"I am very happy to meet a group of youths from different parts of the Kingdom under the umbrella of this Al-Ghad (Tomorrow) Forum, which has adopted 'Community's Partnership with Youth' as its slogan," the governor said.
Prince Salman said the youth could play a greater role in contributing to the Kingdom's development and meeting its development challenges.
He urged cultural and social organizations to hear the voice of youth and set out plans to ensure a better future for them.
"The Saudi youth have proved their capabilities at national and international forums. They are the pillars of our nation. They are aware of their great responsibility toward protecting our religion and their country's achievements," he said.
Prince Salman commended Saudi youth for using modern information media, including the social media, with responsibility. "Our youth are not negatively influenced by the Internet and social media as they are aware of their dangerous influence on themselves, their families and societies if they use them in a negative manner," he said.
The governor urged young Saudi men and women to engage in voluntary and charitable activities, inspired by the Islamic faith.
More than 1,000 young Saudi men and women are expected to participate in the forum held at Nayyara Conference Hall to discuss innovative ideas.
Addressing the ceremony, Princess Nouf bint Faisal bin Turki, president of Al-Ghad Forum, disclosed plans to transform the forum into a foundation, adding that Prince Salman has agreed to become the forum's honorary president.
She announced the launch of two initiatives, including the Al-Ghad-Google (Tamayuz) initiative and the Ata initiative for the promotion of voluntarism. She added: "This is a forum of initiatives not proposals."
Princess Nouf welcomed the participants and said the forum decided to organize TEDxRiyadh to accomplish the hopes and aspirations of youth who have contributed to setting out its programs.
She said the forum included a large number of capable youth who can make great contributions toward the Kingdom's development through their knowledge and skills. "Saudi Arabia will become the lighthouse of Islam, science, knowledge and peace," she said.
Princess Nouf urged the youth to compete with one another by making innovative contributions toward their country's progress and prosperity.
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to ideas worth spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 25 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives. The annual TED conference invites the world's leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes.
"TEDxRiyadh's purpose is to shine some light onto some of the brightest youths in the area," an organizer said. "By asking critical and powerful questions and by leading by example, we hope to leave an everlasting impression on our audience and speakers alike. Our goal is to be a catalyst for positive and productive change in the community to ensure a better future for all," he added.
