RIYADH — The Fourth Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) opened Wednesday in Riyadh with a press briefing led by Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, and Rakan Tarabzoni, COO. The multi-hub conference will address the theme of “The Neo-Renaissance’’, with more than 8,000 virtual and in-person participants, from over 94 countries with more joining the live stream. The 4th Edition of FII is being hosted for the first time by the FII Institute and reflects its groundbreaking vision. The FII Institute is a new generation of not-for-profit global foundation whose goal is to create new standards for doing, not just thinking, building new platforms for exchange to support individuals, companies and governments to tackle the most pressing issues facing humanity. Commenting on the FII Institute’s approach, Attias, said that: “The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a fundamental rethink about the ways in which economies and societies function. “We have brought together the best and the brightest minds in person and virtually, to set the course for 2021 tackling the biggest challenges we are all facing. Now is the time to act and we have an unprecedented opportunity to apply fresh thinking.” The FII Institute strategy is built on three foundations: Think, Xchange, and Act. Through partnerships with leading academic institutions, research centers, and global thought-leaders, the Institute focuses on four impact areas: healthcare, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and robotics — those which will. To remove the barriers to positive change, the Institute is focusing on network-building and ecosystem development to connect talent, ideas, institutions and capital. Welcoming participants to the 4th Edition of the FII Conference Rakan Tarabzoni added: “At the FII Institute, we believe there is no better time than now to curate and action ideas that will help us create a better world for all of humanity. The 4th Edition of the FII will enable us all to work together for the benefit of all.” The press briefing also showcased the FII Institute’s pioneering approach to hybrid virtual conferences, using extended reality technology, the Institutes conference app and the COVID-19 measures that are in place to keep the conference safe and in accordance with COVID-19 measures. — SG