RIYADH: UNESCO and Saudi Arabia’s Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Charity Foundation are cooperating to celebrate and mark the UN Arabic Language Day next week.

The UNESCO headquarters in the French capital will host an event on Dec. 18 to highlight the cultural and civilizational importance of the Arabic language, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi-UNESCO event will focus on the role of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence in supporting Arabic and promoting its global spread.

It will also include discussions on using AI to enhance Arabic teaching methods, the application of machine learning in translation, and efforts to preserve cultural and linguistic heritage through digitization.

A group of international scholars, researchers and experts will discuss the syndication of Arabic content on the web and how to facilitate the language-learning experience for non-native speakers, SPA reported.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language hosted the World Arabic Language Day celebration program at the UN headquarters in New York.

Saudi Arabia launched the Arabic Intelligence Center in May, the first of its kind specializing in AI-powered Arabic language processing.

JAZAN: Jazan Encounters 2024 demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity by implementing support services for visitors with disabilities. The initiative featured real-time sign language interpretation and accessible infrastructure for people with mobility challenges, ensuring all those attending could fully participate and access the event’s venues.

Organized by the Human Resources Development Fund at Jazan University and concluding on Thursday, the event attracted significant crowds. Meetings were structured around five key tracks: job seeking, private sector employment, student development, employer services, and entrepreneurship.

Organizers deployed dedicated staff members to assist visitors with special needs throughout the venue. The assistants helped attendees navigate the event’s various sections and participate in scientific sessions, workshops, seminars, and educational lectures.

The event provided real-time sign language interpretation for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors, and also featured specially designed pathways and facilities to accommodate those with mobility impairments.