News highlights
The College of Languages, represented by the Department of Translation at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, launched today, Monday, 1 December 2025, the “Saudi Francophone Forum”, under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Education, Mr. Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan. The event brought together an elite group of Saudi and Francophone academics and experts from various sectors, in addition to French-language speakers, enthusiasts, and university affiliates, at the university’s Conference and Convention Center. Held under the theme “Enhancing Intercultural Dialogue,” the forum aims to shed light on the cultural diversity represented by the Francophonie, promote dialogue among cultures, and highlight the role of the French language in the Kingdom as a bridge for global communication and a supporter of education, culture, and business in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. It also seeks to strengthen the presence of linguistic diversity within Saudi universities. In her speech on this occasion, Dr. Fawzia bint Suleiman Al-Amro, the Acting President of the University, stated that “the Saudi Francophone Forum is an intellectual handshake between language, culture, and the future. From this vision, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, the largest women’s university of its kind in the world, continues its national role in preparing active and influential female competencies in a multilingual and multicultural world, capable of translating the nation to the world in the language of the future.” Acting President further noted that “Princess Nourah University believes that linguistic diversity is a competitive advantage in the age of the knowledge economy, and the Francophonie is one of the gateways to this diversity. Through our programs in languages and translation, particularly the Department of Translation and the French Language Program, we work to position the university as a platform for global intellectual dialogue in higher education, advanced training, and scientific research, enhancing knowledge-based economic cooperation that supports Saudi Arabia’s presence on the global map.” The forum’s program included a series of accompanying activities, among them six panel discussions addressing topics such as: Supporting Multilingual Education: French as a Present Choice for the Future, The French Language in the Saudi Business Sector, Language as a Cultural Bridge: How Does Multilingualism Contribute to Understanding Global Transformations? In addition, three specialized workshops were held, including: Beyond Translation: The Art of Cinematic Adaptation, Speak French Confidently While Traveling: Communication and Dialogue Skills. The forum also featured visual presentations showcasing the journeys and contributions of pioneering Saudi and Francophone figures, as well as readings of Saudi and Francophone poetry, and inspiring stories of Saudi French-speakers who have excelled in various fields. An accompanying visual arts exhibition displayed works from French-speaking countries, along with tasting booths, reading corners, and publishing stands. The event served as an interactive platform bringing together diverse cultures and opening new avenues of communication among experts, specialists, and French-language enthusiasts. It contributed to showcasing shared values and future visions, while strengthening cultural exchange and international engagement. The “Saudi Francophone Forum” reflects the efforts of the College of Languages, represented by the Department of Translation, in enhancing students’ linguistic competencies and promoting cultural openness, aligning with the strategic objectives of Princess Nourah University’s 2025 Plan, which aims to reinforce women’s global cultural leadership, support linguistic diversity, build bridges with local and international communities, and advance the university’s influential international presence..
