Launch of the first global index for nurturing talent from Saudi Arabia, with the participation of 40 countries
In a strategic move that reinforces the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for creativity, the Minister of Education, Yousef Al-Bunyan, launched the first global index for assessing the care of gifted individuals, during the opening of the 19th Asian Conference on Talent and Creativity 2026. This prominent event, hosted by the University of Business and Technology on the Jeddah Corniche, comes to consolidate the Kingdom's leading role in developing human capital in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.
A global event bringing together educational thought leaders
The conference witnessed a remarkable international turnout, with over 1,000 experts, decision-makers, and talented individuals participating, representing more than 40 countries worldwide. This massive gathering is a testament to the Kingdom's significant influence on the international educational landscape, as the conference has transformed into a global platform for exchanging expertise and shaping the future of gifted education. The event is not merely an academic gathering; it represents a turning point in how countries around the world approach talent development, with the new index aiming to establish unified standards for measuring the effectiveness of nurturing innovators.
A vision for the future: Beyond artificial intelligence
Under the theme "Towards Progress: Building a Better Future for Gifted Education 2050," the conference addressed the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological advancements. In this context, Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Jamjoom, the conference's general coordinator, emphasized that talent is no longer an elitist concept, but rather a latent potential requiring tailored educational pathways that cater to individual differences. She pointed out that integrating artificial intelligence into education is no longer an option but a necessity to empower gifted individuals with the tools of the modern age, a point that was practically demonstrated through accompanying events such as the "Talent Hackathon" and the Youth Summit on Generative Artificial Intelligence.
Strategic partnerships to empower generations
The conference went beyond theoretical discussions, witnessing the signing of several significant agreements, most notably a memorandum of understanding between the University of Business and Technology and the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba). This partnership, signed by Dr. Abdullah Dahlan and Professor Abdulaziz Al-Kridis, aims to institutionalize the nurturing of gifted individuals and align educational outcomes with the demands of the knowledge economy. Dr. Kyung-Bin Park, President of the Asian Council for Giftedness and Creativity, also commended the Saudi government's sponsorship of the event, considering it a firm national commitment to developing the human potential that will shape the future.
The importance of the index and its expected impact
The launch of this index is of paramount importance as it will provide countries and governments with a precise scientific tool to measure the effectiveness of their programs in nurturing talent, thus creating positive global competition to improve services offered to creative individuals. This scientific initiative, which continues until February 11, is expected to contribute to transforming Jeddah into a hub of intellectual and cultural influence, where innovators convene to chart a roadmap for the future of global education.
