Saudi Arabia’s Human Capability Development Program announced on Wednesday the third edition of the Human Capability Initiative Conference, set to take place on May 3–4 in Riyadh under the theme “The Human Code.” The event, held under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will bring together more than 15,000 leaders from around the world to chart the future of human development in the age of artificial intelligence.
The United Kingdom has been named Country of Honor for this year’s conference, a designation that reflects the deepening strategic ties between Saudi Arabia and Britain in education, workforce development, and economic cooperation. The announcement coincides with Prince William’s visit to the Kingdom, further underlining the growing bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Minister of Education Youssef Al-Bunyan, who also chairs the executive committee of the Human Capability Development Program, said the conference demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to investing in people as the foundation for long-term economic competitiveness. “Human potential remains the most critical driver of progress in a rapidly changing global landscape,” Al-Bunyan said. “This third conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enriching a global dialogue to contribute to the development of human capabilities, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.”
The conference is expected to feature over 250 speakers, including policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and experts from both the public and private sectors. Discussions will center on learning and working environments that maximize human capability amid rapid technological change, with artificial intelligence serving as a key focal point for this year’s program.
Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi welcomed the United Kingdom’s participation, noting that it builds on the “Skills of the Future” initiative launched at the 2025 edition. “The United Kingdom’s status as Country of Honor represents a continuation of the strategic cooperation between both countries, focused on advancing economic cooperation, educational exchange, and workforce development,” Al-Kassabi said.
Since its inception, the Human Capability Initiative has grown into one of the world’s leading platforms for dialogue on human development. Over its first two editions, the conference attracted more than 23,000 participants, featured over 550 speakers, and produced more than 156 partnerships and initiatives. The program sits within the broader framework of Saudi Vision 2030, which places human capital development at the center of the Kingdom’s long-term transformation strategy.
Registration for HCI 2026 is now open through the conference’s official website.
