ALECSO Executive Council Enhances Strategic Development With Committees From 20 Arab Nations

The Executive Council of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), led by Saudi Arabia, is experiencing significant activity. This year, four committees were established, involving 20 Arab countries, marking a first in the organisation's history. These committees are tasked with enhancing operational mechanisms, evaluating future work plans for 2023-2028, developing staff training programs, and monitoring conditions in conflict-affected countries.

Saudi Arabia's leadership of ALECSO’s General Conference started in May 2024 and will last until May 2026. This role was undertaken with a vision to revitalise the General Conference, which has convened 27 times since ALECSO's inception over five decades ago. The council is focused on identifying development opportunities while considering regional and global challenges.

The first committee began its work in early 2025 under Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship with participation from 12 countries. It aims to improve ALECSO’s General Conference mechanisms and is preparing professional studies for the next conference in Oman in 2026. The second committee, chaired by Qatar with 12 member countries involved, is evaluating ALECSO’s 2023-2028 Action Plan to ensure strategic goals are met.

The third committee is led by Lebanon and includes 10 participating countries. It focuses on monitoring educational, cultural, and scientific conditions in conflict zones. This committee aims to enhance coordination with affected nations and will prepare a comprehensive report for the council. Meanwhile, the fourth committee is chaired by Tunisia with eight countries involved. It is developing a participatory training program for ALECSO staff to enhance skills and expertise.

These committees are diligently preparing their reports for submission at the Executive Council meeting scheduled for early December. The reports will provide insights into their respective areas of focus and propose strategies for future development. The council's aim is to strategically plan for the future while addressing both regional and global challenges.

The interim evaluation committee's report on ALECSO’s Action Plan will be presented at the next Executive Council meeting. Additionally, the findings from the participatory training program proposal will also be shared during this meeting. These efforts reflect a commitment to improving ALECSO's operations and impact across member countries.

This proactive approach under Saudi Arabia’s leadership seeks to revisit and revitalise ALECSO’s General Conference activities. By focusing on strategic planning and development opportunities, ALECSO aims to address current challenges effectively while preparing for future needs.

With inputs from SPA