Jeddah: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in partnership with the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, organized a celebration on Wednesday to mark World Arabic Language Day in Jeddah, featuring participation from Kuwait.
According to Kuwait News Agency, OIC Secretary General Hussein Taha, in an address delivered on his behalf, emphasized the initiative's aim to foster cooperation with Saudi institutions and member states to elevate the status of the Arabic language. Samir Bakr, Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Jerusalem Affairs, highlighted that collaboration with the academy has led to successful training courses for non-native Arabic speakers and multiple joint celebrations hosted at the Secretariat.
Bakr further explained that the event underscores the importance of practical cooperation with specialized bodies, especially the academy, to focus on capacity building and effective training programs for beneficiaries from member states. Saleh Al-Washmi, Secretary General of the academy, through remarks by Deputy Secretary General Ibrahim Abanami, noted that the partnership with OIC has resulted in initiatives including seminars and training programs benefiting teachers and learners across member states.
Al-Washmi added that the collaboration has extended into knowledge and research fields, producing studies that monitor linguistic realities in OIC countries. This partnership is seen as a critical support for language initiatives and the development of educational policies to enhance the presence of Arabic.
Eid Al-Dhafeeri, Chairman of the Board of the Kuwait Arabic Language Association, affirmed Kuwait's strong commitment to Arabic education, describing it as a fundamental subject at all educational levels. He emphasized the importance of having qualified, scientifically and pedagogically competent teachers. Al-Dhafeeri also highlighted Kuwait's efforts, through the Ministry of Education, to modernize curricula while preserving cultural and linguistic heritage, and initiatives promoting reading, dialogue, and writing skills.
The Kuwaiti delegation included Deputy Chairman Ahmad Al-Harbi and Reham Al-Fouzan, with attendance from Consul General Yousef Al-Tunaib and Counselor Turki Al-Daihani, demonstrating Kuwait's ongoing support for Arabic language initiatives on both regional and international platforms.