The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has intensified its push to position young people at the center of the Kingdom’s development agenda, rolling out more than 20 initiatives under its “Youth Development Strategy” since the start of 2024.
Launched under the slogan “Our Youth is Our Wealth,” the strategy is designed as a national framework to strengthen youth participation in economic and social development, while aligning with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
At its core, the strategy aims to shift young people from being passive beneficiaries to active contributors in nation-building. Officials say it does this through a comprehensive policy approach that expands opportunities, builds capabilities, and creates structured pathways for youth aligned with their academic and professional ambitions.
Broad-based initiatives and partnerships
Since its rollout, the Ministry has signed six memoranda of understanding with government bodies and institutions to advance youth-focused programs.
More than 15 collaborative workshops have been conducted with partners across public and non-profit sectors, alongside 31 regional workshops engaging youth and professionals in shaping public policy.
A key milestone includes the launch of a national Public Policy for Youth Development project, an overarching framework that defines pathways and promotes safe, enabling environments for young people.
The strategy has also introduced a professional certification for individuals working in youth development, aimed at strengthening career pathways and improving the quality of support systems. In parallel, a new incentives framework targeting donor institutions seeks to mobilize funding and expand investment in youth programs.
Reaching scale and impact
The Ministry reports that its initiatives have reached over one million beneficiaries through various media and engagement channels, signaling growing awareness and participation.
This comes as youth continue to represent a significant share of Saudi Arabia’s population and workforce—an economic reality that policymakers are increasingly factoring into long-term planning.
A long-term policy vision to 2030
The strategy is anchored in a roadmap extending to 2030, with a focus on enhancing youth competitiveness both locally and globally. It is structured around key pillars including regulatory development, capacity building for youth-sector professionals, and increased youth participation in decision-making and community engagement.
More than 30 entities across government, private, and non-profit sectors have contributed to shaping the policy, reflecting a coordinated national approach.
Driving innovation and participation
Officials say the strategy emphasizes innovation and skills development as critical levers, aiming to prepare young people for a knowledge-based economy. Programs are designed to boost youth engagement across economic, civic, and social domains while supporting their integration into key sectors.
With 10 core objectives guiding its implementation, the initiative seeks to enhance youth contribution to national development indicators and ensure their active role in shaping the Kingdom’s future.
The rollout underscores a broader policy shift in Saudi Arabia, placing youth development at the heart of sustainable growth, and positioning national talent as a central driver of long-term economic transformation.