MAKKAH — As part of its leading role in strengthening national identity and building moderate intellectual thought, the Intellectual Awareness Unit at Umm Al-Qura University organized the first scientific forum for graduate students under the theme "Strengthening Intellectual Awareness and National Belonging," held at the historic King Abdulaziz Hall on the university's Al-Abidiyah campus.

The forum aims to enable graduate students to take an active scholarly role in addressing issues of intellectual thought and national belonging, and to train them in the skills of participating in conferences and research forums, helping protect society from extremist thought and deepening their understanding of the Kingdom's role in protecting human rights and promoting national values.

Dr. Fahd Al-Zahrani, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, said the forum reflects the university's interest in preparing its students as thinkers and researchers capable of contributing to the nation's intellectual and social issues, noting that graduate students represent a key pillar of knowledge-based development.

The forum covered four main themes:

  • Issues of intellectual awareness and national belonging
  • The Kingdom's efforts in protecting human rights
  • Protecting youth from extremism and intellectual deviation
  • The role of heritage and handicrafts in reinforcing national identity

The forum drew strong engagement, with more than 150 students from seven colleges taking part, presenting 107 research papers and 43 scientific posters, reflecting their strong awareness of national intellectual and research issues and their sense of belonging.

The forum stands as a promising scholarly platform that opens the door for young national talent to strengthen intellectual dialogue and present systematic academic insights aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for building an aware, cohesive knowledge-based society.