**Headline:** “Saudi Arabia Champions UNESCO Initiatives”

**Intro:**
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to global education, culture, and humanitarian action at UNESCO’s 219th Executive Board session in Paris (March 19-27). Led by Ambassador Fahd Al-Ruwaili, the delegation highlighted Gaza crisis interventions, $10M cultural heritage projects, education milestones, and Riyadh’s successful Expo 2030 bid to foster international collaboration.

**Factbox:**
– **Event:** 219th UNESCO Executive Board session, Paris (March 19-27, 2024).
– **Key Speaker:** Ambassador Fahd Al-Ruwaili, Saudi envoy to UNESCO.
– **Initiatives:** $10M cultural preservation fund, 3 Saudi cities added to UNESCO Learning Network, Expo 2030 host.
– **Focus:** Urgent Gaza aid, heritage conservation, global education partnerships.

**Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Global Cooperation at UNESCO Executive Board Session in Paris**
*Riyadh, March 19, 2024* — Saudi Arabia marked its influential role at the 219th session of UNESCO’s Executive Board in Paris this week, with high-level discussions focused on humanitarian crises, cultural preservation, and educational innovation. Led by Ambassador Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili, the Kingdom’s delegation emphasized multilateral collaboration to address global challenges.

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### **Urgent Call for Humanitarian Action in Gaza**
Ambassador Al-Ruwaili opened Saudi Arabia’s interventions by addressing the escalating crisis in Gaza. He condemned Israel’s military aggression and violations of international law, urging UNESCO to amplify its efforts to protect civilians and alleviate suffering.
> *“Saudi Arabia stands firmly with its regional and international partners to halt this aggression and uphold the principles of justice and human dignity,”* Al-Ruwaili stated, reiterating the Kingdom’s call for an immediate ceasefire and sustained humanitarian aid.

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### **Celebrating Saudi-UNESCO Cultural Partnerships**
The Ambassador highlighted the Kingdom’s deepening ties with UNESCO, spotlighting the *“Earthen Testaments”* exhibition at UNESCO headquarters. This showcase, timed with Saudi Founding Day celebrations, celebrated Diriyah’s legacy, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Al-Turaif district.

Key collaborative efforts include:
– A **$10 million Fund-in-Trust Agreement** to preserve global cultural heritage across six UNESCO Culture Conventions.
– Advocacy for cultural inclusion during Saudi Arabia’s **G20 Presidency (2020)**, with ongoing support from subsequent host nations.

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### **Education: Expanding Global Learning Networks**
Saudi Arabia’s strides in education took center stage, with three cities newly joining the **UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities**, raising the Kingdom’s total to five. Additionally, the nation now holds leadership roles in:
– The **UNESCO Sustainable Development Goal 4 High-Level Steering Committee**, driving quality education initiatives.
– A specialized subcommittee focused on **data and monitoring** to track global educational progress.

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### **Expo 2030: A Vision for Global Unity**
Ambassador Al-Ruwaili celebrated Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host **Expo 2030 in Riyadh**, thanking the international community for their trust.
> *“This expo will be a platform for uniting cultures, sciences, and innovations, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s vision for a collaborative future,”* he affirmed.

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### **Looking Ahead**
As the UNESCO sessions continue until March 27, Saudi Arabia remains poised to advance its partnerships in education, culture, and science. The Kingdom’s participation underscores its strategic role in shaping global policies and fostering sustainable development.

*For ongoing updates on Saudi Arabia’s initiatives at UNESCO, follow the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science.*

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**Tags:** UNESCO, Saudi Arabia, Gaza Crisis, Cultural Heritage, Education Reform, Expo 2030
**Categories:** Global Affairs, Culture, Education, Diplomacy

**FAQs: Saudi Arabia’s Participation in UNESCO’s 219th Executive Board Session**

1. **What was the primary focus of Saudi Arabia’s address at UNESCO’s 219th Executive Board session?**
Saudi Arabia emphasized halting Israeli aggression in Gaza, preserving cultural heritage, advancing education initiatives, and fostering global cooperation through UNESCO partnerships, including Expo 2030 preparations.

2. **Who represented Saudi Arabia at the UNESCO Executive Board meeting in Paris?**
Ambassador Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO and Ambassador to France and Monaco, led the delegation.

3. **How did Saudi Arabia address the Gaza crisis during the UNESCO session?**
Ambassador Al-Ruwaili urged UNESCO to intensify efforts to stop Israeli aggression and violations of international law, highlighting Saudi-led humanitarian initiatives to alleviate civilian suffering.

4. **What cultural projects did Saudi Arabia showcase at UNESCO headquarters?**
The “Earthen Testaments” exhibition featured Diriyah’s heritage, including the UNESCO-listed Al-Turaif district, commemorating Saudi Founding Day and cultural preservation efforts.

5. **What is the $10 million Fund-in-Trust Agreement between Saudi Arabia and UNESCO?**
This joint initiative supports cultural heritage preservation across six UNESCO Culture Conventions, aiming to build a dynamic global cultural ecosystem through research and restoration.

6. **How did Saudi Arabia’s G20 presidency influence UNESCO’s cultural agenda?**
In 2020, Saudi Arabia prioritized cultural inclusion during its G20 presidency, a commitment upheld by subsequent presidencies to integrate culture into global development frameworks.

7. **Which Saudi cities joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2024?**
Three cities were added, bringing Saudi Arabia’s total to five, though specific names weren’t disclosed. These cities promote lifelong learning and sustainable development.

8. **What role does Saudi Arabia hold in UNESCO’s SDG4 Steering Committee?**
The Kingdom holds leadership membership, focusing on data and monitoring to advance equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities globally.

9. **How does Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO collaboration align with Vision 2030?**
Initiatives like heritage preservation, education reforms, and Expo 2030 align with Vision 2030’s goals to diversify the economy and enhance international cultural ties.

10. **What was the significance of Saudi Arabia’s Expo 2030 win?**
Hosting Expo 2030 in Riyadh reflects global trust in Saudi Arabia’s ability to foster cross-cultural collaboration in science, innovation, and sustainable development.

11. **Which UNESCO World Heritage Site was highlighted in Saudi Arabia’s exhibition?**
The Al-Turaif district in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, was showcased for its historical and architectural significance.

12. **How does Saudi Arabia contribute to UNESCO’s education sector?**
Beyond Learning Cities, the Kingdom engages in UNESCO’s SDG4 committee, promoting policy reforms, teacher training, and digital education accessibility.

13. **What future initiatives were announced during Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO address?**
Plans include expanding cultural preservation projects, enhancing education networks, and leveraging Expo 2030 to drive global innovation and partnership-building.

14. **Why is Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage preservation critical to UNESCO?**
The Kingdom’s efforts, like Diriyah’s restoration, exemplify best practices in safeguarding universal heritage, aligning with UNESCO’s mission to protect global cultural diversity.

15. **How does Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO engagement impact its international standing?**
Active participation underscores Saudi Arabia’s role as a key global partner in education, culture, and humanitarian advocacy, strengthening its diplomatic and soft power influence.

**CTA (Llamado a la Acción):**
Únase a la conversación global y descubra más sobre las iniciativas de Arabia Saudita en educación, cultura y cooperación internacional. Visite el sitio web de la Delegación Permanente de Arabia Saudita ante la UNESCO o siga sus redes sociales para mantenerse informado sobre proyectos innovadores, oportunidades de colaboración y avances hacia un futuro sostenible e inclusivo. ¡Su participación puede marcar la diferencia!

**Conclusión:**
La participación activa de Arabia Saudita en la UNESCO refleja su compromiso inquebrantable con los valores de la educación, la ciencia y la cultura como pilares para construir sociedades resilientes y pacíficas. Desde su liderazgo en la defensa de los derechos humanos en Gaza hasta su inversión en la preservación del patrimonio cultural y su impulso a ciudades educativas, el Reino demuestra que la cooperación multilateral es clave para enfrentar los desafíos globales. Con la próxima organización del Expo 2030 en Riad, Arabia Saudita no solo consolida su posición como puente entre civilizaciones, sino que también reafirma su visión de un mundo donde la innovación y el diálogo trascienden fronteras.

**Agradecimiento:**
La Delegación de Arabia Saudita ante la UNESCO extiende su gratitud a los estados miembros, socios estratégicos y a la propia organización por su apoyo continuo a las iniciativas del Reino. Reconocemos especialmente el trabajo conjunto con comunidades locales, expertos internacionales y líderes culturales que hacen posible avanzar hacia un futuro donde la diversidad y el conocimiento se celebran como motores del progreso humano. Juntos, seguiremos tejiendo redes de esperanza y acción para las generaciones venideras.