The Arab Open University (AOU) celebrated virtually the International Day of Education under the patronage of HRH Prince Abdul-Aziz bin Talal bin Abdul-Aziz, Chairman of AOU Board of Trustees. The event hosted a number of representatives of international organizations, such as Dr. Hejazy Idris, Acting Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in the Arab World, and Mr. Hamad Al-Saai, from Microsoft, in addition to the AOU President, Prof. Mohammad Al-Zakari, and the Senior Management of the AOU as well as a number of the University’s students.
On behalf of HRH Prince Abdul-Aziz bin Talal, Mr. Nasser Al-Qahtani, Executive Director of AGFUND, delivered a speech conveying Prince Abdul-Aziz's congratulations to the AOU on the International Day of Education and praising its efforts in achieving the requirements of sustainable development (2030) and its commitment to its development role in providing education for all.
Mr. Nasser Al-Qahtani said that the University has committed itself to its development role in accordance with the vision of its founder, the late Prince Talal bin Abdul-Aziz, as it has always sought to participate in achieving the requirements of sustainable development, especially with regard to the fourth goal of the sustainable development plan.
In turn, the AOU President, Prof. Mohammad Al-Zakari, stated that the AOU has been keen since its establishment, on providing education and training to three groups, namely Arab youth, women and people with special needs, as its philosophy is that everyone in the Arab world is entitled to learn and contribute to comprehensive development.
Prof. Naif Bajad Al-Mutiri, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Scientific Research, pointed to the University's efforts to ensure the continuation of education for all its students in Kuwait and the Arab world during COVID19. On his part, Prof. Omar Al-Jarrah, Vice President for Planning and Development, talked about the technical solutions provided by the University to overcome learning difficulties during this global pandemic.