Insights from FII8 Conference on Global Investment, Work, Healthcare and Sustainability

At the recently concluded FII8 flagship conference, global leaders united to confront the world’s most pressing challenges and shape the future of our planet. The conference unveiled a groundbreaking series of reports, publications, and initiatives, each offering critical insights into the issues defining tomorrow. Powered by the FII Institute’s THINK pillar, these efforts are driven by collaboration with top academic and knowledge partners worldwide, creating a data-driven ecosystem that fuels innovation and progress. Based on extensive surveys and research, these resources offer a clear roadmap for investors, businesses, and policymakers who are committed to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.

FII8 Conference in Riyadh was a remarkable milestone for FII Institute. With over 8000 registered attendees and 200 panels, the conference was more than an economic opportunity, but a movement, driving meaningful, long-term impact that transcends borders and benefits all of humanity.

The FII8 Executive Report provides a comprehensive summary of the conference highlights, opportunities for global investment trends and future priorities. The report offers critical insights into how investments are evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

FII8 Reports and Publications

• The FII PRIORITY Compass: A Global Snapshot of Emerging Concerns

Among the key reports unveiled at FII8 was the FII PRIORITY Compass 2024, and its Navigator, a study that surveyed 50,000 plus respondents across 24 countries. The survey findings revealed the top global priorities on people’s minds. At the forefront of these concerns was healthcare, which ranked among the top three highest priorities for respondents. The survey reflects the growing importance of addressing public health and wellness in investment and policy decisions, particularly as the world continues to face challenges like aging populations and the global healthcare crisis.

Other significant findings from the PRIORITY Compass include an increased public focus on the cost of living and governance. These insights are crucial for guiding both private and public sector investments, as they provide a clear view of where global attention and resources are likely to be directed in the coming years.

• The Global Future of Work Compass – Series 1: Navigating an Evolving Landscape

The Global Future of Work Compass, and its Navigator, another key survey announced at FII8 focuses on the MENA region as a first phase. It addresses the rapidly changing nature of work in the 21st century. As technology and automation reshape industries, skills development, remote work, and workplace diversity are emerging as critical factors for success. The report highlights the critical need for reskilling the workforce to ensure workers are equipped for the demands of a rapidly digitizing and interconnected global economy. This is especially important in bridging the gap between the Global South and North, where disparities in skill development can hinder growth. To further this mission, the FII Institute is working on Phase 2 of its survey, which will expand its focus to North and South America, providing deeper insights into the future of work across diverse regions.

• Health Longevity: Investing in a Longer, Healthier Future

Another innovative aspect of FII8 flagship conference was the release of the FII Healthy Longevity Compass Report and its Navigator. This survey delves into the critical intersection of health and longevity, proposing that strategic investment in healthcare can significantly improve the quality of life for people across generations. As populations around the world age, fostering healthy aging and extending life expectancy are becoming key areas of focus for both healthcare providers and investors. One key takeaway was that Humans are living longer than ever. Global life expectancy in 2023 was 73 years and is expected to increase to 77 years by 2050 with adults over the age of 50 projected to be one-third of the population globally.  

AT FII8, FII Institute launched three initiatives namely:

•      As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape every industry, the A.I Inclusive Initiative focuses on harnessing its potential for good. This global effort aims to secure private sector commitments of $100,000 each to fund 50 AI pilot projects in emerging markets. These projects are designed to address critical community and national needs, fostering positive societal impact while building a safe and inclusive AI ecosystem in regions often left behind by technological advancements.

•     #HealthyHumanity Initiative is committed to transforming global health and well-being through strategic collaboration and innovation. By engaging leaders from healthcare, technology, policy, and investment sectors, the initiative seeks to create sustainable systems that address today’s most urgent health challenges. Its ambitious goals include improving access to preventive care, encouraging corporations to provide free preventive health check-ups, for insurance providers to cover 50% of costs, and advocating for government tax incentives to make healthcare more accessible and equitable.

•    Ocean Central: Her Royal Highness Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud, member of the Board of Trustees of the FII Institute, unveiled Ocean Central by Wave, a digital platform offering a clear, evolving view of ocean health using the best available data. This unique online platform aggregates and analyzes data, providing a user-friendly interface that fosters collaboration, empowers decision-makers, and drives global efforts toward ocean regeneration. To learn more, visit www.oceancentral.org

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Global Collaboration

The FII8 Conference not only provided valuable insights into the future of work, sustainability, longevity, and AI but also emphasized the need for global cooperation in addressing the most urgent challenges of our time. By leveraging data, innovation, and investment, leaders from diverse sectors are coming together to shape a future that is more inclusive, sustainable, and healthy.

As the world faces unprecedented challenges, the reports, publications and initiatives launched at FII8 offer a roadmap for creating a better tomorrow—one in which health, work, and sustainable growth are prioritized for the benefit of all. With collective effort and strategic investment, the path forward is one of optimism and opportunity for future generations.

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