Tunis: The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) has urged the adoption of an "Arab Smart Learning Strategy" to address the persistent issue of illiteracy in Arab countries. This initiative aims to enhance awareness, strengthen adult education, promote lifelong learning, and integrate artificial intelligence to achieve these objectives.
According to Kuwait News Agency, ALECSO issued a statement on Arab Literacy Day, highlighting the ongoing challenges of illiteracy despite efforts by various stakeholders. The organization emphasized that millions of illiterate individuals still reside in Arab countries, contributing significantly to the global illiterate population.
ALECSO's theme for this year, "From Alphabet to Digital: The Artificial Intelligence Revolution in the Service of Arab Knowledge," aligns with its intellectual approach. The organization advocates for the renewal of literacy mechanisms through technological advancements to tackle illiteracy effectively.
The statement further elaborated on the need for practical solutions to address the root causes of illiteracy, such as poverty, inadequate educational infrastructure, limited access to quality education, and geographic barriers. ALECSO highlighted the potential of virtual education and AI-supported digital platforms to provide personalized educational content, using local dialects and intelligent diagnostic tools to preemptively address school dropout risks.
Additionally, ALECSO emphasized the incorporation of game-based learning applications into literacy programs to motivate adults to engage in continuous learning through smartphones, while advocating for enhanced Arab cooperation to transform the "digital divide" into a "knowledge bridge."
The organization also noted that reading and writing form the foundation, with artificial intelligence serving as a modern tool for sustainable Arab development. Reports by UNESCO and national authorities indicate that countries adopting distance learning platforms during and after the COVID-19 pandemic have seen quicker reductions in illiteracy rates, particularly among youth aged 15 to 24.
ALECSO reiterated that Arab countries are working towards reducing the illiteracy rate to below five percent by 2030, within the framework of the Second Arab Decade for the Eradication of Illiteracy (2025-2034). The success of this goal hinges on the responsible application of artificial intelligence, which has emerged as a vital driver of learning.