IsDB President Meets UNESCO Chief in Paris

President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Dr. Mohammed Al Jasser met with Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Dr. Khaled El-Enany in Paris on September 18, 2026, to discuss strengthening strategic cooperation between the two institutions. The meeting, reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), focused on areas of common interest and ways to enhance collaboration in education, science, culture, and sustainable development.

Context and Background

The IsDB Group, headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is a multilateral development bank that fosters economic development and social progress in its member countries and Muslim communities worldwide. UNESCO, based in Paris, is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting international collaboration in education, the sciences, and culture. Both institutions share a commitment to advancing sustainable development and improving lives, making their partnership a natural fit for addressing global challenges.

Saudi Arabia has long been a strong supporter of both organizations, and this meeting underscores the Kingdom’s role in facilitating international dialogue and cooperation. The discussions between Dr. Al Jasser and Dr. El-Enany are part of ongoing efforts to align development financing with cultural and educational initiatives, which are key drivers of economic growth and social stability.

Key Details

During the meeting, Dr. Al Jasser and Dr. El-Enany explored avenues to strengthen strategic cooperation between the IsDB Group and UNESCO. While specific initiatives were not disclosed, the talks likely covered joint programs in education, capacity building, cultural heritage preservation, and scientific research. Such collaboration could leverage the IsDB’s financial resources and UNESCO’s technical expertise to implement impactful projects in member countries.

The meeting reflects the IsDB’s broader strategy to partner with international organizations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to quality education, decent work, and economic growth. For UNESCO, partnering with a major development bank like the IsDB offers opportunities to scale up its programs and reach underserved communities.

This high-level engagement also highlights Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts to promote multilateralism and international solidarity. The Kingdom has consistently supported UNESCO’s mission, including through financial contributions and advocacy for cultural heritage protection.

Implications and Impact

A strengthened partnership between the IsDB and UNESCO could have far-reaching implications for developing countries, especially in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. By combining resources, the two organizations can address critical gaps in education infrastructure, vocational training, and cultural preservation. This collaboration may also facilitate knowledge sharing and innovation, helping countries harness their cultural and human capital for sustainable development.

For Saudi Arabia, this meeting reinforces its position as a bridge between the developed and developing world. It aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the promotion of moderate values. By supporting such partnerships, Saudi Arabia contributes to global stability and prosperity.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This development is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly its goals to diversify the economy, empower youth through education, and enhance international partnerships. The Kingdom’s active role in fostering dialogue between the IsDB and UNESCO demonstrates its commitment to being a global leader in sustainable development and cultural diplomacy. As Vision 2030 progresses, such collaborations will play a vital role in creating a more connected and prosperous world.

20 Questions

Q1. Who met with UNESCO Director-General Dr. Khaled El-Enany?

A1. Dr. Mohammed Al Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, met with Dr. Khaled El-Enany. The meeting took place in Paris on September 18, 2026, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q2. What was the main purpose of the meeting?

A2. The meeting aimed to discuss issues of common interest and explore ways to strengthen strategic cooperation between the IsDB Group and UNESCO. Both leaders focused on enhancing collaboration in areas like education, science, and culture.

Q3. Where did the meeting take place?

A3. The meeting took place in Paris, France, where UNESCO is headquartered. Paris is a central hub for international diplomacy and cultural exchange, making it a fitting location for such high-level discussions.

Q4. When did the meeting occur?

A4. The meeting occurred on September 18, 2026, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency on September 19, 2026. This timing reflects ongoing efforts to advance international cooperation and sustainable development.

Q5. What is the IsDB Group?

A5. The Islamic Development Bank Group is a multilateral development bank based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It promotes economic development and social progress in member countries and Muslim communities worldwide through financing and technical assistance.

Q6. What is UNESCO?

A6. UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, based in Paris. It works to promote international collaboration in education, the sciences, and culture to contribute to peace and sustainable development.

Q7. How does this meeting benefit Saudi Arabia?

A7. The meeting reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a facilitator of international cooperation. It aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of enhancing global partnerships and promoting sustainable development, thereby boosting its global standing.

Q8. What are the key areas of potential cooperation?

A8. Key areas include education, scientific research, cultural heritage preservation, and capacity building. These align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly quality education and decent work for economic growth.

Q9. Did the meeting result in any agreements?

A9. The meeting focused on discussions to strengthen strategic cooperation, but no specific agreements were announced. Both parties expressed commitment to exploring joint initiatives that leverage their respective strengths.

Q10. Why is this meeting important for developing countries?

A10. It could lead to joint programs that address critical gaps in education and cultural preservation in developing countries. By combining resources, the IsDB and UNESCO can implement impactful projects for sustainable development.

Q11. What is Saudi Arabia’s role in the IsDB?

A11. Saudi Arabia is a founding member and the largest shareholder of the IsDB. The Kingdom hosts the bank’s headquarters in Jeddah and supports its mission to foster economic development in member countries.

Q12. How does UNESCO contribute to global development?

A12. UNESCO promotes education, science, and culture to build peace and sustainable development. It leads global efforts in literacy, heritage conservation, and scientific cooperation, benefiting communities worldwide.

Q13. What is the significance of the meeting location being Paris?

A13. Paris is UNESCO’s headquarters and a global center for diplomacy. Holding the meeting there underscores the importance of international collaboration and UNESCO’s role in fostering global partnerships.

Q14. How does this meeting align with Vision 2030?

A14. Vision 2030 emphasizes international cooperation, education, and cultural exchange. The meeting supports these goals by strengthening partnerships that promote sustainable development and enhance Saudi Arabia’s global engagement.

Q15. What might be the next steps after this meeting?

A15. Next steps could include drafting joint action plans, identifying pilot projects, and mobilizing resources. Both organizations are likely to continue dialogue to formalize areas of cooperation.

Q16. Who is Dr. Mohammed Al Jasser?

A16. Dr. Mohammed Al Jasser is the President of the Islamic Development Bank Group. He has extensive experience in economics and development finance, leading the IsDB’s efforts to support member countries.

Q17. Who is Dr. Khaled El-Enany?

A17. Dr. Khaled El-Enany is the Director-General of UNESCO. He is an Egyptian archaeologist and former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and promoting education worldwide.

Q18. How does the IsDB support education?

A18. The IsDB finances educational infrastructure, scholarships, and vocational training in member countries. It partners with organizations like UNESCO to improve access to quality education and enhance human capital development.

Q19. What are the Sustainable Development Goals relevant to this partnership?

A19. Relevant SDGs include SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The IsDB-UNESCO collaboration aims to advance these globally.

Q20. How does this meeting reflect Saudi Arabia’s global engagement?

A20. It showcases Saudi Arabia’s proactive diplomacy and commitment to multilateralism. By facilitating such high-level discussions, the Kingdom demonstrates its role as a global leader in sustainable development and cultural diplomacy.

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