NEXT GENERATION. SBC Institutional Programme Series No. 5
Developing Future Leaders for International Economic Cooperation
The Next Generation Programme is the Saudi Business Council's institutional programme dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders who will contribute to responsible international cooperation, economic diplomacy, innovation, entrepreneurship, institutional governance, and sustainable development.
Developed within the Council's institutional architecture—including the Council of 5 Framework, the Economic Diplomacy Strategy, the Saudi Partnership Dossier, and the Partner Lifecycle—the Programme recognises that the future of international cooperation depends upon capable, ethical, and globally minded leadership.
As an independent, non-profit, private-sector association legally registered in the National Register of Associations (Registro Nacional de Asociaciones) of the Ministry of the Interior of the Kingdom of Spain under Registration Number 633101, the Saudi Business Council (SBC) promotes initiatives that strengthen human capital, institutional understanding, intercultural dialogue, and international collaboration in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Programme provides a structured platform through which future leaders, emerging professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, universities, educational institutions, innovation ecosystems, and international partners can engage in leadership development, institutional learning, strategic dialogue, and implementation-oriented cooperation.
The Saudi Business Council believes that effective leadership is not defined by position or authority alone. It is demonstrated through integrity, responsibility, service, and the ability to build trusted institutions capable of creating long-term public value.
Programme Purpose
The purpose of the Next Generation Programme is to strengthen the leadership capacity required for responsible international economic cooperation.
The Programme seeks to:
- Develop future institutional leaders
- Strengthen international understanding
- Promote youth participation in economic diplomacy
- Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship
- Foster institutional learning
- Support academic excellence
- Promote intercultural dialogue
- Strengthen leadership ethics and governance
- Encourage evidence-based decision-making
- Contribute to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030
The Programme views leadership as a long-term institutional responsibility founded upon professionalism, collaboration, and public service.
Strategic Areas
The Programme supports initiatives across a broad range of strategic areas, including:
- Leadership Development
- Economic Diplomacy
- International Cooperation
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Education
- Research
- Academic Partnerships
- Executive Learning
- Digital Skills
- Public Policy Awareness
- Institutional Governance
- Human Capital Development
- Sustainability
- Cultural Understanding
- Languages
- Professional Development
These strategic areas reflect the multidisciplinary competencies required to lead institutions and develop responsible international partnerships in an increasingly interconnected global environment.
Institutional Methodology
The Programme is implemented through the institutional methodologies developed by the Saudi Business Council.
These include:
- Council of 5 Framework
- Economic Diplomacy Strategy
- Saudi Partnership Dossier
- Partner Lifecycle
- Education Programme
- Strategic Research Programme
Together, these methodologies provide participants with a practical understanding of how international cooperation is developed through governance, institutional planning, strategic alignment, and long-term partnership development.
Programme Activities
Activities undertaken through the Next Generation Programme may include:
- Leadership academies
- Executive seminars
- Youth policy dialogues
- International conferences
- Academic exchanges
- Educational workshops
- Mentorship programmes
- Entrepreneurship initiatives
- Innovation laboratories
- Research projects
- Policy simulations
- Cultural diplomacy initiatives
- International study visits
- Capacity-building programmes
- Professional networking forums
Activities are designed to encourage practical learning while strengthening institutional awareness, leadership capability, and international engagement.
Who the Programme Serves
The Programme supports participation by:
- Students
- Emerging professionals
- Entrepreneurs
- Researchers
- Universities
- Business schools
- Educational institutions
- Innovation ecosystems
- Youth leadership organisations
- Foundations
- Public institutions
- International organisations
The Programme encourages multidisciplinary collaboration while respecting the governance structures and institutional responsibilities of participating organisations.
Strategic Contribution
The Next Generation Programme contributes to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by supporting:
- Human Capital Development
- Leadership Development
- Youth Empowerment
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Education
- Knowledge Exchange
- International Cooperation
- Institutional Capacity
- Sustainable Economic Growth
By investing in future leaders, the Programme contributes to stronger institutions, greater international understanding, and more resilient long-term partnerships.
International Leadership Ecosystem
The Saudi Business Council believes that future leadership develops through international experience, interdisciplinary learning, and institutional cooperation.
The Programme therefore encourages collaboration among:
- Universities
- Business schools
- Research institutions
- Governments
- Companies
- International organisations
- Development institutions
- Innovation ecosystems
- Professional associations
- Youth leadership initiatives
Through the Council of 5 Framework, participants are encouraged to develop global perspectives while strengthening their understanding of responsible governance, economic diplomacy, and international partnership development.
Guiding Principles
The Programme is governed by the Saudi Business Council's institutional principles:
- Integrity
- Independence
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Professionalism
- Responsible Leadership
- Respect for Cultural Diversity
- Evidence-Based Learning
- Long-Term Partnership
- Sustainable Development
These principles guide every educational initiative, partnership, publication, and programme activity undertaken within the Next Generation Programme.
Strategic Vision
The Saudi Business Council believes that the future of international cooperation depends upon institutions capable of developing responsible, globally minded, and ethically grounded leaders.
The Next Generation Programme therefore seeks to create an international community of future leaders equipped to contribute to economic diplomacy, innovation, governance, sustainable development, and responsible international cooperation throughout their professional careers.
By strengthening leadership today, the Programme contributes to stronger institutions, more resilient partnerships, and a more connected international community for future generations.
Institutional Notice
The Next Generation Programme is an institutional programme of the Saudi Business Council.
The Saudi Business Council (SBC) is an independent, non-profit, private-sector association legally registered in the National Register of Associations (Registro Nacional de Asociaciones) of the Ministry of the Interior of the Kingdom of Spain under Registration Number 633101 and NIF G26608752.
SBC is not a governmental authority, ministry, chamber of commerce, regulator, licensing body, investment authority, diplomatic mission, or public institution.
Unless expressly authorised in writing for a specific purpose, SBC does not represent the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Government of the Kingdom of Spain, or any sovereign institution.
Participation in this Programme does not constitute governmental endorsement, academic accreditation, professional certification, or official representation before public authorities. All educational, regulatory, and governmental matters remain within the competence of the relevant institutions.
The Next Generation Programme reflects the Saudi Business Council's commitment to developing the leaders who will shape the future of international economic cooperation.
By integrating leadership development, institutional learning, innovation, entrepreneurship, governance, and international collaboration within a coherent programme framework, the Programme strengthens the human capital required to build trusted institutions, advance responsible economic diplomacy, and contribute to sustainable prosperity in support of Saudi Vision 2030.