RIYADH: On the first day of the Impact Makers Forum in Riyadh, Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo captivated audiences with his unique story.

Embracing his identity as “a Bedouin from Brooklyn,” Inzerillo shared his journey and insights in a session called “From Brooklyn to Diriyah”.

He emphasized the power of hard work, saying: “We are very hard-working people.” Recalling a lesson learned from the Qur’an, he added: “May Allah accept all our good intentions, and may our good intentions turn into good deeds. These are not just words; they are blessed words for your life’s submission.”

Inzerillo recounted a moment from a dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where a former Italian prime minister praised the Kingdom’s transformative vision for 2030.

Quoting the crown prince’s response, he said: “Always surround yourself with passionate people. Passion is the fuel of ambition.” He added: “If you see joy in serving, it will carry you through a long career.”

Reflecting on his own journey, Inzerillo said: “I came to Saudi Arabia in 1998, and I have always been blessed with Saudi friends who have been warm and generous.”

On the Kingdom’s recent opening to tourism, he said: “This is a historic time in Saudi Arabia.”

Urging attendees to dream big, he added: “Everything in this Kingdom is accomplishable. The future is very bright for this blessed Kingdom.”

Inzerillo highlighted the rapid progress and achievements under the Crown Prince’s leadership, including hosting the 2030 World Expo, AFC Asian Cup 2027 and FIFA World Cup 2034.

He concluded with an empowering message: “You are the captains of your ship. You will determine your future.” 

He encouraged everyone to serve with their hearts, reminding them that while the path may not always be easy, it will be noble.

The Impact Makers Forum, which ends on Dec. 19, is hosted by the Ministry of Media and aims to redefine influence and enrich social values. It brings together over 300 global influencers, industry experts and digital content creators and has a focus on collaboration and knowledge exchange.

JEDDAH: A member of parliament representing French citizens living abroad recently visited Jeddah to explore opportunities and strengthen collaboration between her country and Saudi Arabia.

President of the France-Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group and representative of French citizens across 49 countries, Amal-Amelia Lecrafi expressed a strong interest in contributing to the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, smart cities and cultural industries.

She said: “I am convinced that my previous experience as a business leader in cybersecurity can help build bridges between our ecosystems. My goal is to further strengthen partnerships in the economic, technological, cultural, and educational sectors.

“Vision 2030 is an exceptional platform for developing projects in green energy, sustainable mobility, and technological innovation. Cooperation in these sectors allows France and Saudi Arabia to pool their expertise and build sustainable, innovative solutions. This collaboration also creates opportunities for Saudi youth to access high-quality training and thrive within companies across all future-oriented industries.”

During her time in Jeddah, Lecrafi also emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy as a means of fostering stronger ties. She highlighted initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations.

“We are working on educational partnerships, such as training programs in NEOM, and on joint artistic projects to promote our shared heritage. Culture and education are key pillars for bringing our societies closer together and strengthening Francophonie in the region,” she said.

As part of her commitment to French citizens living abroad, Lecrafi outlined efforts to improve consular support and engagement. She highlighted initiatives aimed at strengthening consular services, facilitating access to French education and addressing practical challenges such as banking.

“A recurring issue we are addressing is the difficulty many expatriates face in maintaining or opening bank accounts in France,” she said. “We are actively working to resolve this challenge. Additionally, we are ensuring their integration into the local economic dynamism.”

Lecrafi also discussed the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia in the Middle East and France’s role in maintaining regional stability.

“France actively supports dialogue and stability in the region. The announcement of the June 2025 conference for the creation of a Palestinian state, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is a strong signal of our shared determination to promote lasting peace and the recognition of two states,” she said.

She also demonstrated her admiration of the Kingdom’s progress under Vision 2030 and praised its commitment to modernization, tolerance and social progress.

She commended the rapid changes taking place, particularly the empowerment of women, and said: “Vision 2030 embodies a unique ambition to open up to the world while affirming a strong identity, resonating directly with the values of tolerance and progress.

“This vision is accompanied by an unprecedented and rapid emancipation of families, and more specifically women, serving as a shining example for the region.”

She said Saudi Arabia’s commitment to education was a reflection of Islamic values and added: “I will remain a dedicated ally to showcase these achievements and support initiatives that highlight the richness of your vision and the strength of your commitment on the global stage.”