Saudi Gazette report

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia — The Saudi city of Taif represented the Kingdom at the annual meeting of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) – Literature Subnetwork, held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from Sept. 8–12, 2025, with the participation of 53 creative cities from around the world.

During the sessions, Taif presented a comprehensive file showcasing its leading literary and cultural practices at the local level, along with proposed initiatives currently under development.

The city also extended invitations for international collaboration and participation in its upcoming projects.

This year’s program focused on four main themes: literary programs and festivals for children and families, youth-focused initiatives, local strategies for literature, and the art of book illustration.

Ljubljana, the host city, also organized community events and literary activities celebrating literature and creativity.

Taif’s participation reaffirmed its status as a UNESCO Creative City of Literature and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of supporting culture, creativity, and global presence through literature.