Bangkok: Saudi Arabia participated today in the meeting of heads of research councils from the Middle East and North Africa region, held in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand, as part of the 14th Annual Meeting of the Global Research Council 2026.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the meeting was chaired by President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Vice Chair of the Global Research Council Governing Board, and MENA Regional Representative on the Council Dr. Munir El-Desouki. In his remarks, he emphasized that, with the support and attention of the Kingdom's leadership, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its global standing in research, development, and innovation by advancing international collaboration, empowering researchers, and building high-impact partnerships in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Dr. El-Desouki highlighted the importance of establishing effective research partnerships across the region and enhancing integration in science, technology, and innovation. He noted that the shared challenges facing the region require the development of quality research programs built on collaboration and the exchange of expertise and knowledge.
He further stated that supporting the concept of open science is a key pillar for expanding access to knowledge and empowering researchers, contributing to improved scientific outcomes and greater developmental impact. He also underscored the importance of developing policies and initiatives that promote more open and sustainable sharing of data and research.
Dr. El-Desouki pointed to the need to direct scientific research toward the region's priority challenges, foremost among them food security, water scarcity, and environmental sustainability, in addition to leveraging artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to support research ecosystems and maximize the benefits of rapid technological transformation.
The meeting discussed ways to advance joint action among research councils in the region, supporting the research and innovation ecosystem and strengthening the region's presence in the global scientific and technological landscape. It also emphasized the importance of moving from exchanging perspectives to implementing initiatives and programs with tangible developmental impact.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Secretariat of the Middle East and North Africa region at the Global Research Council hosted a side event titled 'Inclusive Open Science in Practice: Funders, Knowledge Cultures, and Empowering Early-Career Researchers to Build a Sustainable Research Ecosystem,' with the participation of several international entities and organizations.
The Global Research Council is an international platform that brings together research councils and research funding and support organizations from around the world. It aims to enhance international collaboration, exchange expertise, and build research partnerships. King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology hosts the Secretariat of the Middle East and North Africa Research Councils at the Global Research Council.