Saudi Ministry of Human Resources: Accelerated Youth Empowerment
More Than 20 Initiatives Under the “Our Youth is Wealth” Strategy
Riyadh | B
27 Shawwal 1447 AH | 15 April 2026
Introduction
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has strengthened its efforts to empower youth potential by launching more than 20 qualitative initiatives under the Youth Development Strategy, introduced at the beginning of 2024 under the slogan “Our Youth is Wealth.” This comes as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance the role of young people in the development process and to build a sustainable future based on national talents, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Overview
The strategy represents one of the Kingdom’s most prominent national pathways aimed at empowering youth and enhancing their presence in society through the formulation of a comprehensive and integrated public policy. This policy supports their capabilities, expands their academic and professional opportunities, and transforms them from beneficiaries into active partners in development.
The initiatives under the strategy have achieved several notable accomplishments, including:
- Signing six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with government entities and various institutions to support and empower youth development.
- Implementing more than 15 workshops in collaboration with partners from governmental and non-profit sectors.
- Holding 31 workshops across different regions of the Kingdom, engaging youth and professionals working with them to contribute to the formulation of the public policy for youth development.
- Reaching more than one million beneficiaries through various media channels, reflecting the wide scope of impact and increased awareness of youth development.
- Launching the Public Policy for Youth Development project, which serves as a comprehensive framework defining pathways and providing safe and enabling environments for young people.
- Establishing a professional certification for individuals working with youth, contributing to career development and the qualification of specialized competencies.
- Introducing an incentive matrix for donor institutions to encourage support for youth development projects and programs.
The strategy is founded on the recognition of the importance of youth in Saudi society, as they constitute a significant proportion of the population and workforce. Its strategic framework extends to 2030, aiming to enhance youth contributions to economic and social development and to strengthen their competitiveness both locally and globally.
The strategy is based on several key pillars, including:
- Developing systems and legislation related to youth work.
- Building the capacities of professionals in this field.
- Enhancing youth participation in decision-making and community engagement.
- Coordinating efforts among relevant entities within a unified national framework.
Furthermore, the Public Policy for Youth Development was developed in partnership with more than 30 entities from the government, private, and non-profit sectors, reflecting the integration of national efforts and enhancing the effectiveness of youth-oriented programs and initiatives.
The strategy also aims to achieve 10 key objectives that contribute to increasing youth participation in economic and social development, with a strong emphasis on innovation and capacity building as fundamental drivers for supporting the knowledge economy and improving quality of life.
B Analysis
1. Youth as a Driver of Development
The strategy reflects an advanced national recognition of the importance of youth as a cornerstone of sustainable development, reinforcing their role in building a competitive, knowledge-based economy.
2. A Participatory Approach Enhancing Integration
The involvement of more than 30 entities in developing the public policy demonstrates a comprehensive model of cross-sector collaboration, ensuring sustainability and effectiveness.
3. Investment in Human Capital
The establishment of a professional certification for youth workers and the introduction of incentives for donor institutions indicate a strategic orientation toward building an integrated system for human capital development.
4. Alignment with Vision 2030
The strategy aligns closely with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in empowering youth, enhancing their economic and social participation, and improving quality of life.
Conclusion
The “Our Youth is Wealth” strategy reflects the commitment of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to establishing youth development as a national priority by providing an enabling environment that supports their growth and capabilities. With the expansion of initiatives and the integration of national efforts, Saudi youth emerge as key partners in building the Kingdom’s future and achieving sustainable development.