ECoH-CONF3: Third International Conference on the Humanities: Quality of Life: Toward Prosperous and Healthy Societies Effat University Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, October 8, 2025

Conference website	https://www.effatuniversity.edu.sa/english/conferences/ecoh-conf/pages/default.aspx
Abstract registration deadline	September 1, 2025
Submission deadline	September 25, 2025

Call for Papers

Effat College of Humanities at Effat University invites the submission of papers for its Third International Conference on the Humanities 

Quality of Life: Toward Prosperous and Healthy Societies

جودة الحياة: نحو مجتمعات مزدهرة وصحية

8^th October 2025

Effat University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Introduction

“Saudi Arabia is more vibrant than ever as the quality of life program opens the kingdom to the world. Through investment, tourism, entertainment and cultural exchange, our nation is embracing openness and collaboration.” H.E. Mr. Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb

The pursuit of an enhanced quality of life has emerged as a defining ambition of contemporary societies, shaping political and economic frameworks as well as cultural paradigms across the globe. As nations confront the intricate outcomes of modernity, the quest for well-being—both individual and collective—has become a central pillar of sustainable development. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia promises to stand at the forefront of this transformative journey, spearheading pioneering initiatives under Vision 2030 to cultivate healthier, more prosperous, and devotedly engaged communities.

Effat University enthusiastically announces its forthcoming conference, Quality of Life: Toward Prosperous and Healthy Societies, an intellectual forum dedicated to interrogating the multidimensional facets of well-being in an era of unprecedented change. This gathering will convene leading scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and visionaries to critically examine the evolving interplay between health, sustainability, technological innovation, and economic advancement in shaping human flourishing.

By promoting a rigorous and forward-thinking dialogue, this conference aspires to redefine paradigms of well-being, bridging theoretical discourse with practical solutions to construct healthy and thriving societies. We invite scholars and professionals from diverse disciplines to contribute cutting-edge research and innovative perspectives that will shape the trajectory of quality of life initiatives both regionally and globally.

We invite you to join us in the conference as we engage in an enlightening exploration of the factors that shape human well-being, advancing a collective vision for a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future.

 

Paper Sessions:

First Session: Mind, Soul, and Society: Cultivating Wellbeing through Knowledge, ethics, and Critical Thinking

Objective:

This session aims to explore the vital role of humanistic disciplines, including liberal arts, general education, and humanities at large in fostering holistic wellbeing through intellectual growth, ethical awareness, emotional stability, and social responsibility. By examining the interplay between humanistic inquiry, literary perspectives, and healthy living, this session will particularly highlight how these integrated pathways lead to personal, societal, and cultural flourishing. For example, participants will engage in discussions on how the humanities can inspire empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human condition, ultimately supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for health, wellness, and quality of life.

Topics:

1. The Role of Literature in Promoting Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
   • How literary narratives and storytelling can serve as tools for healing, self-reflection, and emotional growth.
   • Case studies of literary works that address themes of trauma, recovery, and wellbeing.
2. Philosophical and Ethical Perspectives on Wellbeing
   • Exploring ancient and modern philosophical traditions that inform our understanding of a "good life."
   • Ethical considerations in balancing individual wellbeing with societal and environmental sustainability.
3. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Wellbeing: Bridging the Humanities and Sciences
   • Collaborative frameworks that integrate humanistic inquiry with scientific research on health and wellness.
   • The importance of critical thinking and creativity in addressing complex health challenges.
4. Humanistic Education and Holistic Well-Being: Foundations for a Flourishing Society
   • How humanities curricula can cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and global citizenship.
   • Strategies for embedding well-being-focused themes in humanities and general education programs.
5. The Future of Wellbeing: Humanities in a Rapidly Changing World
   • The role of the humanities in addressing the psychological and social impacts of technological advancement.
   • Preparing future generations for a world where well-being is central to personal and professional success.

Second Session: Psychological Well-being and Quality of Life: Pathways to a Healthier Society

Objective:

Psychological well-being is a vital component of a high-quality life, influencing personal fulfilment, social harmony, and overall societal progress. This session explores the intricate relationship between mental health and quality of life, emphasizing the role of emotional strength, positive psychology, and self-awareness in fostering personal and collective well-being. It highlights evidence-based strategies from clinical psychology, neuroscience, and cultural perspectives to enhance mental health at both individual and community levels.

It will also examine the impact of social relationships, workplace environments, and ethical considerations in mental health care. Additionally, the session will address holistic approaches such as mindfulness, creativity, and lifestyle choices in promoting overall well-being. By bridging scientific research with real-world applications, this session aims to provide practical insights for fostering healthier societies where psychological well-being is recognized as essential for a prosperous and fulfilling life.

Topics:

1. Foundations of Psychological Well-being: Building a Healthy Mindset for a Better Quality of Life

• Exploring key psychological factors such as emotional balance, self-awareness, and in enhancing overall life satisfaction and well-being.

1. The Power of Positive Psychology: Cultivating Happiness and Quality of Life

• Examining evidence-based interventions such as gratitude, optimism, and strengths-based approaches to improve mental health and life fulfillment.

1. Interpersonal Relationships and Mental Health: Building a Foundation for Quality of Life

• This theme highlights the critical role of psychological connection in mental health, looking at how close relationships, family dynamics, and social networks enhance mental health, reduce stress, and improve life satisfaction

1. Mindfulness, Creativity, and Holistic Wellness: Enhancing Quality of Life Through Inner Balance

• Investigating how mindfulness, artistic expression, and healthy lifestyle choices contribute to emotional well-being and a fulfilling life.

1. Ethics and Innovation in Mental Health: Advancing Well-being and Quality of Life

• Addressing emerging trends in therapy, neuroscience, and digital mental health while ensuring ethical, compassionate, and effective care for a healthier society

Third Session: Digital Media for Well-being: Enhancing Quality of Life in a Healthy and Prosperous Society

Objective:

This session delves into how digital media influences the overall quality of life, contributing to personal and collective well-being in a modern, interconnected world. As digital platforms continue to evolve, they play a significant role in shaping not just health behaviors, but also how individuals and communities engage with lifestyle choices, emotional fulfillment, social connections, and emotional stability in facing challenges. By exploring digital engagement’s potential to improve the various facets of daily living—mental health, relationships, physical well-being, and life satisfaction—the session will highlight the strategies, challenges, and ethical considerations in leveraging digital tools to foster a prosperous, healthy, and balanced society.

Topics:

1. How does digital media shape perceptions of quality of life and well-being?

• Examine how digital media, from social media platforms to content creators, frames and disseminates ideas about what constitutes a fulfilling and prosperous life. Analyze how digital narratives influence societal perceptions of work-life balance, happiness, personal success, and the ideal lifestyle.

1. What is the role of digital media in promoting mental, emotional, and social well-being?

• Explore how digital platforms contribute to emotional well-being by fostering meaningful social connections, support networks, and personal development. Discuss the impact of online communities, digital storytelling, and mental health campaigns in cultivating emotional wellbeing and nurturing a sense of belonging and connection in society.

1. How can digital media encourage behaviors that enhance overall quality of life?

• Investigate digital initiatives that aim to improve life satisfaction through promoting healthy habits, sustainable living, and personal growth. Assess the role of apps, online learning platforms and AI-driven tools in empowering individuals to adopt behaviors that enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

1. What are the challenges and ethical considerations in digital engagement for a higher quality of life?

• Address the complexities of using digital media in the pursuit of an improved quality of life. Discuss concerns surrounding misinformation, digital addiction, privacy, and the commercialization of lifestyle content. Explore the ethical implications of influencer-driven narratives, advertising, and AI-generated content in shaping public perceptions and individual choices.

Fourth Session: Artful Living: Museums, Creativity, and the Quality of Life                         

Objective:

This session invites scholarly engagement with the transformative role of the arts and museum cultures in cultivating wellbeing, cultural identity, and societal health. It seeks to explore the multifaceted ways in which artistic expression, curatorial practices, and public engagement with art contribute to personal healing, social cohesion, and the enrichment of public life. The session also welcomes reflections on museum innovation, arts education, and the cultural policies that support artistic ecosystems, especially in the Global South.

Topics May Include (but are not limited to):

1. The Healing Arts: Creativity and Public Health

• Therapeutic benefits of visual art, music, and performance in promoting overall wellbeing.
• Art-based interventions in clinical, educational, and community settings.

1. Museums and Social Health: Curating for Connection and Care

• How museums are reimagining themselves as spaces of healing, reflection, and social inclusion.
• Case studies from community-oriented or participatory curatorial practices.

1. Cultural Heritage and the Emotional Life of Communities

• Museums, archives, and heritage institutions as agents of memory, emotional strength, and healing.
• Art and heritage preservation in post-conflict or post-trauma contexts.

1. Art Education and Community Wellbeing

• Integrating arts into general education as a foundation for human flourishing.
• National policies and institutional initiatives that position the arts as tools for societal health.

1. Art in the Digital Age: Possibilities and Perils

• Exploring virtual exhibitions, AI-generated art, and digital creativity in relation to public wellbeing.
• Ethical and curatorial challenges in the digital representation of art and culture.

Conference Organization

General Chair: Dr. Linda Maloul, Dean of Effat College of Humanities

Scientific Committee Chair: Dr. Mohamad Khalid, General Education Program

Scientific Committee Members:

               Dr. Kathleen Guillaume, Dr. Nisma Merdad, Dr. Ibrahim Hassan

Digital Media and Communication Session Chair: Dr. Omar ElEbiary

Psychology Session Chair: Dr. Rizwana Amin

General Education Program Chair: Dr. Khadija Itani

Abstract Submissions:

The suggested topics above are not exhaustive. All submissions aligned with the session objectives are welcomed.

Authors are requested to submit their abstracts electronically using the online conference system Easy Chair. If you used this system before, you may use the same login details. If this is your first time using Easy Chair, you will need to create an Easy Chair Account. Upon completion of registration, you will receive a notification email from Easy Chair, after which you will need to log in and submit your abstract in PDF format.

Submissions should be sent to the following link: TBC

For any other inquires please contact Dr. Linda Maloul (lmaloul@effatuniversity.edu.sa) or Dr. Mohamad Khalid (mkhalid@effatuniversity.edu.sa)

Abstracts should include the following:

-Title of paper

- First and family name of author(s)

- Institutional Affiliation

- Current position/academic title

- Email Address

- At Least 5 keywords that best describe the subject area of your submission

Paper Submission and Presentation:

All presenters are invited to submit papers based on their accepted abstracts. The length of the presentations should not exceed 20 minutes.

Requirements

Papers should describe original completed work rather than intended work. A paper accepted for presentation cannot be presented or have been presented at any other meeting with publicly available published proceedings. Papers that are being submitted to other conferences or workshops must indicate this on the title page.

Presentations & Publication:

• An accepted paper may have more than one author. However, the main presenter in the conference must be specified.

• Selected presenters may be asked to develop their papers for an internationally peer-reviewed volume on the topic as conference proceedings. The presenters might be asked to pay a Publication fee.

Registration:

Category	Early Bird Registration	Onsite Registration Fee
Conference Attendance	Free of charge	Free of charge
Attendance with Certificate (Student)	50 SAR	75 SAR
Attendance with Certificate	150 SAR	200 SAR
Papers’ Authors (Student)	200 SAR	300 SAR
Papers’ Authors	400 SAR	600 SAR

IMPORTANT DATES:

Abstract submission deadline	1st September, 2025
Author Notification Paper Submission End of early Registration	8th September 2025 25st September 2025 10th September 2025
Conference	8th  October 2025

Tentative Program:

9:00 am - 9:10 am          Welcome and opening speech by Dean

9:10 am - 9:15 am          Introducing Speakers

9:15 am - 9:45 am            Keynote Speech 1 and Q&A

9:45 am - 10:45 am          Guest Speech 2 and Q&A

10:45 am - 11:00 pm       Discussion

11:00 am – 11:20   Entertainment

11:20-11:30             Break

11:30-12:30            School Competition (Mediathon) – Announcement of the Winners and appreciation of sponsors

12:30-1:00              Prayer and Lunch Break

1:00 pm- 2:30 pm         Parallel Sessions:

First Session - Mind, Soul, and Society: Cultivating Wellbeing through Knowledge, ethics, and Critical Thinking

Second Session - Psychological Well-being and Quality of Life: Pathways to a Healthier Society

2:30 pm – 3:00                     Break

3:00 pm – 04:30 pm     Parallel Sessions:

Third Session - Digital Media for Well-being: Enhancing Quality of Life in a Healthy and Prosperous Society

Fourth Session - Artful Living: Museums, Creativity, and the Quality of Life                       

04:30 pm – 04:45 pm      Concluding & thank-you remarks.