When following any success story anywhere in the world, I watch for three key indicators: education, culture and science - the bedrock of prosperity and progress in a constantly evolving and fast-changing world. Indeed, nations write their future with this “essential trifecta,” building on their past and adjusting to their present, constructing bridges of knowledge and cultural exchange, and making dialogue and universal peace imperatives.
Exhausted by wars and their devastating impact on our humanity, culture, and knowledge, the world realized the importance of focusing on these three pillars. Our Kingdom’s founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman - may God have mercy on his soul - played a role in planting the seeds of one of the fruits that grew from this realization. Along with 19 national leaders from around the world, he was in London for the establishment of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1946 at a pivotal historical moment.
Culture, education and science have been crucial to national success stories and progress. Taken together, their impact goes beyond the countries themselves, changing the lives of other peoples as well, and making the world a more stable, advanced, and prosperous place.
Experiences have shown that these three broad terms clearly define the path to national eminence, on the condition that they are developed within the framework of a deep strategic vision in which commonalities come together that have the flexibility to adapt to the traditions and culture of each society.
I believe that the three vast fields are closely correlated to sustainability and intellectual development. Together, they improve quality of life and enhance national gains on all levels, including the economic and social levels. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has thus placed a strong emphasis on culture, education and science since the reign of the founding king - may God have mercy on his soul.
Nonetheless, at the present time, the progress in these fields has been galvanized, receiving unprecedented support from our wise leadership. Progress on these fronts is an essential component of the Kingdom’s ambitious vision for the future (Saudi Vision 2030). Under the leadership of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister - may God protect him - vast and specialized programs have been set up to fortify these pillars of development.
And because the Crown Prince has always been keen on including the world and pushing it to build for tomorrow, his directives have ensured that the Kingdom is always endeavoring to facilitate global cooperation and joint action on an array of issues. It is within this framework that the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) requested the organization of the conference, “Future of Education, Science, and Culture International Organizations Forum,” under the theme “Together for Impact in the 21st Century” and in partnership with Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
Supporting all regional and international efforts to promote education, culture and science is pivotal for engendering global prosperity. When we work together, we can give rise to a world better than we can imagine by coordinating with one another, exchanging visions, and cooperating on strategic issues.
Alongside all the other stakeholders, we aspire to contribute to the rich discussion at the first event of its kind that will be held in Riyadh. We intend for this dialogue to play a role in crystallizing a vision for fortifying education, culture and science, turning them into solid building blocks for the future and getting ourselves into a better position once the time comes to pass the torch on to a more creative and successful generation.
Through the “Future of Education, Science, and Culture International Organizations Forum,” the Kingdom is underlining the importance of dialogue, strategic planning, continuous debate, and the exchange of ideas and visions on these three major topics. This is essential for keeping pace with developments, integrating our cultures into this process, and arming future generations through which they can meaningfully engage in global culture and open new horizons for mankind.
In conclusion, I call on organizations around the world to take part in this event with us and write the beginning of the story to synergize our efforts and build humanity’s and the world’s future. We extend our arms because we in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have learned to bring everyone together and involve everyone in the process of enhancing development and building a brighter tomorrow. Ours is an approach that aspires to bring good, peace, and love to all.
