The General Conference of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), at its 8th Extraordinary Session held today in Tunis under the chairmanship of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, condemned the ongoing and brutal Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian people, as well as its continued aggressive policies in the Middle East and its assault on the State of Qatar. The Conference expressed its solidarity with Qatar and called on the United Nations and international organizations to take action to halt these practices and put an end to Israel’s acts of extermination in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
During the session, the General Conference decided to reopen nominations for the position of ALECSO Assistant Director-General, with candidacies to be presented at the next session of the Conference. Meanwhile, ALECSO’s Executive Council, meeting in its 15th Special Session under Saudi chairmanship, approved the appointment of two senior posts in Category II at the rank of First Director: Director of the Arab Manuscripts Institute in Cairo and Director of the Khartoum International Institute for the Arabic Language.
In a speech delivered on behalf of His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Culture, Chairman of the National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science, and President of ALECSO’s General Conference, the Kingdom’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr, conveyed the Prince’s greetings and appreciation for ALECSO’s efforts and for the pioneering role played by Arab states, under the Organization’s umbrella, in serving Arab societies in education, culture, and science, and in uniting efforts to promote Arab identity and safeguard its rich heritage.
Prince Badr stressed that Saudi Arabia, in presiding over the General Conference, values the efforts made by Arab member states to support joint Arab action, keep pace with global transformations, and develop policies and programs that build an Arab individual capable of creativity and competitiveness. He voiced the Kingdom’s support for the resolutions and recommendations adopted by the Conference, noting that they reflect constructive directions that enhance cooperation and integration among Arab nations.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister of Culture and President of the General Conference expressed hope that ALECSO would continue its vital role in valuing and developing initiatives and projects that serve the future of the Arab nation. He called for intensified efforts to broaden cooperation among member states in line with shared Arab aspirations, reiterating his gratitude to the organizers and wishing the Conference success and ALECSO continued progress and prosperity.
For his part, Hani bin Moqbel Al-Moqbel, Chairman of ALECSO’s Executive Council and Saudi representative, affirmed during the Council’s 15th Special Session on 12 September 2025 the Kingdom’s full and steadfast support for the humanitarian and fraternal stance in favor of Gaza in stricken Palestine. He rejected the continuation of aggression, occupation, and forced displacement of Gaza’s residents, strongly denouncing Israel’s blatant attacks and its violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar. He also confirmed the Executive Council’s full solidarity with Qatar.
Al-Moqbel highlighted the interest and unlimited support extended to ALECSO by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He conveyed the greetings and appreciation of the President of the General Conference, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, who provides unwavering support to the Organization and all means to strengthen its work.
He noted that the Executive Council’s 15th Special Session, which sees several Arab states nominating their candidates for leadership positions in the Organization, reflects a renewed Arab commitment to education, culture, and science, as member states assume responsibility for fostering growth and advancing development.
Al-Moqbel emphasized that the Council’s success depends on using new tools, engaging with Arab societies, and clearly defining objectives. He stressed that the Council seeks to play a pivotal role in shaping the future, working diligently, and launching qualitative initiatives that will remain beneficial and supportive for decades to come by creating opportunities to achieve goals and aspirations — not merely reacting to change, but adopting work models inspired by member states’ visions and aligned with ALECSO’s future needs.
For his part, ALECSO Director-General Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar stated that the steadfast Palestinian people are enduring extremely harsh and exceptional conditions as a result of the genocide they have faced since October 2023 at the hands of oppressive colonialism. He urged the United Nations and international organizations advocating for freedoms and human rights to act effectively to stop the extermination of an unarmed people defending their freedom, their eternal homeland, and its capital, Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem).
Dr. Ould Amar noted that the nomination of Arab candidates for these leadership posts aims to draw on the rich pool of Arab talent and expertise. He added that the General Administration is carrying out the necessary administrative and legal procedures for these nominations, expressing hope that ALECSO will achieve its objectives and aspirations.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essafi)
