In the heart of the capital, Riyadh, and as part of the activities of the second day of the fifth edition of the Saudi Media Forum, a dialogue session was held that highlighted the pivotal role that the media plays in showcasing national achievements, specifically the experience of the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity “Mawhiba” in preparing and qualifying young Saudi minds to compete on the global stage in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Historical background: From nurturing talent to global leadership
Mawhiba was established in 1999 as a national non-profit organization dedicated to discovering and nurturing gifted and creative individuals in the fields of science and technology. For over two decades, the organization has worked in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education to build an integrated system that begins with identifying promising talents in schools, continues with providing specialized enrichment programs, and culminates in enabling them to participate in the most prestigious international forums. The International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), which annually brings together more than 1,600 students from over 70 countries, is considered the world's pre-university science Olympiad, and participation in it represents the culmination of long-term research and innovation efforts.
The role of media in transforming achievement into a societal culture
The session, titled “Media Transforms ISEF and International Competitions: From Official to International,” discussed how the media successfully transformed these events from mere official news of award wins into inspiring success stories that resonate throughout society. Fahad Al-Anzi, Deputy Secretary-General for Corporate Communications at Mawhiba, explained that the media is no longer simply a conduit for news, but a key partner in building public awareness of the importance of investing in human capital. By highlighting the journeys of these students, their achievements have become a source of national pride and inspiration for thousands of other students to follow in their footsteps, thus contributing to establishing a culture of scientific research and innovation among the new generation.
National and regional impact: Building a knowledge economy
The significance of these participations extends beyond winning awards; they represent a strategic investment in the Kingdom's future, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Building a generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators is the cornerstone of the transition to a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. The Kingdom has garnered over 185 international awards at ISEF in previous years, reflecting the high quality of its educational and training programs. These students return home not only with medals but also with global expertise and innovative mindsets, enabling them to enroll in top international and local universities and become future leaders in vital sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and health sciences, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading regional power in science and technology.
International impact: Enhancing the Kingdom's soft power
Internationally, these successes contribute to enhancing the image of Saudi Arabia as a nurturing environment for science and innovation, and a supporter of young minds. Every time a Saudi student raises the Kingdom's flag at a global scientific event, they send a powerful message about the transformation the country is undergoing. This success strengthens the Kingdom's soft power and opens new horizons for scientific and academic collaboration with prestigious research institutions and universities worldwide, confirming that the Kingdom is not only a leader in the energy sector, but has also become an influential player in the global innovation arena.
