The UNESCO Executive Council unanimously approved the establishment of a Regional Center for Dialogue and Peace in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the supervision of King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue.
Speaking on the subject to Asharq Al-Awsat, Egyptian political analyst Emam Gharib said: “The decision adds to Saudi Arabia 's poise in international forums through the unanimous approval of the United Nations (UNESCO), the largest global cultural organization.”
“It also comes in light of the efforts exerted by the Kingdom through Vision 2030 in the field of supporting dialogue and peace and promoting peaceful coexistence among different peoples,” he added.
Gharib also noted that the decision to establish the center “shows international recognition for the Kingdom's role in fostering dialogue and reflects its achievements on promoting dialogue and peace on local, regional and international levels.”
Disseminating the culture of dialogue in Saudi Arabia and exporting it abroad is an important principle sought by decision makers in the Kingdom.
Egyptian writer Emile Amin, in his remarks at the Peace for Cultural Connection convention, which was hosted recently in Riyadh, said that the initiative represents a “Saudi gateway for peace in the world and a platform for open dialogue among Saudis and other communities.”
The Permanent Representative of the Kingdom to UNESCO Dr. Ibrahim Al-Balawi expressed his thanks and appreciation for the efforts of the Minister of Education in supporting the Kingdom's case for the establishment of the Center as part of the Kingdom's efforts through Vision 2030 to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence with different peoples.
He further said that the consensus obtained by the Kingdom on the establishment of the Regional Center for Dialogue and Peace shows the international recognition of its great position in fostering dialogue and peace, and reflects the its important role for accomplishing local, regional and international achievements towards promoting global dialogue and peace.
