Youth Voices Shine at 2025 Misk Global Forum in Riyadh

Riyadh — Young innovators, creators and changemakers took center stage at the 2025 Misk Global Forum this week,
sharing their achievements, experiences and ambitions with an international audience gathered to explore ideas that shape the future.

The forum brought together students, entrepreneurs, technologists and young leaders from around the world, creating an environment where inspiration, practical learning and global networking came together under one roof.

Among the standout speakers was 14-year-old Aaryan Nitin Shukla, an Indian mental calculation prodigy, who gained global recognition after winning the 2022 Mental Calculation World Cup at age 12 and later earning six Guinness World Records.

Shukla described the experience of presenting his skills on the Misk stage as both exciting and rewarding, noting that demonstrating mental calculation live to a global audience encouraged him to push his abilities even further.

He said his goal now is to promote mental calculation as a sport for young people worldwide, emphasizing that programs engaging youth in cognitive development contribute to building a knowledge-driven generation for the future.

Shukla expressed appreciation to the forum organizers for creating a platform where expertise can be shared openly, adding that he had the opportunity to learn from seasoned speakers, educators and innovators throughout the event.

He said visiting Saudi Arabia offered a fresh perspective on how youth empowerment initiatives are being shaped, and he expressed eagerness to return and contribute to activities that support long-term educational and creative growth.

Another young voice who captured attention was 13-year-old Linda Al-Faisal, host of a podcast highlighting youth empowerment and the transformative opportunities emerging across the Kingdom.

Al-Faisal said participating in the forum felt deeply inspirational, as it allowed her to meet people with diverse ideas and offered a space that encouraged curiosity, ambition and creative thinking.

She highlighted the increasing availability of platforms designed to help young people explore leadership pathways, stating that such opportunities allow youth to take ownership of their future and build confidence in their skills.

Reflecting on the environment of innovation currently expanding across the Kingdom, she said the momentum of ongoing development encourages young people to turn ideas into meaningful action.

She emphasized that while opportunities continue to grow, young individuals must work diligently to transform these openings into long-term achievements that contribute to national development.

The forum welcomed participation from major global companies, including leading digital platforms such as Snapchat, whose representatives hosted sessions introducing attendees to digital marketing trends and emerging communication tools.

These sessions aimed to equip young participants with practical knowledge applicable to a rapidly evolving digital landscape, bridging the gap between creativity, technology and personal brand development in an increasingly interconnected world.

For many attendees, the forum’s theme, “Created by the Youth,” resonated strongly, reflecting the shift toward empowering young minds to shape the strategies and solutions of tomorrow.

Twenty-three-year-old student Rym Al-Hammawi described the gathering as a place of growth and exploration, saying that the environment encouraged both self-development and community-building among emerging leaders.

She noted that exposure to workshops, panels and interactive discussions broadened her understanding of global challenges, while also reinforcing the importance of collaboration and learning within diverse youth communities.

Participants across the forum echoed a sense of optimism, expressing that events like these reinforce the belief that young people can influence progress when given tools, recognition and responsibility.

The 2025 edition of the Misk Global Forum concluded with strong engagement from local and international youth, highlighting the power of collective ambition and creative energy in shaping future economic, educational and social landscapes.

As this year’s gathering closed, conversations continued about innovation, community leadership and collaborative problem-solving, signaling continued enthusiasm for youth-driven initiatives and the expanding opportunities that lie ahead.