As part of the reform efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Youth in 2018, and in line with its objective to develop policies and regulations that support the needs of cultural stakeholders, the Ministry of Culture and Youth has initiated a robust dialogue process to understand the challenges facing the cultural sector and spearheaded conversations with its partners from across all culture and creative sectors including civil society organizations. Insights from these dialogues have been critical in shaping discussions around effective policies.
Civil society organizations are engaged in strategy conferences (such as the "Future of Culture Retreat" held in 2018), policy workshops (such as the "Culture Agenda 2031" workshops held in 2018), official communications (such as letters sent to provide feedback on the Reading Law of 2016), studies (such as the "Publishing Study") and one on one meetings with government representatives for consultations on current situation, challenges, recommendations, and aspirations.
The insights of civil society organizations and other cultural stakeholders have shaped some of the following critical policies and regulations:
* The Restructuring of the Ministry of Culture and Youth
* Culture agenda 2031
* Cultural Talent Support Policy
* Reading initiatives
* Arabic Language strategy
* Culture and Creative Industries Strategy
In 2019, a National Traditional Arts Committee was established to facilitate conversations between civil society organizations responsible for traditional arts, experts, and the government. Membership on the committee include traditional arts experts and academics, representatives from non-profit organizations and the Ministry of Culture and Youth.
The Cultural Councils (Heritage, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries) established by the Ministry of Culture and Youth as a platform for dialogue and inclusive decision making, each have representatives from civil society organizations who provide vital contributions to the policy discussions and future of these cultural fields.
The contribution of civil society organizations is vital to the discussions on the development of cultural policies and regulations and engagement with non-profit organizations will continue and be strengthened.