PARIS: The permanent Saudi delegation to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held a reception to mark the 40th session of UNESCO’s General Conference in Paris, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The session was held in the presence of the Saudi education minister and deputy chairman of the National Committee for UNESCO, Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh.
The session was attended by the permanent delegates of UNESCO member states and senior officials from the organization.
“Today, we see the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives coincide with UNESCO’s mission through the Kingdom’s keenness to support educational, cultural and scientific projects around the world because of its regional and international status, and its roles in strengthening relations between Arab and Islamic countries and the global agenda for sustainable development in the organization’s educational, cultural and scientific fields, Al-Asheikh said in his speech.
He affirmed the Kingdom’s continued cooperation with UNESCO member states in the fields of education, culture and science, and its continued support for the organization’s programs.
He said the Kingdom is one of the founding members of UNESCO, and the sixth country to sign the organization’s charter, on Nov. 4, 1946, upon the directives of the late King Abdul Aziz.
Saudi Arabian delegation holds UNESCO reception in Paris
Saudi Arabian delegation holds UNESCO reception in Paris
- Session attended by permanent delegates of UNESCO member states
- Hosted by Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh
Arab, Islamic youth explore Saudi heritage, holy sites, progress
- Participants in Holy Sites Journey program tour Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, witnessing world-class pilgrim services
JEDDAH: The 11th Holy Sites Journey Program recently concluded in Jeddah, with more than 114 youth from 33 Arab and Islamic countries participating.
The 10-day program was organized by the Ministry of Sport, in cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States.
Participants traveled across Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, exploring sacred sites, performing Umrah, and witnessing the Kingdom’s exemplary Hajj organizational practices.
They also visited historical landmarks, experienced modern sports facilities, and observed urban development projects, gaining insights into Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, spirituality, and progress.
At a closing event in Jeddah on Thursday, Ahmed Al-Ghamlas, assistant deputy minister of sports for youth affairs, praised the participants and emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to hosting programs that empower the next generation.
He also encouraged those taking part to serve, on returning to their home countries, as ambassadors conveying the Kingdom’s advancements in services for pilgrims.
Al-Ghamlas added: “The program aimed to strengthen cultural and youth communication between Arab and Islamic countries, highlight the Kingdom's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims, and empower youth by building their capabilities.”
Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, assistant secretary-general for humanitarian, cultural, and social affairs at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in organizing the program for young people from Arab and Muslim countries, noting it as a step to promote cultural dialogue among youth from Islamic nations.
Participants expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the journey, witness the Kingdom’s transformative projects and world-class facilities, and pledged to share the knowledge, experiences, and insights they gained with peers in their home countries.
Bilal Jabiro, head of the Syrian Ministry of Youth delegation, told Arab News: “It was a great journey, and I enjoyed every minute of it. We sincerely thank Saudi Arabia for giving us this opportunity to strengthen our ties with youth from other Islamic nations and to see firsthand the great services and facilities the Kingdom offers to visitors and pilgrims.”
Youssef Issa Al-Sharifi, a member of the Supreme Council for Algerian Youth, praised the program’s objectives, saying: “Participation is an opportunity for every Arab Muslim.”
Meanwhile, Hussain Saeed from Oman told Arab News that he was happy to see the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques, adding: “It was a very informative and educational journey.”
Syrian influencer Azam Al-Khaldi said the program combined worship, knowledge, and history.
“It was an amazing journey, and I had the pleasure of showing my followers every step of the 10-day program,” he added.
