Ashraf AboArafe
The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) signed in Paris yesterday a strategic partnership agreement with UNESCO at the organization’s headquarters, with the aim of promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for students in Arab countries, in coordination with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, as this represents… The partnership is a pivotal moment in the advancement of innovation, creativity and scientific excellence in the Arab region.
Mawhibah Foundation was represented at the signing of the agreement by the Deputy Secretary-General for Business Development and Communication, Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Sabeel, while UNESCO was represented by the Assistant Director-General of UNESCO for Natural Sciences, Dr. Lydia Arthur Brito, in the presence of the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of France and the Emirate of Monaco, and the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative in charge to UNESCO, Fahd bin Mayouf. Al-Ruwaili, and the delegation accompanying both sides.
For her part, the Secretary-General of the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), Dr. Amal bint Abdullah Al-Hazza, expressed the Foundation’s great honor in partnering with UNESCO, stressing the shared commitment to empowering students in Arab countries and promoting sustainable development through education and innovation.
She stressed the importance of this cooperation within the framework of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, noting the Kingdom’s progress under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect them – in the scientific and research fields. And the whole academy.
For her part, Dr. Lydia Arthur Brito expressed her happiness at signing this strategic partnership with (Mawhiba), as it addresses an important aspect of UNESCO’s work in the field of science, indicating that this partnership aims to provide young people with the necessary knowledge and capabilities, and motivate them to use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to confront… Global challenges.
She explained that the experience gained by Mawhiba in working with youth in the Kingdom will help in exchanging these experiences, with the possibility of expanding to Africa and other parts of the world for the sake of sustainable development goals.
The strategic partnership aims to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education for students from sixth to twelfth grade in Arab countries, with a focus on improving their scientific knowledge, developing their creativity, and enhancing critical thinking, while special attention will be given to empowering Arab young men and women to ensure that they have equal opportunities to excel. In the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The electronic platform Mawhiba Oasis and UNESCO for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics forms the focus of this initiative, as it serves as a global platform for national, local and international exhibitions. It aims to provide valuable opportunities for Arab students to showcase their talents and gain international recognition, in addition to implementing immediate assessments of middle and high schools in Arab countries to raise education and infrastructure standards.
Recognizing the pivotal role of teachers, the partnership will focus on training Arab science teachers to lead research and guide students in science projects, enhancing the overall quality of STEM education, and enhancing public understanding of STEM through targeted training programs, especially for pre-primary children and young women. To ensure inclusiveness and accessibility of STEM education in Arab countries.
With this agreement, Mawhiba will be able to expand the use of the UNESCO Open Science Portal and the UNESCO Science to Innovation Network to build the capabilities of students and women scientists in STEM education globally, as over the past three years Mawhiba has supported 839 students from Arab countries through educational programs. Enriched in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which is considered the beginning of regional cooperation and development in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
This partnership emphasizes Mawhiba’s pioneering role in discovering talent and empowering students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics locally and internationally. It also represents a shared vision to create opportunities for all students in Arab countries to excel in these fields, and to promote a culture of scientific research and technological progress that will benefit the entire Arab region.
Through cooperation with UNESCO, Mawhiba aims to strengthen its ability to confront global challenges such as climate change, health and technology, while this partnership aims to inspire young Arab minds to pursue career paths in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and provide them with access to advanced research and resources through initiatives. Such as the UNESCO Open Science Portal.
The partnership between Mawhiba and UNESCO indicates a shared commitment to a brighter future, dedicated to building capabilities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to support sustainable development, as the two sides seek, by working together, to create an environment that enables every young man and woman to flourish and innovate, and contribute to serving the global community. This initiative also highlights the importance of investing in the future and ensuring that every Arab child has the opportunity to explore, experience, and excel in science and technology.
