MEMBERSHIP

17 October 2022, Riyadh – The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute today revealed details of the sixth edition of its flagship FII event taking place later this month, where delegates will address the most pressing economic questions of our time to shape the future of the global economy. 

Over the course of three days, the conference will host four immersive summits and 180 sessions by global leaders from different sectors. The first day will feature a discussion by a group of Nobel laureates which will try to find sustainable solutions for meeting the global population’s basic needs. Founder and Co-Chairman of Bridgewater Associates, Ray Dalio, will talk about the challenges brought on by the new global order, as well as the opportunities that arise from it, such as creating an economic system that improves the quality of life for citizens around the world. In addition, the first summit at the conference will be held on the first day under the theme “Clash of Generations”. 

The agenda for the second day of the conference will include “The New Energy Economy” summit and will see speakers share their insights into the current state of the global finance and economy sector. Amid a range of other high-profile speakers, Masahiko Kato, CEO and President of Mizuho Bank, will address the audience about Japan’s role in financing sustainable energy. 

The third and last day of the conference will see two immersive summits about the rise of crypto and the future of Africa. A plenary session on China will see speakers such as Nicolas Aguzin, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, and Feng Hong, Co-Founder of Xiaomi, discuss why China is a key investment ally for the Middle East. 

In addition, a session on the future of ESG will feature top players in the industry including John Quinn, Chairman and Founding Partner of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP; Rebecca Minguela, CEO & Founder of Clarity AI; Julia Hoggett, CEO of London Stock Exchange Group; Laura Cha, Chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing; and Eng. Khalid Abdullah Al-Hussan, CEO of Tadawul Group.  

Other prominent speakers at the event include:

Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, commented “Our way to the New Global Order is filled with unprecedented challenges, which is why the timing and theme of this year’s FII is of upmost importance and relevance. In its 6th Edition, FII focuses on Investing in Humanity – a call to action that is desperately needed in a time in which supply shocks, inflation, a global energy crisis, and geopolitical conflicts present deep challenges.” 

FII’s 6th Edition will be taking place from the 25-27 October in Riyadh under the theme of ‘Investing in Humanity: Enabling a New Global Order’. Over the three days, industry leaders, CEOs, policy makers, young leaders and investors will convene to discuss the role of businesses and investment in the future of technology, healthcare, food security, environment, geopolitics, cybersecurity, sports and much more. 

NOTES TO EDITORS

The event factsheet can be found here. 

About FII Institute

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a new global nonprofit foundation with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global, inclusive and committed to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in five critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability. 

ENDS

20 October 2022, Riyadh – The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute today announced key strategic partnerships with some of the world’s best-known organizations and companies ahead of its biggest ever flagship event, FII 6th Edition, taking place this month in Riyadh.

The list of partners includes major global and regional players, such as HSBC, BNY Mellon, Soft Bank, Reliance and Standard Chartered, which will join and contribute to the discussions at this year’s conference.

Representatives from partner organizations will be involved in vital conversations such as the future of global energy; the perspective of changemakers on the new global order; the meta-industrial revolution; saving the oceans; and designing cities for the future. Partners will also be moderating sessions with world visionaries including panels of Nobel Laureates, and plenaries on the future of venture capitalism and women in global leadership roles.

FII Institute convenes leaders from business, investment, government, NGOs and beyond, to explore the vital economic, political and social trends and challenges of our age. The Institute’s partners are contributing throughout the three-day event in plenary dialogues, augmented technology rooms, emerging trend workshops, global virtual hubs, marketplace debates, and leadership masterclasses.

Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, commented, “We are welcoming strategic partners from some of the largest and greatest organizations across the globe to join us in vital and urgent conversations to shape the New Global Order. Our partners come from a range of different industries and countries, helping us to shape a vision that is all-encompassing and inclusive for all.”

As part of these partnerships, FII will welcome a range of leaders from government and the private sector to speak at the three-day event, including: 

In addition, the FII institute is partnering with Saudi National Bank and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. 

The FII 6th Edition will be taking place from the 25-27 October in Riyadh under the theme of ‘Investing in Humanity: Enabling a New Global Order’.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The event factsheet can be found here. 

About FII Institute

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a new global nonprofit foundation with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global, inclusive and committed to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in five critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

22 September 2022, New York City

Results of global survey revealed at major PRIORITY summit in New York City

A global survey of 130,000 citizens from 13 countries was conducted by the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, in partnership with market research leader Ipsos. It has revealed that the top priority concerning most people is the rising cost of living.

This is more than those worried about poverty and social inequalities (2nd), unemployment (3rd), global warming (7th) or Covid-19 (8th).

The survey further revealed that while citizens of high income and African countries have a negative outlook about their personal and their country’s futures, citizens of emerging Asian countries including China, India and Saudi Arabia, are much more optimistic.

The survey results were unveiled at FII Institute’s PIORITY Summit in New York City on the 22nd of September 2022 alongside UNGA, which hosted leading speakers from around the globe to discuss pressing issues and find solutions to help world leaders address the priorities of their citizens. Speakers included: HE Yasir Al Rumayyan, chairman of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, HE Dasho Tshering Tabgay, former prime minister of Bhutan, and HE Helle Thorning-Schmidt, former prime minister of Denmark.

Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, said, “This is a landmark survey that should ring alarm bells for governments all over the world. These results show that citizens everywhere are very concerned with the increasing costs of living. We are giving them the roadmap to address these concerns.

“Our mission at the FII Institute is to identify global challenges facing humanity and to find practical solutions to help leaders and decision-makers to address them. That is why we have held this keynote PRIORITY summit in New York during the week that the United Nations General Assembly is meeting.”

The FII Institute commissioned the survey with an objective to identify the top priority of individuals across a broad range of demographics. The survey results were discussed at the summit by leading experts who emphasized the need for global action to meet people’s top priority.  

Next month, the FII Institute will be hosting its flagship event, the Future Investment Initiative, in Riyadh from 25-27 October. More than 300 speakers and 5,000 delegates are expected to participate in the event.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Details of the survey can be found: www,fii-institute,org 

About FII Institute

The FII Institute is a global non-profit organisation with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity.  Launched in 2019, the Institute has published various reports, hosted many international platforms, and launched several initiatives and projects to create a more sustainable future for humanity.

In addition, the FII Institute is committed to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, fostering the brightest minds and transforming ideas into real-world solutions in five focus areas: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

ENDS

8 September 2022, Riyadh – In one month’s time, the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute will host PRIORITY, a summit in New York City that will bring together people from all walks of life – leaders, policymakers, CEOs, students, volunteers, academics, athletes, investors, and more – to discuss the highest priority for each segment of society as the world goes through extraordinary social, economic and geopolitical changes. 

The summit, which will take place on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly on the 22nd of September 2022, will provide a platform for discussion and dialogue aimed at finding solutions that will help leaders across the world to address the one priority for each group of people.

More than [40] prominent speakers will take part in the summit, including: 

Other panel discussions will seek to answer critical questions, such as what new regulations and/or organizations need to be formed to realize each priority? How can communities around the world learn to understand and support each other to achieve each priority? How can we help global political, economic, and cultural leaders to encourage them to focus on each priority?  

Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute said, “As the world is witnessing a period of transformation and as a new global order starts to take shape, we believe it is crucial to understand the priorities of each demographic group around the world. Over the past two years, the world faced many challenges that have left an impact on all citizens across the globe. Therefore, our values and priorities have changed.

“FII Institute’s priority is to make a direct and positive impact on humanity through creating multiple initiatives across different domains. This is why we decided to host PRIORITY as an annual global conversation, to help us understand the wishes, hopes, and expectations of our fellow human beings. We are giving everyone a voice.”

PRIORITY will serve as an essential building block for the sixth edition of the Future Investment Initiative, scheduled to be held in Riyadh from 25-27 October. 

Earlier this year, the FII Institute held a summit in London about ESG in emerging markets where it announced its new Inclusive ESG™ Framework and Scoring Methodology, aimed at informing and accelerating ESG investments in emerging economies. 

About FII Institute

The FII Institute is a global non-profit organisation with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Launched in 2019, the Institute has published various reports, hosted many international platforms, and launched several initiatives and projects to create a more sustainable future for humanity.

In addition, the FII Institute is committed to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, fostering the brightest minds and transforming ideas into real-world solutions in five focus areas: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

ENDS

26 August 2022, Riyadh – The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute has announced the launch of the second season of its podcast THINKpod, bringing together a diverse range of guests from around the world, including senior executives from leading corporations, NGOs, academic institutions, leaders from major intergovernmental organizations, and celebrities.

Hosted by renowned TV anchor and presenter, Mark Barton, the podcast series provides a platform for exploring the Institute’s theme of ‘Impact on Humanity’.  An active and impactful channel between its listenership and the podcast’s notable guests, it aimsto find solutions to the world’s biggest challenges through discussion and dialogue, for a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future. 

The second season of THINKpod will feature 18 prominent guests including:

To date, the FII Institute’s podcast has hosted some of the world’s most impactful practitioners and executives. The second season of THINKpod will only add to this legacy, bringing listenersvaluable and insightful discussions with global experts who are working to find solutions for some of the world’s most pressing issues and challenges.

In the seasons’ first episode, Senator Matteo Renzi, Former Prime Minister of Italy, provided his insights on the effects global politics and government have on the next generation, commentingthat “the real great value of a politician is not to stay in power, but to try to deeply change their country.”

Since its inception, the FII Institute has launched several initiatives to catalyse impact on humanity and create a more sustainable future. THINKpod will showcase a wide range of topics, from Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, to Education, Healthcare, Sustainability, Food Security, Virtual Reality, Blockchain, Crypto, to Investments and more. 

NOTES TO EDITORS

When: The podcast airs 15:00 – 16:00 (KSA time) on Thursday 1September – Saturday 10 September 2022.

Link to activate subscription: https://linktr.ee/FIIKSA

About FII Institute

The FII Institute is a global non-profit organisation with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity.  Launched in 2019, the Institute has published various reports, hosted many international platforms, and launched several initiatives and projects to create a more sustainable future for humanity.

In addition, the FII Institute is committed to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, fostering the brightest minds and transforming ideas into real-world solutions in five focus areas: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

ENDS

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 26 October 2021: The 5th Anniversary Future Investment Initiative (FII) kicked off in Riyadh on Tuesday, with world leaders, global CEOs, investors, and policymakers discussing how best to invest in humanity over the course of the October 26-28 conference in the Saudi capital.

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, a global non-profit foundation with one agenda: Impact on Humanity, is hosting the 5th Anniversary of FII at King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC). It is taking place under the theme “Invest in Humanity”.

Discussions on the first day revolved around the investments that will create the greatest benefits for humanity, as multiple sectors witness a renaissance in the post-COVID era. Bringing together world leaders, experts, innovators, and media, the three-day conference will include interactive summits on Investing in Education; Investing in the Metaverse; and Investing in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

World Leaders attending FII include His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, President, Nigeria; His Excellency Stephen Harper, former Prime Minister, Canada; Her Excellency Kersti Kaljulaid, former President, Estonia; His Excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba, President, Gabon; His Excellency Mario Renzi, former Prime Minister, Italy and FII Institute Board of Trustees member; His Excellency Armen Sarkissian, President, Armenia; and HE Stephen Harper, Former Prime Minister, Canada.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia; and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, attended a special session on Tuesday to listen to a live interview with His Excellency Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Prime Minister of Greece.

The key sessions on opening day included global perspectives on the future of tourism, the new social contract and the evolving roles of government; data futurism, how will Artificial Intelligence power the metaverse, gaming and e-sports. Sessions also debated strategies for addressing global supply chain disruptions, convolution of the digital economy and space economy, and metaverse infrastructure for citizens of the digital worlds. A key session discussed the new age of investment for growth, profit and impact.

The 5th Anniversary edition opened with a live board meeting featuring leading global CEOs, investors, and policymakers discussing how best to invest in humanity. FII discussions will revolve around the investments that will create the greatest benefits for humanity, as multiple sectors witness a renaissance in the post-COVID era. The platform brings together world leaders, experts, innovators, and media in a global forum to explore pioneering solutions addressing society’s challenges and propel action towards their realization. The three-day conference will include interactive summits on Investing in Education; Investing in the Metaverse; and Investing in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

First day announcements included the launch of the National Infrastructure Fund.

The National Development Fund will be appointing BlackRock as its chosen strategic partner to advise on establishment and the operation of the National Infrastructure Fund. NIF will facilitate increased levels of private sector investments by building on the Kingdom’s strong Public Private Partnership track record and providing a range of financial solutions to de-risk projects and enhance their structures to attract more private capital.

INAURGURAL FII INSTITUTE FOR HUMANITY AWARD: Gloria Gaynor and Graça Machel

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute for Humanity Award was launched on Tuesday at the 5th Anniversary of FII. Dame Graça Machel, one of the world’s foremost advocates for women’s and children’s rights, and American singer Gloria Gaynor, were named as the first co-recipients of the Institute’s inaugural Award.

The annual award will be given each year to two individuals in recognition of their distinguished careers and lifelong track record of commitment to serving humanity, said the FII Institute. The new award reflects the FII Institute’s own ‘Impact on Humanity’ agenda and how to make a brighter, more sustainable future for humanity.

The award’s first recipient opened FII in spectacular style with global singing icon Gaynor singing her classic song “I Will Survive”. Richard Attias, CEO of FII, presented the FII Institute’s inaugural humanity award to her and later to Machel in recognition of their distinguished careers and lifelong track record of commitment to serving humanity.

Attias said the award recognizes outstanding individuals who have made a positive impact on humanity. “We want to celebrate their lifelong contributions and efforts in areas such as promoting women’s and children’s rights, education, development, as well as art and culture. The FII Institute for Humanity Award is setting new standards for serving people around the world.”

Machel, humanitarian and women’s and children’s rights advocate and Chair, The Graça Machel Trust; spoke about the challenges of our times and the importance of investing in humanity, in a conversation moderated by HRH Princess Reema Al Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States. The session focused on how the global investment community can work together to launch a new era of investment in human progress, as leaders navigate the global economy through unprecedented transformations, amid increasing opportunities as well as risks.

During the conversation Machel said: “I encourage captains of industry here today, as you innovate our financial systems and explore new frontiers of space and technology, see the human face of the lives you will impact, and keep the welfare in mind as your North Star. Focus your efforts beyond the traditional markets. Include the most marginalized in your business models. Enable your employees and customers to enjoy the dignity of choice.”

LIVELY DEBATE

CNN anchor Richard Quest hosted a live Board meeting on “Investing for Impact” with HE Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak CEO and Managing Director at Mubadala; Ana Patricia Botin, Group Executive Chairman of Banco Santander, Ray Dalio Founder and Co-Chairman Bridgewater Associates, Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO BlackRock, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, African Rainbow Capital, Stephan Schwartzman, Chairman and CEO of Blackstone Group, and David Solomon, Chairman and CEO Goldman Sachs Group.

In a lively debate, board members talked about the vital importance for a collective will to contribute to the climate challenge as no country can achieve this on its own and governments, private sector, and civil society have to combine to do more. They also outlined how important investment is in small businesses around the world to build the stronger economy of the future

“When we bring the private sector and public sector together, we can solve many problems, but often we see the public sector trying to do it all. At this moment capital is abundant and it needs to be put to work but to use this capital in a wise and responsible way,” Larry Fink said.

Other Day One highlights:

In a discussion on the evolving role of business UK Investment Minister Lord Garry Grimstone argued that governments around the world do not have the resources to deal with climate change. He believes they need to leverage vast amounts of private-sector investment alongside to do that.

Giving a Mongolian perspective Boler-Erdene Bottsenge, Chairwoman of the Mongolian Telecommunication and Information Technology Authority, said: “We implemented the e-mongolia platform that can be accessed even by a goat herder in the middle of nowhere in Mongolia. The platform offers 545 services. The amazing thing about is that these services can be delivered to everyone, everywhere in Mongolia. This has helped to reduce corruption by 25%.”

Later in a special address to FII Nigerian President HE Muhammadu Buhari explained how his government was committed to continuing to build resilience and achieve recovery. He outlined its commitment to investing in humanity is driven by stronger public private sector partnerships through investing in health, education, gender equality and multiple other areas for economic growth.

On the issue of global supply chain disruptions, Hon. Don Graves, US Deputy Secretary of Commerce, said: “Predictability, consistency and transparency – that’s really the way we can make sure our supply chains continue to be strengthened. We have to invest in supply chains at home, but also invest in partnerships around the world.”

ENDS

About FII Institute

FII Institute is a global nonprofit foundation with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Committed to ESG principles, we foster the brightest minds and transform ideas into real- world solutions in five focus areas: AI and Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

We are in the right place at the right time – when decision makers, investors and an engaged generation of youth come together in aspiration, energized and ready for change. We harness that energy into three pillars – THINK, XCHANGE, ACT – and invest in the innovations that make a difference globally.

Join us to own, co-create and actualize a brighter, more sustainable future for humanity.

Fii-institute.org

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 5 May 2022: The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is hosting a summit, ESG in Emerging Markets, at Rosewood London, England on May 20, 2022, from 9:00 – 16:00. The summit will bring together international investors, world leaders, thought leaders, policy makers, global CEOs, and heads of sustainability to discuss and shape the future of ESG, particularly in emerging markets.

At the event, FII Institute will anchor two major themes: The Future of ESG and The Future of Sustainability, with more than 40 international leaders and experts slated to speak including:

• H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan (Governor of Saudi Arabia PIF, Chairman of FII Institute, Chairman of Saudi Aramco)
• H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad (Minister of Environment of Egypt)
• Larry Fink (CEO of Blackrock)
• Senator Matteo Renzi (Former Prime Minister of Italy)
• Noel Quinn (Global CEO of HSBC Holding).
• Vincent Keaveny (Lord Mayor of the City of London)

Furthermore, FII Institute will unveil a proprietary new inclusive ESG framework and scoring methodology, developed for informing and accelerating ESG investments in emerging economies.

According to FII Institute CEO, Richard Attias, “The planet has huge problems with climate, with destruction of nature and with peace and security. But we also have enormous resources, including our shared humanity. We believe ESG is a critical tool for bringing us together and directing capital to meet these challenges. At the Institute our work is inspired by a new generation of leaders, many of whom are women, many even under the age of 40. These leaders will be in attendance at this event, and they are the motivators and drivers of the change we need.”

While the use of ESG standards to make investment decisions is on the upswing globally, with assets projected to reach USD $53 trillion, about a third of global AUM, by 2025, the lack of a framework for effectively implementing ESG in emerging economies is a stumbling block for investors. With FII Institute ´s proprietary measurement framework, developed in conjunction with investors, global corporations and FII Institute ´s strategic partners we will finally have the tool required for developing sustainable investment strategies in these markets.

The event, which fulfills the institute’s XCHANGE pillar, is in line with its focus area of Sustainability. The Institute has a mandate to have an impact on humanity across four areas of focus: AI & Robotics, Education, Healthcare, and Sustainability.

The event is one part of a series of events the Institute is hosting, which will culminate in the 6th edition of the annual FII Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in October.

ENDS

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 12 October 2021: The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is proud to announce 16 partnerships with some of the world’s largest companies and entities ahead of the 5th Anniversary of FII on October 26-28, 2021, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.​

As a global nonprofit foundation, the partners will support the work of the FII Institute to make an impact in five areas: AI, Robotics, Education, Healthcare, and Sustainability.The 5th Anniversary FII will take place under the theme “Invest in Humanity”. Discussions will revolve around the investments that will create the greatest benefits for humanity, as multiple sectors witness a renaissance in the post-COVID era. The platform brings together world leaders, experts, innovators, and media in a global forum to explore pioneering solutions addressing society’s challenges and propel action towards their realization. The three-day conference will include interactive summits on Investing in Education; Investing in the Metaverse; and Investing in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).FII Institute CEO Richard Attias said, “We are delighted to welcome all of our partners to FII Institute. Each partner brings unique expertise, strategies and thought leadership, crucial to supporting our mission to positively impact on humanity.”

“At FII we believe in inclusivity as the prerequisite for effective cross-border collaboration to help resolve some of the most pressing issues faced by humanity. Our partners are leading companies and organizations from both the public and private sectors and have all expressed their eagerness to join hands with us to address the challenges and to help serve humanity.”

Founding Partner

Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia (PIF)

Vision Partner

Ministry of Investment, Saudi Arabia (MISA)

Strategic Partners

BNY Mellon, a global investments company

HSBC, one of the largest banking and financial services organizations

Ma’aden, the largest mining company in Saudi Arabia

NEOM, a region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea being built from the ground up as a living laboratory — a place where entrepreneurship will chart the course for this New Future Reliance Industries, a multinational conglomerate company

Royal Commission for AlUla, the commission working to preserve and develop the 2,000-year-old archaeological AlUla site in northwest Saudi Arabia

SABIC, a global leader in chemicals Saudi Aramco, a public petroleum and natural gas company, and one of the largest companies in the world by revenue

Saudi National Bank (SNB), one of the Kingdom’s biggest banks SoftBank Vision Fund, one of the world’s largest technology-focused investment funds

Saudi Telecom Company (STC), the Saudi-based leading telecom and technology services provider

The Red Sea Development Company, the developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project, The Red Sea Project (TRSP) Summit Partners

Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia

Sanabil Investments, a financial investment company specialized in global private investments ENDS ​

About FII Institute

FII Institute is a global non-profit foundation with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Committed to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, we foster the brightest minds and transform ideas into real-world solutions in five focus areas: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

We are in the right place at the right time – when decision makers, investors and an engaged generation of youth come together in aspiration, energized and ready for change. We harness that energy into three pillars – THINK, XCHANGE, ACT – and invest in the innovations that make a difference to lives globally.

Fii-institute.org ​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​• The 5th anniversary of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) closed on Thursday, October 28 with a focus on the next generation of leaders and change makers.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​• FII Institute CEO Richard Attias told young members of the Board of the Future session: “It’s important to give you a voice; you’re not the next generation, you’re the current generation.

​RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 28 October 2021: The 5th anniversary of the Future Investment Initiative closed with a session dedicated to building the next generation of leaders.

Led by FII Institute CEO Richard Attias, the Board of the Future explored both the opportunities and the challenges the next generation are facing – and will face – including social media, fake news and further growth in technology and innovation. Mr. Attias said it was important that events like FII stay relevant for the next generation and that they work to build the board members of the future.

“It’s important to understand you,” he told the panelists, “Because for the past two and a half days, many Old Guard people like me were talking on stage and trying to explain what the world should be and what we should do. But it’s important to give you a voice; you’re not the next generation, you’re the current generation.”

The closing session brought together rising leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation and what they need from the global investment community to succeed. Reem Bin Saddik, Founder and CEO Bin Saddik Consultancy, spoke about the importance of giving young people a voice, and Marlene Ngoyi, Board Member of Afrexim Bank PAPPS, added that diversity was key.

“When you have 20 men who decide on the future of the world that is frankly unacceptable and almost offensive for some of us. We need a more diverse group of people around the table to make a win-win for everyone,” Ms. Ngoyi argued.

Oliver Ripley, CEO and Co-Founder of Habitas, and Saudi journalist Lama Alhamawi, spoke about being global citizens and connecting via social media.

“What I am seeing today is a generation growing up who are not defined either by their nationality or their jobs but by a common set of values about how they want to live their lives. That is the change that is happening.” Mr. Ripley said.

Ms. Alhamawi meanwhile urged the FII community to “listen to the voices around the world and ask them what they need. If everyone just takes that step and does their part, the global change is incredible that could happen.”

The session closed with an energetic song by American artist AY Young, Founder of the Battery Tour, powered by 100% renewable energy, that urged the crowd and virtual viewers to unite to change the world.

For more information visit www.fii-institute.org. You can also watch the full program on the FII Institute YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x97BKR7KAlk.

ENDS

About FII Institute

FII Institute is a global nonprofit foundation with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Committed to ESG principles, we foster the brightest minds and transform ideas into real- world solutions in five focus areas: AI and Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

We are in the right place at the right time – when decision makers, investors and an engaged generation of youth come together in aspiration, energized and ready for change. We harness that energy into three pillars – THINK, XCHANGE, ACT – and invest in the innovations that make a difference globally.

Join us to own, co-create and actualize a brighter, more sustainable future for humanity.

Fii-institute.org
​

5th Anniversary FII

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, a global non-profit foundation with one agenda: Impact on Humanity, hosted the 5th Anniversary of FII from October 26 to 28 under the theme “Invest in Humanity.” Bringing together world leaders, experts, innovators, and media, the three-day platform included interactive summits on Investing in Education; Investing in the Metaverse; and Investing in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 27 October 2021: The second day of the 5th Anniversary Future Investment Initiative (FII), which kicked off in Riyadh on Tuesday with world leaders, global CEOs, investors, and policymakers in attendance, saw another day of lively debate and discussions including the impact of climate change, investing in green initiatives, ESG and sustainable food security and their influence on humanity.

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, a global non-profit foundation with one agenda: Impact on Humanity, is hosting the 5th Anniversary of FII under the theme “Invest in Humanity”. Bringing together world leaders, experts, innovators, and media, the three-day conference will include interactive summits on Investing in Education; Investing in the Metaverse; and Investing in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

Day two discussions placed ESG, the impact of climate change, investing in green initiatives, and sustainable food security high on the agenda. Business and leisure travel for a sustainable world, looking to sustainable tourism, regenerative tourism, and redesigning tourism also discussed.

INVESTING IN THE CIRCULAR CARBON ECONOMY ‘Science in Action’ sessions debated investing in the circular carbon economy and explored how the investment community, business, and government work together to achieve progress towards the G20 recommendations of last year. In 2020, under Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the G20, the world’s largest economies endorsed the concept of circular carbon economy — an integrated and inclusive approach to transitioning toward more comprehensive, resilient, sustainable, and climate friendly energy systems that support and enable sustainable development.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy, KSA, encouraged leaders to recognize energy strategies that will drive improved health on a global scale. He said: “There are three pillars any energy leader recognizes – energy security, economic prosperity & wellbeing of people and climate change.”

Matthew Harris, Founding Partner, Global Infrastructure Partners, said collective efforts between governments, corporates and private capital to transition into a new age of energy. “But what in existing businesses today can be repurposed? There is infrastructure that can enable the circular carbon economy. Pipelines that carry oil and gas today – there is no reason why they can’t carry hydrogen in the future.”

Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, Lanzatech, noted: “We think about recycling carbon itself and we imagine a future where we can refine CO2 to make the products we need in our daily lives. For example, we have already fueled a flight from Orlando to Gatwick with sustainable aviation fuel made from recycled carbon ethanol.”

William Winters, Group CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, added: “All of these transitions cost money. But when we look at developing countries – accounting for major contributions to global emissions – we see a disconnect between the funding that exists and the ability to get that into the hands of people who can drive the projects.”

‘TOURISM IS TOO BIG TO FAIL’

Sustainable tourism development to help the sector recover from the devastating pandemic was front and center in many discussion areas and debates throughout the day.

Talking about regenerative tourism, John Pagano, Group CEO Red Sea Development Company and Amaala, said: “We serve nature best by not just protecting it but by enhancing it. That’s what I mean when I talk about regenerative tourism. Regeneration goes further than sustainability. It’s leaving the place better than when we arrived. It’s what I’m passionate about and I believe we’re leading the way.”

HH Princess Haifa Al Saud, Assistant Minister for Executive Affairs & Strategy, Ministry of Tourism, KSA, said there was a need to redefine the principles that govern tourism and create a roadmap that creates new opportunities for job creation, investment and innovation. “As a sector tourism is too big to fail but we need to focus on the environmental, social and economic sustainability of tourism as it lacks resilience,” she said.

Julia Simpson, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council, said now is the moment to leapfrog several generations of innovation and technology to embrace a new era of truly contactless, frictionless travel.

Talking about ‘Business and Leisure Travel for A Sustainable World’, Eng. Ahmad Arab, Deputy Minister for Strategy and Business Intelligence, Ministry of Tourism, KSA, said sustainability and training are two of the fundamentals of our tourism development strategy. “We are committed to simultaneously safeguarding our natural resources and investing in our people for a sustainable future on every level,” he said. “It is why we have already trained 127,000 people across 14 sectors in the hospitality sector.”

ESG IN SPOTLIGHT

ESG was in very much focus with many sessions addressing various facets of Environmental, Social, and Governance principles and models. The ‘G’ in ESG session on how better governance can create more sustainable business delved into questions such as whether the lessons from large corporations promoting the “G” in ESG, can be leveraged to develop better management among early stage companies, entrepreneurs, founders, and small business owners, and eventually lead to sustainability and growth.

HH Princess Nouf bint Muhammed Al Saud, Chair of C20 and CEO King Khalid Foundation, said: “We cannot leave governance to the benevolence of shareholders, it has to be a top-down, bottom-up approach. NGOs need to be involved.”

Rania Nashar, Head of Compliance and Governance, Public Investment Fund (PIF), said Saudi Arabia has the ambitious goal to ensure the contribution by SMEs to the economy grows to 35 percent from 20 percent. “SMEs are a major contributor to the economy and to job creation and it is important to embrace them.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Harper, Former Prime Minister, Canada, noted: “In my business we hear ESG all the time. But if you want to be effective at the “S” and the “E” you have to have the “G”, the governance that structures that. Everything flows downstream from governance.”

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT

Delegates also listened to wide-ranging conversations on climate change and its impact.

Akim Daouda, CEO, Fonds Gabonais d’Investissements Stratégiques argued that: “A lot of promises were made on climate change so far, but too little has been delivered. Massive capital is needed to achieve this and while the intent is there, but there remains is a trust issue in delivering real change. To succeed there must be strong collaboration across global institutions.”

Noel Quinn, GCE, HSBC Holdings, noted: “If we have to overcome a public trust deficit, we have to bring definition to the statement of transitioning to net zero and deliver against that definition. We have to go beyond just a high-level phrase.”

Talking in a session about the impact of climate change on communities, Walid Al Saqqaf, CEO & Cofounder, Rebalance Earth, said we live in an interconnected world, a world where we cannot operate anymore in silos. “A rich and thriving biodiversity can help to significantly capture carbon and is one of our best weapons to combat climate change,” he added.

‘WEALTH OF NATIONS’

In this session, that touched on new legal policies to supercharge FDI, The Hon. Dan Tehan, Minister of Trade, Tourism and Investment, Australia, said: “We are working to secure a strong and sustainable economic recovery, powered by the private sector and FDI. Getting investment flowing is one of the most powerful things we can do to secure our recovery.”

HE Khalid Al Mudaifer, Vice Minister, Mining Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, KSA, said that since Saudi Vision 2030 was approved, the Kingdom has made more than 400 changes and updates to its legal framework. “This has helped Q1 2021 record FDI of over $14 billion. It shows we’re on the right track and we are delivering on the transformation,” he added.

FOOD SECURITY

Dr. Mustapha El Bouhssini, Professor of Entomology and Program Lead, Biodiversity and Plant Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, said: “When we look at innovations to help make food more sustainable it is clear that looking into alternative crops can hold the key for global food security.”

Dr. Ahmed Amri, Honorary Head of Genetic Resources Unit, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, said: “It has become clear from our research how crop diversification can both protect public health and enhance the quality of the land while ensuring the sustainability of our resources.” But Gregory Lu, CEO, Natufia, said: “The current global business models that are in place limit the ability we have to enhance quality and diversity of seeds, thus removing rich tasting and healthy products off our tables.”

ENDS

About FII Institute

FII Institute is a global nonprofit foundation with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Committed to ESG principles, we foster the brightest minds and transform ideas into real- world solutions in five focus areas: AI and Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

We are in the right place at the right time – when decision makers, investors and an engaged generation of youth come together in aspiration, energized and ready for change. We harness that energy into three pillars – THINK, XCHANGE, ACT – and invest in the innovations that make a difference globally.

Join us to own, co-create and actualize a brighter, more sustainable future for humanity.

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