Alecso Adopts Saudi-Backed Reforms and $500,000 Aid Package at Oman Conference

RIYADH: The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization has adopted a series of Saudi-backed initiatives designed to strengthen governance, improve institutional performance, and expand educational and cultural cooperation across the Arab world. The measures were approved at the conclusion of the organization’s 28th General Conference in Muscat on Thursday, marking the end of Saudi Arabia’s two-year presidency. Oman will assume leadership next.

Among the approved proposals were recommendations from a Saudi-led committee representing 12 member states. The committee called for reforms to the conference’s rules of procedure, the creation of a general conference bureau, and the formation of three committees to oversee preparations, legal affairs, and strategic action plans.

The conference also reinstated the assistant director-general position, electing Kuwait’s Dr. Tareq Al-Ghareeb to the role, which had been abolished in 2019.

Delegates approved financial assistance for five Arab nations affected by conflict, crisis, and emergency conditions. Under a Saudi-backed initiative, Alecso will provide $100,000 annually to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon, Libya, and Yemen during the 2027–28 financial cycle to support educational, cultural, and scientific programs. The organization also signed cooperation agreements with the five countries to facilitate projects addressing their educational and cultural needs.

The conference followed the end of the Kingdom’s five-year presidency of Alecso’s Executive Council. During its final sessions under Saudi leadership, the council approved a proposal to revise the timetable for preparing the organization’s budget and programs. The changes are intended to give member states greater involvement in financial planning and more time to review proposed programs, spending priorities, and budget allocations.

The council also adopted a Saudi proposal to make cooperation with joint Arab institutions a permanent standing item on its agenda—an unprecedented move in the organization’s history. Additional reforms included the adoption of a governance framework developed by a Kuwait-led committee of 14 member states.

A Tunisia-led committee formulated Alecso’s first institutional staff training strategy for 2027–28, backed by an annual $70,000 allocation for professional development. The council further approved standardized criteria for selecting Alecso experts, developed by a Libya-chaired committee, along with recommendations addressing the educational and scientific needs of countries facing conflict and crisis.

Delegates also approved a Saudi proposal to establish the Saudi Arabia Heritage Award, which will recognize outstanding achievements in protecting, preserving, and promoting Arab tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Member states were encouraged to publicize the award and invite researchers, specialists, and cultural institutions to apply. Alecso acknowledged the contributions of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and Heritage Commission in developing the initiative and providing financial support.

The conference adopted two Arabic language initiatives developed jointly by Alecso and the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language. The Language Policy System in Arab Countries will serve as a regional reference for linguistic research and policymaking, while the Unified Arabic Terminology Dictionary Platform will offer a shared digital resource for standardized terminology. The academy will oversee the platform’s technical development and infrastructure.

Tripoli was approved as host for the second year of the “Capital of the Arab Child” cultural program, which encourages member states to create opportunities for children from across the Arab world to participate in its activities. Delegates also endorsed a Lebanese proposal to develop an Arab strategy for people with disabilities and special needs, directing Alecso’s administration to coordinate the initiative with existing programs and the Arab League.

The conference and council approved extraordinary meetings of the Executive Council and General Conference in April to select and appoint the organization’s next director-general. Following the conference, Kuwait’s Mohammed Al-Khalidi was elected president of the Executive Council, succeeding Saudi Arabia’s Hani bin Muqbil Al-Muqbil. Palestine’s Dr. Jihad Ramadan was appointed vice president, and Sudan’s Mohammed Mustafa Al-Nour was named rapporteur.

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