Saudi Initiative Aims To Support Educational And Cultural Needs In Crisis-Affected Arab States

The Arab League of Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) recently organised a media day at its Tunis headquarters. The event focused on evaluating the educational, cultural, and scientific challenges faced by Arab nations dealing with conflicts, crises, disasters, and emergencies. This initiative was spearheaded by Saudi Arabia to improve coordination with affected countries and determine their technical and financial needs.

Saudi Arabia's proposal for this media day was approved during ALECSO’s Executive Council's 123rd session in May 2025 in Tunis. At this session, the council also agreed to establish a committee to monitor educational, cultural, and scientific conditions in crisis-affected countries. Lebanon leads this committee, which includes members from 10 countries: Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Somalia, Palestine, Qatar, Libya, Egypt, Morocco, and Yemen.

The media day featured presentations and reports from several Arab countries like Sudan, Syria, Somalia, Libya, Lebanon, and Yemen. These contributions offered insights into the state of education, culture, and science under challenging circumstances in these regions. The event underscored Saudi Arabia’s active role as chair of ALECSO’s Executive Council in supporting Arab interests.

In May 2024, the 27th regular session of ALECSO’s General Conference took place in Jeddah under Saudi Arabia's leadership. During this conference, a Libyan proposal was approved to include a permanent agenda item addressing educational, cultural, and scientific conditions in states affected by conflicts and emergencies. This decision highlights ALECSO's commitment to addressing these pressing issues.

The conference urged ALECSO to engage with affected states to evaluate their technical and financial requirements comprehensively. It called for a detailed report on these matters to be submitted based on requests from concerned countries. This approach aims to provide targeted support where it is most needed.

This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering collaboration among Arab nations facing significant challenges. By leading efforts within ALECSO’s framework, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to enhancing educational and cultural resilience across the region.

With inputs from SPA