Riyadh hosted a meeting with senior managers from global media and academic institutions as part of the SMF Connect international initiative. The session focused on strengthening ties with international media and exploring cooperation opportunities between Saudi media organizations and their global counterparts.
According to SPA, the meeting addressed four main cooperation pillars: joint content production, the exchange of editorial experiences and training programs, facilitating international media access to information and resources, and the empowerment of young media talents.
Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, President of the Saudi Media Forum, stated that the meeting reflects the forum’s transformation into an international platform for technical and editorial cooperation. He noted that these meetings occur throughout the year to professionally introduce Saudi identity to the world and turn international dialogues into practical projects.
The results of these activities will be presented at the Saudi Media Forum 2027, which will take place from February 1 to 3, 2027, in Riyadh with royal support. Attendees included The Telegraph executive editor for defense and foreign affairs Ken Coglin, The Times editor Tony Gallagher, and Harvard University Belfer Center senior researcher Karen Elliot House.
The SMF Connect initiative aims to strengthen Saudi media presence globally and showcase the country’s development through professional content. The initiative will continue its dialogue meetings throughout the year to develop recommendations and expand cooperation between domestic and international media institutions.
What were the primary goals of the SMF Connect meeting in Riyadh? The meeting aimed to strengthen relationships with international media and explore cooperation opportunities between Saudi media institutions and global counterparts. It focused on four main pillars: joint content production, exchanging editorial experiences and training, facilitating international media access to resources, and empowering young media talents.
Who were the notable international attendees at the communications meeting? The meeting was attended by senior media and academic figures, including Tony Gallagher, the editor of The Times, and Ken Coglin, the executive editor for defense and foreign affairs at The Telegraph. Additionally, Karen Elliot House, a senior researcher from Harvard University’s Belfer Center, was present.
When and where will the achievements of these activities be presented? The achievements resulting from these activities will be presented at the Saudi Media Forum 2027. This event is scheduled to take place from February 1 to 3, 2027, in Riyadh and will be held with royal support.
What is the overall purpose of the SMF Connect initiative? The SMF Connect initiative is designed to strengthen the global presence of Saudi media and introduce the country’s development and transformations through high-quality, professional content. It involves ongoing dialogue meetings throughout the year to create recommendations and sustainable projects between domestic and international media.