Salalah: The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) is hosting its inaugural regional forum focused on education, culture, and science in the Wilayat of Salalah, located in the Governorate of Dhofar.
This three-day forum is organized by the Ministry of Education, represented by the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture, and Sciences.
The event is being held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Compound for Culture and Entertainment, featuring participation from experts and specialists across GCC states.
The opening ceremony took place under the patronage of Dr. Ahmed Mohsen Al Ghassani, the Chairman of Dhofar Municipality.
Dr. Humaid Saif Al Nofali, ALECSO’s Director of Culture, delivered a speech emphasizing that the forum reflects the directives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
He noted that the forum underscores the organization’s commitment to integrating culture and the arts into educational systems, which is considered a crucial foundation for societal development, strengthening identity, and fostering values of understanding and coexistence.
Additionally, Badr Suleiman Al Harthy, Assistant Secretary of the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, stated in his address that the forum aims to enhance the frameworks for “cultural and arts education” within the educational systems of GCC states, while also promoting innovation, talent development, and the values of cooperation and belonging.
The first day of the forum featured an introduction to the “UNESCO Framework for Education in Culture and Arts,” along with the ALECSO Framework for Education in Culture and the Arts.
The sessions also addressed the governance of cultural policies, the impact of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in this domain, and the methods for incorporating cultural and artistic education into educational programs, as well as the contribution of museums to broadening educational opportunities. The first day of the forum wrapped up with a discussion session named "Guides for activating the role of education in promoting culture and the arts".
This session offered an overview of reference materials for school theatre, music education, and visual arts education.
