As part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and partnership between ALECSO and UNESCO, a high-level meeting was held on June 17, 2026, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, bringing together the Director-General of ALECSO, Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, and the Director-General of UNESCO, H.E. Dr. Khaled El-Enany. The meeting explored ways of further strengthening the strategic partnership and cooperation between the two organizations in areas of mutual interest.
The meeting reviewed the fruitful cooperation between ALECSO and UNESCO, and the significant achievements both organizations have made in serving education, culture, and science in the Arab region and beyond. It also addressed prospects for advancing joint action in response to rapid global transformations and current development challenges.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to sign a cooperation agreement supported by an executive program aimed at strengthening institutional coordination and expanding areas of partnership. These include promoting education and capacity-building, safeguarding tangible and intangible cultural heritage, supporting scientific research and innovation, developing cultural policies, and leveraging modern technologies and artificial intelligence in support of sustainable development and the knowledge economy.
The Director-General of ALECSO emphasized that this agreement would mark a new milestone in the strong relations between the two organizations, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation and intensifying efforts to support Arab countries in implementing cultural, scientific, and educational development programs, in line with regional priorities and the global Sustainable Development Goals.
For his part, the Director-General of UNESCO commended ALECSO’s leading role in promoting joint Arab action. He expressed appreciation for its impactful initiatives in protecting cultural heritage, developing cultural and creative industries, and supporting education and scientific research. He also affirmed UNESCO’s commitment to strengthening and expanding cooperation with ALECSO in the coming phase.
Discussions also addressed opportunities for cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and its ethics, as well as the development of innovative applications in education, culture, and science. Both sides emphasized the importance of ensuring the responsible use of these technologies in a way that preserves cultural and linguistic diversity and promotes equitable access to knowledge.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of continued coordination and consultation between ALECSO and UNESCO, as well as the launch of joint initiatives and projects that contribute to building knowledge societies, promoting intercultural dialogue, and fostering the values of peace, tolerance, and sustainable development in the Arab world and beyond.
On this occasion, the Director-General of ALECSO presented the Director-General of UNESCO with the “ALECSO Shield”.
