Riyadh: President of the Islamic University of Madinah Dr. Saleh Al-Aqla emphasized that the foundation of a learning society is in the development of people, stating that investing in education, knowledge, skills, and values represents a long-term investment in development, stability, and the future of societies. He pointed out that the rapid evolution in fields like artificial intelligence, the digital economy, energy, climate, and labor markets necessitates a shift towards lifelong learning and capacity building.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Aqla delivered his remarks during a speech titled 'Building the Future: An Islamic Vision for Development and Investment in People' at the 11th International Conference on Intellectual Advancements (ICIA 2026). The conference, organized by the Islamic University of Maldives, is being held under the theme 'Building a Learning Society for Sustainable Development' from August 30 to 31, 2026, in Mal©, Republic of Maldives.
The university president discussed Saudi Arabia's efforts in nurturing human capabilities under the Kingdom's leadership, highlighting that Saudi Vision 2030 positions the development of minds, skills, and values as central to the national agenda. He also mentioned the Kingdom's provision of educational opportunities and scholarships for international students, underscoring its commitment to education, capacity building, and international cooperation.
Furthermore, he elaborated on the Islamic University of Madinah's mission to facilitate knowledge exchange, advocate moderation, and serve communities globally, noting the university hosts students from over 180 countries.