RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has won the presidency of the Executive Council of the Tunis-based Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). Hani Al Moqbil, Saudi representative and member of the Executive Council, has been elected as the chairman of the Executive Council for the period of 2021-2023 by a majority of votes of members of 21 Arab countries on Thursday morning, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Minister of Culture Prince Badr Bin Abdullah Bin Farhan, who is also chairman of the National Committee for Education, Science and Culture, thanked and appreciated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman for their great support to the cultural sector, and everything that enhances the Kingdom's prominent presence in various fields. The minister said that the Kingdom's victory in the election to the presidency of the Executive Council of ALECSO confirms its regional and international leadership in developing the fields of education, science and culture in order to achieve the principles of joint collective action, and to strengthen the ties between the Arab countries within the ALECSO organization to promote culture, education and science. "The Kingdom was and still is one of the main contributors to strengthening and extending cultural bridges between Arab peoples and supporting innovation and creativity in various fields," he said. On his part, Al-Moqbil thanked King Salman and the Crown Prince for their kind approval and great support that enabled him to be elected to the prestigious position, praying to God for success in his mission in a way achieving the aspirations of the wise leadership. He also thanked Minister of Culture Prince Badr for the guidance, support and empowerment during his service at ALECSO in a span of a whole year. ALESCO, which is a specialized institution working under the umbrella of the Arab League, is dealing with the development and coordination of the activities related to education, culture and sciences in the Arab World. It was established in 1970 with the aim of promoting Arab intellectual unity through education, culture and sciences, and enhancing the educational, cultural and scientific level in the Arab world so that it can positively contribute to universal civilization. Al-Moqbil has more than 18 years of experience in different entities and is a graduate of Harvard Business School in the field of leadership after completing various executive training programs, including leadership development. He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from King Saud University. In July 2020, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques approved Al-Moqbil's nomination as a representative of Saudi Arabia in the Executive Council of ALECSO.
