Organization of the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science: Powers and Objectives

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia witnessed a significant organizational step with the issuance of a Cabinet decision approving the establishment of the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science . This decision lays the foundation for a new phase of organized institutional work to represent the Kingdom in international forums. This structure grants the Commission legal personality and financial and administrative independence, while organizationally linking it to the Minister of Culture and establishing its headquarters in the capital, Riyadh. This reflects the great importance the leadership places on the education, culture, and science sectors.

An institutional framework to enhance international presence

This restructuring represents a qualitative leap in the committee's operational mechanism, primarily aimed at unifying national efforts and enhancing the effectiveness of Saudi representation in major international and regional organizations. The committee serves as the official liaison and strategic bridge between the Kingdom and the three main international organizations: the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ), the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization ( ALECSO ), and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( ICESCO ).

Historically, the Kingdom has played pivotal roles in these organizations, and this new organization comes to frame these efforts within a flexible administrative structure that ensures rapid decision-making and effective implementation, keeping pace with accelerating global changes.

Broad powers and strategic tasks

The new regulations granted the committee broad powers to enable it to perform its tasks, most notably:

• Policy formulation: Developing national strategies related to the work of the committee and adopting executive plans and programs.
• International Representation: Representing the Kingdom at international conferences and meetings, and supervising the Kingdom's participating delegations.
• Agreements and partnerships: Approving draft international agreements, and strengthening partnerships with counterparts globally.
• Hosting events: Considering hosting international conferences and forums within the Kingdom, which would enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a global destination for culture and science.
• Supporting competencies: Supporting the nomination of national competencies for leadership positions in international organizations, and activating the role of the private and non-profit sectors.

Administrative structure and governance

To ensure the highest standards of governance, the committee is chaired by the Minister of Culture, while the Minister of Education serves as vice-chair, thus guaranteeing integration between the culture and education sectors. The committee includes high-level representatives (at least at the fifteenth rank) from several key entities, including: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Media, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Research, Development and Innovation Development Authority, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, and the National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector.

The organization also established a General Secretariat headed by a full-time Secretary-General, who is responsible for executive aspects, financial and administrative oversight, and the preparation of annual reports submitted to the Prime Minister, to ensure transparency and measure impact.

Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030

This organizational initiative is fully aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 , which seeks to build a vibrant society and a thriving economy through investment in culture, education, and innovation. This initiative will contribute to highlighting the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage, registering more heritage sites on the World Heritage List, strengthening cultural diplomacy as an influential soft power, and developing the scientific research and innovation ecosystem through international partnerships.