In the special session on non-profit institutions held within the Executive Committee meeting in Paris, the Executive Council of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) decided to approve the King Abdulaziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity "Mawhiba" to join the international organization in the category of non-profit partner organizations. This accreditation represents a partnership aimed at intensifying coordinated efforts between "Mawhiba" and "UNESCO", to enhance cooperation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and empower youth in the world as a fundamental driver of sustainable growth.

The Secretary-General of "Mawhiba" Foundation, Dr. Amal bint Abdullah Al-Hazzaa said: The Foundation’s accreditation as a non-profit organization by UNESCO reflects the remarkable development witnessed by the non-profit sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his trustworthy Crown Prince, may Allah protect them. All fields enjoy his contribution to their development in a way that achieves the greatest return to society and humanity, and the deepest impact on the national economy. This comes within the aim of Vision 2030 to maximize the contribution of the non-profit sector to economic and social development.

Dr. Al-Hazza confirmed that "Mawhiba" seeks, through its joining UNESCO, to implement many ambitious educational and training programs aimed at honing students’ skills, encouraging them to innovate and create, and empowering young people in various parts of the world. It also seeks to present the Kingdom’s experience in discovering, nurturing and empowering gifted and creative young energies in the fields of STEM, improving their capabilities and developing their knowledge and practical experiences. This aims to prepare an empowered and innovative generation capable of making a comprehensive change in the global reality, finding solutions to various challenges in order to anticipate a prosperous future for coming generations, and contributing to the continued sustainable development and prosperity of humanity.

The Secretary-General of "Mawhiba" indicated that this step will enhance "Mawhiba" and "UNESCO" playing an effective role in the path of STEM fields at the regional and global levels. Mawhiba will work to develop and implement a group of programs that will form the course of cooperation with UNESCO in the coming period. Moreover, she expressed her hope that these programs would have a significant impact in empowering young people from all over the world to lead change in their local communities.

It is worth noting that the work and activities of "Mawhiba" Foundation are in line with UNESCO’s strategy aimed at "ensuring equitable and comprehensive quality education, enhancing lifelong learning opportunities for all and strengthening institutional and human capacities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education for sustainable development". UNESCO is also an active partner with established cooperation in these areas.

It is worth mentioning that "Mawhiba" Foundation and UNESCO have held many seminars and workshops, including: "UNESCO Regional Consultation on Climate Change", "The Scientific Board Meeting of the International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) and Expert Forum", a workshop on "STEM Entrepreneurship", and a symposium entitled "High-Impact STEM Education Programs: Succeeding in the Challenge of Global expansion".