Conference Sessions
Theme One
The Kingdom in the Eyes of the Global Community: exploring the national narrative, symbolic representations of Saudi identity, national heritage, and their implications for the Kingdom’s global presence and image.
Topics:
1. Representations of the Kingdom in Global Media: Between Stereotypes and New Narratives
Examining the transformations in the image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in global media; analyzing traditional stereotypes and emerging narratives associated with social, cultural, economic, and developmental change; and investigating the role of digital media and global platforms in reshaping perceptions of the Kingdom, its society, and its identity.
2. National Heritage as Soft Power: How Does the Kingdom Tell Its Story to the World?
Exploring the role of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, historical sites, architecture, the arts, museums, festivals, and cultural and tourism initiatives in communicating Saudi identity and strengthening the Kingdom’s global presence, while examining the use of heritage as an instrument of cultural communication and a means of building bridges of understanding with other societies.
3. The National Narrative in Saudi Literature, Cinema, and Visual Arts
Analyzing how literature, cinema, and the visual arts present the experiences, transformations, values, and identity of Saudi society; exploring the role of cultural and creative production in constructing contemporary national narratives that combine authenticity and renewal, reflect the diversity of Saudi society, and offer multiple images and perspectives on the Kingdom to local and global audiences.
4. Saudi Women in the Eyes of the Global Community: A Symbol of Social and Cultural Transformation
Exploring changes in the representation of Saudi women in global media and cultural discourse and examining their presence as one of the most prominent symbols of social and cultural transformation in the Kingdom. The topic addresses representations of Saudi women in media, literature, the arts, and digital platforms, as well as the impact of their expanding participation in scientific, professional, cultural, economic, and leadership fields on the global image of Saudi society. It also examines the transition from certain earlier stereotypes toward more diverse narratives that reflect women’s roles and contributions to development and modernization.
Theme Two
From Foundation to Leadership and Prosperity: examining key milestones in the achievements of the Kings and national figures of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and their contributions to nation-building, development, and modernization.
Topics:
1. The Role of the Kings of Saudi Arabia in Building the Modern State and Strengthening Political and Institutional Stability
This topic examines the contributions of the Kings of Saudi Arabia, from the era of the Founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud to the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, to the unification of the state, the development of its institutions, the consolidation of security and stability, and the advancement of systems of governance and administration. These contributions helped establish a modern state capable of responding to local, regional, and international transformations.
2. Milestones in the Kingdom’s Economic and Social Transformation: From Foundation to Saudi Vision 2030
This topic reviews the major stages of economic and social transformation in the Kingdom, from the discovery of oil and the development of infrastructure, education, and healthcare to Saudi Vision 2030 and the transformations it has generated in economic diversification, the empowerment of women and youth, the development of culture, tourism, entertainment, and technology sectors, and the enhancement of quality of life.
3. Prominent Saudi Figures Who Contributed to Culture, Education, and Development and Shaped the Kingdom’s Image Locally and Globally
This topic highlights prominent Saudi figures who have contributed to the development of the cultural, scientific, educational, and developmental landscape and whose achievements have influenced the formation of national identity and strengthened the Kingdom’s presence and image locally and internationally. It also emphasizes the role of these figures in documenting the trajectory of transformation and modernization and in contributing to national achievement.
Theme Three
Cultural, Social, and Urban Diversity as a Foundation for a Vibrant Society: enhancing quality of life and enriching social and cultural experience across the various regions of the Kingdom.
Topics:
1. The Role of Cultural and Social Diversity in Strengthening Social Cohesion and Improving Quality of Life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
This topic examines the cultural and social diversity that characterizes the Kingdom’s regions, including their varied customs, traditions, dialects, lifestyles, and cultural heritage, and considers the role of this diversity in enriching national identity and strengthening social interaction and cohesion. It also discusses the importance of drawing upon this diversity as a cultural and social asset that contributes to building a vibrant society, strengthening belonging and community participation, and improving quality of life.
2. Architecture and Urban Identity: How Do Heritage Cities and Neighborhoods Contribute to Building a Vibrant and Sustainable Society?
This topic examines the relationship between architecture and the cultural and social identity of the Kingdom, with particular emphasis on cities, neighborhoods, and heritage sites as spaces that preserve memory and local identity and reflect the urban diversity of the Kingdom’s regions. It also considers the role of preserving and adaptive reuse of urban heritage, alongside sustainable urban development, in strengthening attachment to place, creating more vibrant urban environments, and supporting tourism, culture, and local economies.
3. The Arts, Community Initiatives, and Public Spaces as Instruments for Enhancing Well-being and Quality of Life
This topic explores the role of the arts, cultural events, community initiatives, and public spaces in enhancing quality of life and social well-being by creating environments that encourage interaction, participation, and creativity. It also examines the contribution of museums, festivals, public art, parks, plazas, and cultural facilities to strengthening communication among different segments of society, enriching the urban experience, and creating more inclusive and vibrant spaces that reflect the cultural and social transformations taking place in the Kingdom.
