"We try to only work with dreamers... who want to create something new in this world." Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The saying of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman urges young people to break away from the ordinary through passion and innovation. Contrary to commonly held beliefs, you do not have to be an engineer to innovate and make change, as the basis of innovation is creative thinking, or as His Highness calls it “dreaming”, and who among us does not dream?
Creative Thinking and Social Innovation in the KSA
We can see the ripple effect of his Highness’ call on Saudi society in the efforts of companies such as the Saudi recruitment company Glowork, which has been dedicated to empowering women in the labor market since its founding in 2011 through employment fairs, training workshops and publications. Another good example is Tasami for Impact, which was founded by Loujain Al-Obaid after she led many social welfare initiatives in her youth. This non-profit organization focuses on discovering and developing sustainable and innovative business solutions to social issues by empowering social entrepreneurs and collaborating with public and private institutions.
‘I’m a dreamer… now what?’
If you are a dreamer who is unsure of how to start on the path towards creating change, here are four ways to use your creativity to empower your community:
1) Work with existing social enterprises:
Join existing organizations in their social campaigns by volunteering your time and talents. If you are a graphic designer, photographer, writer, or strategic thinker, you can hone your creative skills and make a difference in your community at the same time by lending your skills to the impact makers around you.
2) Pitch CSR campaigns to your company:
Don't wait for the opportunity to come to you, create it yourself wherever you currently work by suggesting an idea or a strategy for a social campaign. You never know, maybe all it will take is a nudge from someone with initiative like yourself to help your company fulfill its corporate social responsibility!
3) Participate in competitions, conferences, and forums with a social impact:
For example, the Riyadh Technical Forum 2022 “Taqnithon”, which is held by the General Organization for Vocational and Technical Training in Riyadh, aims to create a space for creative ideas in the fields of mobile robots, graphic design, cyber security, and smart device applications. Another great example is the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference, which seeks to harness innovative creative thinking to improve the services provided to pilgrims.
4) Register in programs that can help you develop your own social initiative:
If you have an idea for a social initiative that you seek to develop, a program like Misk Foundation’s Innovation Diwan will enable you to take your idea to the next level through a unique experience that hones your skills, develops your tools, and helps you transform your creative ideas into effective solutions for real world social challenges.
There is much more to you than you think. Through creative thinking, you can become the next changemaker of your community. Every great invention started with an idea that made the world a better place to live in. Think outside the box and let your imagination run wild, and soon enough you will be the change that you want to see.
