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ALKHOBAR: Seventy-six students from �������� and Hong Kong recently stepped into the metaverse, showing how young people are building bridges across borders through technology.

What began as a student-led experiment quickly turned into a cultural-exchange platform that impressed even seasoned diplomats.

When avatars filled the digital stage of the event that was livestreamed on Instagram on Aug. 21, Alaudeen Alaskary, former �������� consul general in Hong Kong, said he was surprised.

“I never would have believed that tech can strengthen bonds of humanity,” he said.

The Aug. 21 initiative, called Superbund Bonding Space, was the first of its kind led by teenagers.

Inside this virtual world, students designed avatars, held workshops, and staged esports tournaments.

The virtual society was hosted on the metaverse platform Spatial.io, where they logged in as digital avatars to interact in real time.

They shared �������� traditions, performed Hong Kong stand-up comedy, and demonstrated how this type of diplomacy can thrive in the digital age.

Educators and business leaders praised the initiative.

“I fully support the young generation to proceed their futures and (who have) found their identity and purpose,” said Aaron Shum, head of the Hong Kong Middle East Business Chambers.

Tommy Wong, co-head of student management at Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School, praised the Kingdom for its transformation.

“I’m fascinated by ��������’s transformative journey, particularly through Vision 2030, which drives economic diversification and cultural openness.

“The booming esports scene, with events like the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, showcases the country’s embrace of modern entertainment, uniting global gamers in a vibrant, tech-driven atmosphere.”

But the most powerful voices came from the students themselves.

For Linda Al-Faisal, a 14-year-old podcaster in Riyadh, it was an “inspiring” exchange. “It felt like stepping into the future, seeing tech erase borders and empower young people to connect globally.

“This exchange wasn’t just an event; it was a promise that the next gen will lead global unity and innovation.”

“I love esports and was so excited to create my own game player,” said Charles Chen, a grade nine student in Hong Kong. “Seeing it can really run on game platform and own the identity is totally awesome.”

“I designed my own Avatar and she is on Spatial,” said Cherene Ho, a 9-year-old student from Hong Kong. “I love to share my idea of building a bubble in the bonding space with others. It will make others feel safe.”

“Have you ever felt like the whole world was right at your fingertips? Today, it truly is,” said Ammar Al-Thawab, a grade 10 student at Al-Faris International School.

“The Superbund event captured the spirit of exchange, offering more than just preset talks. It created a space where people of all ages could connect, exchange ideas, and genuinely understand one another.”

For teachers in Riyadh, the bigger lesson was about youth empowerment.

“Our students were pleasantly surprised to discover that this entire event was created for young adults by young adults,” said Mish’al Sammans, principal of Al-Faris International School.

“That, for me, is the real takeaway — to show them that you don’t always have to wait around for parents or grown-ups to make things happen.”

From seasoned diplomats to schoolchildren designing avatars, the message of the day was clear: the metaverse is no longer just about games.

In the hands of Generation Alpha, it is becoming a tool for global friendship, one that can turn a virtual handshake into real bridges between nations.

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with the head of the Ukrainian president’s office Andriy Yermak in Riyadh, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the two officials reviewed relations between their countries and discussed the latest developments in the Ukraine crisis. Several topics of mutual interest were also discussed.