IDB, Education Ministry join hands to meet Vision 2030 targets

Riyadh, Feb 4: The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Ministry of Education have agreed to strengthen cooperation in achieving Saudi Vision 2030.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between IDB President Dr. Bandar Hajjar and Education Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Issa in Riyadh, the IDB said on its website.

The two sides agreed to build up their partnership to achieve education-related targets of Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program (NTP).

They discussed implementing their partnership via a number of programs such as education for employment, capacity building for teachers and exchange of experience and expertise with IDB member countries.

Al-Issa welcomed the partnership with the IDB, which has a great deal of experience in education in member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries.

He stressed the ministry’s readiness to exchange expertise with the IDB for the benefit of the Kingdom and other member countries.

He also invited the IDB to participate in the upcoming 7th International Exhibition & Conference on Higher Education in the Saudi capital in April.

Hajjar discussed a number of other proposals to support the partnership with the ministry, including the provision of advisory services and knowledge in Islamic finance, in cooperation with internationally known institutions in this field.

He also expressed the need to develop a clear strategy for private-sector participation in the education sector, with the importance of focusing on educational standards.

Hajjar also expressed willingness to cooperate on scholarships for Saudi students and those from IDB member countries to study in universities in the Kingdom.

He also invited Al-Issa to participate in the first forum for partnership between the public and private sectors (PPP), which will be sponsored by the IDB, next month in Riyadh.

Technical teams from both sides have already embarked on devising a detailed plan for cooperation.