The fifth edition of the Riyadh International Philosophy Conference 2025, organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, kicked off in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, with a notable international presence including 60 thinkers and philosophers from around the world. This major intellectual event aims to solidify the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global platform for knowledge production and the management of intercultural dialogue, transcending the traditional frameworks of cultural events.
A renewed cultural context and a future vision
This conference is being held within the context of the unprecedented cultural movement the Kingdom is witnessing as part of the goals of Vision 2030, which has given special attention to strengthening the culture, arts, and literature sector. After years of being absent from the public sphere, philosophy has now become an integral part of the intellectual movement, and the conference's continuation for the fifth consecutive year is evidence of the success of the investment in societal awareness and the desire to embrace global human thought.
This year’s conference carries the slogan “Philosophy between East and West,” a slogan that carries profound implications at a sensitive global time, as participants seek to bridge the intellectual gap and build strategic communication bridges to discuss major humanitarian issues away from political conflicts, and by focusing on shared values and ethics.
Intensive events and a large public turnout
The King Fahd National Library is hosting this event, which boasts significant momentum, featuring 40 diverse dialogue sessions. These sessions delve into various schools of thought, discussing their mutual influences and their role in interpreting current cultural shifts. The organizing committees anticipate welcoming approximately 7,000 visitors over the three days, a figure that reflects a tangible shift in public sentiment and a growing interest in the humanities and philosophy, particularly among young Saudis.
The importance of restoring the role of philosophy in the digital age
In his opening remarks, the CEO of the Authority, Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Wasil, emphasized that philosophy does not recognize geographical boundaries but rather the unity of the human question. He pointed out that the East-West dichotomy is not intended to reinforce division, but rather to seek a vision that transcends superficial divisions in order to build a more inclusive awareness.
The participating experts believe that the contemporary world, dominated by materialism and experiencing rapid technological advancements and the rise of artificial intelligence, is in dire need of reviving the role of philosophy. There is an urgent need today to re-examine questions of meaning and to critically examine reality in a way that protects humanity from alienation and restores its psychological and intellectual equilibrium.
Regional and international impact
This philosophical gathering is the most prominent in the region, actively contributing to the presentation of global philosophies within a dynamic and interactive context. Al-Wasel expressed his appreciation for the unwavering support of the wise leadership for knowledge-based projects and the continuous follow-up of the Minister of Culture, which has transformed Riyadh into a vibrant meeting point for global visions and experiences, and strengthened the Kingdom's influential presence on the international cultural scene as a creator of events, not merely a consumer of culture.
