Mark Your Calendar: 11 Must-Attend Language Industry Events in 2025
The language industry is set for an exciting 2025, with a calendar full of events happening across the globe — from Mexico City to Malmö.…
→ Continue ReadingInternational Translation Forum 2024
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his year’s International Translation Forum (ITF) was held on November 8 and 9 in Riyadh and highlighted the strategic importance of the translation industry. Drawing over 3,000 participants and 50 global experts, the forum demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s increasing role in supporting the growth of the translation sector and practices.
Now in its fourth year, this annual event organized by the country’s Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission aligns with Saudi Arabia’s cultural vision to establish the Kingdom as a global hub for translation and cultural exchange. The Commission’s strategic approach focuses on developing the translation sector as a vital contributor to the knowledge economy while fostering meaningful connections between cultures. Through this gathering, the Commission creates a platform where translation professionals, academics, and industry leaders can explore emerging trends, share expertise, and address the evolving challenges in the field.
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“This forum represents more than just a professional gathering; it’s a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international dialogue and cultural understanding,” noted the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohammed Alwan.
ITF 2024 brought together an impressive range of experts, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern translation practice. Participants included translation technology pioneers from global companies like Lionbridge and Global Wordsmith; professors from prestigious institutions such as the University of Vienna, Copenhagen University, Carnegie Mellon University, the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, and Universitat Pompeu Fabra; and industry leaders from professional bodies like the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). The academic contingent was strengthened by faculty from Saudi universities including King Saud University, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, and Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. Specialists in niche areas such as manga localization and children’s literature translation added depth to the technical discussions, while expertise in veterinary medicine and camel studies enriched cultural translation sessions.
The forum offered seven diverse tracks, including workshops that were available both in person and online, ensuring accessibility for participants who couldn’t attend physically. Workshop topics ranged from “Building Custom GPTs for Language Purposes” to “Digital Presence and Translators’ Professional Identity.” The hybrid format attracted participants from across the globe, contributing to the forum’s inclusive approach to professional development.
The two-day program reflected the industry’s most pressing contemporary challenges. Sessions exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and human translation drew particular interest, with experts leading discussions on maintaining humanity in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. The “Interactive Translation Exercises” — four sessions focusing on specialized translation disciplines — provided hands-on experience in video game localization across multiple languages, demonstrating the industry’s evolving technical demands.
A standout feature was “Translation Tales,” where seven industry specialists shared transformative experiences and professional insights. This innovative format humanized the industry discourse while fostering valuable professional connections among attendees.
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The forum featured five research panels supported by the Arabic Observatory of Translation, a recently launched regional initiative operating under the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization. These panels showcased innovative research in translation studies and highlighted the region’s dedication to advancing cross-cultural knowledge transfer.
Complementing the forum’s program, an exhibition featured 30 local and international organizations, providing attendees with direct access to the latest industry solutions and networking opportunities.
Enhancing the cultural experience, international speakers participated in a post-forum tour program exploring Riyadh’s historical and cultural sites. This cultural immersion provided visitors with firsthand experience of Saudi heritage and deepened their understanding of the local context that shapes translation work in the region. The visitors also experienced traditional Saudi hospitality through a feast of celebrated local dishes, providing them with a taste of the Kingdom’s rich culinary heritage.
As the translation industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the ITF in Riyadh has established itself as a crucial platform for dialogue between cultures and innovation, local expertise and global perspectives.
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