➢ Mawhiba Consultant.

➢ Full Professor, King Saud University.

➢ Fellow of the Institution of Engineering.

➢ PhD, Aston University, UK.

➢ Worked as principle investigator and investigator of research projects

supported by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.

➢ Worked as consultant to Saudi Communications, Space & Technology

Commission, Saudi E-Government, Saudi Advanced Electronic

Company, and other organizations.

➢ Research work in the following areas.

o Network and Cybersecurity Governance.

o Knowledge society and sustainable development.

➢ Published work on the above topics: over 100 research papers, 6 book

chapters (in English), 15 books and over 300 articles (in Arabic).

Dr. Nazar M. Hassan (b. 1964; Sudan) is the chief of the natural sciences section in UNESCO Beirut multisectoral office in Lebanon. Mr. Hassan has been the Senior Science and Technology Advisor for the Arab States at UNESCO Regional Bureau for Sciences between 2009-2023, where he has initiated several STI networks to build up the region’s techno-preneurship culture. Dr. Hassan has substantive expertise in economic research and policy dialogue updating the STI policies for several developing countries and supporting their efforts toward sustainable development. Previously, he worked as Lead Economist in sustainable energy at the United Nations Economic Commission for Western Asia, and as a senior researcher in systems optimization at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the United States between 1992 and 2003. Dr. Hassan has a number of published refereed papers and reports in the area of strategic management and STI for Sustainable Development. Dr. Hassan received his Masters and PhD degrees in Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the United States. In a few words, Mr. Hassan is an engineer by profession, a scientist, and an inventor with a strong aptitude for global problems solving.

Wayal Alnajidi is a seasoned expert in financial services and fintech, currently serving as a Director at PwC's Financial Services Consulting practice. Wayal specializes in designing and implementing national strategies, innovative financial frameworks, and digital solutions that drive the growth of financial ecosystems. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including fintech innovation, SME financing, and policy development, making him a sought-after advisor for both government and private sector clients. Wayal has played a key role in shaping major financial and fintech initiatives in Saudi Arabia, including the Saudi National FinTech Strategy and the SAMA Regulatory Sandbox. These projects have contributed to fostering innovation within the financial sector, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and promoting financial inclusion. He has also worked extensively on open banking strategies, helping financial institutions and fintech companies collaborate to create customer-centric services. His leadership in developing creative, forward-thinking solutions has empowered organizations to navigate complex regulatory environments while driving technological transformation. Wayal's work aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, supporting the nation’s goals of diversifying the economy and boosting innovation in the financial sector. Wayal is passionate about leveraging his knowledge to cultivate creativity and innovation, particularly within the financial services industry, to create sustainable, scalable growth.

Dr Geraldine Townend is a published academic in the field of gifted and creativity education, having expertise in the area of twice exceptionality and pedagogy to support creativity. In the UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture Faculty, Geraldine lectures and conducts research in GERRIC (Gifted Education Research and Resource Information Centre) in the areas of gifted education, gifted learners with disability, and creativity.

Her research interests focus on supporting gifted students to aspire to their potential in education and beyond, in both the intellectual and creative domains, through the development of positive academic self-concept.