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Saudi Salam Initiative to Train 60 Youths in International Dialogue

Dr. Fahd Al-Sultan | Asharq Al-Awsat
Dr. Fahd Al-Sultan | Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Salam Initiative to Train 60 Youths in International Dialogue

Dr. Fahd Al-Sultan | Asharq Al-Awsat
Dr. Fahd Al-Sultan | Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia has launched the second edition of a national program, a part of the Salam initiative for cultural communication, for educating youth on leadership and international debates. At least 60 mixed gender young Saudis are partaking in the program.

The Salam initiative aims to clear up cultural ambiguity and promote awareness.

Faisal Bin Moammar, founding Secretary General of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue, congratulated members elected for the spinoff, saying that Saudi youth will be the future carriers of the Kingdom’s true image whether in forums, debate platforms, and social networks worldwide.

Bin Moammar, addressing attendees, reaffirmed that one of the most important conditions to meet before joining the program is conviction and patriotism, stressing that the Islamic religion urges tolerance and coexistence with other religions and cultures.

Dr. Fahd Al-Sultan, executive director of Salam, stressed the importance of the project and the role participants will play after completing the program, noting that those selected underwent many interviews and tests during the screening process.

He pointed out that those selected will undergo three-month training and rehabilitation programs based on scientific principles with a focus on cultural communication, international dialogue, and objective facts about the Kingdom.

He said that the success achieved by the program on the first version encouraged launching a second version--which saw a great number of applications.

It is noteworthy that the Salam initiative closely monitors international trends on Saudi Arabia, following what is written by international organizations and prominent research centers. The program has integrated international databases and publishes in-depth research and studies on many issues related to the worldwide image of the Kingdom today.

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Gulf

Gulf Cooperation Council Condemns Israeli Strike on Iran, Calls for Diplomacy

Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
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Gulf Cooperation Council Condemns Israeli Strike on Iran, Calls for Diplomacy

Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 
Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council held via video conference (GCC). 

In an extraordinary virtual session held Sunday, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strongly condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, denouncing them as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and a blatant breach of international law and the UN Charter. The council urged an immediate return to diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the growing regional tensions.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi described the current escalation as “unprecedented,” pointing to the Israeli military strikes on Iranian territory and Tehran’s subsequent retaliatory actions.

“These developments have sharply heightened tensions in the region,” he said, warning that they “open the door to uncertain and troubling scenarios.”

Albudaiwi revealed that in light of the unfolding crisis, the GCC Emergency Management Center had been activated to monitor and respond to potential consequences, particularly those involving Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“We acted swiftly and responsibly in recognition of the gravity of the situation,” he said, citing the danger of strikes on nuclear infrastructure and the potential for serious environmental and technical fallout.

Among the chief concerns raised during the meeting were the regional consequences of a broader escalation - especially any damage to nuclear sites - and the far-reaching impacts this could have on the environment, regional infrastructure, and the economic stability of Gulf states. The GCC also highlighted the risks to global supply chains, energy markets, and the security of key maritime corridors.

In a statement, the council emphasized that “until now, all technical indicators remain within safe limits,” adding that there is no immediate cause for alarm. Nonetheless, member states remain on high alert. “Full readiness and constant vigilance are essential in facing this volatile situation,” said Albudaiwi.

He also reaffirmed the council’s foundational values of unity, collective security, and regional stability. “The GCC was established on the principles of solidarity and joint action,” he said. “We continue to believe that stability is essential for the prosperity and well-being of our peoples.”

Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC’s longstanding commitment to conflict prevention, dialogue facilitation, and the avoidance of military escalation.

“We renew our call to all nations and actors to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from further military action,” he said. “The region stands at the edge of a wider conflict that could spiral out of control, with consequences no one can predict or manage.”