Buraydah Joins UNESCO Gastronomy Conference in Thailand

Buraydah, Saudi Arabia’s gastronomic capital, will participate in the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Annual Conference 2024 in Phuket, Thailand, from May 9 to 12, joining more than 70 creative cities worldwide. The announcement, made by the Saudi Press Agency, highlights the Kingdom’s growing role in global cultural exchange and sustainable urban development through its UNESCO Creative Cities Network membership.

Context and Background

Buraydah, the capital of the Qassim region, became a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in gastronomy in 2021, making it the first Gulf city and the second Arab city to join the network. This milestone was the result of a strategic plan supported by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission. The network, established by UNESCO in 2004, promotes cooperation among cities that use creativity as a driver for sustainable development. Buraydah’s membership recognizes its rich culinary heritage, including traditional dishes such as Al-Qassim dates and regional specialties that reflect the Kingdom’s cultural depth.

Key Details

According to Mohammad Al-Hanaya, Secretary-General of the Qassim Chamber, Buraydah’s participation is part of the Buraydah Creative City file plan, which the chamber supports and organizes. The Qassim Chamber, alongside the Culinary Arts Commission, manages the technical aspects of this initiative. Sulaiman Al-Geffari, Executive Liaison Officer for Buraydah Creative City at UNESCO, stated that the city aims to achieve the objectives of joining the network, including enhancing cooperation among member cities, exchanging experiences, showcasing best practices, and exploring avenues for sustainable urban development. The conference will also provide a platform for fostering partnerships between gastronomy cities within the network, with representatives from the Culinary Arts Commission of the Ministry of Culture present.

Implications and Impact

Buraydah’s participation in the Phuket conference underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to active and influential engagement in international cultural and developmental forums, as emphasized by Al-Hanaya. This involvement aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy, promote cultural heritage, and enhance the Kingdom’s global presence. By sharing its culinary traditions and learning from other creative cities, Buraydah can attract tourism, stimulate local economic growth, and position itself as a hub for gastronomic innovation. The conference also strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and other nations, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration that supports sustainable development goals.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative directly supports Vision 2030’s objectives of diversifying the economy, empowering local communities, and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage on the world stage. Buraydah’s active role in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network exemplifies the Kingdom’s forward-looking approach to fostering global partnerships and sustainable urban development, reinforcing its position as a leader in cultural diplomacy and innovation.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Annual Conference 2024?

A1. It is a global gathering of over 70 creative cities specializing in gastronomy, held in Phuket, Thailand, from May 9 to 12, 2024, to promote cooperation and sustainable urban development through culinary creativity.

Q2. Why is Buraydah participating in this conference?

A2. Buraydah aims to strengthen its global presence as a UNESCO Creative City, exchange best practices, and explore partnerships with other gastronomy cities to enhance sustainable development and cultural exchange.

Q3. When did Buraydah join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network?

A3. Buraydah became a member in 2021, becoming the first Gulf city and the second Arab city to join the network in the field of gastronomy, recognizing its rich culinary heritage.

Q4. Who is Mohammad Al-Hanaya?

A4. Mohammad Al-Hanaya is the Secretary-General of the Qassim Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who highlighted the Saudi leadership’s commitment to international engagement and the chamber’s role in supporting Buraydah Creative City.

Q5. What is the role of the Qassim Chamber in this initiative?

A5. The Qassim Chamber supports and organizes the Buraydah Creative City file plan, managing technical aspects in collaboration with the Culinary Arts Commission to ensure successful participation.

Q6. Who is Sulaiman Al-Geffari?

A6. Sulaiman Al-Geffari is the Executive Liaison Officer for Buraydah Creative City at UNESCO, who outlined the city’s goals for the conference, including cooperation and knowledge exchange among member cities.

Q7. What are the objectives of Buraydah’s participation?

A7. The objectives include enhancing cooperation among member cities, exchanging experiences and initiatives, showcasing best practices, and exploring avenues for sustainable urban development through creativity and innovation.

Q8. How does this participation align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A8. It aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting cultural heritage, diversifying the economy, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global presence, supporting the Kingdom’s goals of sustainable development and international cultural diplomacy.

Q9. What is the significance of Buraydah being the first Gulf city in the network?

A9. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership in cultural preservation and innovation, setting a precedent for other Gulf cities and showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to global cultural exchange and sustainable development.

Q10. How many cities are participating in the conference?

A10. More than 70 creative cities from around the world are participating, all members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in gastronomy, fostering global collaboration and shared learning.

Q11. What is the Culinary Arts Commission’s role?

A11. The Culinary Arts Commission of the Ministry of Culture supports and participates in the conference, contributing to the management of Buraydah’s involvement and promoting Saudi culinary heritage internationally.

Q12. What benefits can Buraydah gain from the conference?

A12. Buraydah can gain international recognition, attract tourism, stimulate local economic growth, and establish partnerships that enhance its gastronomic sector and sustainable urban development.

Q13. How does gastronomy contribute to sustainable urban development?

A13. Gastronomy fosters cultural identity, creates jobs, supports local agriculture, and promotes sustainable practices, making it a key driver for inclusive economic growth and community development.

Q14. What traditional dishes is Buraydah known for?

A14. Buraydah is renowned for its high-quality dates, especially Sukkari dates, and traditional Saudi dishes like Kabsa and Jareesh, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the Qassim region.

Q15. What is the UNESCO Creative Cities Network?

A15. It is a global network of cities that leverage creativity and cultural assets to drive sustainable development, covering fields such as gastronomy, crafts, design, film, literature, media arts, and music.

Q16. How does the conference promote international cooperation?

A16. The conference facilitates dialogue, knowledge sharing, and partnership building among cities, enabling them to collaborate on projects that address common challenges and promote sustainable development through gastronomy.

Q17. What role does the Saudi leadership play in such international events?

A17. The Saudi leadership is committed to ensuring the Kingdom’s active and influential presence in international events, supporting cultural exchange and aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of global engagement and economic diversification.

Q18. What are the expected outcomes of Buraydah’s participation?

A18. Expected outcomes include strengthened global networks, new partnerships, enhanced visibility of Saudi culinary heritage, and actionable insights for developing Buraydah’s creative economy and sustainable urban initiatives.

Q19. How can other Saudi cities benefit from Buraydah’s experience?

A19. Other Saudi cities can learn from Buraydah’s model of leveraging cultural assets for international recognition, potentially pursuing UNESCO network membership to boost tourism, economic growth, and cultural preservation.

Q20. What does the future hold for Buraydah as a Creative City?

A20. Buraydah is poised to expand its global influence, foster innovation in gastronomy, and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic diversification, supporting Vision 2030’s objectives for sustainable development and international cooperation.

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