Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region (R), and Prince Sultan Bin Salman, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), at a symposium marking the beginning of the sixth season of Souq Okaz in Taif, Tuesday. — SPA Saudi Gazette report TAIF – Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, urged the youth to engage in dialogue and suggest ideas to achieve comprehensive development. “We want the youth to exert efforts and contribute in the prosperity of this land,” the Emir said in a keynote address to a symposium titled “What do the youth want from us and what do we want from them?”, which marked the beginning of the sixth season of Souq Okaz, Tuesday. Today, this country has the largest industrial cities in the Middle East in addition to modern electricity and road networks, Prince Khaled said. “We want development and global leadership from the youth. We know that you won't be influenced by ferocious attacks from the enemies of Islam. You are the role models for the entire world because you are living by the values of the Holy Qur'an and Prophet's Tradition,” the Emir said. Those who addressed the symposium included Prince Sultan Bin Salman, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA); Prince Nawaf Bin Faisal, President of Youth Welfare; Dr. Muhammad Al-Anqari, Minister of Higher Education and Dr. Abdul Aziz Khoja, Minister of Culture and Information. In his speech, Prince Sultan Bin Salman focused on the Kingdom's heritage and culture. “We want the youth to be fully aware of historic and cultural heritage of their country,” he said. Prince Sultan said that he wants the youth to focus on culture and heritage because these are important aspects to build strong national unity, especially in light of political upheavals in the region. This will also help in developing archeological sites and creating job opportunities for the youth, he noted. Prince Nawaf Bin Faisal reminded the youth of their huge responsibility, and said that they should play a role in the cultural, social and sports fields. “Our future plans will involve the youth in decision-making and some of them will design and plan future projects that meet their expectations.” He also said that the Presidency of Youth Welfare will announce programs for the talented youth. Dr. Khaled Al-Anqari, Minister of Higher Education, talked about the role of Saudi youth in boosting communication with people around the world. “It's important in today's small world to keep up with the latest developments while at the same time complying with Shariah,” he said. Dr. Abdul Aziz Khoja focused on the role of the youth in building today's communication technology. “We're facing a different media reality, a media which is more independent and which relies on talent and creativity. The new media has no restrictions or limits.” He advised the youth against listening to rumors spread by the media.
