In a new achievement that reflects the growing role of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) in the fields of artificial intelligence and inclusive digital transformation, ALECSO's initiative entitled the “Arab Region-China Joint Laboratory on Artificial Intelligence in Special Education” has been accepted and published among the initiatives featured on the United Nations website through the AI Dialogue Partnerships Hub, part of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

ALECSO is leading this initiative in partnership with several Arab and international institutions, including Beijing Normal University, Kuwait College of Science and Technology, and Millennium@EDU Sustainable Education. The initiative also involves the Research Laboratory in Information and Communication Technologies and Electrical Engineering at the University of Tunis, as well as the  Nathra & Eshara Foundation, which supports deaf persons. This Arab–Chinese and international collaboration aims to harness artificial intelligence to advance special education and inclusive learning.

The initiative seeks to establish a shared platform for research, development, and capacity-building in AI for special education, by developing intelligent, inclusive, trustworthy, and human-centered solutions. Its objective is to improve learning opportunities for persons with disabilities and special educational needs, while promoting equitable access to quality education.  It also aims to foster innovation, facilitate knowledge exchange among partner institutions, and develop digital educational applications that address the diverse needs of learners. Particular emphasis is placed on inclusive smart learning environments, educational robotics, intelligent agents, and technologies that support communication and learning for persons with special educational needs.

The publication of this initiative on the United Nations platform is part of broader international efforts to strengthen AI governance, bridge digital and knowledge divides, and promote the responsible and ethical use of technology in support of sustainable development.

Through this initiative, ALECSO reaffirms its commitment to building more inclusive and innovative Arab education systems, as well as to leveraging artificial intelligence for the benefit of everyone, particularly those with special needs, in line with the priorities of Arab countries and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The acceptance and publication of this initiative on the United Nations website represent an international recognition of the significant efforts invested by ALECSO, together with its partners, to promote responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence and strengthen Arab–Chinese and international cooperation in education, innovation, and digital transformation.

The initiative can be accessed at:
https://www.un.org/global-dialogue-ai-governance/en/ai-dialogue-partnerships-hub