Ottawa, November 16, 2024 – Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Canada, Amal bint Yahya Al-Muallami, delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “Our Identity ... Our Soft Power” at the University of Ottawa. The lecture, attended by students, scholars, and diplomatic officials, centered around the pivotal role of Saudi Arabia’s national identity in shaping the Kingdom's public diplomacy efforts and international relations.
Ambassador Al-Muallami began by emphasizing that Saudi Arabia’s national identity is a fundamental pillar of its approach to global engagement. She explained how the Kingdom seamlessly integrates its rich cultural heritage with contemporary initiatives that fuel its modern progress, thus offering a balanced and dynamic image of Saudi Arabia to the world. The ambassador highlighted the significance of Saudi cultural identity as a strategic tool for fostering understanding and establishing connections across borders. By effectively utilizing soft power, the Kingdom aims to build lasting partnerships, promote cultural dialogue, and present itself as an influential player on the global stage.
A key point of her lecture was the success of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, which supports thousands of Saudi students studying at prestigious universities worldwide, including Canada. Al-Muallami explained how these students not only excel in academics but also contribute to groundbreaking research and serve as cultural ambassadors, enriching the local communities with perspectives from Saudi Arabia. This program, she noted, exemplifies how the Kingdom leverages its educational initiatives to build bridges and promote mutual respect among nations.
The ambassador also spoke about the broader objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which includes strengthening the country's global influence through cultural diplomacy and soft power. She emphasized that these efforts are integral to the Kingdom’s long-term strategy to improve international relations, cultivate positive interactions, and create a more interconnected world. By promoting values such as tolerance, respect for diversity, and mutual understanding, Saudi Arabia seeks to foster cooperation with countries around the globe.
In conclusion, Ambassador Al-Muallami reiterated that Saudi Arabia’s soft power initiatives are not merely about enhancing its global image but also about contributing to the advancement of global peace, prosperity, and cultural exchange. Through these efforts, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key player in international diplomacy, grounded in its cultural richness and forward-thinking vision.