In this insightful conversation, Richard Attias, chairman and CEO of the FII Institute, emphasizes that artificial intelligence (AI) is not merely a technology but a new mindset that will permeate everyday life and business. He highlights the transformative potential of AI across various sectors, including healthcare, logistics, mining, and mobility. Attias points out that the future of AI depends heavily on data centers, which require sustainable and low-cost energy solutions to support the massive data processing needs essential for AI’s growth.
Attias shares his experience orchestrating a landmark event where President Trump addressed the global business community just four weeks into his second term. This event, held at the FI Miami conference, was notable for its non-political platform and the presence of elite business leaders like Elon Musk and Eric Schmidt. The president spoke candidly about his vision for America’s economic resurgence and the importance of strong international business relationships, particularly with the Middle East, underscoring the FI Institute’s role as a bridge between technology, business, and geopolitics.
The FII Institute, born from a vision by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, aims to fill a critical gap in global investor dialogue by providing a platform where investors can understand where to allocate capital geographically and sector-wise. Attias stresses that the institute is not about promoting Saudi Arabia but about leveraging Riyadh’s strategic position as a global hub connecting various regions. The institute’s agenda focuses on broad global issues, with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 serving as an inspiring example of a comprehensive roadmap for national transformation and economic diversification.
Attias also discusses the importance of aligning leadership priorities with the real concerns of citizens, especially in a post-COVID world where issues like cost of living, immigration, and healthcare have become paramount. He highlights the FI Priority Index, a global survey that reveals these citizen priorities, and warns that ignoring them could lead to social unrest. The FII Institute’s mission is to foster trust and dialogue between leaders and citizens and to promote actionable solutions that drive inclusive prosperity and address pressing global challenges.
Finally, Attias underscores the need for a new global compass to navigate the emerging world order, focusing on execution and practical outcomes rather than just vision. He encourages exploring new horizons beyond AI, such as biotech and vaccines, to create jobs and economic opportunities. His message is clear: prosperity for all is achievable through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to addressing humanity’s most urgent challenges with transparency and purpose.