Saudi education minister hails translation as ‘pillar of progress’ at Seoul event
Saudi Education Minister Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan speaks during the 11th King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Translation Award ceremony held in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
Saudi Arabia’s education minister hailed translation as a cornerstone of scholarship, cultural exchange and mutual understanding during the 11th King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Translation Award ceremony held in Seoul on Tuesday.
The award, established to honor the legacy of the late King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, recognizes individuals and institutions for outstanding work in transferring knowledge across languages. This year’s ceremony, jointly organized by the King Abdulaziz Public Library and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), coincided with World Translation Day, held annually on Sept. 30.
In his congratulatory remarks, Saudi Education Minister Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan emphasized the kingdom’s long-standing support for knowledge, scholarship and cultural dialogue under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“The kingdom sees translation as a pillar of progress, prosperity, modernization and the building of a knowledge society,” Al-Benyan said. “It is essential for meeting the challenges of our times and contributing to human civilization.”
He described the prize as a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the kingdom’s ambitious reform plan that places people and knowledge at its center.
“We call on universities, research centers and scholars to give greater attention to translation, enriching cultural content and supporting the kingdom’s transition to a knowledge-based economy,” he said.
Al-Benyan highlighted Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on foreign language education, saying it strengthens the capabilities of future generations and prepares them for global engagement. He also expressed gratitude to the Korean government, HUFS and the King Abdulaziz Public Library for their support of the award.
“Translation is the best bridge for understanding other nations,” he added. “It strengthens mutual respect, promotes openness and fosters constructive cultural exchange.”
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies President Park Jeong-woon speaks during the 11th King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Translation Award ceremony held in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
HUFS President Park Jeong-woon echoed those remarks, welcoming dignitaries, scholars and students to the Seoul ceremony. He described the award as a celebration of cultural exchange through translation and reaffirmed HUFS’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
“This award celebrates cultural exchanges through translation, fosters the transfer of knowledge between Arabic and other languages and reaffirms the value of translation in connecting cultures and advancing mutual understanding,” Park said.
Founded in 1954, HUFS is Korea’s foremost institution for foreign language and area studies. Park noted that the university established Korea’s first Department of Arabic Studies six decades ago, a program that has since produced generations of scholars and experts who have helped strengthen ties between Korea and the Arab world.
“For six decades, HUFS has nurtured scholars who have deepened Korea’s engagement with the Arab world and built enduring bridges between our two regions,” Park said. “This award reaffirms not only our commitment to intercultural dialogue and academic collaboration, but also our dedication to strengthening the friendship between Korea and Saudi Arabia.”
Park congratulated this year’s winners for their achievements, calling their recognition “a distinct honor” that would inspire future translators. “May this award continue to serve as a foundation for dialogue, friendship and cooperation among us all,” he said.
Both speakers stressed that translation is not only a technical endeavor but also a cultural mission that fosters understanding, respect and shared progress.