The role of the non-profit cultural sector in promoting national culture
Under the patronage of His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, the first edition of the Non-Profit Cultural Sector. This prominent event, organized by the King Fahd Cultural Center, aims to highlight the importance of culture in building societies. The first day featured an opening panel discussion entitled “Culture as Soft Power: Redefining the Role of the Non-Profit Sector in Shaping the Future,” which hosted leading figures to discuss future trends.
During the session, His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, emphasized the deep roots of Saudi culture. He explained that the Kingdom's culture is founded on firmly established Islamic principles and practices, and on ethics and values that respect all humanity, while taking pride in the historical heritage of the Arabian Peninsula. He noted that the efforts exerted in this regard have directly contributed to society's ability to counter any alien behaviors, especially in light of the challenges posed by the widespread use of social media.
The roots of cultural transformation in the Kingdom and Vision 2030
Historically, Saudi culture relied on scattered individual and community initiatives. However, with the launch of Vision 2030, the cultural landscape has undergone a radical transformation towards institutionalization and organized action. The establishment of the Ministry of Culture in 2018 marked a strategic turning point, as it assumed responsibility for organizing and developing various cultural sectors. The current focus on non-profit organizations is an extension of this historical trend, aiming to create a sustainable environment that supports creative individuals, preserves authentic national heritage, and transmits it from generation to generation in an institutional manner that keeps pace with global developments.
Dimensions and impact of the non-profit cultural sector locally and internationally
The role of the non-profit cultural sector beyond simply organizing events; it has become a strategic tool with broad influence. Locally, this sector plays a vital role in strengthening social cohesion and reinforcing national identity among young people. Regionally, it enhances the Kingdom's position as a capital of Arab and Islamic culture and a beacon of intellectual and civilizational influence. Internationally, this sector represents a "soft power" that contributes to building bridges of cultural communication with the peoples of the world, correcting misconceptions, and presenting a positive image of the Kingdom. In this regard, Prince Turki Al-Faisal emphasized the role of the Saudi citizen as an "ambassador" for their country's culture, through their commitment to national values and Islamic ethics in all forums.
Quality initiatives to support cultural organizations
His Highness Prince Turki commended the Ministry of Culture's tireless efforts to provide the necessary resources for the success of civil society organizations' programs. The sector has witnessed unprecedented growth since the launch of the strategy for cultural non-profit organizations. This strategy included several significant initiatives, most notably the establishment of 16 specialized professional associations and the integration of several entities that were transferred from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Culture.
In addition, the Ministry launched an initiative to classify and qualify organizations for funding, and the “Support for Performance” program. This innovative program aims to encourage non-profit entities to continuously improve by linking financial support to the achievement of clear objectives and performance indicators, thus ensuring a tangible positive impact and bridging gaps in the cultural value chain. This two-day forum will open up new horizons of rich opportunities that will shape the future of culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
