Al-Ajami: "Arab League Continues Efforts to Eradicate Illiteracy"

Dr. Farag Al-Ajami, Director of the Department of Education, Science, and Research at the Arab League, reaffirmed the League's commitment to combating illiteracy across the Arab world in his opening speech at the second Arab Forum on Adult Education and Lifelong Learning. He highlighted the launch of the "Second Arab Decade for Literacy and Lifelong Learning 2025-2034," which was approved by the League's Economic and Social Council.

Al-Ajami stated that the new decade represents a roadmap aimed at moving beyond basic literacy to empowering individuals and creating learning communities that contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.

The forum, which runs until September 17, 2025, is being held at the League of Arab States’ headquarters in Cairo. It brings together experts and specialists from various Arab countries to discuss strategies for improving adult education and enhancing lifelong learning opportunities in the region.

Al-Ajami emphasized that illiteracy today is no longer limited to a lack of reading and writing skills but also includes functional, digital, and cultural illiteracy. This broader form of illiteracy hinders individuals from actively participating in social, economic, and political life. He stressed that the new decade builds upon the first Arab Decade for Literacy (2015-2024), while considering regional and international changes, as well as crises that hindered the full achievement of the initial goals.

Concluding his remarks, Al-Ajami underscored that adult education and lifelong learning are both a strategic and civilizational project, one that invests in human capital as the true wealth of the nation and the key to a more stable and prosperous Arab future.