Introduction to the rescheduling of the World Economic Forum in Jeddah
The World Economic Forum , in a strategic move coordinated with the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning, announced its International Meeting on Cooperation and Growth . The prominent economic event was originally scheduled to take place in Jeddah from April 22-23, 2026. This rescheduling reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the maximum benefit from the Forum's sessions and discussions, in line with global developments.
Reasons for postponing the international meeting on cooperation and growth
The Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning explained that the postponement decision was made at the request of the World Economic Forum, in response to current regional developments in the Middle East and globally. This postponement aims to ensure the meeting is held at an optimal time to maximize its impact and allow leaders and decision-makers greater opportunity to focus on finding sustainable solutions to economic and geopolitical challenges. Choosing the right time is a crucial factor in the success of major international conferences, especially those addressing sensitive and critical issues such as international cooperation and inclusive economic growth.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a global platform for dialogue
Despite the rescheduling, the Ministry of Economy and Planning affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains fully prepared to host this international meeting in Jeddah. The Kingdom's readiness is based on its proven track record and extensive experience in organizing major international events. In recent years, under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030 , the Kingdom has solidified its position as a leading global platform for dialogue and economic decision-making.
One of the most recent examples of this organizational success is the exceptional hosting of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting held in Riyadh in April 2024. That event brought together an elite group of global leaders to discuss issues of international cooperation, growth, and energy for development, demonstrating the ability of Saudi talent to manage constructive and influential global dialogues in the most difficult global circumstances.
Historical context and importance of the World Economic Forum
Founded in 1971 by Professor Klaus Schwab and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum is one of the world’s leading platforms, bringing together government leaders, CEOs, and thought leaders to discuss the challenges facing the world. The “International Meeting for Cooperation and Growth” is particularly significant because it focuses on addressing critical issues such as global inflation, the energy transition, supply chain stability, and technological innovation—issues that demand urgent international cooperation.
Expected impact of the meeting at the regional and international levels
The World Economic Forum stated that this meeting represents a key platform for fostering constructive global dialogue. Its convening on a new date, to be announced later, is expected to contribute to shaping new economic policies that support the stability of both emerging and developed markets. The ongoing coordination between the Forum and the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning reflects a firm commitment to strengthening international cooperation and directing investments towards sustainable sectors, thereby enhancing the event's positive impact on the regional and global economies and ensuring that participants emerge with actionable recommendations.
