ALECSO Calls for Psychological and Educational Support for Palestinian Children and the Preservation of Their Heritage and Cultural Identity
The Conference on “Palestinian Childhood under Israeli Occupation: Monitoring Educational and Cultural Violations and Strengthening Protection and Resilience Mechanisms” commenced on September 14, 2026, at ALECSO headquarters in Tunis.
The Conference is organized by ALECSO in partnership with the Palestinian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and in coordination with the Embassy of the State of Palestine in the Republic of Tunisia. It brings together a number of officials, ambassadors, representatives of Arab and international organizations, experts, and media professionals.
The Conference was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Amjad Barham, Palestinian Minister of Education and Higher Education; H.E. Mr. Rami Al-Qadumi, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Republic of Tunisia; H.E. Amb. Dr. Faid Mustafa, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and Head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector; and Ms. Rana Taha, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tunisia. A number of ambassadors, members of the Arab diplomatic corps, and representatives of Arab and international organizations were also in attendance.
In his opening remarks, the Director-General of ALECSO emphasized that discussing Palestinian childhood “is not merely about figures and statistics, but about children with names, dreams, and aspirations; about generations of Palestinian children who have the right to grow up in a safe environment, attend school, read books, practice their culture, and build their future free from fear, violence, and deprivation”. He noted that recent events in the Palestinian territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip, have caused severe damage to the educational and cultural sectors, affecting children, schools, and cultural facilities. This, he added, places a significant moral, humanitarian, and legal responsibility on both the Arab and international communities to protect children, guarantee their right to education, and safeguard their identity and cultural memory.
The Director-General expressed his hope that the Conference would come out with actionable recommendations to strengthen coordination among relevant Arab and international institutions, support efforts to ensure the continuity of education under exceptional circumstances, provide psychological and educational support to children, protect Palestinian heritage and cultural identity, and place education and culture in Palestine among the foremost priorities of Arab and international action.
Dr. Amjad Barham, Palestinian Minister of Education and Higher Education, affirmed that holding the Conference in Tunisia—which Palestine’s leadership, government, and people hold in high regard—is a reflection of Tunisia’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian values and its steadfast positions in support of Palestinian rights. He commended ALECSO, under the leadership of Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, for its commitment to strengthening the Palestinian presence in its cultural, educational, and academic dimensions and to working with various partners to help ensure a dignified life for Palestinian children, who face significant challenges under the Israeli occupation’s discriminatory and repressive policies.
The organization of this Conference is part of ALECSO’s longstanding and unwavering commitment to the Palestinian Cause and its dedication to defending the Palestinian right to education, culture, and learning, while preserving Palestinian cultural and civilizational identity, particularly in the city of Al-Quds. It also reflects ALECSO’s support for the right of Palestinian children to education and protection amid the growing challenges facing educational and cultural institutions.
The first day of the Conference also featured a ceremony honoring Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO. Dr. Amjad Barham presented him with a commemorative shield in recognition of his efforts in supporting the Palestinian Cause in the fields of education, culture, and science. In turn, the Director-General presented Dr. Amjad Barham with the ALECSO Shield.
