The summit will bring together key players in biotech research and development and industry to formulate a Riyadh Declaration for Biotechnology RIYADH: Experts from around the world are to take part in a major technology conference being staged in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh will host the Global Medical Biotechnology Summit 2021 under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from Sept. 14 to 16. Organized by the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, the three-day virtual gathering aims to push the boundaries of existing thinking and practice toward targeted and sustainable medical biotechnology in the Kingdom. The summit will see the participation of more than 40 local and international biotech experts from a range of sectors including academic, industrial, and governmental. Delegates will discuss opportunities and challenges related to medical biotechnology in Saudi Arabia, investment strategies, and the role of biotechnology in developing medicines, vaccines, and cell and gene therapies. According to event organizers, the summit is linked to Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program 2020 in helping to define the country’s long-term plans and medium-term development priorities, address health and economic challenges, increase non-oil revenues, support and strengthen innovations and technological development, and realize other strategic transformation ambitions. HIGHLIGHT Delegates will discuss opportunities and challenges related to medical biotechnology in Saudi Arabia, investment strategies, and the role of biotechnology in developing medicines, vaccines, and cell and gene therapies. The summit will bring together key players in biotech research and development and industry to formulate a Riyadh Declaration for Biotechnology. A statement on summit’s website said: “We are now, along with a number of national stakeholders and international partners, bringing even closer biomedical research and development with stronger clinical trials systems closer to biotech and biopharma development in the country in light of the (coronavirus disease) COVID-19 pandemic which has fueled this development at a faster pace. “The ultimate goal is to contribute to human wellbeing and to contribute to global biomedical and health research and development, and innovation.” The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about new challenges for the biotech and biopharma sectors and the Riyadh summit will provide a platform for leaders in the field to propose innovative models that will impact health and economy on a national, regional, and global basis. Virtual panel discussions will take place during the summit to debate and elaborate strategic direction and possible priorities in biotechnology, and virtual meeting rooms will also be available for delegates to formalize partnership deals.