Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization Council Concludes Session in Jeddah
The 121st session of the Executive Council of the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization wrapped up in Jeddah on Wednesday.
Ministers and representatives from 22 Arab nations gathered over two days to discuss crucial topics, initiatives, and proposals aimed at advancing knowledge sharing, scientific progress, and innovation within the organization’s framework. The General Conference will follow on Friday.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Mohammed Walad Amar, the director general of the organization, emphasized the conference’s goal of approving the budget for the next two years and endorsing projects aligned with Arab countries’ needs and proposals. The focus is on accelerating progress in education, culture, information technology, and other key areas prioritized by Arab nations.
Addressing the crisis in Gaza, Walad Amar expressed the organization’s condemnation of the situation and called for support for Palestinians in education and culture.
He stressed that the aggression not only impacts the people of Palestine but also threatens Arab identity and the Palestinian educational approach.
A significant aspect of ALECSO’s cultural initiatives involves submissions to UNESCO to preserve Arab culture and heritage through inclusion on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
“We have successfully accredited submissions related to the palm tree, Arabic calligraphy, traditional clay architecture, metal engraving, and wedding customs,” said Walad Amar.
Educational programs play a crucial role in complementing these efforts, with a focus on revising curricula to reflect current realities and anticipate future needs.
Recently, ALECSO held the fourth Arab Programming Week at the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, attracting around 250 teachers from Arab countries. The organization is also working on an Arab charter for the ethical use of AI and a guide for teaching students about artificial intelligence.
The establishment of an ALECSO Partnership Forum and an Arab Cultural Week within UNESCO were highlighted as significant topics during the Executive Council session, receiving unanimous approval.
Participants praised the Kingdom for its positive initiatives that unite Arab educational and cultural efforts, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and success across various scientific fields.
Discussions during the session focused on challenges faced by Arab nations in education, culture, and science, innovative solutions, and forging partnerships to broaden educational and creative horizons.