Vision 2030: Elevating human capability in a changing world

The world is undergoing a profound shift in the way human potential is cultivated and leveraged, making the ability to upskill and reskill vital for future success. The Future of Jobs Report 2025, recently published by the World Economic Forum, presents a dramatic picture: by 2030, technological advancements will create 170 million new jobs while displacing approximately 92 million.

But it’s not just about job counts. The types of jobs and the skills required in the labor market are changing at a rapid pace, with an estimated 44 percent of workers’ core skills expected to change within the next five years. Emerging roles — like artificial intelligence specialists, data analysts, and sustainability experts — are growing in demand, while traditional roles are being reshaped by automation and digital platforms. 

This is a seismic shift. As economies evolve, industries transform, and new skills become essential, the need to promote and support human capability development has never been more critical.

Changing demands for jobs and skills 

The clarion call in response is clear — human capability development systems worldwide must become more dynamic, forward-looking, and inclusive to meet the challenge.

Continuous reskilling and upskilling are crucial to maintaining employability, especially as the shelf-life of skills shortens dramatically. Countries need to urgently promote foundational skill building, not only traditional literacy and numeracy but also digital and data literacy, problem-solving, and adaptability. Foundational digital and AI skills are now going to be as essential as reading and math.

Without these, individuals are unable to participate meaningfully in today’s digital economy.

Equity and quality are also critical. Access to high-quality education and training is uneven worldwide, particularly for disadvantaged groups and those in remote regions. If left unaddressed during these times of transformation and development, this disparity will deepen socioeconomic divides and hinder collective global progress.

Investment for the future

Recognized as a powerful driver of productivity, economic growth, and gross domestic product, investing in human capabilities should be a priority for nations. Such investments deliver significant returns, benefiting both individuals and economies alike. Investment in capability development is a key factor in explaining the disparities in GDP per capita observed between developed and developing countries.

Global investment trends, however, show a mixed picture. According to the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, the average government expenditure on education globally was 4.3 percent of GDP in 2022, but with considerable variation across regions. More recent figures illustrate that investments in education and training have stagnated. Despite increases in spending in lower-income countries, a 2024 report by World Bank Education Finance Watch has shown that education investment as a percentage of GDP has, in fact, declined or remained flat in many regions.

This underinvestment risks widening global disparities and leaves millions unprepared for the evolving job market. 

It is imperative that all nations recognize and address this gap to ensure inclusive human capability development and growth.

A blueprint for capability development 

In Saudi Arabia, we have recognized this urgency through Vision 2030. At its core, Vision 2030 emphasizes human capability development as the primary driver for sustainable economic progress. The Human Capability Development Program embodies this commitment, fostering a workforce that is highly skilled and globally competitive.

Vision 2030 is not just a roadmap for national transformation — it is a model for how investment in people can drive sustainable progress.

Through targeted reforms, Saudi Arabia has prioritized the development of a highly skilled, adaptable workforce, equipped to thrive in the knowledge economy. 

The Kingdom has rapidly expanded access to high-quality education, enhanced training programs, and forged partnerships with leading global institutions to align its workforce with international best practices. These efforts are not only boosting local talent but also setting new benchmarks for capability development on a global scale.

The ripple effects of Saudi Arabia’s human capability transformation can be seen across multiple industries. Sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing are benefiting from a workforce that is increasingly skilled, specialized, and future-ready. By integrating future-focused education, lifelong learning, and inclusive workforce policies, the Kingdom is setting an example for other nations looking to drive similar transformations.

Saudi Arabia’s strategic investments in future industries, from AI and space exploration to sustainable energy, are also shaping global workforce trends. By supporting STEM education and fostering cutting-edge research, the Kingdom is not just preparing its workforce but contributing to global advancements in critical fields.

Driving global impact 

Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia is actively shaping global workforce policies. Through international forums, strategic partnerships, and participation in multilateral initiatives, the Kingdom is influencing discussions on skills development, labor market adaptability, and the future of work. These efforts recognize that human capability is a shared global priority, one that requires collaboration across borders.

Tackling these challenges cannot be achieved by any nation alone. By sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices, nations can collectively bridge capability gaps and prepare for the future of work.

International cooperation will amplify our efforts, allowing us to leverage our collective experiences to create a more equitable and capable global workforce.

By investing in people, fostering global collaboration, and redefining the future of work, Saudi Arabia is demonstrating that human capability is the ultimate driver of progress. The journey ahead is not just about preparing for change; it is about leading it.

• Yousef Al-Benyan is the minister of education and chairman of the executive committee of the Human Capability Development Program, Saudi Arabia.