RIYADH — The first international conference and exhibition on training and development, organized by Princess Noura Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), drew a total of 5,348 participants in the first two days of the three-day event, of which 81 percent are women, according to Abeer Bint Ali Al-Harbe, chairperson of the conference. "The tremendous response from academics and prominent figures to the conference highlights the significance of imparting training, and the necessity to focus on developing administrative and leadership skills," she said. A total of 21 scientific sessions and 12 workshops are underway as part of the conference that will conclude on Wednesday. More than 30 internationally-renowned speakers and a large number of thinkers, decision-makers and leading personalities from regional and international organizations are attending the conference. Al-Harbe, who is also dean of the university's department of promotion and development of skills, said that the conference is an international meeting point for the people who are seriously endeavoring to realize development and progress. "The conference is an area dedicated for brain storming, exchange of knowledge and review of the best methods to manage talents," she said. Al-Harbe said there are 210 women delegates attending the training sessions while the number of visitors to the exhibition reached 2,278 in the first two days, of which the overwhelming majority were women. The second day of the conference on Tuesday witnessed 15 major activities, including conference sessions, workshops, training sessions, and debates, she added. The conference witnessed eight sessions focused on talent and skills management and the methodology of interacting with them. Maha Bint Abdullah Al-Suleiman, undersecretary of the faculty of education and associate professor of special education at PNU, said that one of the major highlights of the conference is its dedication to discuss issues pertaining to people with special needs, and open creative horizons for them in the training and talent development fields. "A part of the discussions is focused on providing training to this segment of the society through interaction among the participating academics, scholars, sociologists and administrators," she said adding that the university will take advantage of the outcome of their deliberations and expertise. Al-Suleiman also unveiled PNU's future plan for the people with special needs. "The university has established a special unit for girl students with special needs, and it will be supervised by a team of specialist academics," Al-Suleiman added.
