GENEVA: Saudi Arabia’s permanent delegation to the UN in Geneva organized a reception on the occasion of the Kingdom’s nomination for the UNESCO Executive Board whose election is due to be held in November in Paris.
Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Wasel, Saudi ambassador to the UN in Geneva, welcomed the guests, noting that in 1946, 20 countries, including Saudi Arabia, met in London in response to a global call to protect education, science and culture from world wars and unrest. This resulted in the founding of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
He said that Saudi Arabia was dedicated to “one unwavering and deep-rooted goal to build bridges in the service of humanity.”
Al-Wasel added that in 2016, Saudi Arabia embarked on a national transformation called “Vision 2030,” which aims to diversify the economy and develop public services sectors including health, education and tourism through a roadmap to build a better future.
He added that UNESCO’s key strategic priorities are in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, including education for all, safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage, and innovation for social and sustainable development.
Envoy: Saudi Arabia strives to promote cultural heritage
Envoy: Saudi Arabia strives to promote cultural heritage
- Al-Wasel: Saudi Arabia was dedicated to “one unwavering and deep-rooted goal to build bridges in the service of humanity”
Children’s Theater Festival opens in Qassim region
- To develop future ‘cultural architects,’ says CEO Khaled Al-Baz
- ‘Nurture creativity, aesthetic awareness and sense of belonging’
BURAIDAH: The Qassim Children’s Theater Festival opened on Tuesday bringing together professionals from across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
The event is being held under the patronage of Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, governor of Qassim, at the Science Center in Unaizah governorate.
It has been Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Association and executed by the Unaizah Theater Association, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Running until Jan. 31, it features shows, panel discussions, as well as training workshops to develop children’s theater and strengthen professional skills in the field.
Khaled Al-Baz, CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Association, told the SPA the festival forms part of a broader strategy to position children’s theater as a distinct cultural sector.
“Children today constitute genuine audiences — tomorrow’s cultural architects,” Al-Baz said.
Ahmed Al-Humaimidi, president of the Unaizah Theater Association, said it was an investment in young people, noting that it extends beyond performances to include cultural and educational programming.
He said the initiative aims to nurture creativity, aesthetic awareness and a sense of belonging, while also identifying emerging talent and encouraging knowledge exchange among theater practitioners.
“Our association recognizes children’s theater as foundational to cultivating aware, creative character,” he said.
The festival serves as both an artistic showcase and a platform for professional dialogue, reflecting the Kingdom’s expanding cultural landscape and growing focus on children’s theater as an educational and cultural tool, the SPA noted.
This occurs alongside support for signature initiatives and performing arts promotion as quality-of-life enhancement.
