Global Future

A terrifying coalition of big business and big tech is so confident and brazen they are promising the public “you will own nothing, and you will be happy” in an advertising campaign for a global reset.

The Great Reset is a proposal set out by the World Economic Forum for a new globalized fiscal system that would allow the world to effectively tackle the so-called climate crisis.

Zeljko Serdar from CCRES said the plan intends to use the “tools of oppression” implemented during the pandemic, such as lockdowns and forced business closures as well as other measures destroying private property rights, to combat the coronavirus to achieve climate outcomes.

“I've spoken before about the insidious phrases which sound like common sense but is in fact just one of several slogans for the Great reset, another being the Orwellian phrase the fourth industrial revolution. This is as serious and as dangerous a threat to our prosperity and freedom as we have faced in decades”.

Welcome to the year 2030. Welcome to my city - or should I say, "our city." I don't own anything. I don't own a car. I don't own a house. I don't own any appliances or any clothes.

It might seem odd to you, but it makes perfect sense for us in this city. Everything you considered a product, has now become a service. We have access to transportation, accommodation, food and all the things we need in our daily lives. One by one all these things became free, so it ended up not making sense for us to own much.

First communication became digitized and free to everyone. Then, when clean energy became free, things started to move quickly. Transportation dropped dramatically in price. It made no sense for us to own cars anymore because we could call a driverless vehicle or a flying car for longer journeys within minutes. We started transporting ourselves in a much more organized and coordinated way when public transport became easier, quicker, and more convenient than the car. Now I can hardly believe that we accepted congestion and traffic jams, not to mention the air pollution from combustion engines. What were we thinking?

Sometimes I use my bike when I go to see some of my friends. I enjoy the exercise and the ride. It kind of gets the soul to come along on the journey. Funny how some things seem never seem to lose their excitement: walking, biking, cooking, drawing, and growing plants. It makes perfect sense and reminds us of how our culture emerged out of a close relationship with nature.

In our city, we don't pay any rent, because someone else is using our free space whenever we do not need it. My living room is used for business meetings when I am not there.

Once in a while, I will choose to cook for myself. It is easy - the necessary kitchen equipment is delivered to my door within minutes. Since transport became free, we stopped having all those things stuffed into our homes. Why keep a pasta maker and a crepe cooker crammed into our cupboards? We can just order them when we need them.

This also made the breakthrough of the circular economy easier. When products are turned into services, no one has an interest in things with a short life span. Everything is designed for durability, repairability, and recyclability. The materials are flowing more quickly in our economy and can be transformed into new products pretty easily. Environmental problems seem far away since we only use clean energy and clean production methods. The air is clean, the water is clean and nobody would dare to touch the protected areas of nature because they constitute such value to our well-being. In the cities, we have plenty of green space and plants and trees all over. I still do not understand why in the past we filled all free spots in the city with concrete.

Shopping? I can't really remember what that is. For most of us, it has been turned into choosing things to use. Sometimes I find this fun, and sometimes I just want the algorithm to do it for me. It knows my taste better than I do by now.

When AI and robots took over so much of our work, we suddenly had time to eat well, sleep well and spend time with other people. The concept of rush hour makes no sense any more since the work that we do can be done at any time. I don't really know if I would call it to work anymore. It is more like thinking-time, creation-time, and development-time.

For a while, everything was turned into entertainment and people did not want to bother themselves with difficult issues. It was only at the last minute that we found out how to use all these new technologies for better purposes than just killing time.

My biggest concern is all the people who do not live in our city. Those we lost on the way. Those who decided that it became too much, all this technology. Those who felt obsolete and useless when robots and AI took over big parts of our jobs. Those who got upset with the political system and turned against it. They live different kinds of lives outside of the city. Some have formed little self-supplying communities. Others just stayed in the empty and abandoned houses in small 19th century villages.

Once in a while, I get annoyed about the fact that I have no real privacy. Nowhere I can go and not be registered. I know that, somewhere, everything I do, think and dream of is recorded. I just hope that nobody will use it against me.

All in all, it is a good life. Much better than the path we were on, where it became so clear that we could not continue with the same model of growth. We had all these terrible things happening: lifestyle diseases, climate change, the refugee crisis, environmental degradation, completely congested cities, water pollution, air pollution, social unrest, and unemployment. We lost way too many people before we realized that we could do things differently.

This blog post was written ahead of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils. Thank you for your interest in the World Economic Forum, the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.

NEOM – The Destination for the Future

CCRES proudly promotes world's most ambitious project: an entire new land, purpose-built for a new way of living - NEOM - city of the future

NEOM incorporates the new way of life and the strategic crossroads in trade, innovation, and technology with livability at its core

• NEOM aspires to be the safest, most efficient, most future oriented, and best place to live and work

• NEOM is developed independent of the Kingdom’s existing governmental framework with investors, businesses, and innovators consulted at every stage of development

• NEOM's unique location connects Asia, Europe, and Africa, will include the world’s most significant and promising economic sectors

• NEOM land expands over 26,500 km2; its location will facilitate NEOM's rapid emergence as a global hub that has the potential to bring together the best of Arabia, Asia, Africa, Europe and America

• NEOM will be backed by more than $500 billion over the coming years by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, local aswell asinternational investors

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced the launch of NEOM.

NEOM is born from the ambition of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to see the country develop into a pioneering and thriving model of excellence in various and important areas of life. NEOM aims to thrive the transformation of the Kingdom into a leading global hub through the introduction of value chains of industry and technology.

“NEOM will focus on nine specialized investment sectors and living conditions that will drive the future of human civilization, energy and water, mobility, biotech, food, technological & digital sciences, advanced manufacturing, media, and entertainment with livability as its foundation. The focus on these sectors will stimulate economic growth and diversification by nurturing international innovation and manufacturing, to drive local industry, job creation, and GDP growth in the Kingdom. NEOM will attract private as well as public investments and partnerships. NEOM will be backed by more than $500 billion over the coming years by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, local as well as international investors”, said HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

NEOM commands a unique location to bring together the best of Arabia, Asia, Africa, Europe and America. NEOM resides in the Northwestern region of Saudi Arabia, and spans over 26,500 km2. Overlooking the waterfront of the Red Sea to the South and the West, and the Gulf of Aqaba, NEOM enjoys an uninterrupted coastline stretching over 468 km, with a dramatic mountain backdrop rising to 2,500 m to the East. A constant breeze leads to mild temperatures. The wind and sun will allow NEOM to be powered solely by regenerative energy.

NEOM is situated on one of the world’s most prominent economic arteries, through which nearly a tenth of the world’s trade flows. Its strategic location will also facilitate the zone’s rapid emergence as a global hub that connects Asia, Europe and Africa, enabling 70% of the world's population to reach it in under eight hours, which brings the potential to combine the best of major global regions in terms of knowledge, technology, research, teaching, learning, living and working.
The site will also become the main entrance to the King Salman Bridge, linking Asia and Africa, which will add to the zone’s economic significance. NEOM’s land mass will extend across the Egyptian and Jordanian borders, rendering NEOM the first private zone to span three countries.

Investments and financing will play a vital role in NEOM, set to be spearheaded by the Kingdom’s economy and supported by PIF – a major global fund with access to a worldwide network of investors and major companies -- set to be brought onboard to drive the success of NEOM.

With the ambition of becoming one of the world’s future economic and scientific capitals, in addition to being the future commerce capital of Saudi Arabia, NEOM is set to attract new foreign direct investment that will contribute to PIF’s long-term growth strategy aimed at strengthening the Saudi Arabian economy.
NEOM is developed to be independent of the Kingdom’s existing governmental framework, excluding sovereignty. NEOM will adopt a regulatory framework that fosters technological as well as societal innovation and entrepreneurship in accordance with international best practices. Investors, businesses, and innovators will be consulted at every step of the development in how best to create the economic framework, design the urban plans, and attract top quality talent that will drive the growth of this zone and its resident population.

“NEOM will be constructed from the ground-up, on greenfield sites, allowing it a unique opportunity to be distinguished from all other places that have been developed and constructed over hundreds of years and we will use this opportunity to build a new way of life with excellent economic prospects. Future technologies form the cornerstone for NEOM’s development: Disruptive solutions for transportation from automated driving to passenger drones, new ways of growing and processing food, healthcare centered around the patient for their holistic well-being, wireless high speed internet as a free good called “digital air”, free world-class continuous online education, full scale e-governance putting city services at your fingertips, building codes that make net-zero carbon houses the standard, a city layout that encourages walking and bicycling and all solely powered by renewable energy just to name a few. All of this will allow for a new way of life to emerge that takes into account the ambitions and outlooks of humankind paired with best future technologies and outstanding economic prospects”, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman added.

NEOM will achieve its ambitious goals of becoming among the top secure areas in the world – if not the most– by adopting the future technologies in the fields of security and safety. This will raise the standards of public life activities and ensure the safety and protection of residents, visitors, and investors.

All services and processes in NEOM will be 100% fully automated, with the goal of becoming the most efficient destination in the world, and in turn be implemented on all activities such as legal, government, and investment procedures among others. Additionally, NEOM will be subject to the highest sustainability standards, and will provide all transactions, procedures, and claims through paperless and electronic means.

A new concept for the workforce will be implemented, based on attracting high-caliber human resources with unique competencies for full-time innovation, decision making and business leadership. Repetitive and arduous tasks will be fully automated and handled by robots, which may exceed the population, likely making the NEOM's GDP per capita the highest in the world. All these elements will put NEOM at the world’s forefront in terms of efficiency which will make it the best destination in the world to live in.

NEOM PROJECT

NEOM is the world’s frst independent special zone stretching over three countries. It is set to become a new vibrant destination located in North- Western Saudi Arabia. Expected to emerge as a leading global hub that exemplifes the future of human civilization by ofering its inhabitants an idyllic lifestyle combined with exceptional economic prospects, NEOM seeks to attract top talent from around the world to push the boundaries of innovation like never before and drive the growth of this zone and its residents.

OPPORTUNIT Y-RICH DEVELOPMENTAL AREA

This special zone is located in North-Western Saudi Arabia and is set to include territory from within the Egyptian and Jordanian borders, to comprise a total area of 26,500 km2. NEOM will provide a plethora of unique development opportunities, as the project’s strategic coastal Red Sea location is notable for its:

PROXIMIT Y TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS AND TRADE ROUTES:

Approximately 10% of the world’s trade fows through the Red Sea. Connecting Asia, Europe, Africa and America, the zone will enable 70% of the world’s population to reach it in under eight hours.

TEMPERATE CLIMATE AND DIVERSE TERRAIN:

The unique geographical location of NEOM ensures a temperate climate, roughly about 10°C cooler – on average – than its surrounding areas and the rest of the GCC. Cradled in a mountainous region that is home to breathtakingly diverse terrain in North of Saudi Arabia, the area earmarked for the development also enjoys cooler winds coming in from the Red Sea for the best possible climate for future residents. Incredible terrain that ofers:
1. Untouched beaches with more than than 468 km of pristine coastline and several spectacular islands.
2. Scenic mountains reaching up to 2,500m in height, with views across the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea, where during parts of winter some are covered in snow.
3. Idyllic and peaceful desert expanses that astound the visitors.

DEVELOPMENT FROM THE GROUND UP:


The blank slate upon which NEOM is set to be developed provides unique opportunities. The fundamental distinction from traditional urban planning projects is the new technology that will be built into the blueprints of the infrastructural framework.

RICHNESS IN NATURAL RESOURCES:

Situated in an area rich in wind and solar energy resources, the location of NEOM provides an ideal environment in which to develop renewable energy projects. Perennial solar resources (20 MJ/m²). Ideal wind speed (an average of 10.3 m/s). The area is also rich in oil and gas as well as mineral resources. The use of such resources will have to live up to the unmatched high sustainability standards.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PROJECT

NEOM ofers unique opportunities and advantages to leading investors and business owners worldwide, with the aim of stimulating GDP growth in the Kingdom. This project ofers potential investors:
Direct access to the Saudi Arabian market and global markets, given its unique geographic location as a hub that links three continents. Comprehensive supply and innovation systems. Funding and fnancial incentives.
Favorable industry specifc regulatory environment paired with international trade laws.
An infrastructural environment which puts the human frst and technology in its hands to experience the future frst.
Redirecting Saudi spend abroad back indirectly into NEOM. This is an incredible opportunity, as Saudis spend signifcant amounts on tourism ($15 billion), healthcare ($12.5 billion), education ($5 billion) and general investment abroad ($5 billion).

IT ALSO OFFERS INHABITANTS:

An idyllic living environment and rich quality of life.
Technology-based civil services in health, education, transport, entertainment and other fields. Advanced urban planning.
Many opportunities for employment and personal growth. World-standard social norms in culture, arts and education.

HUGE EARNINGS FOR SAUDI ARABIA

The NEOM project is set to transform the Kingdom into a leading global innovation and trade hub through the introduction of value chains of traditional and future industries and technologies to stimulate local industry, private sector job creation and GDP growth in the Kingdom.

CONTRIBUTING TO THE REALIZATION OF VISION 2030

Born from the ambition of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to see the country develop into a pioneering and thriving model of excellence, the NEOM project targets the achievement of the three following pillars of Vision 2030:

A VIBRANT SOCIETY

A destination at the top of the world’s most livable cities index. Developing the information and digital sectors that contribute to the Kingdom’s GDP.
The promise of becoming an aspirational society that demonstrates the future of human civilization, sought-after as a place to live and work by local, regional and international talent.

A THRIVING ECONOMY

Favorable business environment and regulations.
Incentives for attracting foreign companies and investments. Eleven sectors aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil. Strong contribution to the Kingdom’s GDP and redirecting some of the leakage of overseas back into the base economy.

ECONOMIC SECTORS

A vibrant destination that adopts technology in service of humanity.
The full utilization of digital technologies to increase government efciency. Leveraging the latest advancements in sustainability, connectivity and mobility.
The NEOM project aims to develop eleven key economic sectors for the future, in addition to the establishment of industries that curb economic leakage in the Kingdom and the region in general. This will be achieved through the establishment of development funds, that will support these sectors, identifed as:

THE FUTURE OF ENERGY AND WATER:

Includes being fully powered by renewable energy, forward looking energy storage and transport solutions as well as R&D and manufacturing. In addition, utilizing green technology in building water capabilities and maximizing usage efciency.

THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY:

Includes seaports, airports, autonomous transport solutions such as autonomous vehicles/drones, and others.

THE FUTURE OF BIOTECH:

Includes biotechnology, human biotechnology and pharmaceuticals manufacturing.

THE FUTURE OF FOOD:

Includes an international innovation center for food technologies, including seawater and desert farming, aeroponics and hydroponics.

THE FUTURE OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING:

Includes new materials in composites and metals, 3D printing, robotics and vehicle manufacturing and much more.

THE FUTURE OF MEDIA:

Includes the development of the television and flm industry, the video gaming industry and digital content.

THE FUTURE OF ENTERTAINMENT:

Includes facilities, activities, sporting and cultural entertainment events and others.

THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGICAL AND DIGITAL SCIENCES:

Includes artifcial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, data centers, the Internet of Things and e-commerce.

THE FUTURE OF TOURISM:

The world’s insatiable appettite for a breathtaking experience will soon realise NEOM’s unique culture and exceeds all expectations.

THE FUTURE OF SPORT:

Global sporting visionaries, athletes and fans coming to NEOM will become part of a sporting revolution.

THE FUTURE OF LIVING AS NEOM’S FOUNDATION:

Includes housing, education, security and safety, green spaces, healthcare, hospitality and hotels.

WORLD-CLASS QUALITY OF LIFE

NEOM is positioned to become an aspirational society that denotes the future of human civilization by ofering its inhabitants a lifestyle that surpasses that of any other metropolis, through the development of a unique societal experience that encompasses:

FAVORABLE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT:

Ofering systems conducive to investment.

IDYLLIC LIVING ENVIRONMENT:

Ofering a comfortable and enjoyable. community with the highest quality of life that includes a combination of beautiful beaches and mountains and untouched land, along with best-in-class education, arts and culture facilities.

CONTINENTAL DEMOGRAPHICS:

Ofering a multicultural environment that nurtures a proactive and diverse community.

WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION:

Ofering high quality education that caters to everyone at all stages of development.

TRANSPORT:

Ofering fast and efcient mobility across NEOM.

COMFORTABLE HOUSING:

Ofering ample housing and facilities for everyone

STABILITY:

Ofering a safe, secure and stable society.

HEALTHCARE:

Ofering world-class healthcare facilities, using advanced capabilities to provide an all-round service.

MAIN FUTURISTIC CONCEPTS

The futuristic vision of the project comprises six main pillars that will be adopted across NEOM:

HUMAN BEINGS AS A TOP PRIORITY:

NEOM provides its residents with comfortable living conditions set within an idyllic society that promotes inclusion and encourages personal growth and lives by world-class social norms.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF HEALTHY LIVING AND TRANSPORT:

NEOM will allow its residents to reach many locations via walking or biking and also have an unprecedented transportation infrastructure, built on future transportation technologies.

AUTOMATED SERVICES/E-GOVERNMENT:

NEOM government services will be fully automated and most easily accessible to its residents .

DIGITIZATION:

NEOM will provide its residents “digital air”, free highest-speed Internet and free online continuous education at their fngertips.

SUSTAINABILITY:

NEOM will be solely powered by renewable energy and buildings will have a net zero carbon footprint.

INNOVATION IN CONSTRUCTION:

Serving as a laboratory for innovative construction techniques and materials operating with complete fexibility to meet future requirements.

ECONOMIC EARNINGS

One of the project’s main advantages is the redirection of the Kingdom’s economic leakage back into the country:

NET IMPORTS TO THE KINGDOM:

The eleven sectors outlined for development will return about $70 billion in revenue back into the Kingdom, by way of commodities currently imported from abroad, through the potential of local production of vehicles, machinery and communication equipment.

INVESTMENTS ABROAD:

The project will provide new opportunities in previously non-existent sectors for Saudi Arabian investors, within an environment that adopts favorable business laws and a system conducive to growth. Thus, part of the investment leakage issue will be addressed.

SAUDI CONSUMERS OVERSEAS SPENDING:

NEOM will ofer a new local tourist destination for Saudi citizens to visit, while ensuring that their capital is injected back into the local economy.
NEOM will be backed by more than $500 billion over the coming years by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, as well as local and international investors. NEOM’s contribution to the Kingdom’s GDP is projected to reach at least $100 billion by 2030, in addition to its per capita GDP – projected to become the highest in the world.

For further information on NEOM please visit NEOM.com


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