25/08/2025
In her speeches, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia's first female ambassador to the United States, emphasizes the importance of women's empowerment as a driver for the kingdom's social and economic transformation She frames the inclusion of women in all sectors as both a moral imperative and a necessity for the success of Saudi Vision 2030.
A "new currency": In a 2018 speech at the World Economic Forum, she stated, "Human capital is the new currency" for Saudi Arabia, urging the world to see the country as more than just oil. She stresses that the kingdom cannot reach its full potential with "half its talent on the sidelines".
Opportunity and growth: She highlights Vision 2030's role in creating new opportunities for women in the workforce. This includes greater access to business opportunities, entrepreneurship, and top-level employment, facilitated by social and economic reforms.
Overcoming barriers: For women entrepreneurs, she emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and resilience. She encourages them to persevere despite rejections, noting that venture capital historically favors men.
Social and cultural transformation
Systemic progress, not perfection: In a 2023 speech at the Aspen Ideas Festival, she acknowledged that while recent legal changes—such as abolishing the male guardianship system—have given women legal recourse, a full shift in mindset will take more time. She noted that "today the doors are open for women. and it's now on us to prove. who are we".
Changing social dynamics: She speaks about the importance of women's public participation and social inclusion. Citing women's new ability to attend sporting events with their families, she highlighted how this small change has transformed the social dynamic in Saudi society.
A new reality for women: The reforms have granted women greater freedom of movement and decision-making, allowing them to represent themselves, travel, and pursue career paths without prior consent. She noted that this was not always the reality for women, even within the royal family.
Advocacy and global dialogue
International perspective: Princess Reema uses her platform as ambassador to advocate for gender equality on a global stage. She emphasizes that progress for Saudi women should be shared with the world not for approval, but to encourage productive dialogue.
Sports as a catalyst: As a member of the International Olympic Committee and a former sports official, she has championed women's participation in sports. She sees sports as a tool for social change and a way for young women to build teamwork and leadership skills.
The power of a narrative
Owning the story: Princess Reema frequently frames her speeches as a way to control Saudi Arabia's narrative. In a 2024 statement, she invited skeptics to "come to Saudi Arabia and be my guest" to see the impact of reforms for themselves.
Investing with purpose: In her 2025 opening address for the FII summit, she connected the importance of human capital and equity to the broader concept of "investing with purpose." She urged global leaders to invest in a more empathetic and joyful future for the next generation.
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HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al Saud Speaks at Aspen ...
Saudi Embassy USA
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