The Kingdom has achieved significant progress in the results of the Human Capital Index (+HCI) issued by the World Bank. This index measures countries’ ability to develop human capital capable of production and achieving sustainable economic growth.
The index is based on three main pillars: education, with a weight of 188 points; employment, with 87 points; and health, with 50 points. This makes education one of the most influential pillars in shaping the final results of the index.
The Kingdom achieved notable progress in the education pillar, which carries the largest weight within the index. Its score rose from 105.70 points in 2015 to 124.44 points, surpassing the global average of 107.80 and the Arab group average of 95.51. It also narrowed the gap with OECD countries. Additionally, the learning quality (HLO) saw a significant improvement, reaching 408.54 points.
The World Bank index differs from the Human Capital Index in the Digital Government Survey, where UNESCO focuses on digital skills and the population’s readiness to use electronic services.
While the World Bank index measures the cumulative economic value of investment in people through education, health, and skills, the Digital Government Survey focuses on digitally empowering individuals and supporting digital transformation.
The index has a direct economic dimension. World Bank estimates indicate that each standard deviation increase in the index value is associated with an approximate 1% increase in long-term GDP per capita.
These results reflect the Kingdom’s efforts in developing education and enhancing the quality of international data, through joint work between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Economy and Planning, the Digital Government Authority, and the General Authority for Statistics.
This progress aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which makes human capital development and education enhancement fundamental pillars for building a competitive knowledge-based economy.
World Bank
The World Bank is an international financial institution established in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference, originally created to help rebuild war-torn Europe after World War II. Its mission has since expanded to focus on reducing global poverty and promoting sustainable economic development by providing loans, grants, and technical assistance to developing countries. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., it consists of two main institutions—the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).
UNESCO
World Bank
The World Bank is an international financial institution founded in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference, originally created to help rebuild war-torn Europe after World War II. Its mission has since evolved to focus on reducing global poverty and supporting development through loans, grants, and technical assistance to middle-income and low-income countries. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., it comprises two main institutions—the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).
UNESCO
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was founded in 1945 to promote peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, and culture. It is best known for its World Heritage program, which identifies and protects cultural and natural sites of outstanding universal value, such as the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Egypt. By fostering dialogue and preserving global heritage, UNESCO aims to build a more sustainable and peaceful world.
OECD
The OECD, or Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, is an international organization founded in 1961 to promote policies that improve economic and social well-being worldwide. It originated from the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC), established in 1948 to administer American and Canadian aid under the Marshall Plan for post-World War II reconstruction. Today, the OECD provides a forum for member countries to discuss, develop, and harmonize policies on issues such as trade, taxation, and education.
Saudi Vision 2030
Saudi Vision 2030 is a strategic framework launched in 2016 to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, reduce its dependence on oil, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and tourism. The initiative, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to transform the kingdom into a global investment powerhouse and open its society through cultural and entertainment reforms. Its history reflects a bold shift from the country’s traditional oil-based model toward a more sustainable and modern future.
