Oman hosts 125th ALECSO Executive Council Session

MUSCAT, NOV 9
The 125th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) opened in Oman on Monday, bringing together representatives of the organisation's 22 Arab member states to discuss key educational, cultural and scientific initiatives.
The two-day session is attended by Prof Dr Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, representatives of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States and members of the Executive Council. It forms part of preparations for the organisation's 28th General Conference, scheduled for November 12.
The Council is reviewing several agenda items, including the Director-General's report on the implementation of ALECSO's programmes and activities in 2025, strategic plans for international cooperation and partnerships, and measures to strengthen the organisation's media and marketing activities.
Other key issues include a comprehensive strategy to build the capacities of staff at ALECSO and its external centres, the educational, cultural and scientific situation in Palestine and countries affected by crises, disasters and emergencies, as well as various administrative and financial matters.
Addressing the opening session, Hani bin Muqbil al Muqbil, Chairman of the Executive Council, said the Council had undergone several transformations in recent years under the chairmanship of Saudi Arabia.
He highlighted significant progress in proposals and initiatives, alongside increased participation by member states. The number of proposals and initiatives had reached a record 34, he noted.
Raed Ali Saleh al Jubouri, Director of the Department of Arab Organisations and Unions at the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, thanked Oman for its continued support of the League and its specialised organisations.
He commended ALECSO's preparations for the session amid exceptional regional circumstances and urged relevant authorities across Arab countries to make greater use of the organisation's programmes and activities.
For his part, Prof Dr Mohamed Ould Amar outlined the organisation's major programmes and initiatives across education, culture and science.
In education, he highlighted efforts to advance educational thought and launch the Second Arab Decade for Literacy. In culture, he referred to initiatives relating to intangible cultural heritage, Kuwait's designation as Arab Capital of Culture and youth empowerment.
In science and scientific research, he highlighted several issues for discussion, including the Arab Strategy for Scientific Research, the ALECSO Science Portal and support for startups.
Dr Ould Amar also condemned attacks on several Arab countries and continuing violations against the Palestinian people, including the denial of their right to education. He announced an integrated initiative to support countries facing exceptional circumstances and emergencies and outlined the work of ALECSO's external centres and institutes.
The Council also considered proposals submitted by several member states.
Libya proposed designating Tripoli as the Arab Capital of the Child for 2027, while Lebanon presented a draft Arab Strategy for Persons with Disabilities. Palestine proposed twinning Jerusalem, as the Arab Capital of the Child, with the launch of an Arab Capital of the Child initiative.
Saudi Arabia submitted proposals for a platform for the Unified Arabic Terminology Dictionary, a system of language policies for Arab countries and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Heritage Award.
Founded on July 25, 1970, ALECSO is a specialised organisation affiliated with the League of Arab States. With 22 member states, it works to advance education, culture and science and strengthen coordination and cooperation among Arab countries in these fields. Oman joined the organisation in 1973.