As part of the “ALECSO Talks” series, the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) hosted, on October 10, 2024, an event featuring a lecture by HRH Princess Basma bint Ali, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Hashemite Fund for the Development of the Jordan Badia and Founder of the Royal Botanic Garden.
Princess Basma was received, at ALECSO headquarters, by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, in the presence of several ambassadors accredited to Tunisia, and notable personalities.
At the beginning of the event, Dr. Mohamed Sanad Abu Darwish, Director of Science and Scientific Research, welcomed the esteemed guest and expressed deep gratitude to her for accepting ALECSO’s invitation to this event, and for granting the Organization the honor of hosting a prominent Arab figure, recognized for her significant intellectual and scientific contributions.
In his statement on this occasion, the Director-General of ALECSO welcomed Princess Basma and the distinguished guests. He underlined the importance of enhancing the role of scientific research in addressing Arab development issues. He highlighted the need to boost creativity and innovation, encourage young Arab researchers, and foster the leading role of Arab women researchers in serving their societies. He also stressed the necessity to raise environmental awareness for the protection and sustainable use of natural resources, and to promote the culture of scientific research.
Princess Basma bint Ali then delivered a lecture titled : “The Role of the Royal Botanical Garden in Preserving Natural Vegetation Amid Climate Change,” in which she highlighted the vital need for increased efforts to protect the Planet and ensure its sustainability amid the current environmental and climatic challenges.
The invitation of Princess Basma is part of the “ALECSO Talks” series, held by the Organization in recognition of the contributions of prominent figures, including decision-makers, intellectuals and scholars from the Arab world and beyond, to the fields of education, culture, science, and others. The event features lectures by prominent figures addressing educational, scientific, cultural and developmental issues of concern to the Arab region and the world.
HRH Princess Basma bint Ali was designated, in 2022, as FAO Regional Goodwill Ambassador for the Near East and North Africa . She received several honors and awards, including the “Order of the State Centennial” in 2022, and the “Henry Shaw Medal” by the Missouri Botanical Garden for her pioneering work in raising awareness about the importance of conserving native plants and protecting the environment. In 1998, she became the first Arab woman to receive the title of “Hero for the Planet” from Time magazine.
