Saudi Arabia: KACCC Announces Winners of Cultural Communication Award

KACCC announced the winners of the fourth edition of the Cultural Communication Award during a news conference held in Riyadh. SPA
KACCC announced the winners of the fourth edition of the Cultural Communication Award during a news conference held in Riyadh. SPA
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Saudi Arabia: KACCC Announces Winners of Cultural Communication Award

KACCC announced the winners of the fourth edition of the Cultural Communication Award during a news conference held in Riyadh. SPA
KACCC announced the winners of the fourth edition of the Cultural Communication Award during a news conference held in Riyadh. SPA

The King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication (KACCC) announced the winners of the fourth edition of the Cultural Communication Award during a news conference held at the center’s Riyadh headquarters in the presence of KACCC Secretary-General Abdullah Al-Fawzan, his deputy Ibrahim Al-Asiri and representatives from various media outlets.

Al-Fawzan stated that media and cultural contacts are among the most important pillars of communication between peoples of different civilizations. He underscored the pivotal role of media in conveying ideas, facilitating cultural exchange, and aiding societies in mutual understanding and acquaintance.
This year's Cultural Communication Award witnessed an increase in engagement, with 234 participants in the five award categories.

In the government institutions category, the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones "MODON" and the Taibah University emerged as winners with their initiatives about "cultural communication cities" and "ambassadors of moderation," respectively.

Meanwhile, Scientist’s Gift Organization’s initiative dubbed “the Saudi Cultural Day” won in the civil-society institutions category. The award for the non-profit international organizations and institutions category went to the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States for its initiative about "a reference guide to raising students' awareness of the values of tolerance and acceptance of others."

As for the private-sector institutions branch, Alfaisal University won with the culture day, people for people, and Noor for the visually impaired initiatives. In the individuals category, Dr. Sultan bin Suleiman Al-Anzi won with an initiative about rapid progress towards bright and just education.



Fire Damages a 19th Century District Town Hall in Paris, Leaving the Bell Tower at Risk of Collapse

This photo provided by the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) shows the roof and the spire of the Paris 12th district town hall burning early Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 in Paris. (P Millet/BSPP via AP)
This photo provided by the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) shows the roof and the spire of the Paris 12th district town hall burning early Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 in Paris. (P Millet/BSPP via AP)
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Fire Damages a 19th Century District Town Hall in Paris, Leaving the Bell Tower at Risk of Collapse

This photo provided by the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) shows the roof and the spire of the Paris 12th district town hall burning early Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 in Paris. (P Millet/BSPP via AP)
This photo provided by the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) shows the roof and the spire of the Paris 12th district town hall burning early Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 in Paris. (P Millet/BSPP via AP)

Fire engulfed the town hall of Paris’ 12th district early Monday, causing no casualties but severely damaging the bell tower of the 19th century building.

Paris police prefect Laurent Nunez said the fire broke at 3:20 a.m. in the roof of the building. About 150 firefighters battled the flames and the fire was extinguished in the morning, Nunez said, The AP reported.

He warned there was a “risk of collapse” of the upper part of the bell tower. A security area has been set up around the building.

An investigation will seek to determine the causes of the fire, Nunez said.

Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo praised in a statement the “exceptional intervention” of the Paris fire department and said “all public services for residents have been maintained and will be provided in the 11th district town hall."

The 12th district town hall was built in 1876 with a 36-meter (118-foot) high bell tower on top of its main entrance.