King Faisal University in Al-Ahsa organized the forum "Investing Media Technologies in Social Development" under the theme "Technology for Development", with experts, specialists and representatives of the government, private and non-profit sectors examining how modern technological and media transformation can serve society.
The forum was held under the patronage of HRH Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, Governor of Al-Ahsa, and organized by the university's College of Arts in cooperation with the Bait Al Khibra Center for Social Research and Studies, as part of efforts to integrate academic and technological knowledge with the needs of social development.
Seventeen papers and scholarly contributions were presented across four sessions, addressing digital media and artificial intelligence, the impact of new technologies on the family and society, and the shifts in values and culture brought about by the spread of digital platforms and environments. Participants also explored opportunities to use AI in social development, ways to promote responsible use of new technologies, national experiences, and how to develop media partnerships among the government, private and non-profit sectors.
The program included a keynote session titled "Technology for Development: A Social Vision" featuring officials and experts including former Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Namlah, former Undersecretary of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Sadhan, and Tuwaiq Academy CEO Eng. Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al-Hammadi. The forum highlighted the role universities can play in turning academic knowledge and expertise into initiatives and solutions that serve society, and the importance of working with the non-profit sector on sustainable, measurable projects.
Ten recommendations for the digital transition
The forum closed with ten recommendations aimed at increasing the social benefit of modern technology, led by accelerating digital transformation and embedding the responsible use of generative AI. They also called for developing Arabic tools to counter fake news and misinformation, fostering digital citizenship, and raising awareness of the safe and responsible use of technologies and media platforms, while building the skills needed to navigate the changes AI and interactive media have brought to society. The event concluded with the recognition of session chairs and participants, reflecting the university's commitment to widening dialogue among academics, specialists and community institutions on the future of technology and its role in development.
