OverviewThe German Institute for International and Security Affairs – Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) and the EastWest Institute (EWI) are pleased to invite you to an expert exchange on the goals and political motivations behind the establishment of Saudi Arabia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). SWP's Stephan Roll will set the scene for the debate with a brief presentation of his latest research paper “A Sovereign Wealth Fund for the Prince.” BackgroundAs part of his ambitious “Vision 2030,” Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, proclaimed his aim to end the kingdom’s dependence on oil by diversifying its economy and increasing its competitiveness. To finance this transition, the prince envisages to turn the hitherto obscure public development fund into the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund. The money for it should come from oil revenues, public financial transfers and the privatisation of the state oil company Saudi Aramco. However, the new fund could also lead to the concentration of Saudi financial resources in the Prince’s hand and thereby further strengthen his power. Program OverviewSpeakers: Stephan Roll, Head of Research Division Middle East and Africa, SWP, Berlin Jane Kinninmont, Head of Programmes, The Elders, London Gabriel Munuera Vinals, Head of Division Arabian Peninsula, Iraq and Regional Policies, European External Action Service (EEAS), Brussels Moderator: Ambassador Wolfgang Klapper, Vice President, Director of the Regional Security Program, EastWest Institute, Brussels AgendaThursday, December 5, 2019, 13h00-14h30 Registration and light lunch from 12h30 How to JoinKindly note that registration to this event is mandatory. Please contact us for more details. The event will be held under The Chatham House Rule. Event VenueEastWest Institute Rue de Trèves 59-61, 1040 Brussels
