economy and public policy. His extensive expertise extends to collaborative endeavors with globally recognized entities such as the World Bank, OECD, ILO, European Commission, ESCWA, and numerous private consultancies and local GCC clients. Hertog's research focal points encompass labor market regulations, public sector management, and industrial policy matters within the MENA region.

He is renowned as the author of "Princes, Brokers and Bureaucrats: Oil and State in Saudi Arabia" (Cornell University Press, 2011) and as the editor of "Labour Market, Unemployment and Migration in the GCC" (Gerlach Press, 2012). Notably, his latest comprehensive work, "Locked Out of Development: Insiders and Outsiders in Arab Capitalism" (Cambridge University Press, 2022), solidifies his standing in the field. His academic journey includes the attainment of a PhD from the University of Oxford.

Dr. Hala Bint Mazyad Altuwaijri is a distinguished academic and advocate serving as the President of the Human Rights Commission. With a PhD in English literature, she holds pivotal roles, including Chairing the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons and leading the Women Empowerment Team at the G20 Summit. Dr. Altuwaijri spearheads initiatives for women's empowerment and children's protection in cybersecurity, contributing significantly to the national Family Strategy. She represents Saudi Arabia in various international forums focusing on women, children, and labor rights and actively participates in local conferences. Her multifaceted contributions reflect her commitment to advancing human rights on a global scale.

Brian Christian, an esteemed author and researcher, delves into the intersection of computer science and human experiences. Renowned for his bestselling books, each distinct in its exploration:

"The Most Human Human" draws from Christian's firsthand encounter as a human "confederate" in the Turing test, unraveling insights into language and communication through interactions with chatbots. Praised by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The New Yorker.

Teaming up with Tom Griffiths, "Algorithms to Live By" applies computational principles to human decision-making, reshaping perceptions of rationality. Garnering top spots as an Audible bestseller, Amazon's best science book, and MIT Technology Review's standout.

In "The Alignment Problem," Christian scrutinizes the ethical and safety challenges within AI, spotlighting the researchers striving to confront these issues. Acclaimed by Nature and The New York Times, endorsed by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and honored with prestigious awards.

His work, translated into nineteen languages, spans across reputable publications and scientific journals, earning literary accolades and fellowships. Christian's expertise extends to guest appearances on renowned shows and lectures at prominent institutions worldwide.

Holding degrees in philosophy, computer science, and poetry from Brown University and the University of Washington, Christian's influence spans academia, advising global leaders, and residing in San Francisco and the UK.

Dr. Daniel Susskind, a Research Professor in Economics at King’s College London and a Senior Research Associate at Oxford University's Institute for Ethics in AI, delves into the impact of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, on work and society. His insights reveal the transformative influence of automation and AI across all job sectors, urging proactive measures to adapt and prepare for this shift. Offering a blend of pragmatism and optimism, he advocates for rethinking education and training to align with the evolving workplace landscape, emphasizing the incredible potential for prosperity amidst disruption.

Co-author of the influential book "The Future of the Professions," Susskind challenges outdated professional practices in an increasingly digital era where AI continuously advances. Originally published in 2015 and updated in 2022 to encompass recent technological strides, the book remains pertinent. His 2020 release, "A World Without Work," hailed by The New York Times as vital reading for prospective presidential candidates contemplating the future economy, earned acclaim on numerous Best Books of 2020 lists. With his upcoming book, "Growth: A Reckoning," slated for spring 2024, Susskind continues to shape discourse on technological evolution.

Notably, his TED Talk, debunking prevalent myths about the future of work, amassed over 1.6 million views. Susskind's prior experience includes pivotal roles within the British Government and a tenure as a Kennedy Scholar at Harvard University.

Mr. Sven Otto Littorin boasts over 30 years of diverse expertise in international business and policy making. Currently chairing the White Pearl Technology Group, an esteemed IT transformation agency present in 28 countries and listed on Nasdaq First North in Stockholm, he leads with a wealth of experience. Alongside this role, he holds positions on multiple private company boards, spanning from merchant banking to real estate development.

During his tenure as Sweden’s Cabinet Minister for Employment from 2006 to 2010, he made significant contributions. Subsequently, from 2017 to 2021, he served as an advisor to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development in Riyadh, concentrating on crafting and implementing the New Labor Market Strategy aligned with Vision 2030. His leadership extends to various fronts, including founding the Emirati Sweden Business Council and chairing entities like the listed mining exploration company Beowulf Mining and several other esteemed organizations.

Shanghai-based independent economist Dr. Andy Xie specializes in China and Asia and contributes as a guest columnist for the South China Morning Post.

Renowned for his accurate predictions of economic bubbles, Dr. Xie foresaw events like the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and the more recent subprime meltdown in the United States. His career spans significant roles, including Managing Director and Head of Morgan Stanley's Asia/Pacific economics team from 1997 to 2006. Prior to that, he served as an associate director in corporate finance at Macquarie Bank in Singapore for two years and spent five years as an economist at the World Bank.

His impactful insights and contributions have been widely recognized. Bloomberg Magazine named him one of the 50 most influential individuals in finance in 2013. Additionally, institutional investors voted him the best economist in Asia Pacific from 2000 to 2006 in an Institutional Investors poll. Furthermore, both CCTV and the WEF acknowledged him as one of the ten future leaders in China in 2001.

Dr. Xie holds a PhD in economics (1990) and an MS in civil engineering (1987) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Erika, a Professor of Economics, currently holds the DSI/NRF Trilateral Research Chair in Transformative Innovation, the 4IR & Sustainable Development at the University of Johannesburg. Her research unit, a collaboration among the University of Johannesburg, the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in Kenya, and the University of Sussex in the UK, focuses on innovation systems' analysis in relation to equitable and inclusive development. Trained as an Economist, she earned her Masters in Science and Technology Policy from the Science and Policy Research Unit (University of Sussex) and a doctorate in Development Studies from the University of Oxford.

Her expertise lies in pioneering research on innovation within the African informal sector. Alongside her role as the Research Chair in Transformative Innovation, she serves as a Visiting Professor at the University College London (UK) and a research associate at the Centre for Law, Technology and Society, University of Ottawa (Canada). Furthermore, she is actively involved in various research networks focusing on innovation and development, holding positions such as President of Globelics, Steering Committee member of OpenAIR, and advisory board member of UNU-MERIT in the Netherlands.

Mohammed Al-Kabour is the Director at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development's Riyadh Behavioral Insights Center for Labor Market Policies. With expertise in labor market dynamics and employment research, he is driven by a passion for equal opportunities. Collaborating with governments, multilaterals, and academia, Mohammed aims to implement impactful change.

His focus revolves around understanding the human impact of social policies. He actively engages with affected individuals, prioritizing their insights. Previously, as a Senior Researcher at the UAE’s Education and Human Resources Council, he delved into labor market and education policy.

At Harvard University’s Evidence for Policy Design, Mohammed researched female employee hiring and retention practices in Saudi Arabia's SMEs. His tenure at the former Ministry of Labor involved studying youth employment and career progression.

Mohammed holds a master's degree from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. In his leisure, he cherishes family time, practices gymnastics, and indulges in football.

Jawad Khan boasts 20 years of extensive experience in strategic planning, new business development, operational execution, and fostering global partnerships within diverse industries across the GCC. Currently serving as the Advisor on Workforce Development at PIF National Development Division, he also assumes the role of interim Founding Managing Director at the newly established PIF Automotive Academy (NAVA).

Before his tenure at PIF, Jawad served as the CEO of PSDF, overseeing the largest skills development fund in Pakistan with a committed capital of USD 200 million. His expertise also led him to be among the 15 global experts on the World Economic Forum’s Future Global Council on Education and Skills from 2019 to 2022.

During his 15-year residency in Dubai from 2002 to 2016, Jawad held significant leadership positions within prominent conglomerates in the UAE such as the Investment Corporation of Dubai, TECOM Group, Smart City Dubai, and Dubai Holding.

His educational background includes a graduate degree in International Finance & Business from Columbia University in New York.

Imad, the Chief People Officer at Tiqmo, collaborates closely with senior leadership teams, offering a strategic Business Partner Service model. He delivers invaluable support in steering the people agenda amidst rapid business growth, transformations, and start-up phases. With over 15 years of experience in various senior HR management and talent development roles, Imad is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD. He is an award-winning HR Leader, having held prominent positions in global and start-up companies across diverse sectors including e-commerce, fintech, oil & gas, aerospace, manufacturing, project management, engineering, and consulting services.

A Partner in Oliver Wyman’s IMEA Public Sector Practice, Abhishek Sharma has over 15 years of consulting experience and has worked with public and private sector players extensively across the IMEA region. advising on policy, fiscal and business topics. His expertise spans national economic development themes including a focus on employment, quantified economic analysis, and government performance, as well as cross-border deals and portfolio management.

Matthieu De Clercq is the head of Oliver Wyman’s Public Sector & Policy practice for the India, Middle East, and Africa region. He possesses over 20 years of management consulting experience, with 15 years specifically focused on the Middle East/GCC. Matthieu specializes in economic and industrial development strategy. He has actively developed and supported various international and regional economic development policies, including strategies and plans for human capital and talent development. His work encompasses education, skills competitiveness, labor-related sector development plans, spanning issues from education and research to talent mobility and unemployment.

Matthieu holds a combined master's degree in architecture and civil engineering, along with an MBA from ESADE, Barcelona.

Dr. Najah Ashry holds the role of Vice President for Strategic National Advancement at KAUST, contributing significantly to the university's evolution since its inception. Joining in 2008 as the founding Senior Assistant Provost, she orchestrated the blueprint for Graduate Affairs, shaping admissions, enrollment, and scholarship programs. Her tenure as the founding Vice President of Saudi Initiatives, now Strategic National Advancement, solidified alignment between KAUST's strategy and Saudi Arabia's transformational needs.

In her current capacity, Dr. Ashry steers KAUST's strategy to address Saudi Arabia's 21st-century requirements, cultivating future leaders and fortifying STEAM education. Her portfolio houses flagship initiatives empowering communities, fostering innovation, and nurturing environmental protection.

Previously, Dr. Ashry's impactful career at King Abdulaziz University spanned leadership roles, overseeing multiple faculties and institutions. With qualifications in Computer Science, an MBA from Seattle University, and a PhD focusing on strategic development, she's not only garnered accolades like the Middle East Women Leaders Excellence Award but also contributed to various boards and committees, showcasing her commitment to advancing education and strategic planning.

Matteo Renzi, born on January 11, 1975, in Florence, served as the youngest Prime Minister of the Italian Republic from 2014 to 2016. Prior to his premiership, he held the position of mayor of Florence from 2009 to 2014. Renzi was actively involved in global forums, participating in multiple G7 and G20 summits between 2014 and 2016. He notably assumed the role of President of the European Union in July/December 2014 and inaugurated the Milan Expo 2015.

Renzi is also an accomplished author, with several books, including "Il Mostro," "Controcorrente," and "La mossa del cavallo," which collectively sold over 1 million copies. Presently, he holds multiple assignments, serving as a Senator of the Italian Republic, an adjunct professor at Stanford University in Florence and New York University Abu Dhabi, and holding positions on the boards of FII Institute, Algebris, Lakestar, and the Royal Commission for AlUla. Additionally, he took on the role of directing the national Italian daily newspaper, il Riformista, as its Direttore since May 2023.

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