The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is preparing to host a prominent cultural event, as the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission announced the organization of the fifth edition of the Riyadh International Philosophy Conference , which will be held from December 4 to 6, 2025. This year’s conference comes under a pivotal and profound theme: “Philosophy between East and West: Concepts, Origins and Mutual Influences,” continuing its journey as a leading global platform that brings together an elite group of thinkers, researchers and philosophers from around the world.
A renewed cultural context and a rich historical background
This conference is being held at a time when Saudi Arabia is undergoing a broad cultural and social transformation as part of Vision 2030, which aims to bolster creative industries and foster intellectual dialogue. The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals by launching impactful initiatives that solidify the Kingdom's position as a center of cultural and intellectual influence in the region and the world.
The choice of dialogue between Eastern and Western philosophies as the theme is not accidental, but rather rooted in a rich historical legacy. During the Middle Ages, philosophers and thinkers in the Islamic world played a pivotal role as intermediaries of civilization, translating and interpreting Greek philosophy and transmitting it to Europe, adding their own original contributions that enriched human thought for centuries. This conference aims to revive this role and explore the intellectual intersections that shaped the course of civilizations.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
The Riyadh International Philosophy Conference is gaining increasing importance on various levels:
- Locally, the conference contributes to enriching the Saudi cultural landscape and encouraging a new generation of young people to engage in critical thinking and philosophical inquiry. It also reinforces Riyadh's position as a capital of thought and culture, capable of hosting high-level international dialogues.
- Regionally: The conference provides a platform for Arab thinkers to interact with their international counterparts, contributing to the revival of philosophical traditions in the region and linking them to contemporary issues.
- Internationally, the conference works to build bridges of understanding between different cultures, challenge stereotypes, and offer a more comprehensive view of the history of philosophy that transcends Western centrism. It is an open invitation to an equitable global dialogue that contributes to addressing the intellectual and ethical challenges facing humanity today.
A rich and diverse program that speaks to everyone
The fifth edition of the conference focuses on studying the historical roots of Eastern and Western philosophies, exploring their developmental paths and the interrelationships between them. Its comprehensive program includes keynote sessions featuring leading international thinkers, practical workshops, and specialized panel discussions addressing major intellectual issues.
To maximize the benefit, the conference offers innovative interactive tracks, most notably:
- Philosophers of Tomorrow: A program aimed at children to develop their questioning and critical thinking skills from a young age.
- Philosophy 101: An introductory course for the general public aimed at simplifying basic philosophical concepts.
- Cognitive and artistic experiences: such as “Philosophy Around the World” and “Mirrors of the Self,” which allow visitors to explore existential questions in creative ways.
The conference also hosts side stages for international universities and research centers to present their diverse visions, while the main stage focuses on the major axes that connect East and West, to reaffirm that the conference is not just a passing event, but a sustainable intellectual project that aims to consolidate the role of philosophy as an essential tool for understanding the world and building a wiser and more connected future.
