RIYADH: Key issues concerning procurement and supply chains will take center stage at a global conference in the Saudi capital, featuring over 35 international speakers. The upcoming CIPS MENA Conference and Excellence in Procurement Awards, slated to be hosted by the Government Expenditure and Projects Efficiency Authority on May 16 at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel and Residences, reflects the Kingdom’s position as a hub of expertise in procurement and supply chains, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The agenda will address critical topics, including building sustainable supply chains, enhancing local content, and promoting industry localization. It will also tackle current supply chain challenges and discuss the digital transformation in procurement and corruption in public procurement. The conference will also focus on building partnerships between organizations in the private sector and government agencies, targeting specialists in the field of procurement and supply chains in the public and the private sectors, decision-makers in the field, and procurement technical systems companies. As per its website, the CIPS MENA Conference and Excellence in Procurement Awards are scheduled to occur from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm on the same day. These awards serve as a platform to recognize and applaud outstanding achievements and teams within the procurement and supply profession. Established in the UK, CIPS is the world"s largest professional organization focusing on procurement and supply chain management. With global members exceeding 70,000, it is committed to driving excellence within the procurement sector. In October 2022, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled a new strategy designed to position Saudi Arabia as a global supply chain hub. The Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative focuses on the continuous enhancement of the investment environment coupled with attractive opportunities and a unique incentives budget, including SR10 billion ($2.66 billion) in financial and non-financial inducements. In its launch phase, the initiative aimed to attract SR40 billion worth of industrial and service investments in global supply chains to the Kingdom. The GSCRI falls under Saudi Arabia’s National Investment Strategy, which was launched in October 2021. Its primary goal is to make the Kingdom a prime investment environment for supply chain investors. In addition to building strong relationships with local and international markets, the GSCRI allows investors to make best use of the Kingdom’s reserves of natural resources as well as its untapped potential. The initiative is in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to become one of the top 15 global economies by 2030 through economic growth and diversity.