Doha:A committee led by the State of Qatar has completed the first midterm evaluation of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) 2023-2028 Action Plan. This initiative, titled “Towards Sustainable Progress,” aims to propose improvements for the remaining period of the plan.
According to Qatar News Agency, the committee was established in May 2025 and included representatives from 11 Arab countries. Over 11 months, the committee held nine meetings to review the implementation of the action plan and recommend ways to enhance its objectives and programs.
The evaluation focused on assessing progress against set targets, proposing improvements for 2027-2028, and preparing for the next strategic plan. The methodology involved document reviews, gap analysis, lessons learned, and measurable performance indicators. The committee’s key recommendations included initiating preparations for ALECSO’s 2029-2034 Action Plan with guidance from a specialized non-profit academic or research institution and input from experts within member states.
The findings of the evaluation are intended to be incorporated into the new plan, which will also rely on input from Arab national committees. Ali Al Maarafi, ALECSO Executive Council Vice President and committee chairman, emphasized that continuous monitoring, impact assessment, and improvement are vital for strategic plans, beyond merely obtaining approval.
The committee reviewed reference documents, evaluated outcomes from the first phase (2023-2024), and considered available data for the second phase (2025-2026) while proposing practical improvements for the third phase (2027-2028). Preparations for the 2029-2034 plan were also discussed.
Al Maarafi described the initiative as a model of joint Arab action, highlighting the member states’ dedication to enhancing planning, monitoring, and evaluation practices. He expressed gratitude to all participating member states, ALECSO’s General Administration, and Arab national committees for their cooperation and support in formulating consensus-based recommendations.
The Qatar-led initiative underscores the ALECSO Executive Council’s commitment to bolstering institutional performance and strategic planning, ensuring that resources and efforts yield sustainable benefits for Arab countries and their people.