Saudi Arabia will host the Asian Conference on Talent and Creativity 2026 in Jeddah
In a historic move reflecting its growing leadership in the education sector and the knowledge economy, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the 19th Asian Conference on Talent and Creativity for the first time. The global event is scheduled to take place in Jeddah from February 7 to 11, 2026, under the patronage of the Minister of Education, Mr. Yousef Al-Bunyan, and will be attended by a distinguished group of experts and decision-makers.
A pivotal moment in the education journey and Vision 2030
This conference is not merely a passing event, but a pivotal milestone in the development of gifted education in the Asia-Middle East region. Hosting this conference is a culmination of the Kingdom's tireless efforts within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030 , specifically the Human Capital Development Program, which aims to cultivate globally competitive citizens. The Kingdom, whose students have achieved top rankings in international competitions such as the ISEF Science and Engineering Fair and international Olympiads, reaffirms through this conference its unwavering commitment to transforming into a knowledge-based society built on innovation.
An ambitious slogan and broad international participation
Under the theme “ Towards the Future: A Vision for Gifted Education 2050 ,” the conference brings together thought leaders and researchers from over 40 countries worldwide. This international gathering aims to chart a roadmap for the future of gifted education for the coming decades, moving beyond traditional solutions to anticipate future possibilities.
The conference's scientific program includes a significant body of knowledge, encompassing:
- More than 100 panel discussions and keynote speeches.
- 350 peer-reviewed scientific and research contributions.
- Sharing the latest global practices in discovering and nurturing talented individuals.
Quality initiatives: The first global talent index
What distinguishes the Jeddah 2026 edition is the launch of unprecedented initiatives, most notably the official announcement of the first global index for measuring and evaluating talent . This initiative, overseen by the Asian Federation for Talent and the Higher Steering Committee, is the first of its kind globally and will provide standard criteria for countries to assess their performance in nurturing creative talent.
The conference also features accompanying activities directly targeting young people, such as:
- An intensive enrichment camp for talented youth to develop 21st-century skills.
- An educational innovation hackathon brings together young minds to deliver creative solutions to contemporary challenges.
Strategic partnerships to enhance the innovation ecosystem
The conference is organized by the Asian Federation for Giftedness and Creativity, in a high-level strategic partnership with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) , a global leader in this field. The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, and major non-profit organizations are also collaborating to ensure the conference reflects the Kingdom's stature.
In conclusion, this event reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a regional and international hub for talent development, confirming that investing in minds is the true bet for the future, and that Jeddah will be the world’s compass towards more innovative and sustainable education in 2026.
