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.
