In a move aimed at consolidating the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication, in cooperation with the Mahzoor Neighborhood Council in Madinah, held a dialogue session entitled “Cultural Communication Among the People of One Nation: Diversity Within Unity.” The Mahzoor Neighborhood Council hosted this important event, which brought together a select group of academics, specialists, and those interested in community affairs, with the goal of strengthening national unity and highlighting cultural diversity as a source of strength for Saudi society.
Historical background and role of the King Abdulaziz Center
This meeting is part of a series of initiatives launched by the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Understanding, which was established in 2003 as a leading platform for promoting a culture of dialogue in Saudi society. The center works to address national, social, and cultural issues by encouraging open and constructive discussion among all segments of society. These efforts are directly aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes building a vibrant and tolerant society, where strengthening national identity and the values of moderation and coexistence is a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development.
The importance of the meeting and its main themes
The meeting was moderated by Dr. Mahmoud Al-Harbi, a strategic communication expert and faculty member at Taibah University. Participants included Mr. Musleh Al-Subhi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Quba Social Development Association, and Dr. Nada Elias, Associate Professor at Taibah University. Discussions focused on the concept of intercultural communication and its various dimensions, exploring how it can be an effective tool for strengthening social cohesion in the face of contemporary challenges. The pivotal role of youth in building bridges of communication between generations and diverse cultures within the nation was also highlighted, along with the importance of harnessing their potential to serve national unity.
Local and international impact of the event
The impact of such gatherings extends beyond the local level, reflecting a positive image of the Kingdom regionally and internationally. By highlighting cultural diversity as an enriching element rather than a divisive one, the Kingdom presents a pioneering model for managing multiculturalism within a unified national framework. This international dimension was evident in the participation of several scholarship students from the Islamic University of Madinah, who offered valuable insights, sharing their personal experiences of coexistence within Saudi society. These contributions not only enriched the dialogue but also reaffirmed that Madinah, with its long history as a cradle of tolerance and coexistence since the time of the Prophet, remains a beacon of human and cultural exchange.
In conclusion, the participants stressed that community dialogue initiatives are an imperative to strengthen national unity and deepen mutual understanding among the components of society, which contributes to building a brighter and more cohesive future for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
