The 9th session of the Arab Forum for Scientific Research and Sustainable Development, held under the theme of “The Role of Arab Female Researchers in Sustainable Development”, kicked off on January 30, 2023, in Muscat, Oman. It was hosted by the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and organized by ALECSO’s Department of Science and Scientific Research.
This event was held under the auspices of H.E. the Omani Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, and in the presence of H.E. the Minister of Education, with a wide participation by Arab female researchers and representatives from Arab research and development institutions.
In his statement to the Forum, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Mohamed Sanad Abu Darwish, Director of the Department of Science and Scientific Research, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, commended the significant efforts made by the Sultanate of Oman to serve education, science and culture not only in Oman but also in the Arab region and in the whole world.
The Director-General highlighted Oman’s adherence to the authentic Arab culture and its rich heritage sites and treasures, many of which are inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity. He recalled, in this regard, the role of Arabs in developing science, creativity and innovation and in promoting the civilizational progress of humanity.
The Director-General highlighted the key role played by ALECSO in enhancing inter-Arab cooperation in the fields of education, culture and science, and in advancing scientific research and development in all Arab countries. He indicated that ALECSO launched this forum in 2013 as a mechanism to promote science and scientific research in the Arab world, in line with the Arab Summit’s resolutions regarding the development of higher education and scientific research, and also with the Arab Strategy for Scientific Research and Innovation. He noted that the theme chosen for the current session is aligned with Goal 3 and Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals, and reflects a belief in the role of Arab female researchers in advancing science and knowledge and in promoting Arab societies.
For his part, Dr. Mohammad Sanad Abu Darwish pointed out, in his statement, that the current session of the Forum, held in cooperation and coordination with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, was designed to pay tribute to the role of Arab female researchers in promoting sustainable development, enhancing science and knowledge, and serving Arab societies. He indicated that about 150 participants and 40 speakers from all Arab countries are taking part in this Forum to present their intellectual and scientific works and propose solutions in various fields of concern to Arab societies, including the environment, clean energy, climate change, water, health, higher education, agriculture and engineering. The Forum, he added, is also an opportunity to showcase inspiring success stories of Arab female researchers who embraced excellence, creativity and innovation.
