The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has successfully hosted the Hegra Conference of Nobel Laureates & Friends, a transformative three-day event gathering 35 Nobel Laureates and distinguished peers in the stunning landscape of AlUla. Under the theme “New Openings: Decisive Moments for a Decisive Decade,” the conference focused on pressing global challenges facing humanity.
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Building on Success
The inaugural Hegra Conference took place in early 2020, marking a significant assembly of Nobel Laureates dedicated to meaningful discourse. Following the success of the first event, the latest conference expanded its reach, welcoming laureates from a variety of prestigious accolades, further enriching the dialogue around critical global issues.
A Distinguished Gathering
Among the esteemed participants were notable figures such as:
- Rigoberta Menchu-Tum (Nobel Peace Prize, 1992), a renowned Guatemalan activist.
- Lech Walesa (Nobel Peace Prize, 1983), former President of Poland.
- Michael Moss and Jeff Gottlieb, both Pulitzer Prize winners known for their impactful journalism.
- Prof. Omar M. Yaghi, recognized with the King Faisal Prize.
- Dominique Langevin, a research director at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) and UNESCO awardee for Women in Science.
A Strong Saudi Presence
HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud, Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, led a robust Saudi contingent at the conference, which also featured HH Princess Noura bint Turki Al Saud, founding partner of Aeon Strategy, and HE Eng. Ibrahim Muhammad Al Sultan, a member of the RCU board of directors.
Addressing Key Issues
Over the course of three days, participants engaged in lively discussions addressing a myriad of crucial topics, including sustainability, cultural preservation, the challenges of an aging population, educational disparities, and healthcare accessibility. A notable aspect of the conference was the inclusion of approximately 20 Saudi high school and university students, many of whom were alumni of the Kingdom’s Mawhiba program for gifted youth. These students played an active role in discussions, particularly in a forum on the pivotal role of young people in shaping the future.
Impactful Insights
In his remarks, HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud paraphrased Julius Caesar, expressing hope that attendees were “conquered by what you have seen – by the majesty and grace of AlUla.” HE Eng. Ibrahim Muhammad Al Sultan highlighted the conference’s significance in his opening address, stating, “The Hegra Conference of Nobel Laureates & Friends is a reflection of AlUla’s legacy of important knowledge exchange and dialogue. It serves as a powerful attempt to analyze critical issues facing humanity today and to create actionable recommendations.”
Collaborative Dialogues and Future Recommendations
Curated by Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, and the Royal Commission for AlUla, the conference fostered a rich environment for interactive dialogues and panel sessions. Participants explored various subjects, from the erosion of cultural heritage to innovative solutions for global healthcare challenges. Following these discussions, the group plans to release a set of recommendations aimed at inspiring action among world leaders, international organizations, corporations, and individuals to ensure humanity thrives in the 21st century.
In addition to the intellectual exchanges, attendees had the opportunity to explore AlUla’s key sites and communities, gaining insights from the region’s rich history of creativity and problem-solving. This blend of dialogue and exploration underscores the conference’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of global challenges while celebrating the cultural heritage of AlUla.
