The eighth Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF), which will be held in Riyadh on Jan. 25-27, will be focusing on public-private partnerships under the theme, competitive governments.

The agenda will include discussion of diverse topics ranging from public policy reform to the role of women in stimulating economic growth, sharing innovative practices from governments around the world.

By showcasing global best practice, the forum will discuss how governments can build a strong economy characterized by high standards of education, wealth and social wellbeing for their people.

Saud Madani, director of the GCF at the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), said: “Since it began, the GCF has been addressing the major issues of competitiveness and economic growth. This year’s agenda will continue those debates, discussing how governments can deliver economic benefit by building competitive frameworks, which encourage the sharing of resources, technology and capital.”

The GCF encourages broad debate that touches on the key economic sectors of ICT, transportation and logistics, health care, manufacturing, downstream petrochemicals, energy and petrochemicals, and education.

Each session will emphasize the Saudi factor, with discussion on health care, including Ministry of Health participation, transportation discussions involving the Ministry of Transport, etc..

The event will be opened at a special ceremony on the evening of Jan. 25, before a full program of presentations and workshops with the participation of leading academics, businesspeople and political leaders from Saudi Arabia and around the world.

Past speakers at what has become perhaps the most important economic platform in the region include former US President Bill Clinton, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and renowned statesmen Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, FW de Klerk of South Africa, and Tony Blair of the UK.

“Over the years, the importance of the GCF to the Kingdom’s development progress has been significant, as is evident from the high caliber of the speakers GCF attracts. This year will continue that tradition with a stellar cast of panelists and speakers. Furthermore, following a successful debut last year, in parallel to the event the Invest in Saudi exhibition will showcase investment opportunities in the Kingdom,” said Madani.

Founded in 2006 by the SAGIA, the GCF has grown into one of the largest and most important annual gatherings of academics, business leaders, politicians and journalists in the region.