Prince Alwaleed Al Saud, chairman of Kingdom Holding and Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation; and Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel, vice-chairwoman of the foundation, have been ranked among the top influential Saudis by The Christian Science Monitor.  

Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has used his wealth and media holdings to press for more modernisation in Saudi society, as well as greater cultural understanding between Islamic countries and the West, a statement from the organization said.

The Christian Science Monitor is an international news organisation that delivers thoughtful, global coverage via its website, weekly magazine, daily news briefing, email newsletters, and mobile site.

Known for his pioneering efforts of bridging gaps between the western and eastern culture through Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation, in February 2012, Prince Alwaleed and Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel hosted an historic gathering of leading scholars and global thought leaders on Islam and the West at The Alwaleed Bin Talal Islamic Studies Programme at Harvard University with a theme of “Collaborative Education for a Globalised World”.

Participating in the forum were leading global scholars who serve as directors of the six Prince Alwaleed Academic Centers located at the world’s most prestigious universities.

During the event, Prince Alwaleed, said: “This dialogue strengthens the cultural bridge between East and West. What has taken place in some Arab countries -Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria- has brought an earthquake to the Arab region.”

“This message is clear - no matter how much social change you make in your country or economic benefits you bestow on your people, it will not be enough. Change must occur whereby the people feel they are involved, have a voice and can participate in the system.”  
 
The discussion centered on Islamaphobia in the West, Anit-Americanism, the implementation of visionary educational programmes and curricula designed to break down stereotypes and misinformation about the West and Islam, while instilling tolerance and a more profound understanding and appreciation for cultural and religious diversity in both the West and the Arab world.

Moreover, event saw the discussion of Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundations’ role in global cultural understanding through the establishment of six academic centers with study programmes that encourage tolerance and mutual understanding, advance scholarship in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies, support opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation among religions and cultures and participate in the preservation of the Islamic literary and artistic heritage around the world. – TradeArabia News Service