In his opening speech, HRC President Bandar Al-Iban stressed the importance of the participation of various sectors to help the commission fulfill its duties and responsibilities.

The King Abdullah Institute at King Saud University along with its team of experts was chosen to prepare the strategy according to guidelines and standards of the commission, he said.

He added that the commission is looking forward to establishing a practical and scientific strategic vision to develop all of its divisions and activities. He said it was to be used as a springboard from which the commission would develop partnerships with other governmental and civil society bodies.

Through this strategy, Al-Iban said, the HRC would be able to set an executive plan to realize the vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in spreading the concept of human rights.

He stressed that the establishment of scientific bases would be an important tool for achieving goals and to help shape society in accordance with the directives and vision of the king.

He added that the aim of the workshop was to exchange ideas, suggestions and recommendations in improving human rights in the country in accordance with Kingdom's laws and regulations, as well as international agreements signed to eliminate all forms of discrimination, including a protocol to protect children against trafficking, prostitution and pornographic exploitation.

Dr. Muadi Al-Muthhab of the King Abdullah Institute said he was honored to be involved in the partnership with the commission to develop the 10-year strategy.

He said the team evaluated the commission’s present goals and achievements to establish where it should be in the future.

The commission and the institute have organized two workshops previously, one for the commission's board and staff and one for HRC's women staff and individuals involved in human rights.

Both workshops, according to Al-Muthhab, resulted in useful findings, clear visions and provided the team with knowledge that aided them in the process of data collecting, comparative studies, interviews and activities.

“All participants have experience and they work in places that is human rights related,” he said.

He added that the aim was to produce a comprehensive and clear strategy that includes a practical strategic mission, vision and goals for the commission, along with programs and scheduled initiatives and an organizational structure that specifies tasks and specialties.