RIYADH: Representatives from the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education, in coordination with the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, have signed an agreement in Paris to boost educational policies.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the signing of the agreement, which took place during the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, will be effective for five years and will play a part in the launch of joint projects between ICESCO and UNESCO, including The Arab Model Project for Quality and Excellence in Education and The Educational Leaders Training Project.
The agreement will include the scheduling of a series of regional workshops to enhance educational systems in Arab countries.
The agreement was signed by the Director General of ICESCO Salem Al-Malik, and the Director General of the UNESCO RCQE Abdulrahman Al-Mudaires, in the presence of the Kingdom’s Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization have signed a cooperation agreement with the Association of Arab Universities at the former’s headquarters in Tunis.
ALECSO Director General Mohammed Walad Amar signed the document with Amr Ezzat Salama, the secretary-general of the Association of Arab Universities. The agreement includes a comprehensive qualifications framework, the unification of joint efforts.
Agreements signed on developing educational policies at UNESCO conference
https://arab.news/ztgfe
Agreements signed on developing educational policies at UNESCO conference
- The signing of the agreement, which took place during the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, will be effective for five years
- The agreement will include the scheduling of a series of regional workshops to enhance educational systems in Arab countries
Lucia festival lights up Swedish Embassy in Riyadh
RIYADH: A celebration of light and traditional choir singing illuminated the Swedish Embassy in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter on Wednesday evening for the country’s Lucia festival.
Based on ancient pre-Christian traditions intertwined with the story of Saint Lucy, who is depicted wearing a crown of candles, the festival is cherished for bringing some respite from the dark Scandinavian winter.
The Riyadh embassy hosted a number of dignitaries and members of the Swedish community in Saudi Arabia, with catering provided by Ikea.
Swedish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Petra Menander spoke to Arab News about the significance of the festival.
“It's a very, very old tradition that leads back to our peasant times when we needed to fight the darkness with light,” she said.
“And so we actually adopted an old tradition from Italy where Lucia comes with light in her hair and that made us all feel very, very comfortable.
“And it’s something that we actually celebrate just as much as the other holidays, like Christmas or so on. It’s inescapable, at all schools, everywhere.”
Holding the festival in Riyadh was particularly special as it not only brought a glimpse of Swedish culture to Saudi Arabia, but also helped Swedish nationals living in the Kingdom reconnect with their homeland.
“I think it’s a very nice way to bring Swedish culture overseas, but it’s also a nice way of getting the Swedish community together,” said Menander.
“We just have many people who come from mixed backgrounds and they’re very happy that they can introduce their children to this tradition even if they’re living very far away from Sweden. So, it’s a very warm feeling for me.”
