Paris, October 15, 2024 – Saudi Arabia is actively participating in the 220th session of the UNESCO Executive Board, which commenced its opening sessions at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris. The Saudi delegation is represented by its permanent delegation to UNESCO and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, alongside other national entities. This important session will continue until October 23, 2024.
The Kingdom’s delegation is headed by His Excellency Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to France and Monaco, and the acting permanent delegate to UNESCO. During the opening sessions, Al-Ruwaili delivered a speech to the member states of the board, with notable figures in attendance, including the chairperson of the Executive Board, the president of UNESCO’s General Conference, and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
In his speech, Al-Ruwaili highlighted Saudi Arabia’s continuous humanitarian efforts, particularly in collaboration with regional and global partners, to address the deteriorating situation in Gaza and Lebanon. He emphasized the Kingdom's urgent call for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians and vital infrastructure in the region. Al-Ruwaili reiterated the importance of preventing further violence and advocated for a just and comprehensive solution that ensures long-term security and stability for all affected parties. He also stressed the significance of implementing UNESCO’s relevant resolutions and acknowledged the organization’s essential role in promoting peace through education, culture, and science.
Additionally, Al-Ruwaili referred to the Global AI Summit held in Riyadh in September 2024, where Saudi Arabia made significant strides in AI development. During the summit, a trilateral agreement was signed between the Saudi government, UNESCO, and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE). This landmark agreement accredited ICAIRE as a UNESCO Category 2 Center, a testament to Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to advancing artificial intelligence and supporting sustainable development through global cooperation.
In conclusion, Al-Ruwaili underscored Saudi Arabia’s dedication to supporting joint efforts that align with UNESCO’s core mission of promoting global peace, protecting cultural heritage, and fostering international collaboration in education, culture, and science.
