RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Media announced on Thursday the launch of the ImpaQ Impact Makers Forum, set to take place on Dec. 18-19 in Riyadh.

The landmark event, announced by media minister Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari, will be Saudi Arabia’s largest gathering for influencers, digital content creators and industry experts, aimed at redefining the role of influence in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The forum is expected to bring together more than 300 influencers from around the world, spanning diverse fields and specializations.

Designed to foster meaningful dialogue between local and international talent, the forum will explore ways to enrich societal values, promote purpose-driven influence and share expertise, SPA added.

In total, the event will feature more than 40 programs, workshops and discussions.

One prominent discussion area, “Who is an Influencer?”, will tackle the evolution of the term in today’s digital world, where influencers are now expected to use their platforms responsibly.

Another focus, the “Purposeful Influence” track, will highlight influencers who leverage their platforms to address pressing global issues, from social justice to environmental advocacy.

Experts will delve into the future of social platforms, discussing trends such as artificial intelligence, interactive media, emerging social networks and the integration of virtual and augmented reality. Several leading international companies in AI, digital marketing and media will also participate, offering attendees insight into industry advancements and potential collaborative opportunities.

The forum will offer 12 hours of programming daily and is expected to attract a wide range of attendees, from seasoned influencers to aspiring digital creators, as well as representatives from government and the private sector.

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Education Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan has emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting sustainability in education and investment in skills, innovation and entrepreneurship to achieve a sustainable future for citizens and enhance global competitiveness for future generations.

Al-Benyan was speaking during the G20 Education Ministers’ Meeting in Fortaleza in Brazil, where he emphasized the Kingdom’s support of the goals and priorities of the Education Working Group.

He highlighted the importance of cooperation between schools and communities to provide students with experiences and resources that enhance the importance of learning for them.

Al-Benyan said that the engagement of educational institutions with the community enabled educators to meet the diverse needs of students and their families, promote inclusivity, and help students to develop into active citizens.

“School-community engagement in Saudi Arabia constitutes a fundamental element of our national strategy, as the Kingdom’s educational institutions understand the importance of connecting with the community — not just as recipients of volunteer efforts but also as active participants in societal development,” he said.

The Saudi Ministry of Education has established a department dedicated to community responsibility and volunteer work, focusing on integrating sustainable development goals into education and creating initiatives that address local needs.

Al-Benyan said that a new school evaluation index had been developed to assess community engagement effectively, with Vision 2030 setting ambitious targets for the non-profit sector, aiming to reach 10,000 community organizations, contribute more than 5 percent of GDP, and engage one million volunteers.

He added that the Kingdom had seen a more than 150 percent increase in educational non-profit organizations in 2024.

Al-Benyan also discussed two flagship projects aimed at supporting teachers — the National Institute for Professional Education Development and the Teachers Fund. The institute is focused on four key areas: teacher preparation, teacher development, leadership nurturing, and teacher advocacy.

He called for collaborative efforts to develop a new global perspective that ensured a just and sustainable future for all citizens.