Boris Johnson at the Saudi Media Forum: The Kingdom Has Become a Global Political Hub

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson affirmed that Saudi Arabia has become a pivotal center in global politics, hosting high-profile discussions such as negotiations between Russia and the United States. He emphasized the crucial role of media in accurately portraying the Kingdom’s image and engaging with international affairs. Speaking at a session during the fourth edition of the Saudi Media Forum, titled "Media and the Political Persona of Boris Johnson," he discussed the impact of media on his political career, his perspective on Saudi Arabia’s rapid transformations, and its expanding role on the global stage. Johnson highlighted the Kingdom’s accelerated development under Vision 2030, emphasizing its ambition to become the world’s top tourist destination. He cited pioneering sustainable urban projects like NEOM and noted that the contribution of non-oil sectors now accounts for 50% of Saudi Arabia’s economy, reflecting the success of Vision 2030 in diversifying the economy and ensuring long-term sustainability. During his address, he underscored Saudi Arabia’s technological advancements, pointing out that 35% of the workforce in the technology sector are women—a figure that surpasses Silicon Valley’s 28% and Europe’s 21%. He described the Kingdom as a global leader in women’s empowerment and innovation, commending large-scale infrastructure projects like the Riyadh Metro, which spans 25,000 miles, as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s investment in smart urban development. Reiterating Saudi Arabia’s influence on the global political landscape, Johnson stressed the media’s responsibility in telling the Kingdom’s story and fostering constructive international engagement. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia has a remarkable narrative and must take charge of sharing it with the world. Reflecting on the role of media, Johnson cautioned against the rise of misinformation and echo chambers created by social media, emphasizing that journalistic responsibility in providing accurate and balanced narratives is more critical than ever. He credited his own journalistic background for shaping his political career, acknowledging the media as the true mirror of society. Johnson further emphasized that media coverage of Saudi Arabia’s transformative journey should be comprehensive and precise, as it documents a significant success story that is rarely seen on a global scale. In closing, he addressed the Saudi people, urging them to take pride in their nation’s remarkable achievements under its visionary leadership. He praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting his exceptional political and economic accomplishments, which he said surpass those of many global leaders. Johnson reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia has a bold and influential leadership that is shaping the future of the world. The Saudi Media Forum is the largest media gathering in the region, bringing together leading thinkers, decision-makers, and top executives from global media organizations. In its fourth edition, the forum serves as a platform to discuss the latest trends in traditional and digital media and explore ways to advance the industry amid the major transformations shaping the world today.