With more than 200 NGOs from around the world, the King Khalid Foundation (KKF) has represented NGOs in Saudi Arabia in an open meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, ahead of the G20 summit in Hamburg, to discuss economic and development issues that concern the world today.
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he KKF has been invited to take part in civil society discussions C2017 on issues like global health, climate, agriculture, finance systems reform, protection in labor market and other issues.
The KKF›s participation in these discussions was in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives and outputs, mainly highlighting those fundamental recommendations aiming at restructuring Saudi economy, maximizing resources, and providing a stimulating and safe environment in the labor market.
Vision 2030 has encouraged the NGOs in Saudi Arabia to move forward into institutionalization, supporting projects and programs with a social impact, enhancing cooperation between NGOs, institutions and government agencies, and implementing practical governance standards in the sector.
The KKF›s participation in the G20 summit comes after the strong record the foundation has built in advocating social and developmental issues, and influencing decisions within the economic and social systems and institutions in Saudi Arabia.
On many occasions, KKF has been successful in creating serious dialogues among different circles within Saudi society, including the decision makers. Various social topics that have been campaigned by KKF have led to legislations, like the abuse act and codified divorce procedures.
Last May, KKF addressed the issue of social protection at the Saudi labor market in its annual forum «Development Dialogues». Among the speakers at this forum were high-ranking Saudi officials who came together to discuss and express their views on the challenges concerning the labor market in Saudi Arabia.
To move forward into advancing its strategic activities on the advocacy level, KKF has recently established the Policy Design Unit (PDU). The PDU›s goal is mainly to expand research and studies on developmental and social issues in the Kingdom, ensuring positive and efficient impact on government policies, and leading change within the structure of regulations and legislations on development issues.