As part of strengthening cooperation for the promotion of science, scientific research and knowledge, ALECSO (Science and Scientific Research Department) held, on July 13-14, 2023 at its headquarters in Tunis, a high-level workshop entitled : “The Red Sea : Science and Environment Towards Sustainable Investment”.
Through this workshop, ALECSO sought to highlight the vital economic importance of the Red Sea, with its attractive geographic location, its significant contribution to the economies of the riparian countries, and its important role in the global movement of trade, including oil and gas, especially with the advent of the “Blue Economy” concept. “Blue Economy” refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.
Participants in the workshop included experts and specialists from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Sudan, Egypt, Yemen, and Switzerland, representatives from the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States and from institutions and centers concerned with the Red Sea, along with academics, media professionals, and researchers in the field of environmental and marine sciences and other related sciences.
The opening session of the workshop was attended by a number of Arab ambassadors and other dignitaries. Dr. Mohammed Sanad Abu Darwish, Director of the Science and Scientific Research Department, welcomed all participants, including executive directors, academics, scholars, and experts from Arab scientific, research, academic, and investment institutions.
In his opening statement, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, stressed that “comprehensive and sustainable development is a societal project that necessarily requires bringing about changes in all economic, social and cultural fields.” “Scientific research,” he added, “is one of the key drivers of progress and development and is a means of building an active citizen who is capable of solving problems and tackling difficulties facing society.” He reviewed, in this regard, ALECSO’s efforts to help some Arab countries draw up their science and technology policies to achieve social promotion and meet development needs. He also highlighted the Organization’s efforts to spread the culture of scientific research and to develop an Arab platform for the transfer and localization of scientific and technological knowledge, as a contribution to building a sustainable Arab economy based on scientific research and innovation, and promoting economic and social well-being for Arab States by 2030.
The representative of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States extended thanks and gratitude to H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Omar, Director-General ALECSO, and congratulated him on his re-election to this position for a second term. He commended, on this occasion, the fruitful cooperation between ALECSO and the League of Arab States .
The two-day workshop featured rich presentations on the vital importance of the Red Sea. It also discussed a roadmap for future cooperation, and came out with a number of recommendations that will be implemented jointly with the relevant parties.
The workshop concluded with a field visit to Honoris-Tunisia Complex.
