The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) took part in the 13th  Conference of Culture Ministers in the Islamic World, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and hosted by the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the city of Jeddah on February 12-13, 2025. 

ALECSO was represented by Dr. Humaid Al-Nofali, Director of Culture, accompanied by Dr. Ahmadou Habibi, Expert at the Organization.

The Conference concluded with the adoption of the Jeddah Declaration on the Impact of Culture on Social and Economic Development. The Declaration reaffirmed the importance of culture as a fundamental pillar in building societies, strengthening national identity, and driving economic and social growth, and highlighted the central role of culture in addressing many current issues.

The Declaration urged intensified efforts to protect the Islamic world’s heritage, especially in Palestine. It stressed that heritage protection is a significant responsibility that lies with the entire global community.

The Declaration stressed the importance of empowering cultural institutions to play a central role in addressing climate challenges, and the need to protect cultural properties from the adverse impacts of climate change and ensure their sustainability.

The Declaration concluded by endorsing Saudi Arabia’s bid to host MONDIACULT 2029, and commending the Document presented by the Kingdom on enhancing the restitution of cultural property.