The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) participated in the 224th session of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), held on April 14, 2026, in Paris. France.
ALECSO was represented by Ms. Afifa Zayadi, Head of the ALECSO Office at UNESCO. In her address, she highlighted several priority issues facing the Arab region, and emphasized the importance of strengthening joint Arab action in ALECSO’s fields of competence.
In its statement, ALECSO expressed its strong condemnation of the attacks suffered by several Arab countries, stressing the need to intensify international and regional efforts to rehabilitate educational, cultural, and scientific systems, and ensure the continuity of essential services in those vital sectors. It also denounced the ongoing violations against the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples, underscoring the necessity of protecting their fundamental rights, particularly in the areas of education, culture, and knowledge.
In line with its commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, ALECSO called for more intensive efforts to achieve SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Addressing the current rapid digital transformations, ALECSO highlighted the importance of rationalizing the use of artificial intelligence to ensure it is applied in an ethical and responsible manner, serving the development of educational, cultural, and scientific systems in Arab countries.
ALECSO reaffirmed its full support for the Director-General of UNESCO in all the initiatives he undertakes, commending his efforts to strengthen UNESCO’s role in addressing global challenges and promoting the values of peace and international cooperation.
In conclusion, ALECSO reiterated its commitment to enhancing cooperation with UNESCO and international partners in ways that contribute to sustainable development and foster greater cultural and scientific integration across the Arab region.
