Saudi Arabia Elected Vice Chair of the Global Research Council for the Third Time, Reinforcing Its Global Leadership Role
The Board of Governors of the Global Research Council has unanimously re-elected the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) Dr. Munir El-Desouki, as Vice Chair of the Board of Governors during the council’s 14th Annual Meeting 2026, held in Bangkok.
Saudi Arabia’s election to this position for the third consecutive term reflects the growing international confidence in the Kingdom’s leading role in supporting the research, development, and innovation ecosystem, as well as its active contribution to advancing the Global Research Council’s agenda and future objectives. It also highlights the Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen scientific and research collaboration at both regional and international levels.
This election further demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s advanced standing within the global research landscape. The Kingdom represents the Middle East and North Africa region on the Board of Governors of the Global Research Council and plays a pivotal role in supporting regional cooperation among research councils across the region, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
Through its active participation in the Global Research Council, Saudi Arabia continues to play a central role in the regular regional meetings of research councils in the Middle East and North Africa, whose secretariat is hosted by KACST. The Kingdom also continues to strengthen its international partnerships and empower the research, development, and innovation ecosystem in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Global Research Council is an international platform that brings together leading research councils and organizations that fund research and development activities from around the world. Its mission is to enhance communication, support high-quality research collaboration, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and enable scientific and research institutions to develop their capabilities in accordance with international best practices.
