The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the Virtual Informal Regional Consultation of Arab Region and Western Asia, held by the State of Qatar, the Education Above All Foundation in Qatar, and the United Nations, in preparation for the “Transforming Education Summit 2022,” to be held in New York next September. The meeting brought together ministers of education, representatives of ministries, international organizations, and civil society from 23 countries in the Arab region and West Asia.

The meeting took place on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, and was chaired by Mrs. Buthaina Bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Qatari Minister of Education and Higher Education. In their interventions during the meeting, the participants emphasized the importance of ensuring education, pointing out that the Summit will take place at an opportune time when the world is adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and recovering from its aftermaths, and where their countries are exerting tireless efforts to transform their education systems and taking various measures to cope with the crisis.

For her part, Dr. Boly Barry Koumbou, Head of ICESCO’s Education Sector, underscored the need for international cooperation and solidarity with marginalized groups, noting the Organization’s efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and transforming education. She also presented an action plan for organizing a high-level international forum on guaranteeing girls’ right to education, on the sidelines of the Transforming Education Summit in New York.

The meeting saw the participation of Mrs. Amira Fadel, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and a host of experts at ICESCO’s Education Sector.