Unearthing the transformative potential of Saudi Arabia’s mining sector

Unearthing the transformative potential of Saudi Arabia’s mining sector
the establishment of a dedicated mining ministry underscores the sector’s importance and provides a direct point of contact for investors. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 01 October 2024
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Unearthing the transformative potential of Saudi Arabia’s mining sector

Unearthing the transformative potential of Saudi Arabia’s mining sector
  • Focus on economic diversification places mining sector at the forefront of national development plans

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s mining sector is on the cusp of a transformative era, with the Kingdom determined to become a global leader in the industry. But have you wondered what treasures lie beneath its lands?

Saudi Arabia is rich in minerals essential for various global industries. The Kingdom is transforming into a leading exporter of diverse energy types, shifting away from its traditional role as an oil producer.

It has strong potential to produce minerals that are essential for energy transition, such as aluminum, copper, and rare earth elements, as well as minerals needed for global agriculture.

The strategic focus on economic diversification has placed the mining sector at the forefront of national development plans, with the Kingdom’s mineral wealth valued at an estimated SR9.4 trillion ($2.4 trillion).

Open for business

According to the World Risk Report 2023 released by UK-based research and consultancy firm MineHutte, Saudi Arabia's mining sector reforms have seen it recognized as the fastest-growing regulatory and investment-friendly environment globally over the past five years.

The report also stated that the Kingdom has been ranked the second-best country for its licensing environment.

This comes as Saudi Arabia saw a 138 percent increase in the number of exploitation licenses issued since implementing the new Mining Investment Law in 2021.

According to Gaute Andreassen, a partner at Bain and Co.’s Advanced Manufacturing and Services and Energy and Natural Resources practices, while some resources are already being mined, there is still a significant amount that has not yet been tapped into.

“The mining sector in Saudi Arabia has for many years been primarily focused on phosphate for fertilizers and bauxite, used in the production of aluminum. These two will also in the future represent a key portion of the sector activities,” Andreassen told Arab News.

He added: “Going forward, there is evidence of additional endowment, e.g. of rare earth elements and also of copper that can be extracted. The question is whether these resources are commercially viable.”

Rabih Nassar, consulting partner for Resources and Industrial at PwC Middle East, believes that besides phosphate and bauxite, there are other key minerals that are considered particularly promising for development within Saudi Arabia's mining sector.

“At the FMF (Future Minerals Forum) 2024, it was highlighted that Saudi Arabia is rich in minerals like phosphates, gold, copper, zinc, lithium, and rare earth elements. Each of these minerals serves distinct global markets and industries,” Nassar stated.

According to Nassar, gold continues to be in high demand, not just for jewelry and investment, but also for technological applications in electronics and aerospace industries due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion.

Copper is essential in electrical engineering, electronics, construction, and new green technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

He also highlighted the importance of zinc, which is mainly used for galvanizing to protect steel from corrosion making it essential in the construction and automotive industries. This metal is also crucial in the production of batteries and alloy materials.

Lithium plays a pivotal role in the battery industry, especially for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems.

Moreover, rare earth elements are crucial for the production of permanent magnets used in wind turbines, electric vehicle motors, and various other electronics like smartphones and computers.

Attracting Investment

During FMF 2024 held in January in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia outlined its strategy to attract investment in the mining sector through regulatory reforms, competitive tax frameworks, and enhanced transparency.

Nassar told Arab News that the Kingdom is improving its geological databases and conducting extensive surveys to better map its mineral resources, thereby facilitating informed decision-making for investors.

He aligned the importance of this work with continuing to enhance regulatory frameworks in order to provide a conducive environment for investment.

“These efforts are complemented by strong government support and streamlined processes for mining licenses and operations,” he said, adding: “These initiatives will provide extended expertise and capital, as well as promote knowledge transfer and capacity building, ensuring the sustainable development of the mining industry.”

Chris Braun, a partner at Bain and Co.’s Retail and Energy and Natural Resources practices, also shed light on what the Kingdom will do to attract both domestic and international investment to support the exploration and development of Saudi Arabia's mining resources.

“The Kingdom is already working on establishing several industries that will be off-takers for significant portions of these minerals.That is a very good start. Beyond that, Saudi firms have shown their ability to work well with international partners in pursuing mining-based opportunities,” Braun said.

He added: “Going forward, a big requirement for success is validating the country’s mineral endowment and investing in exploration.”

Braun further emphasized the importance of developing infrastructure to support mining operations, which are often located in remote areas. This includes modern transportation, housing, reliable utilities, and digital access.

“Finally, Saudi Arabia needs to ensure there is sufficient access to critical capabilities and a qualified labor force. Both non-skilled and skilled labor is critical and making sure the Kingdom educates enough mining engineers should be a key priority,” he stated.

Encouraging Private Sector and Foreign Investments

When it comes to foreign investments in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom presents an attractive destination for those seeking long-term returns and strategic partnerships.

According to PwC, a range of new opportunities and incentives can be anticipated that the Kingdom will extend to both the private sector and foreign investors.

“The government has overhauled its mining laws to make them more investor-friendly,” Nassar said.

This includes streamlining the application and approval processes for mining licenses, ensuring transparency, and reducing regulatory limitations.

The establishment of a dedicated mining ministry underscores the sector's importance and provides a direct point of contact for investors.

Investors in the mining sector can also benefit from tax incentives, such as reduced tax rates and exemptions on import duties for mining equipment.

“The Saudi Industrial Development Fund also offers financial support such as loans with competitive interest rates to encourage investments in mining-related technologies and infrastructure,” Nassar said.

Developing state-of-the-art mining infrastructure can generate significant investments, such as the construction of rail networks, ports, and roads designed to support the mining and transport of minerals.

These developments aim to reduce logistical challenges and operational costs for mining activities.

Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in geological surveys and has made significant strides in making geological data more accessible to investors.

"This initiative, known as the Saudi Geological Survey, provides detailed and reliable data, reducing the exploration risks and costs associated with mining ventures,” the PwC Middle East consulting partner said.

Furthermore, the Kingdom encourages joint ventures between local and international firms as a central strategy.

These partnerships facilitate technology transfer, share expertise, and combine resources for exploration and development projects, making investments more attractive and feasible for foreign companies.

Additionally, the country promotes sustainable mining practices by offering incentives for projects that prioritize environmental conservation, use renewable energy, and implement green technologies in their operations.

“This aligns with global environmental standards and appeals to environmentally conscious investors. These initiatives position Saudi Arabia as a prime location for mining investments, offering extensive opportunities and support to both domestic and foreign investors,” Nassar said.

Saudi Arabia is not sitting back and waiting for the industry to come to the Kingdom. 

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef is proactive on the world stage, visiting countries he believes can benefit from the substantial growth potential the Kingdom has on offer.

Alkhorayef is currently on a South American trip - set to run from July 22 to 30 – and has already participated in a roundtable meeting hosted by the Federation of Industries in Sao Paulo, where he invited Brazilian companies to invest in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning mining sector.

What’s next?

When asked to envision Saudi Arabia’s mining sector's future trajectory, Andreassen explained that the Kingdom is well-positioned for success due to its substantial reserves of critical minerals that are important both regionally and globally.

“Saudi Arabia sits on a lot of the levers that are likely to yield success in mining. It has access to many minerals that are critical for the region and globally in the years to come. Through a local major player in the mining sector in the Kingdom. It has the potential to become a global champion if it continues its growth trajectory,” he said.

Andreassen went on to say: “The fact that minerals and mining have been given such a prominent position in the Vision 2030, gives us high comfort that the Saudi government will continue to support the sector and ensure it has the right ramifications to grow profitably and fuel the economy.”

This support is expected to boost the economy through job creation and revenue from the sale of minerals and mineral-derived products like metals, fertilizers, batteries, and cars.

On another positive note, PwC has a bright outlook on Saudi Arabia’s mining sector, stating that it is poised for significant growth, supported by governmental reforms and investments.

“The main opportunities include the expansion into new minerals and the integration of cutting-edge technologies for exploration and processing,” Nassar stated.

He added: “By harnessing the potential of its abundant mineral resources and implementing strategic initiatives, the mining sector is set to become a key driver of economic diversification and sustainable development.”

Mining is pivotal in Riyadh's efforts to steer away from oil dependency, focusing on tapping into substantial reserves of phosphate, gold, copper, and bauxite.
 


IBM expands AI workforce in Saudi Arabia, aligning with Vision 2030: CEO 

IBM expands AI workforce in Saudi Arabia, aligning with Vision 2030: CEO 
Updated 17 sec ago
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IBM expands AI workforce in Saudi Arabia, aligning with Vision 2030: CEO 

IBM expands AI workforce in Saudi Arabia, aligning with Vision 2030: CEO 

RIYADH: US-based tech giant IBM employs a majority of Saudi nationals at its artificial intelligence lab in the Kingdom, underscoring the nation’s commitment to developing local talent. 

It was disclosed during a panel titled “Bringing Tech to Life” on the opening day of LEAP 2025, Riyadh’s flagship technology event, held from Feb. 9-12 under the theme “Into New Worlds.” 

Speaking at the discussion, IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna said: “Over 70 percent of our hires in (IBM’s AI and R&D lab) are Saudi nationals, not expats.”    

Launched at LEAP 2024, IBM’s $200 million Software Lab in Riyadh supports Vision 2030 by driving digital innovation, job creation, and global tech solutions, aligning with the Kingdom’s pledge to invest $100 billion in its technology sector. 

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha, addressing industry leaders and aspiring innovators, stressed the importance of understanding market shifts.  

“I think no leader in the industry can really help educate all of us — leaders in the room, the youth, the women, the talent — about picking up market transitions and where the market is heading,” he said. 

Krishna acknowledged the growing excitement around AI but noted that for numerical purposes the technology has been in use for two decades. 

He also predicted a seismic shift in computing capabilities, with quantum computing expected to achieve a major breakthrough within the next two to three years.

“In three to five years, we will see something amazing on quantum computers,” he added.  

A key transformation Krishna highlighted was in AI training costs, forecasting a dramatic reduction. “I believe the cost of training will become 1 percent — one over 100 of what it used to be. DeepSeek was a proof point of that,” he noted. 

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI firm, gained rapid attention with its R1 large language model, released on Jan. 20 at a fraction of typical development costs.

Offered under an open-source license, DeepSeek-R1 quickly soared in popularity, with its AI assistant app topping Apple’s App Store and surpassing OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Its success triggered a stock market shakeup as investors reevaluated major US AI companies.  

While large general-purpose AI models currently dominate the field, Krishna emphasized the potential of domain-specific models, which today account for just 1 percent of usage.

“All the fascination is with these large models that serve everybody, but we believe in the next three to four years, domain-specific models will make up over half of all deployed models,” he said. 

LEAP 2025 aims to expand business networking and investment opportunities in the tech sector. The event plays a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s goal of becoming a global technology hub, in line with Vision 2030’s economic diversification strategy.


Saudi PIF’s Alat and Lenovo break ground on new 200k sq. meter facility in Riyadh

Saudi PIF’s Alat and Lenovo break ground on new 200k sq. meter facility in Riyadh
Updated 12 min ago
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Saudi PIF’s Alat and Lenovo break ground on new 200k sq. meter facility in Riyadh

Saudi PIF’s Alat and Lenovo break ground on new 200k sq. meter facility in Riyadh
  • Facility is expected to begin production in 2026
  • Collaboration is projected to generate up to 15,000 direct and 45,000 indirect jobs

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund’s Alat and Chinese tech giant Lenovo have officially broken ground on a new manufacturing hub in Riyadh, marking a key milestone in their $2 billion strategic partnership.

Located within the Special Integrated Logistics Zone at Riyadh Integrated, the facility will span 200,000 sq. meters and is expected to begin production in 2026. 

The collaboration is projected to generate up to 15,000 direct and 45,000 indirect jobs while contributing as much as $10 billion to the Kingdom’s non-oil gross domestic product by 2030. 

The hub will produce millions of “Saudi Made” laptops, desktops, and servers, contributing to the nation’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and industrial development. 

The two companies took a step further in their partnership during LEAP25 held from Feb. 9— 12 in Riyadh, announcing the establishment of an advanced manufacturing and technology center based on artificial intelligence and robotics. 

This is also part of PIF’s strategy to boost the Kingdom’s local manufacturing by increasing local content from 47 percent in 2024 to 60 percent by 2025, contributing $320 billion to non-oil GDP and creating 1.8 million jobs. 

“Through this powerful strategic collaboration and investment with Alat, we gain greater global presence, a strong regional foothold, and the ability to capitalize on the incredible growth momentum in Saudi Arabia and the wider MEA region,” said Yuanqing Yang, chairman and CEO of Lenovo. 

The groundbreaking follows the completion of Lenovo’s $2 billion investment in Alat, which was finalized after securing shareholder and regulatory approvals. 

Initially announced in May, the deal was completed in January and involves the issuance of three-year zero-coupon convertible bonds, establishing a long-term partnership between the two firms. 

The manufacturing facility will complement Lenovo’s global production network, which includes over 30 factories across China, Germany, India, Japan, the US, and other markets. 

According to Lenovo, the new hub will enhance supply chain resilience and improve service to customers across the Middle East and Africa region. 

The firm also plans to establish its MEA regional headquarters in Riyadh, expand research and development activities, and open a flagship retail space in the Kingdom. 

Amit Midha, the CEO of Alat, emphasized the broader economic impact of the collaboration, saying: “We are incredibly proud to become a strategic investor in Lenovo and partner with them on their continued journey as a leading global technology company.” 

Beyond manufacturing, the agreement includes a business development partnership leveraging Alat’s regional relationships and market expertise.

Alat, which aims to build advanced manufacturing capabilities across multiple industries, has outlined plans to produce goods across 34 product categories within nine business units, including semiconductors, smart devices, electrification, and artificial intelligence infrastructure. 

Lenovo, recognized as one of Gartner’s top 25 supply chains, expects the Saudi facility to strengthen its operations in the MEA region while supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global technology and manufacturing hub. 


Closing Bell: Saudi Arabia’s main market gains 36 points to 12,469

Closing Bell: Saudi Arabia’s main market gains 36 points to 12,469
Updated 35 min 49 sec ago
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Closing Bell: Saudi Arabia’s main market gains 36 points to 12,469

Closing Bell: Saudi Arabia’s main market gains 36 points to 12,469

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index ended Sunday’s trading in green, as it gained 35.56 points or 0.29 percent to close at 12,469.14.

The main index witnessed a total trading turnover of SR4.70 billion ($1.25 billion), with 94 stocks advancing and 134 retreating. 

Saudi Arabia’s parallel market Nomu also gained 28.38 points to close at 31,414.65. The MSCI Tadawul Index edged up by 0.28 percent to 1,550.26. 

Shatirah House Restaurant Co. was the best-performing stock on the main market, with its share price surging by 5.62 percent to SR23.68. 

The share price of Raoom Trading Co. increased by 3.7 percent to SR179.40. Rasan Information Technology Co.’s stock price also rose by 3.36 percent to SR92.30. 

Conversely, LIVA Insurance Co. saw its share price dropping by 3.31 percent to SR17.50. 

The share price of Lamasat Co. which started trading on Nomu on Sunday rose by 29.91 percent to SR7.47. 

On the announcements front, Arabian Co. for Agricultural & Industrial Investments, also known as Entaj said that it has set the price range for its initial public offering in the main market at SR46-SR50.

According to a press statement, the institutional book-building process began on Feb.9 and will run through 3 p.m. Saudi time on Feb.13. Entaj eyes floating 9 million shares on TASI, representing 30 percent of its capital. 

Bank Albilad said that its board of directors recommended a 20 percent capital top-up from SR12 billion to SR15 billion. According to a Tadawul statement, the capital top-up will be done by distributing one bonus share for every five shares held. 

The share price of Bank Albilad rose by 2.76 percent to SR39.05.


Saudi Ma’aden prices $1.25bn debut sukuk, 9.2 times oversubscribed with $11bn in orders

Saudi Ma’aden prices $1.25bn debut sukuk, 9.2 times oversubscribed with $11bn in orders
Updated 09 February 2025
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Saudi Ma’aden prices $1.25bn debut sukuk, 9.2 times oversubscribed with $11bn in orders

Saudi Ma’aden prices $1.25bn debut sukuk, 9.2 times oversubscribed with $11bn in orders
  • Company said it had completed the sukuk issuance through US dollar-denominated trust certificates
  • Ma’aden’s $1.25bn Shariah-compliant bond was issued in two tranches

JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Mining Co., or Ma’aden, priced its $1.25 billion debut sukuk, oversubscribed by 9.2 times, with demand exceeding $11 billion for the five and ten-year tranches, according to an official statement.

In a bourse filing, the company said it had completed the sukuk issuance through US dollar-denominated trust certificates, adding that they will be listed on the London Stock Exchange’s International Securities Market and may be sold under Regulation S and Rule 144A of the amended US Securities Act of 1933.

The Tadawul statement said Ma’aden’s $1.25bn Shariah-compliant bond was issued in two tranches, including a five-year $750m tranche at 5.25 percent and a 10-year $500m tranche at 5.5 percent. The issuance includes 3,750 trust certificates for the five-year tranche and 2,500 for the 10-year, each valued at $200,000. Settlement is set for Feb. 13.

CEO of Ma’aden Bob Wilt said the success of the inaugural international sukuk offering demonstrates investors’ confidence and interest in Ma’aden’s growth, according to a press release.

“Such strong international investor demand, some of the highest seen in Saudi Arabia, is testament to global confidence in our strategic direction and the integral role we play in unlocking Saudi Arabia’s $2.5 trillion of untapped mineral potential,” the CEO said.

Wilt added that as they continue to deliver on their growth strategy, the funding will accelerate their efforts to secure essential minerals that drive the energy transition and long-term development. “We remain committed to building a globally competitive mining sector as the third pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy.”

Louis Irvine, the chief financial officer of Ma’aden, said the “successful” sukuk issuance reflects the strength of their business, their disciplined financial strategy, and the confidence global investors have in the future of the company.

“We are particularly pleased to welcome new investors whose support will be instrumental as we continue to build mining as the third pillar of the Saudi economy, a key objective of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The funds raised will enable us to execute our expansion plans across all our divisions efficiently while maintaining a robust balance sheet as we move forward.”

The issuance aligns with forecasts that global sukuk offerings will total between $190 billion and $200 billion in 2025, driven by growing activity in key markets such as the Kingdom and Indonesia, according to a January analysis by S&P Global.

Global sukuk issuances totaled $193.4 billion in 2024, a slight decrease from $197.8 billion in 2023. Despite the marginal decline, the market saw a 29 percent year-on-year increase in foreign-currency-denominated sukuk, surging to $72.7 billion in 2024.

Under Ma’aden’s International Trust Certificate Issuance Program, the move highlights the company’s strong financial position and demonstrates investor confidence in its long-term growth strategy. 

The sukuk issuance proceeds will support the mining giant’s expansion initiatives and further solidify its standing as a leading mining and metals enterprise in the Kingdom and beyond.

The national mining company announced that Citi and HSBC acted as joint global coordinators, joint active bookrunners, and joint lead managers, while Al Rajhi Capital, J.P. Morgan, and SNB Capital served as joint active bookrunners and joint lead managers.

BNP Paribas, BSF Capital, GIB Capital, Natixis, and Standard Chartered Bank acted as joint passive bookrunners and joint lead managers, while HSBC also served as rating advisers.

The firm, rated “Baa1” by Moody’s and “BBB+” by Fitch, said the sukuk are expected to be rated on par with Ma’aden’s ratings.

In January, Ma’aden awarded three contracts worth SR3.45 billion ($921.58 million) for its third phosphate fertilizer plant, according to a filing with Tadawul at that time.

The company named China National Chemical Engineering Co., Sinopec Nanjing Engineering and Construction, and Turkiye-based Tekfen Construction and Installation Co. as the contractors.


Riyadh Expo 2030 to boost Saudi Arabia’s global presence

Riyadh Expo 2030 to boost Saudi Arabia’s global presence
Updated 09 February 2025
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Riyadh Expo 2030 to boost Saudi Arabia’s global presence

Riyadh Expo 2030 to boost Saudi Arabia’s global presence
  • Expert shares strategies for ensuring expo’s lasting impact on the world stage

RIYADH: Riyadh Expo 2030 will propel the Saudi capital onto the global stage through its innovative transformation “while being deeply rooted in its cultural essence,” said an international expert on mega events.

During an interview with Arab News, Philippe Blanchard, former director of the International Olympic Committee and a senior adviser to Dubai Expo 2020, emphasized the significance of the event for both Saudi Arabia as a whole and for Riyadh in particular. Drawing from his extensive experience in organizing major events, Blanchard also discussed the potential challenges and shared strategies for overcoming obstacles to ensure the event’s success.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

Based on your past experience, how can Riyadh benefit from the event on the global stage?

We need to bear in mind that a mega event is not merely an “event,” it is a narrative unfolding before our eyes. I witnessed this over the last 33 years, since my very first Games in 1992.

The Saudi Vision 2030 is about holistic transformation — economic, cultural, and social. Riyadh Expo was designed to be a canvas where each stroke of innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange will paint Riyadh not just as a participant but as a protagonist in the global theatre.

It is about forging a new identity for the city, one that resonates with a global audience while being deeply rooted in its cultural essence. But all this needs to be extremely fine-tuned on the organization side. Very precise (and shared) objectives, clear deliverables are required to ensure the narrative reaches the global audience and creates the necessary impact. Riyadh and Saudi Arabia have gone through a tremendous transformation. Expo is a fantastic opportunity to take it to the world.

What are the key challenges in managing the event and in coordinating with the Bureau International des Expositions and its member states?

Whether it is about an Olympics or a World Expo, the challenge for the host territory is like navigating a vast, complex ecosystem, with many different stakeholders.

On the one hand, coordinating with the BIE, the governing body in charge of overseeing and regulating World Expos, involves adhering to strict guidelines and protocols, ensuring the event’s integrity and international standards.

On the other hand, there’s also the intricate diplomacy with the BIE member states, each with their unique expectations and contributions. It’s like conducting an orchestra where every instrument is from a different part of the world, each with its own melody. The synchronization required is immense — balancing the Kingdom’s vision with the practicalities of dozens of countries investing resources, time, and cultural narratives into the event.

In my career, I witnessed several situations in which countries got this part wrong and could not catch up after this. It was dramatic as a lot of energy and money had been invested in the preparation and the infrastructure. But missing the steps results in low attendance and buy-in from the member states. It also leads to disengagement from national stakeholders.

How can Riyadh ensure that this event retains its “human touch” and heritage amid logistical and temporal pressures, especially given the diverse set of international stakeholders?

Here’s where the art of complexity management becomes crucial. Listening is paramount — to the expectations and aspirations of the local communities as well as the ambitions of international participants.

The human touch is preserved through empathy and negotiation, ensuring every voice is heard and every culture is respected. Shanghai 2010, Milan 2015, and Dubai 2020 have taught us that when participants feel like co-authors of the event’s story, the event transcends from mere spectacle to a profound human experience. It’s about ensuring that amidst the steel and concrete, the heart of the event — the human story — continues to beat strongly.

Over the years and experience, specific frameworks and guidelines have been developed to ensure the right results.

How can Riyadh balance the high expectation following the BIE vote with the practicalities of execution?

This balancing act is where the vision must meet the ground. The initial bid was a dream, a promise to the world. Now, it’s about translating that promise into tangible reality. This involves a continuous dialogue — not just between the vision of the bid and the feedback from stakeholders, but also between the Kingdom’s expectations, the BIE’s requirements, and the capabilities of member states.

Resource allocation must be strategic, ensuring infrastructure supports but does not overshadow the cultural and human exchange. Like a desert blooming, it’s about fostering growth where every participant’s contribution, from the smallest cultural exhibit to the grandest architectural marvel, is vital.

How does the interaction with the BIE and its member states complicate or enhance the legacy planning for the Riyadh Expo 2030?

Interaction with the BIE and member states is a double-edged sword in legacy planning. On the one hand, the BIE provides a framework for excellence and accountability, guiding the event towards lasting impacts.

On the other hand, the diverse interests of member states lead simultaneously to a rich tapestry of legacies — economic, cultural, and educational — and also to potential conflicts in vision and resource allocation.

The key is in harmonizing these interests into a cohesive strategy where the legacy is not just about the physical remnants but about the societal transformations that continue long after the event. Success will be when these legacies resonate like the echo of a well-played symphony, long after the last note has faded.