The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) has increasingly positioned itself as a central force in fostering regional cooperation amid mounting challenges facing the Arab world. Since its founding on July 25, 1970, ALECSO has focused on preserving Arab identity and promoting development across education, culture, and science throughout the region.

Saudi Arabia has been leading ALECSO for three consecutive terms since 2021, underscoring the confidence of member states in the Kingdom’s stewardship, according to Hani Al-Moqbel, chairman of ALECSO’s executive council. Al-Moqbel characterized Saudi Arabia’s initial term as foundational, establishing a collaborative framework that engaged all member states as partners and ushered in more mature institutional practices and long-term strategic reforms.

Under Saudi leadership, ALECSO has intensified efforts to reform institutional structures and expand international partnerships. The organization launched some 40 initiatives to enhance the representation of Saudi cultural and educational content within ALECSO’s agenda. Furthermore, the executive council introduced 29 initiatives aimed at shifting from a traditional agenda-approval role toward an active decision-making and program-monitoring body. These changes have strengthened the organization’s effectiveness and governance.

Since May 2024, Saudi Arabia has also chaired ALECSO’s General Conference, marking a new phase in the organization’s development. During this period, six specialized committees were established to focus on key strategic areas. ALECSO initiated seven new projects, including reforming internal regulations, creating a dedicated office for the General Conference, and developing its first institutional performance governance framework and governance guide. The organization also launched its inaugural comprehensive strategy for training and capacity building, alongside a unified Arab framework for selecting ALECSO experts in cooperation with national commissions.

Cooperation and coordination with regional and international partners have also improved significantly. ALECSO has deepened ties with sister Arab League organizations and external entities such as UNESCO and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). In March 2023, ALECSO co-organized the Future of Education, Culture and Science Organizations Conference in Riyadh with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. The event drew over 100 regional and international bodies, aiming to enhance collaboration and integration in the spheres of education, culture, and science.

Overall, ALECSO’s evolving role under Saudi leadership reflects a concerted effort to address the complex socio-economic and cultural challenges in the Arab world, emphasizing strengthened institutional capacity, expanded partnerships, and more strategic governance.