Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan opened the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World on Wednesday, February 13, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah. The conference is being hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The event brings together ministers and senior officials from across the Islamic world to discuss cultural cooperation and development.
Context and Background
The Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World serves as a key platform for member states of ICESCO to coordinate cultural policies and initiatives. This year’s session marks the 13th edition, with Saudi Arabia assuming the presidency for 2025. The Kingdom’s hosting reflects its growing role as a cultural hub in the region, aligned with its broader ambitions under Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and promote cultural exchange.
Key Details
In his opening speech, Prince Badr emphasized the Kingdom’s pride in presiding over the session, stating that it aims to strengthen collective work and cooperation in empowering culture as a key pillar of social and economic development. He noted that Saudi Arabia recognizes culture as an essential foundation for building communities, enhancing national identity, and driving growth. The Kingdom supports ICESCO’s efforts to empower intellectuals and writers from Islamic countries by enhancing their participation in cultural events, conferences, and research projects within Saudi Arabia.
Implications and Impact
The conference is expected to produce actionable resolutions and frameworks for cultural collaboration among Islamic nations. By hosting this high-level meeting, Saudi Arabia reinforces its position as a leader in cultural diplomacy and soft power. The event also highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering intercultural dialogue and preserving Islamic heritage, which can strengthen ties with other Muslim-majority countries and boost tourism and cultural industries.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The conference aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes cultural development as a driver of economic diversification and quality of life. By leading initiatives that empower creatives and promote cultural exchange, the Kingdom is building a vibrant society and a thriving economy. This event underscores Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision to become a global cultural destination, contributing to sustainable development and international cooperation.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World?
A1. It is a gathering of ministers and officials from ICESCO member states, hosted by Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, to discuss cultural cooperation and development in the Islamic world.
Q2. Who opened the conference?
A2. The conference was opened by Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan on February 13, 2025.
Q3. Where was the conference held?
A3. It took place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Q4. Who organized the conference?
A4. The conference was organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture in cooperation with ICESCO.
Q5. What is ICESCO?
A5. The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is a specialized agency that promotes cooperation in education, science, and culture among Islamic countries.
Q6. Why is Saudi Arabia hosting this conference?
A6. Saudi Arabia hosts to strengthen cultural cooperation and showcase its leadership, in line with its Vision 2030 goals for cultural development and international engagement.
Q7. What did Prince Badr emphasize in his speech?
A7. He emphasized the Kingdom’s pride in presiding over the conference and highlighted culture as a key pillar for social and economic development.
Q8. How does this conference relate to Vision 2030?
A8. It supports Vision 2030 by promoting cultural exchange, empowering creatives, and diversifying the economy through cultural industries.
Q9. What is the main goal of the conference?
A9. The main goal is to strengthen collective work and cooperation in empowering culture for development across Islamic countries.
Q10. How does Saudi Arabia support ICESCO’s efforts?
A10. Saudi Arabia supports ICESCO by enhancing participation of intellectuals and writers from Islamic countries in events and research projects within the Kingdom.
Q11. What is the significance of Saudi Arabia assuming the presidency?
A11. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership in cultural diplomacy and its commitment to fostering collaboration among Islamic nations.
Q12. Who are the attendees of the conference?
A12. The attendees include ministers of culture and senior officials from ICESCO member states across the Islamic world.
Q13. What topics are discussed at the conference?
A13. Topics include cultural policy coordination, heritage preservation, and initiatives to empower cultural professionals in Islamic countries.
Q14. How often is this conference held?
A14. The Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World is held periodically, with the 13th session taking place in 2025.
Q15. What is the role of culture in Saudi Arabia’s development?
A15. Culture is seen as an essential foundation for building communities, enhancing national identity, and driving economic and social growth.
Q16. How does the conference impact regional cultural exchange?
A16. It facilitates dialogue and cooperation, strengthening ties among Islamic countries and promoting shared cultural heritage.
Q17. What outcomes are expected from the conference?
A17. Expected outcomes include resolutions and frameworks for joint cultural projects and increased collaboration among member states.
Q18. Is this conference open to the public?
A18. No, it is a closed-door event for ministers and officials, though its outcomes are publicly announced.
Q19. How does this event benefit Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector?
A19. It boosts Saudi Arabia’s cultural profile, attracts international partnerships, and supports local cultural industries.
Q20. What is the long-term vision for Saudi Arabia’s cultural role?
A20. Saudi Arabia aims to become a global cultural destination, enriching the quality of life and contributing to Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals.
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