Saudi Arabia Overwhelmingly Leads ALECSO Executive Council Until 2026

Saudi representative Hani Al-Moqbil was re-elected as the Chairman of the Executive Council of ALECSO from 2024 to 2026 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi representative Hani Al-Moqbil was re-elected as the Chairman of the Executive Council of ALECSO from 2024 to 2026 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Overwhelmingly Leads ALECSO Executive Council Until 2026

Saudi representative Hani Al-Moqbil was re-elected as the Chairman of the Executive Council of ALECSO from 2024 to 2026 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi representative Hani Al-Moqbil was re-elected as the Chairman of the Executive Council of ALECSO from 2024 to 2026 (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia won Saturday the chairmanship of the Executive Council of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) for the third time in a row.

The Kingdom’s representative, Hani Al-Moqbil, was elected president for the 2024-2026 term with an overwhelming majority, securing 18 votes compared to two votes for Morocco.

One member-state abstained from voting. Qatar was elected as the vice president, while Jordan will serve as the rapporteur.

This decision followed a council meeting held after the conclusion of the 27th General Conference of ALECSO, which wrapped up in Jeddah on Friday.

Members praised the positive outcomes and collaborative efforts achieved during Saudi Arabia's previous two presidencies since July 2021.

Arab states on the council highlighted the importance of continuing ALECSO’s forward-looking vision. They praised recent achievements as a major milestone, boosting the organization's role in education, culture, and science across the Arab world.

Saudi Arabia was commended for creating a roadmap that enabled effective collaboration within ALECSO. This teamwork has turned plans into reality, promoting collective efforts, member synergy, and unified execution of initiatives.

Saudi Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan shared on “X” that during Saudi Arabia’s leadership of the ALECSO Executive Council in under three years, they initiated over 10 projects and partnerships. He expressed pride in the Kingdom’s re-election for a third consecutive term.

Established in 1970 and based in Tunis, ALECSO is one of the Cairo-based Arab bloc's organizations that seeks to develop Arab culture, education and science at both national and regional levels.



Abu Dhabi Gears Up to Host International Jazz Day 2025 Celebrations

The event will include a variety of concerts and educational and cultural initiatives. Photo: WAM
The event will include a variety of concerts and educational and cultural initiatives. Photo: WAM
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Abu Dhabi Gears Up to Host International Jazz Day 2025 Celebrations

The event will include a variety of concerts and educational and cultural initiatives. Photo: WAM
The event will include a variety of concerts and educational and cultural initiatives. Photo: WAM

Abu Dhabi is preparing to host the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day, a global event celebrated annually on April 30 in over 190 countries around the world, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Abu Dhabi has been selected as the Global Host City for this special celebration, which is organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), WAM said.

The event will include a variety of concerts and educational and cultural initiatives, aimed at highlighting the impact of jazz music as a tool for artistic expression and creative freedom.

"We are delighted to celebrate International Jazz Day in Abu Dhabi, a city that has been designated a 'City of Music' by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. This year’s edition will focus on Abu Dhabi’s creativity and rich heritage, while showcasing jazz’s ability to connect communities and promote dialogue and peace across continents,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

She added: "As a 'City of Music', Abu Dhabi is preparing to be a vibrant hub for this global celebration. Hosting the event will spotlight the city’s commitment to cultural exchange, education, and diversity, and it will play a central role in preserving and spreading jazz music in the region."

DCT Abu Dhabi will organize a five-week series of jazz concerts and educational programs, including the International Jazz Day 2025 “All-Star” Global Concert, which will be broadcast internationally from Etihad Arena, said WAM.

"By hosting International Jazz Day for the first time in its history, Abu Dhabi is achieving a milestone that complements its selection as a UNESCO 'City of Music'. This event reaffirms our commitment to promoting cultural unity, peace, and mutual understanding, and it is an opportunity to celebrate talented and creative musicians,” WAM quoted Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak as saying.

He added that the concert, led by legendary pianist Herbie Hancock and Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, will feature a lineup of jazz, blues, classical, and hip-hop artists from around the world, including performers from the UAE, US, China, Morocco, India, and many other countries.

More artist names will be announced in the coming weeks.