Translating Tomorrow: Building Bridges Through Language
Riyadh – A week-long forum celebrated the power of translation to connect cultures and create shared global understanding. In Riyadh, a vibrant forum titled “From Saudi Arabia, We Translate the Future” brought together translators, scholars, and students to celebrate the art of translation.
The week-long event highlighted how translation serves as a cultural bridge that connects communities, strengthens diplomacy, and supports creative industries.
Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the event positioned translation as a central element in cultural development.
Through workshops, discussions, and networking sessions, participants explored how language exchange can promote mutual understanding and global collaboration.
Translation was described not merely as a transfer of words, but as a movement of ideas, emotions, and identities across borders.
Speakers emphasized that every translation carries a story, fostering empathy between people and preserving diverse cultural heritages.
Hailah Alkhalaf, the general manager of translation, spoke about the deeper significance of language. She noted that translation is an act of connection — one that conveys the richness of entire civilizations and human experiences.
The event included panel discussions on technology, training, and ethics in translation. Experts explored how artificial intelligence tools can enhance efficiency while maintaining the human essence of cultural interpretation.
Young participants shared enthusiasm for translation as both a career and a calling. Many students expressed interest in pursuing translation as a path to diplomacy, education, and cultural outreach.
Workshops offered practical training, covering areas like crisis translation, literary adaptation, and digital localization. These sessions provided attendees with real-world techniques and insights from experienced translators.
One of the key topics was language sustainability, focusing on how translation can help revive endangered languages. Speakers called for programs to preserve linguistic diversity and ensure that all communities have a voice in global dialogue.
Panels also discussed equal access to translation education. Experts recommended mentorship programs and grants to empower emerging translators and expand training opportunities.
The forum highlighted collaboration between academia, cultural institutions, and creative industries. Projects that combine literature, music, and visual arts were showcased to demonstrate how language can enrich all forms of expression.
Attendees enjoyed a gala dinner that celebrated cultural unity through music and cuisine. This closing event symbolized how translation not only bridges words but also connects hearts and traditions.
Technology’s role in translation was another major focus. Panelists emphasized a balanced approach that pairs digital tools with the intuition and sensitivity of human translators.
Discussions also addressed professional ethics, cultural respect, and the importance of accurate representation. Translators were reminded that their role carries both creative and moral responsibility in shaping intercultural communication.
The event created opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional collaboration. Students and experts discussed partnerships that could advance the translation ecosystem in the years ahead.
Organizers underlined the need for continued investment in research, education, and institutional infrastructure. Translation was framed as a foundation for cultural diplomacy, economic growth, and shared global prosperity.
By the end of the week, participants expressed optimism and commitment to ongoing cooperation. They agreed that translation has the power to transform understanding and foster peaceful international dialogue.
The forum concluded on a hopeful note, celebrating translation as both an art and an instrument of progress. It reaffirmed that through language, humanity can continue to build bridges, nurture empathy, and imagine a connected future together.
