Saudi Arabia will host the Asian Conference on Talent and Creativity 2026 in Jeddah
In a historic move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leadership in human capital development, Jeddah is preparing to host the 19th Asian Conference on Talent and Creativity for the first time in the Kingdom's history. This global event, held under the patronage of the Minister of Education, Yousef Al-Bunyan, will take place from February 7 to 11, 2026, further solidifying the Kingdom's position as a global hub for innovation and excellence.
A global platform for exchanging experiences
This conference represents a pivotal turning point in the development of gifted education at both the regional and international levels. The event is expected to draw a wide range of participants, including leading experts, researchers, and policymakers from over 40 countries worldwide. Organized under the theme "Towards the Future: A Vision for Gifted Education 2050," the conference aims to create an interactive environment for exchanging the latest scientific trends and educational practices in gifted education, thereby contributing to shaping the future of creative learning.
A rich scientific program and unprecedented initiatives
The conference boasts an intensive and comprehensive scientific program, featuring over 100 panel discussions and keynote addresses, in addition to showcasing more than 350 scientific and research contributions. Perhaps the most significant highlight of this edition is the official launch of the "First Global Index for Measuring and Evaluating Talent," a pioneering initiative, the first of its kind globally, undertaken under the direct supervision of the Asian Federation for Giftedness and the conference's Higher Steering Committee. The event also includes high-quality accompanying activities, such as the "Educational Innovation Hackathon" and an enrichment camp for gifted youth, further enhancing the practical and applied aspects of the conference.
Integration with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
Hosting this major event aligns with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 , specifically the Human Capital Development Program, which aims to cultivate globally competitive citizens. The Ministry of Education, in strategic partnership with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), the Ministry of Culture, and the Asian Federation for Giftedness and Creativity, is working to ensure the conference produces outcomes and recommendations that benefit the education and innovation ecosystem. This collaboration between the public, private, and non-profit sectors reflects the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to fostering a stimulating learning environment that unleashes the potential of young people and invests in creative minds.
The strategic importance of the event
The conference's importance extends beyond the academic sphere to encompass developmental and economic dimensions. Investing in talent and innovation is the cornerstone of the transition to a knowledge-based economy. By attracting the world's best minds and practices to Jeddah, the Kingdom reaffirms its leading role in the region as a center of intellectual and cultural influence, thereby contributing to the development of innovative solutions for future challenges and supporting the path of sustainable development.
