The Gaylord Convention Center, overlooking the National Harbor outside of Washington DC, was the venue for a groundbreaking conference that brought together Saudi dissidents and activists from across the diaspora. The event, titled the Quest for Democracy in Saudi Arabia conference, aimed to explore the possibilities of a government chosen by the people of Saudi Arabia.
Organised under the banner of the “People’s Vision”, the conference was the result of a year-long effort by various organisations committed to ending authoritarian rule in Saudi Arabia. The director for countering authoritarianism at the Middle East Democracy Center, Abdullah Alaoudh, described the event as a gathering of experts, activists, policymakers, and international organisations focused on countering the authoritarian practices of the Saudi government.
Leading Saudi women’s rights activist, Lina al-Hathloul, shared the inspiration behind the conference. Drawing from the “People’s Vision” initiative, which was a response to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda, the conference aimed to engage Saudi activists, intellectuals, and academics in discussions on critical issues affecting the country.
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Participants from the Saudi diaspora, as well as activists and politicians from various countries, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Tunisia, attended the conference. Former Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki addressed the attendees, underscoring the importance of unity and perseverance in the pursuit of democratic values.
Despite the ongoing repression of dissidents and critics in Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries, the conference served as a beacon of hope and solidarity for attendees. With a focus on democracy, human rights, and basic liberties, the event sought to amplify the voices of those fighting for a more just and inclusive society.