The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), the voice of the chemical and petrochemical industry in the Arabian Gulf, is proud to announce that the inaugural edition of the GPCA Youth Forum will take place on 5-6 December 2022 as part of the 16th Annual GPCA Forum in Riyadh to shape the next generation of Saudi Arabia’s youth and that of neighboring GCC countries.

Experts predict that by the end of the decade, 375 million employees across the globe will need to change occupation due to automation, artificial intelligence and digitalization[1]. According to another study[2], 9 in 10 leaders state they either currently face a skill gap in their company or expect it to develop within the next five years, with only one third of survey respondents saying their companies are equipped to cope with future workplace disruptions.

The GPCA Youth Forum will aim to prepare 250+ of the next generation of young leaders from across the Arabian Gulf to meet the new demands of the future, and provide them with a holistic networking experience, the knowledge, and skills they need to step up to the challenge and shape a more sustainable future for the region, the chemical and petrochemical industry.

The forum is being organized under the theme ‘For The Youth. By The Youth.’ and will serve as a platform to connect university students and young working professionals from across the GCC with an array of hugely successful chemical business leaders and accomplished trailblazers from the region who are breaking barriers and advancing female diversity in the region today.

As the first of its kind, the event is being led by the GPCA Youth Council, comprised of 30 young working professionals from 18 GPCA member companies. Attendees will have the opportunity to be part of three

exciting Youth Majlis sessions, two skills and knowledge-based workshops led by the global consultancy firm BCG as well as a Youth Speed Mentorship segment.

A dialogue with the first female Aerospace Engineer in the GCC and Special Advisor to the CEO of the Saudi Space Commission, Eng. Mishaal Ashemimry, will make the Forum one not to miss. Delegates will also have the opportunity to hear from Reema Juffali – Saudi Arabia’s first female racing driver – and meet Othman Almoamar, Chairman of Y20 Saudi Arabia, the official platform bringing young voices together to the G20 leaders.