Former Directors-General

A Kuwaiti academic and education specialist specializing in educational psychology and educational foundations. Born in Kuwait on 15 December 1961, he earned a bachelor's degree in educational psychology from Kuwait University, a master's degree in educational foundations from Kuwait University and a doctorate in educational foundations from Cairo University. He held several senior positions in Kuwait's Ministry of Education, including Director of Curriculum Development and Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Research and Curricula. He was elected Director-General of ALECSO on 28 September 2017 and remained in office until Mohamed Ould Amar was elected on 29 April 2019.

A Kuwaiti academic, intellectual and writer specializing in Arabic language and heritage. Born in Kuwait in 1946, he earned a doctorate in Arabic from Kuwait University and another doctorate in philosophy and literature from Cairo University. He taught Arabic at Kuwait University and served as Kuwait's cultural attaché in Cairo and as an adviser at the Kuwait Center for Research and Studies. He was elected ALECSO Director-General in December 2012 and began his term on 1 February 2013. He died on 4 May 2017 while in office.

A Tunisian historian and politician, born in La Marsa in 1951, specializing in the urban, social and cultural history of modern Tunisia and Islamic civilization. He obtained advanced degrees in history, Islamic civilization and humanities from the University of Tunis and the Sorbonne. He held several senior positions in heritage and historical institutions, served as Minister of Culture from 2004 to 2008, and then became Director-General of ALECSO from 1 February 2009 to 1 February 2013. He has authored numerous works and studies on Tunisian history, culture and heritage.

A Tunisian academic and diplomat who held several senior responsibilities in education, culture and international relations. He served as Minister of Culture and Heritage Preservation and held diplomatic and international positions representing Tunisia. He was appointed Director-General of ALECSO on 1 February 2001 and remained in office until 1 February 2009. During his tenure, he promoted Arab cooperation in education, culture and science, educational reform and literacy initiatives.

An Algerian writer, journalist, diplomat and politician who participated in the Algerian Revolution. After independence, he held several senior positions, including adviser to President Houari Boumediene, Director-General of El Moudjahid and Algeria Press Service, Minister of Education, and Algerian ambassador to Greece, Egypt, Tunisia and UNESCO. He served as Director-General of ALECSO from 1993 to 2000 and was a member of UNESCO's Executive Board.

A prominent Iraqi educator, academic and intellectual, known for his contributions to education, adult education and literacy, as well as curriculum development. He served as Iraq's Minister of Culture and Guidance in 1963 and was President of Al-Mustansiriyah University from 1968 to 1973. He subsequently held senior positions within ALECSO before becoming Director-General from 1989 to 1992. He was also a member of the Iraqi Scientific Academy and authored works on education, psychology and adult education.

A distinguished Sudanese educator and academic, born in 1919 in Dalgo al-Mahass, Sudan. He was a pioneer of educational reform in Sudan and earned doctoral degrees in the humanities and social sciences. He worked as a UNESCO expert from 1959 to 1968 and became Sudan's Minister of Education in 1969. He headed ALECSO from 1976 to 1988, during which the organization's headquarters moved from Cairo to Tunis in 1979. He also promoted Arabic-language education and Arab educational and cultural cooperation.

A prominent Egyptian academic and educator who made significant contributions to education and science. He served as Vice-President of Cairo University's Khartoum branch, President of Alexandria University, Minister of Higher Education, and Minister of Education. He was also a member of the Arabic Language Academy. He became the first Director-General of ALECSO upon its establishment in 1970.