Global Leaders Convene at KPMG’s Public Sector Excellence Forum in Riyadh
over 400 public sector officials, policymakers, and industry leaders gathered in Riyadh for the inaugural Public Sector Excellence Forum, hosted by KPMG Middle East. The event aimed to explore solutions for enhancing government efficiency and delivering public value, focusing on four key themes: capabilities, technology, sustainability, and risk.
Emphasizing Excellence and Collaboration
Abdullah Al Fozan, KPMG’s CEO in the Middle East, opened the forum by highlighting the importance of excellence and collaboration in the public sector to achieve economic, societal, and community goals. He stated, “Excellence in the public sector is not just an end goal but an ongoing process that requires a clear vision, effective collaboration, and shared commitment. Challenges exist, but when efforts are united and institutions work together, they can easily be overcome.”
Insights from Distinguished Speakers
The forum featured over 25 local and international speakers, including high-profile figures from Saudi Arabia’s public sector. Munir Eldesouki, President of the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), discussed leadership inspiration in an interview with entrepreneur Mansour Alsanooni. Suliman AlRumaih, Group CEO of the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC), addressed strategies for securing food, water, and energy sustainability.
Bent Flyvbjerg, Professor at the IT University of Copenhagen and author of “How Big Things Get Done,” provided data-driven insights into the successful delivery of large-scale projects. His presentation emphasized the importance of strategic planning and risk management in executing complex initiatives.
Exploring Four Pillars of Public Sector Excellence
The forum’s agenda was structured around four central themes: capabilities, technology, sustainability, and risk.
- Capabilities: A panel featuring Bander Alsajjan, Director General at the Institute of Public Administration; Mohammed Alabdulaali, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Health; and Hekia Parata, former New Zealand Minister of Education, discussed building exceptional leaders during disruptive times. Ismail Alani, Head of Government and Public Sector at KPMG Middle East, emphasized the need for foresight in public sector leadership, stating, “Exceptional leadership is not about reacting to change but anticipating it. In today’s rapidly evolving world, public sector leaders must embrace agility, innovation, and strategic foresight to drive meaningful impact.”
- Technology: This panel explored human capital and AI-driven governance models, emphasizing AI adoption, workforce upskilling, and cybersecurity in public sector transformation. Discussions highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionize public service delivery and the importance of preparing the workforce for technological advancements.
- Sustainability: Panelists examined financing models for sustainable development, featuring insights from Hashim Al Dabbagh, CEO of Aseer Development Authority, and Stephen Beatty, Chairman of the Advisory Board at the National Center for Privatization. The discussions focused on implementing sustainable policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
- Risk: This theme was addressed through sessions on predictive risk management tools and anticipating systemic shocks, including “black swans” and “unknown unknowns.” Mohammed Aldhoayan from the National Cybersecurity Authority, along with experts in risk assessments and geopolitics, shared strategies for enhancing government resilience against unforeseen challenges.
Launch of the ‘Blueprint for Intelligent Economies’
During the event, KPMG unveiled its ‘Blueprint for Intelligent Economies,’ a publication co-developed with the World Economic Forum. Presented by Brenda Walker, KPMG’s Global Head of Government, and Maz Hussain, Head of AI for KPMG Middle East, the blueprint offers a framework for leveraging AI technology for public good. It outlines strategies for integrating AI into public sector operations to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Reflecting on the Forum’s Impact
Hanan Alowain, Partner in the Government and Public Sector at KPMG Middle East, concluded the event by reflecting on the forum’s insights. She emphasized the shared commitment to progress, resilience, and collective prosperity, stating that the collaborative efforts and knowledge exchanged during the forum would serve as a catalyst for transformative outcomes in the public sector.
The Public Sector Excellence Forum 2025 provided a unique platform for leaders from Saudi Arabia and beyond to engage in meaningful dialogue, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions for the challenges facing governments today. By focusing on capabilities, technology, sustainability, and risk, the forum aimed to equip public sector leaders with the tools and insights necessary to drive excellence and deliver value to their communities.
As governments worldwide navigate an increasingly complex landscape, events like the Public Sector Excellence Forum play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and innovation. The insights and strategies discussed at the forum are poised to influence public sector practices, contributing to the development of resilient and forward-thinking governance models.
In the words of Ismail Alani, “The challenges facing governments today are too complex to solve alone. The Public Sector Excellence Forum 2025 is a unique platform with some of the best and brightest practitioners from around the world and in Saudi Arabia, to inspire and to ignite a collaborative spirit to tackle these challenges and help build a resilient public sector.”
The success of the inaugural Public Sector Excellence Forum sets a precedent for future gatherings, underscoring the importance of continuous dialogue and partnership in the pursuit of public sector excellence.
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