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Jeddah to Host Makkah Int’l Conference on Arabic Language, Literature Next Month

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Jeddah to Host Makkah Int’l Conference on Arabic Language, Literature Next Month

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

The sixth annual Makkah International Conference on Arabic Language and Literature, themed "Arabic Language and the Challenges of Digitization," will take place January 3-5, 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah Al Salam.
Organized under the umbrella of the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA), the event will bring together academics, researchers, and graduate students from 17 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Algeria, Chad, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UK, and Italy.
The head of the conference organizing committee, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani, highlighted the conference's objectives, including fostering communication among Arabic language specialists, exchanging expertise, and showcasing the latest scientific research in Arabic studies and digital applications. The conference also aims to enhance cultural pride in Arabic, the language of the Holy Quran, while spotlighting efforts by individuals and institutions in advancing Arabic learning both physically and virtually.
The three-day conference will feature 10 scientific sessions with 40 peer-reviewed research papers, exploring various aspects of Arabic language and literature. Additionally, 10 scientific posters will showcase research projects, initiatives, and successful experiences. A special training workshop titled “AI Applications in the Arabic Language” will also be held, focusing on modern technological tools and their role in advancing Arabic education.
The conference serves as a platform to bridge traditional Arabic studies with modern digital innovations, reflecting the evolving landscape of Arabic language teaching and research.

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Pharrell Williams is Named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

US rapper, producer and fashion designer Pharrell Williams gives a speech after receiving the diploma as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts, Education and Entrepreneurship, at the UNESCO headquarters, in Paris on December 17, 2024. (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / AFP)
US rapper, producer and fashion designer Pharrell Williams gives a speech after receiving the diploma as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts, Education and Entrepreneurship, at the UNESCO headquarters, in Paris on December 17, 2024. (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / AFP)
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Pharrell Williams is Named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

US rapper, producer and fashion designer Pharrell Williams gives a speech after receiving the diploma as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts, Education and Entrepreneurship, at the UNESCO headquarters, in Paris on December 17, 2024. (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / AFP)
US rapper, producer and fashion designer Pharrell Williams gives a speech after receiving the diploma as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts, Education and Entrepreneurship, at the UNESCO headquarters, in Paris on December 17, 2024. (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / AFP)

Pop star and fashion designer Pharrell Williams was named UNESCO’s goodwill ambassador for artistic education and entrepreneurship on Tuesday in Paris, continuing his cultural dominance of the French capital as Louis Vuitton menswear artistic director and performer at Notre Dame Cathedral’s reopening earlier this month.
Williams said he hoped to “deepen that sense of unity and togetherness” in work that “evens the odds for marginalized communities.”
He also spoke about his impoverished youth, adding: “Growing up in Virginia, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be given an opportunity like this one."
The role of goodwill ambassador for the Paris-based UN cultural agency involves promoting its initiatives that include protecting indigenous cultures, advancing education and health care for women, raising awareness about genocide prevention and safeguarding cultural heritage, The Associated Press reported.
The UN agency said Williams will be “a mentor and role model for young creators, particularly in Africa, where UNESCO supports the development of cultural industries.”
Williams joins a list of goodwill ambassadors that includes US jazz musician Herbie Hancock, Brazilian artist Vik Muniz and Japanese filmmaker Naomi Kawase.
Williams has been particularly visible in Paris this year. Shortly before the Paris Olympics, his role as Louis Vuitton menswear designer took center stage during a star-studded event at UNESCO’s headquarters. The show, celebrating the beauty of human skin, featured models wearing garments in shades representing the diverse hues of humanity.
UNESCO leaders hope that Williams' global influence and deep connections to fashion and music will draw fresh attention to the agency’s work.
Williams is American, and his selection as goodwill ambassador also may be highlighting the readmission of the United States to UNESCO last year.
The US exit under President Donald Trump cited alleged anti-Israel bias within the agency. The decision followed a 2011 decision by UNESCO to include Palestine as a member state, which led the US and Israel to cease financing for the agency.
The US return under President Joe Biden was marked by a flag-raising ceremony attended by US First Lady Jill Biden.