Saudi Arabia to host second Global Social Responsibility Forum in October

Saudi Arabia will host the second International Social Responsibility Forum in Riyadh on Oct. 5-6, 2026, drawing more than 3,000 participants and over 100 speakers. The event aims to expand corporate social responsibility practices globally as the kingdom pushes for deeper private-sector impact under Vision 2030.

Why it matters: - Saudi Arabia is using the forum to push corporate social responsibility from pledges to measurable impact. - The event underscores the kingdom’s rising profile in sustainability and social responsibility as its economy grows. - The forum is designed to connect business leaders, regulators, investors, academics and community representatives in one place.

What happened: - The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development will host the second International Social Responsibility Forum on Oct. 5-6, 2026, in Riyadh. - The event will take place at the Sofitel Hotel and Convention Center in Riyadh. - The forum is being held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. - The forum will run under the theme “From Commitment to Impact.” - More than 3,000 participants are expected, along with more than 100 speakers from around the world. - The program includes more than 40 sessions focused on strengthening corporate social responsibility practice globally.

The details: - The two-day forum will bring together senior executives, government leaders, regulators, standards bodies, investors, academics and civil society representatives. - The agenda includes keynote speeches, ministerial sessions and specialized dialogues. - The forum is intended to strengthen cooperation across sectors and support initiatives with development impact. - Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi said the Saudi private sector has made notable progress in adopting social responsibility practices in recent years. - Al-Rajhi said the next phase should focus on maximizing impact, adopting global best practices and building partnerships that advance the field nationally and internationally. - Al-Rajhi said the forum will serve as an international platform for social responsibility and sustainability leaders to exchange expertise, measure progress, discuss challenges and develop practical solutions. - Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility has accelerated under Vision 2030. - The kingdom moved from 41st to 16th place globally in the social responsibility index between 2021 and 2025.

Between the lines: - The forum positions Saudi Arabia not just as a host, but as a convener trying to shape global standards and outcomes in corporate responsibility. - The emphasis on “impact” signals a shift from awareness-building to implementation, measurement and partnerships. - The event also reflects a broader effort to align private-sector behavior with national development goals.

What’s next: - The forum will gather international participants in Riyadh in October for two days of discussions and sessions. - Organizers are expected to use the event to deepen collaboration and advance practical approaches to social responsibility. - The kingdom will likely continue highlighting its progress in sustainability and responsibility as part of its broader economic transformation.