RIYADH: Young innovators and changemakers took center stage at the 2025 Misk Global Forum in Riyadh this week, sharing their experiences, ambitions and insights with their peers.
One of them was 14-year-old Aaryan Nitin Shukla, an Indian math prodigy who won the 2022 Mental Calculation World Cup at age 12 and is a six-time Guinness World Record holder.
Shukla told Arab News: “The experience of speaking at Misk Global Forum 2025 in Riyadh is really exciting and enjoyable.
“Demonstrating my mental calculation skills and the positive response I received from the audience is really satisfying.”
“After winning the Mental Calculation World Cup twice and creating multiple Guinness World Records, my focus is to propagate mental calculation as a sport among kids and youth.
“Misk has done commendable work in this direction to engage youth and kids to create a knowledge-driven generation. I hope to contribute with the best of my abilities to fulfill Vision 2030.”
Shukla added: “I want to thank the organizers of Misk Global Forum 2025 for inviting me to speak and interact with everyone, and to share my skills and knowledge.
“I also learned many new things and interacted with many knowledgeable and experienced dignitaries and speakers. I am certainly looking forward to visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia again.”
Another standout youth voice was 13-year-old Linda Al-Faisal, host of the “Linda and Vision 2030” podcast, who reflected on the empowerment of Saudi youth under the Kingdom’s transformation plan.
“I’m really happy to be in Misk Global Forum 2025 because it’s something inspirational — you meet a lot of good people, (it is) amazing and so inspiring,” she said.
“And I would like to also thank His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for making these opportunities for us — everyone, and especially for us, the youth, because we can build our future with these opportunities.
Al-Faisal added: “Right now, with Vision 2030, everything is developing and changing and opening doors for us.
“But I want to tell you, the vision has given us the things we already need — our job is to make these things turn into successes.”
Global companies, including Snapchat, have representatives at this year’s forum, who presented sessions to introduce the attendees to the world of digital marketing.
For many, the forum reflects this year’s theme of “Created by the Youth.”
Rym Al-Hammawi, a 23-year-old student, said the event was a powerful space for learning and personal growth.
“It is a great opportunity for the youth to come learn and grow,” she told Arab News. “It’s such an honor for me and other youth to experience support from the Misk Foundation and Crown Prince MBS.”
