Arab Network for Literacy and Adult Education Launches a New Phase Under Promising Arab Leadership and Honors Its Historical Figures
Cairo /
The Arab Network for Literacy and Adult Education concluded the proceedings of its historic General Assembly in Cairo, Egypt, amid high-level Arab, regional, and international participation. This reflected the network’s growing stature and its pivotal role in supporting education and lifelong learning issues across the Arab world.
In a speech marked by pride and responsibility, Mr. Nagi Mansour Ahmed Ibrahim, President of the Arab Network for Literacy and Adult Education, affirmed that this session represents “a genuine recognition of the scale of challenges facing education in the Arab region, and at the same time a phase of belief in the ability of joint Arab action to build a more just and equitable future in education.”
He added that the network “is entering today a new era based on the rich educational and activist legacy built by pioneers, and relying on young leaderships that possess the vision and determination to continue the journey.” He noted that this year’s General Assembly was not merely an organizational meeting, but an intellectual Arab platform that boldly addressed issues of illiteracy, adult education, education financing, digital transformation, and educational justice.
Mr. Nagi Mansour Ahmed Ibrahim further emphasized that the coming phase will witness strengthened regional and international partnerships and an expanded presence of the network in education policy and sustainable development issues, contributing to consolidating the right to education and lifelong learning as one of the most important pillars of development, freedom, and social justice in the Arab world.
Historical Highlights… Passing the Torch to a New Generation
The General Assembly opened with an impactful speech by Ms. Siham Najm, former Secretary-General and founding member of the network, in which she reviewed the journey of establishing the network since its inception in 1999, emphasizing the resilience of this Arab entity despite the challenges and transformations the region has witnessed.
She also extended appreciation to Dr. Iqbal Al-Samalouti, praising her wise leadership of the network during a phase described as “critical and exceptional,” affirming that she succeeded in maintaining the continuity of the network and strengthening its Arab and international presence. She concluded by stressing that the new phase represents “the passing of the torch to a new generation capable of continuing the dream.”
Tribute to Pioneers… Dr. Iqbal Al-Samalouti Honored as Lifetime Honorary President
In a moment of appreciation and recognition, the General Assembly unanimously approved granting Dr. Iqbal Al-Samalouti the title of “Honorary Lifetime President of the Network,” in recognition of her extended contributions from 2013 to 2026, and her role in making the network a recognized Arab voice at both regional and international levels.
The event also witnessed the launch of the “Educational Policy Papers Guide” as one of the network’s most prominent recent intellectual publications, alongside the honoring ceremony.
In conclusion, the Arab Network for Literacy and Adult Education reaffirmed its commitment to continuing work toward developing educational policies, strengthening lifelong learning, and consolidating the right to education as a fundamental pillar for development, freedom, and social justice in the Arab world.