Paris, October 18, 2023, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its permanent delegation to UNESCO and in collaboration with the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, actively participated in the 217th session of the UNESCO Executive Council held at the organization's headquarters in Paris. Led by Saudi Ambassador Fahd Al-Ruwaili, the delegation engaged in discussions covering various agenda items, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's commitment to leadership in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) for the greater good.
Saudi Arabia's early adoption of UNESCO's AI ethics and its advocacy for their widespread adoption were highlighted as part of the Kingdom's dedication to achieving sustainable development goals. The delegation also delved into the digital education agenda, showcasing Saudi Arabia's pioneering role in digital education within the Arab region and its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4, particularly focusing on vocational and applied education.
Furthermore, the Saudi delegation underscored UNESCO's efforts in supporting the creative economy, which aligns with sustainable development goals and contributes to the global economy. The Kingdom's collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) in launching the World Islamic Culture Indicator initiative was noted, emphasizing the aim of enhancing international cultural efforts and promoting the participation of Islamic countries in global cultural activities.
Saudi Arabia also expressed its eagerness to host the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT) in 2025, while acknowledging UNESCO's role in enhancing culture as a universal global asset. The Kingdom reiterated its support for a collaborative approach and comprehensive representation of all member states to preserve each country's autonomy in formulating and implementing domestic cultural policies.
