Food, culture, and education have the power to transform communities – and on 12 May 2026, ALECSO Director-General Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar met with IGCAT President Dr. Diane Dodd and Lamia Temimi (Coordinator of Cap Bon’s World Region of Gastronomy 2028 bid) spark a new chapter in the partnership between ALECSO and IGCAT, reaffirming their commitment to using gastronomy as a catalyst for mutual understanding, respect and diplomacy amogst world regions.
The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (IGCAT) are joining forces to celebrate, preserve, and elevate the rich tapestry of Arab culture.
Both organizations share a mission to protect cultural heritage, spark innovation, and empower communities through education, arts, and gastronomy. While ALECSO, a specialized institution of the League of Arab States, works across 22 countries to advance education, science, and communication, IGCAT champions the power of unique food cultures as a driver for sustainable development through its World Region of Gastronomy award.
Together, they are turning gastronomy into a powerful tool for economic growth, social cohesion, diplomacy and environmental stewardship, while shining a spotlight on the Arab world’s incredible diversity and potential. With Cap Bon’s recent recommendation for the World Region of Gastronomy 2028 title, and following IGCAT’s awards to Aseer (2024) and Jeddah-Taif (2027), the momentum is undeniable. The growing recognition of Arab gastronomy and its ability to drive positive change has already sparked excitement across the network.
Strengthening Ties and Collaborative Goals
The meeting highlighted the shared commitment to collaborate in key areas of mutual interest: promoting gastronomy and cultural education as tools for sustainable development and mutual cultural understanding; fostering innovation in tourism and culinary arts; and empowering communities. ALECSO expressed strong enthusiasm for exploring ways to support IGCAT’s future events and initiatives across the Arab world, and the discussions concluded with the intent to formalize their partnership through a collaboration protocol. This agreement will lay the groundwork for joint initiatives and ongoing cooperation to advance gastronomy, culture, and sustainable development in the region.
