LONDON: A group of leading Saudi and British women met in London on Friday to discuss the role of culture, storytelling and creative exchanges in strengthening ties between communities.
The gathering, hosted by Dame Susan Langley, the lady mayor of London, at her official residence, Mansion House, brought together women who hold leading roles in the fields of culture, education, business, finance and academia and have strong personal and professional links to both Saudi Arabia and the UK. It was led by Intisar Alyamani, representing the women’s leadership initiative Johara Global and the luxury lifestyle brand and ecommerce platform Lavish Concepts.
Speaking after the event, Langley said London had long benefited from bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures.
“It was a real pleasure to welcome this inspiring group of women to Mansion House,” she said. “Conversations like these remind us of the value of those connections. I look forward to seeing these important exchanges continue in the years ahead.”
Alyamani said the discussions during the event highlighted the role culture can play in building international understanding.
“We were honored to meet the lady mayor and to reflect on how culture continues to unite people across backgrounds,” she said.
“Our discussion touched on shared values, creative exchange and the importance of cultural understanding in a global city like London.”
The participants included representatives of Johara Global and Lavish Concepts, as well as academics, entrepreneurs and communications professionals involved in initiatives that aim to strengthen cultural and educational links between the Saudi Arabia and the UK.
The event was part of broader efforts to encourage dialogue and collaboration between Saudi and British women in leading roles across a range of sectors, including the arts, education and business.
Langley is the third woman to hold the ceremonial civic role of lord mayor of the City of London but the first to officially adopt the title of “lady mayor.” She has made international engagement and cultural cooperation key themes of her 12-month tenure.
