In every success story anywhere in the world, you will find three sectors: education, culture and science. Success in these sectors is the beginning of a road toward prosperity and progress in a world full of rapid changes and successive challenges. With this “essential trio,” nations write their future, starting from their past and in harmony with their present, building bridges of knowledge and cultural exchange, and establishing dialogue and peace as an imperative in human civilization. 

Weary of war and its devastating effects on humanity, in 1945 the world realized the importance of focusing on these three sectors. Our late founder, King Abdulaziz, joined 19 world leaders in making progress in these areas, as the Kingdom was one of 20 countries that met in London to establish the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, known as UNESCO. From that historical moment, culture, education and science have been ever-present themes that underpin the success stories of countries and their progress. The impact of promoting these sectors goes beyond the local affairs of nations to include people in other countries, so that the world becomes a more stable, advanced and prosperous place. 

Experience proves that the promotion of these three sectors leads nations down a path of excellence. It is important that such endeavors are guided by a strong vision that enables the sharing of similarities but maintains flexibility to suit the specific nature, traditions and culture of each society. 

In my opinion, these three major sectors are closely related to sustainable development and the promotion of social and knowledge development, and that together they contribute to improving the quality of life and enhancing the gains of nations at all levels, including economically and socially. Therefore, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, since the era of the founding king, has paid great attention to culture, education and science.  

At the present time, these three sectors have gained great momentum and unprecedented support from our wise leadership and have become a major element in the Kingdom’s ambitious vision for the future. Through Saudi Vision 2030, under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, these sectors are highlighted as a key pillar of development and allocated special and high-quality programs.  

Upon the direction of the crown prince and at the request of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization, Saudi Arabia — in line with the Kingdom’s commitment to encourage international cooperation and promote joint action in these key areas to build a better tomorrow together — is pleased to organize the Future of Education, Science and Culture International Organizations Forum, under the slogan “Together for Impact in the 21st Century,” in partnership with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. 

Saudi Arabia, since the era of the founding king, has paid great attention to culture, education and science 

Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan  

Supporting all regional and international efforts in promoting education, culture and science is of paramount importance for the prosperity of the world. When efforts are combined, we will reach a better world than we can imagine, through coordination, a shared vision and strategic cooperation. 

With the participation of all stakeholders, this first event of its kind brings together in Riyadh representatives from the entire ecosystem of organizations that are able to support the development of education, culture and science. We look forward to everybody’s contribution to impactful discussions to help build an image that enhances the strength of the reality of education, culture and science to be a strong building block for the future of our generations and to be more powerful in delivering the banner to a generation characterized by more creativity, excellence and achievement. 

Through the Future of Education, Science, and Culture International Organizations Forum, the Kingdom stresses the importance of dialogue, strategic planning, continuous discussions and exchange of ideas in support of these three sectors, enabling them to keep pace with global developments and arm our younger generations with education and science, allowing them to share with the world a civilizational achievement that we and their generations are proud of. 

In conclusion, I call upon organizations around the world to join this event and to create the starting point of the story of concerted efforts and to build the future of humanity and the world. In Saudi Arabia, we always want to bring everyone together for greater development and a brighter tomorrow in a manner that brings good, peace and love to all. 

• Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan is Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Saudi National Committee for Education, Culture and Science.