CAIRO: The Second Arab Forum for Adult Education and Lifelong Learning convened Tuesday with the participation of education experts and specialists from across the Arab world to explore ways of developing adult learning methods and approaches in the region. Speaking at the opening session, Director of the Department of Education and Scientific Research at the League of Arab States, Minister Plenipotentiary Dr Faraj Al-Ajmi, affirmed the Arab League’s commitment to eradicating illiteracy through the launch of the Second Arab Decade for Literacy and Lifelong Learning (2025-2034), in line with efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Al-Ajmi explained that illiteracy today extends beyond reading and writing to include functional, digital and cultural illiteracy—limitations that deprive individuals of their rights to education, employment and social participation, while hindering their ability to contribute effectively to national development. He noted that the new decade builds on the first Arab Literacy Decade (2015-2024), but takes into account regional and global crises that impeded the full realization of its goals.

He stressed that the aim is to nurture an Arab individual equipped with modern skills, describing adult education and lifelong learning as a civilizational and strategic project centered on investing in human capital—the true wealth of nations and the path to a more stable and prosperous future. Al-Ajmi added that such forums provide Arab states with guiding frameworks, practical solutions, and forward-looking plans to overcome challenges in adult education and to support sustainable learning systems.

Organized by the University in cooperation with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Institute of Arab Research and Studies in Cairo, the forum seeks to strengthen joint Arab efforts to enhance education policies and promote sustainable, comprehensive development through the exchange of expertise and best practices.

Key discussions include the launch of the Second Arab Decade for Literacy and Adult Education and its implementation framework, a review of Arab efforts to align with international literacy frameworks, and an assessment of challenges in meeting global commitments such as the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Marrakesh International Framework for Adult Education. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace on Monday the outgoing Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Dr Adarsh Swaika. During the meeting, Indian ambassador praised the minister’s efforts and contributions to strengthening the close ties between Kuwait and India and wished him continued success in his future assignments. Sheikh Hamad also received the representative of the Sultan of Bohra, Tamim Hussamuddin, along with his accompanying delegation, who extended congratulations on his new post. — KUNA

MANAMA: Deputy CEO of Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) for South and East Kuwait Fuad Al-Shaikh on Wednesday reaffirmed the company’s commitment to participating in major international events as a key platform for sharing expertise and learning about the latest technologies and practices in the oil and gas sector. His remarks came during KOC’s participation in the three-day Middle East Oil, Gas and Geosciences Conference and Exhibition (MEOS&GEO) held in Bahrain.

Al-Shaikh said KOC seeks to consolidate its position as a leading entity in the sector by showcasing its pioneering achievements, highlighting technologies developed by national competencies, and strengthening strategic partnerships with global oil service companies, particularly in exploration and production. “The company’s pavilion at the exhibition presents its history, organizational structure, major projects, and notable achievements,” Al-Shaikh noted. He added that KOC’s delegation will deliver several presentations and working papers during the conference sessions, focusing on key applications, innovations, and projects, including the offshore drilling initiative that led to several significant oil discoveries.

Fouad Al-Sheikh, Deputy CEO for South and East Kuwait at Kuwait Oil Company

The pavilion also highlights the company’s efforts to support Kuwait’s carbon neutrality goals by 2050, in line with the nation’s broader plan to achieve neutrality by 2060. Among the showcased projects is the enhanced oil recovery initiative at the Managish field in western Kuwait, which uses carbon dioxide injection, as well as a joint project with the Kuwait National Petroleum Company and the Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC).

KOC’s delegation at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, under the theme “Energy for a Prosperous Future: Driving a Sustainable Future,” is headed by CEO Ahmed Al-Eidan and includes Deputy CEOs Khaled Al-Mulla and Fuad Al-Shaikh, along with senior managers, team leaders, and experts from across the company. The delegation is participating in a comprehensive program of meetings and exchanges with executives and specialists from international and regional oil companies, service providers and technology firms. — KUNA