Saudi Launches Youth Development Strategy to 2030

Saudi Arabia has launched the Youth Development Strategy (YDS), a long-term national framework running until 2030 aimed at empowering young people across the economy and society. The strategy was announced in Riyadh by the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed Al-Rajhi, as part of the youth initiatives under رؤية السعودية 2030.

The strategy responds to the scale of the Kingdom's youth population, who make up around 44% of the population and 78% of the workforce. It is built on five key pillars that treat young people as a core national asset, and sets out 10 strategic goals for youth development and empowerment.

What the strategy covers

The YDS targets the integration of Saudi youth into 24 key sectors expected to shape the Kingdom's future economy. It is guided by a General Policy for Youth Development focusing on economic empowerment, community participation, education and lifelong learning, health and wellbeing, and national identity and religious values.

On implementation, the strategy brings together more than 30 governmental and private-sector partners to refine youth-related regulations and expand young people's role in decision-making. At least six memoranda of understanding have been signed with bodies focused on youth empowerment, and awareness and media campaigns tied to the strategy have already reached more than one million beneficiaries.

The plan also introduces a professional certification for those working in the youth sector, creating specialised career pathways. Work is underway to strengthen legislation on youth employment, close legislative gaps, protect young people from discrimination and violence, promote digital safety, and ensure equal opportunities—including for youth with disabilities.

For residents and families across the Kingdom, the strategy signals a clearer pathway for young Saudis into work, training, and community life over the coming years, aligning youth ambitions with national development goals.

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