Saudi Arabia Concludes Five-Year ALECSO Executive Council Presidency
The kingdom oversaw 69 initiatives and significant institutional reforms during its tenure.
1Leadership Tenure Concludes
Saudi Arabia has officially concluded its five-year presidency of the ALECSO Executive Council during the 125th session held in Muscat. Hani bin Muqbil, the council president, highlighted the kingdom's commitment to fostering Arab cooperation. This period, spanning from July 2021 to November 2026, focused on building collective strategies for regional development.
2Security and Stability Focus
During the session, the council president condemned Houthi militia attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure. He emphasized that such actions violate international law and threaten regional stability. The council reaffirmed the kingdom's sovereign right to protect its borders and citizens, stressing that the safety of vital facilities remains a non-negotiable priority.
3Strategic Institutional Milestones
The five-year term was structured into five distinct phases, ranging from establishing work foundations to ensuring long-term sustainability. These stages allowed the organization to define clear roles and enhance participation among member states. By documenting this transformation, the council aimed to create a robust framework for future regional educational and cultural projects.
4High Volume of Initiatives
Member states proposed 34 initiatives during this period, accounting for 26 percent of all proposals in the organization's history. In total, 69 initiatives were launched under the Saudi presidency, including two major international conferences. These efforts involved 15 different countries, representing 68 percent of the total ALECSO membership base during the term.
5Governance and Structural Reform
The organization adopted 10 institutional products, including performance governance guidelines and three specific strategies for media, partnerships, and training. To support these structural changes, 15 committees were formed, chaired by 11 different nations. This collaborative approach ensured that 22 member states actively participated in the council's various specialized and temporary committees.
6Financial and Partnership Growth
The presidency oversaw the signing of 31 partnership agreements with various entities across the Arab world, totaling 7.6 million dollars in value. Additionally, the organization allocated 70,000 dollars annually to provide training and professional development for its staff. These financial commitments reflect a broader strategy to invest in future institutional capacity.
7Agenda and Future Outlook
The 125th session in Muscat also served to review the implementation of decisions from the 27th General Conference and the 124th Executive Council meeting. Members examined the draft agenda for the upcoming 28th General Conference. This transition phase aims to build upon the accumulated expertise gained during the previous five-year leadership cycle.
8Legacy of Regional Cooperation
The conclusion of the Saudi presidency marks a significant chapter in ALECSO's history, characterized by increased member engagement and institutional modernization. By prioritizing collective action and strategic planning, the council has established a foundation for future growth. The focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum to address ongoing regional educational challenges.
Original article: Okaz — Saudi Arabia Concludes Five-Year ALECSO Executive Council Presidency