Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi inaugurated the second edition of the Global CSR Forum 2026 in Riyadh, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The event brings together more than 3,000 participants and over 100 speakers from multiple countries across more than 40 specialized sessions and dialogues, according to Makkah newspaper.
In his opening remarks, Al-Rajhi noted that Riyadh continues to cement its position as a global platform for dialogue on social responsibility, stressing the forum's role in building international partnerships and creating models of cooperation between the public and private sectors that support sustainable development. He added that the event serves as a space for knowledge exchange, discussing the challenges facing corporate responsibility, and exploring ways to expand the private sector's contribution to development initiatives.
The minister pointed out that the concept of corporate social responsibility is undergoing rapid transformation amid growing interest in innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability, and the redesign of operating models and institutional strategies to enhance long-term impact. This is reflected in companies' move toward employing modern technologies, adopting recycling and circular economy practices, and expanding renewable energy, alongside investing in people and achieving balanced growth for communities.
Al-Rajhi described the Kingdom's journey in this field as "an inspiring story of transformation and empowerment," affirming that social responsibility is a strategic objective within the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, and that the Kingdom is pressing ahead with strengthening the private sector's commitment to its responsibilities and embedding sustainable institutional practices. He expressed confidence in continued progress toward the Kingdom ranking among the top countries in social responsibility by 2030.
The forum brings together elite business leaders, experts, and decision-makers to discuss the rapid transformations in corporate social responsibility, review the most prominent challenges and opportunities, and exchange expertise and experiences that contribute to developing more sustainable and impactful institutional practices, within the framework of the Kingdom's efforts to enhance the private sector's contribution to development and entrench social responsibility as an institutional practice with sustainable impact.