Saudi-French Cultural Ties Highlighted at Riyadh Conference

The Ministry of Culture in Riyadh hosted the seventh session of the Cultural Investment Conference, titled "Global Culture: Influence, Capital and Cohesive Power." The session took place as part of the two-day event held from September 29 to 30, aiming to explore strategies for strengthening Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector.

French Expertise in Saudi Culture

The session featured Jean-Yves Le Drian, Chairman of the French Agency for AlUla Development, and was moderated by curator and writer Nicolas Bourriaud. Le Drian emphasized the importance of cultural localization as a strategic tool for enhancing national identity and shaping global cultural influence.

Three Pillars of Success: Culture, Talent, Education

Le Drian highlighted that Saudi Arabia can play a significant role in global culture. Education, creativity, and talent development were identified as the three key pillars for nurturing innovation. He stressed the value of self-learning and adaptability as essential elements for building a creative workforce.

Saudi-French Partnership in Cultural Diplomacy

The French-Saudi collaboration in cultural initiatives, especially in AlUla, was highlighted as a successful model for cultural diplomacy. Le Drian explained that French artists and sculptors are set to work alongside Saudi counterparts in upcoming projects, fostering mutual learning and cross-cultural exchange.

Long-Term Cultural Investment for Global Impact

Le Drian emphasized that sustainable success in culture requires long-term investments. By prioritizing culture, talent, and education, Saudi Arabia can achieve a global cultural impact while reinforcing its national identity and promoting creative industries.

Fostering Sustainable Cultural Growth

The Cultural Investment Conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s rapid expansion in the cultural sector. The event encourages investment opportunities, supports sustainable cultural development, and provides a platform for international partnerships to thrive in the Kingdom.

Education as a Driver of Creativity

A key message of the session was the role of education in nurturing creative talent. Le Drian underlined that cultivating skills, knowledge, and adaptability prepares individuals to contribute meaningfully to cultural projects, both locally and internationally.

Broadening Investment Opportunities

The conference also highlighted the potential for investment in cultural initiatives. By leveraging international expertise, Saudi Arabia aims to build a sustainable cultural ecosystem that attracts global attention and strengthens economic growth through the creative sector.

Mutual Respect in Cultural Collaboration

Le Drian stressed that mutual respect for each country’s unique identity is central to successful cultural partnerships. The Saudi-French collaboration serves as a model for integrating global expertise with local heritage to achieve innovative and impactful outcomes.

The session concluded with the recognition that culture, talent, and education are vital to shaping Saudi Arabia’s global presence. Strategic cultural initiatives, international collaborations, and creative investments are key to ensuring that the Kingdom makes a lasting impact on the world’s cultural landscape.