Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Saudi Arabia
S ince the launch of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the citizen has been our focus, as he is its pillar and goal, and any achievement accomplished through its comprehensive umbrella of various paths is an elevation to the nation, a benefit for the citizen, and immunity for future generations from fluctuations and changes. … We have completed parts of this journey with steady steps and continuous work, in which we are proud to have achieved many goals at the national and international levels, and in which the Kingdom has risen to advanced levels in international indicators and ratings. We are proceeding with optimism and confidence in continuing the journey to achieve its goals according to a comprehensive and integrated approach based on careful review and prioritization. Our country has achieved many fundamental achievements during this great journey, and among them are the non-oil activities in the Kingdom, which recorded their highest contribution to the real GDP [gross domestic product] at 50% last year, which enhances the sustainability and comprehensiveness of growth, achieving high quality in economic diversification. The Public Investment Fund continues its role in achieving its goals to be a driving force for investment. Unemployment among male and female citizens recorded its lowest historical level in the first quarter of 2024, reaching 7.6 % while it was 12.8% in 2017. The percentage of home ownership among citizens increased from 47% in 2016 to more than 63%. In the field of tourism, achievements preceded the target date, as the national tourism strategy which was launched in 2019 set a target of 100 million tourists in 2030, and this target was exceeded and reached 109 million tourists in 2023. The Kingdom has achieved 6th place among the most competitive countries. With the exploration of natural resources, the Kingdom has become one of the largest stores of natural resources in the world. Your country has also achieved an advanced position in the field of renewable energy, becoming one of its most active players regionally and internationally. Today, as a result of its achievements and vision, the Kingdom enjoys global confidence that has made it one of the first destinations
for global centers and major companies, most notably the opening of the International Monetary Fund’s regional office, and a center for multiple international activities in sports, investment, and culture, serving as a gateway to cultural communication. This contributed to its selection to host Expo 2030, and it’s getting ready today to organize the FIFA World Cup 2034. We are proud of the citizen’s achievements in the fields of innovation and science. We give our utmost attention to education so that it is qualitative and enhances knowledge and innovation. We work to build generations that enjoy scientific excellence and high skills and have every opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. We emphasize that as we move on the paths of modernization and diversity, we are extremely keen to preserve our identity and values, which are an extension of the path our grandfathers and fathers and are our bright image throughout the world … The Palestinian issue is at the forefront of our country’s attention, and we renew Pioneering growth and global leadership
the Kingdom’s rejection and strong condemnation of the crimes of the Israeli occupation authority against the Palestinian people, ignoring international and humanitarian law in a new and bitter chapter of suffering … The Kingdom also seeks to enhance regional and international security and peace, by making efforts to reach political solutions to the crises in Yemen, Sudan, Libya, and others, and also supports solutions in international crises such as the Russian-Ukrainian crisis Our nation is steadfastly advancing on its path to a renaissance, as envisioned in Vision 2030 and its ambitious programs, which shall steadfastly uphold the Kingdom’s evolved standing while propelling us toward further development, prosperity, and a dignified livelihood for our citizens. Significant strides have been made in numerous spheres, with our nation’s advancements in over 50% of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals indicators. The Saudi economy has recorded the fastest growth rate among the G20 countries in 2022, at a rate of 8.7% of the GDP, accompanied by a non-oil GDP growth of 4.8%. Our nation also attained a prominent position among the top 20 most competitive countries in the world. The tourism sector, in particular, has achieved unprecedented milestones, Inauguration of the first year of the ninth session of the Shura Council, 19 September 2024 witnessing a historic growth rate of 64% during the first quarter of 2023. We shall determinedly forge ahead in our transformational economic journey, resolute in our commitment to meeting the targets of Vision 2030. The positive outcomes thus far serve as a testament to our ability to achieve further success in implementing vital economic reforms, strengthening the Kingdom’s financial stature, and fostering comprehensive economic growth for our nation. Annual royal speech delivered on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inaugurating the fourth year of the eighth session of the Shura Council, 27 December 2023
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globalgovernanceproject.org
2024 — G20 BRAZIL: THE RIO SUMMIT
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