As part of its ongoing efforts to support digital transformation in education and promote innovation in educational systems across the Arab world, the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) convened a high-level (virtual) coordination meeting on April 14, 2026. 

The meeting was dedicated to launching the implementation phase of the “Skills for Innovation (SFI)” project, a strategic step toward empowering Arab teachers and leading digital transformation. The project is implemented in partnership with Intel and several international partners. 

The meeting was supervised by ALECSO’s ICT Department, and saw the participation of Focal Points from several Arab countries, including Bahrain, Egypt, Mauritania, Oman, Lebanon, Morocco, Iraq, Somalia, and the State of Palestine.

Participants reviewed progress achieved in the preparatory phase, notably the development of training content and its translation into Arabic and French. A comprehensive vision of the program was also presented, positioning it as an integrated pathway for teacher development, based on adapting to technology, fostering creativity, and building a leadership mindset. 

The implementation roadmap was also outlined, covering key phases including qualification, expansion, empowerment, and motivation. In addition, the meeting highlighted the launch of the “Innovative Teacher” initiative, designed to promote creative teaching practices. Plans were also discussed for regional and national training workshops, along with communication strategies to enhance outreach and teacher engagement.

The pivotal role of Focal Points was emphasized, particularly in coordinating with relevant national authorities, facilitating teacher registration, monitoring implementation progress, and developing context-specific national plans, thereby achieving a tangible and sustainable impact on Arab educational systems. These efforts aim to ensure the project delivers tangible and sustainable impact on Arab educational systems.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Mohamed Jemni, Director of ICT at ALECSO, underlined the strategic importance of the “Skills for Innovation” project in light of rapid digital transformations. He stressed that advancing education in the Arab world fundamentally depends on empowering teachers and redefining their role. He reviewed key achievements of the preparatory phase, including the development and translation of training content. He also presented the program’s vision and pathways for developing digital and creative skills, and outlined the implementation roadmap and the “Innovative Teacher” initiative. He reaffirmed ALECSO’s commitment to supporting Member States in ensuring the project’s success and long-term impact.

The project builds on the launch of the Arabic version of the “Skills for Innovation” program, introduced by ALECSO in collaboration with its international partners on June 25, 2025. The program aims to empower teachers with future-ready skills, foster critical and creative thinking, and strengthen their ability to effectively integrate technology into education, thereby preparing generations to innovate and contribute to the development of knowledge-based societies.