Riyadh hosted an international roundtable as part of the SMF Connect initiative focusing on international communication. The event included leaders from global academic and media institutions.
According to SPA, the meeting aimed to strengthen relations with international media and explore cooperation opportunities between Saudi media institutions and their global counterparts.
The discussions focused on four main cooperation axes: the coproduction of content, the exchange of editorial expertise and training programs, facilitating international media access to information and sources, and the training of young media talents.
Mohammed Al-Harthi, President of the Forum, stated that the meeting reflects the Forum’s transformation into an international platform for developing editorial and technical cooperation. He noted that these year-round meetings aim to present Saudi identity to the world through professional journalism and turn international dialogue into concrete projects.
These results will be presented during the Saudi Media Forum 2027, which is scheduled to take place under royal patronage in Riyadh from February 1 to 3, 2027.
Participants included Tony Gallagher, editor-in-chief of the Times, Con Coughlin, executive editor for defense and foreign policy at the Telegraph, and Karen Elliott House, a senior fellow at Harvard University’s Belfer Center.
What were the main goals of the SMF Connect roundtable? The roundtable aimed to strengthen relations with international media and explore cooperation opportunities between Saudi media institutions and global counterparts. It focused on four axes: coproduction of content, exchanging editorial expertise and training, facilitating international media access to information, and training young media talents.
Who were the notable international participants at the event? The event gathered figures from the media and academic worlds, including Tony Gallagher, the editor-in-chief of the Times, and Con Coughlin, the executive editor for defense and foreign policy at the Telegraph. Karen Elliott House, a senior fellow at Harvard University’s Belfer Center, also participated.
When and where will the results of these meetings be presented? The results of the international dialogue and strategic projects will be presented during the Saudi Media Forum 2027. This event is scheduled to be held under royal patronage in Riyadh from February 1 to 3, 2027.