"Enhancing Joint Arab Action and Unifying Efforts to Achieve Comprehensive Development"
On this day, the Arab peoples made a historic decision to establish a unifying house that would bring them together under one roof and create an institutional system embodying the civilisational bond they share. Thus was born the League of Arab States—a manifestation of a renewed awareness that spread throughout the Arab nation from the Gulf to the Ocean, affirming that its language is Arabic, its culture is Arab, and its spirit, conscience, and identity are Arab.
In 2025, the General Secretariat organised a museum exhibition to commemorate 80 years of joint Arab action, rich with achievements—from its founding principles to its contemporary influence. The exhibition highlights the efforts of Arab member states in economic, social, and cultural cooperation, and their steadfast pursuit of a prosperous future.
The exhibition traces the history of the League's establishment, its support for Arab states in their quests for independence, and its efforts to promote coordination and unity among its member states across cultural, social, and economic fields.
Palestine: The Heart of the Nation
The exhibition included a special section on Palestine. At the time of the League of Arab States' establishment, Palestine was struggling with its bitter fate amid the creation of Israel, and its cause became the beating heart of Arab concern. From the very first moment, the Arab kings and leaders declared at their first summit in Anshas in 1946 that "Palestine is an inseparable part of the Arab nation, and its destiny is our common destiny."
Preserving Culture and Empowering Peoples
In 1945, a great Arab dream was born with the founding of the League of Arab States—the protection of cultural identity. The Cultural Charter marked the first milestone in this path, followed by the establishment of cultural institutions such as the Institute of Arabic Manuscripts, the Institute of Arab Higher Studies, and the Arabisation Coordination Bureau, all aimed at consolidating the concept of Arab nationalism.
In 1964, these efforts culminated in the Arab Cultural Unity Agreement and the establishment of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO), which, by 1970, became the umbrella organisation encompassing Arab cultural entities. It formulated sectoral strategies, including the Arab Cultural Strategy and its Comprehensive Plan (1985). The League also played an active role in enriching Arab thought through the translation of seminal works and heritage texts, as well as through the advancement of publishing and the unification of scientific terminology.
Since its inception, social development has been the true driving force of the League of Arab States. Its journey in this field began in the 1950s, and the 1960s witnessed a qualitative leap with the creation of specialised Arab organisations. In the 1970s, the League's institutional structures were consolidated with the establishment of ministerial councils, which were empowered to transform visions into practical programmes. The focus of Arab joint action has always revolved around the Arab individual—ensuring their basic needs and empowering them to confront the various regional and global challenges they face.
The League of Arab States and Economic Integration
The League of Arab States plays a key role in promoting economic integration by strengthening trade, investment, and regional cooperation. It supports free trade agreements, infrastructure projects, and qualitative economic diversification beyond oil and gas. Through policy coordination and collaboration among financial institutions, the League enhances economic ties despite prevailing challenges. Technological advancements and entrepreneurship are also driving forces towards a more interconnected and prosperous Arab world.
Among the major Arab economic integration initiatives highlighted in the exhibition are:
the Arab Common Market, Arab Food Security Initiatives and Programs, the Arab Common Electricity Network, the Arab Gas Pipeline, Renewable Energy Development Strategies, the Green Belt Project to Combat Climate Change, Satellite Launch Programmes, and the Unified Arab Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
Weaving Global Partnerships: A Journey of Shared Progress
Since its inception, the cornerstone of the Arab vision has been cooperation with other nations through the establishment of strong ties with international partners and organisations, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union, as well as with countries in Asia, the Americas, Central Asia, the Pacific Islands, Russia, and Turkey. This ever-expanding network of partnerships has extended Arab cooperation to encompass the entire world. Together, we face shared challenges across all fields and strive to promote cultural understanding, social development, and economic progress throughout the Arab League member states.
Royal and Presidential Echoes: Leaders at the League of Arab States
This section highlights the landmark visits of heads of state and monarchs to the headquarters of the League of Arab States. Since its establishment in 1945, this historic institution has stood as a silent witness to countless defining moments that have shaped the destiny of the Arab world. Every handshake and every conversation held within its storied halls represents a pivotal chapter in the League's history. From the footsteps of the founding kings and presidents to those of prominent global leaders, these encounters were far more than formal meetings; they were milestones in international relations—critical turning points where history was made, alliances were forged, regional crises were addressed, and the collective Arab voice resonated more strongly on the global stage.
Guardians of Arabism: Secretaries-General of the League of Arab States
Throughout its history, the League of Arab States has been led by men who carried the responsibility of advancing joint Arab action. Each Secretary-General wrote a distinct chapter in the League's history, reflecting the challenges of his time while steering the vessel of Arab unity towards new horizons. The exhibition highlights the stories of the Secretaries-General who left a lasting mark—from Abdel Rahman Azzam to Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
Cairo Landmark: The Story of the League's Headquarters
In the vibrant heart of Cairo, a remarkable story unfolds—a tale woven from the dreams of Arab unity and fraternity. It was not merely an idea, but a firm will and an unwavering determination that turned those dreams into a tangible reality. Here, where time itself bears witness, the edifice of the League of Arab States rose—a monument to sincere efforts and a beacon lighting the Arab nation's path towards a brighter future.
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Since its opening, the Museum Exhibition has welcomed numerous Arab and foreign delegations who explored the various narrative displays recounting the story of the League of Arab States since its establishment in 1945. The exhibition showcases the League's pivotal role in supporting liberation movements across the Arab world and in strengthening economic, social, and cultural cooperation among its member states. During their tours, visiting delegations expressed great appreciation for the efforts made to highlight the League's achievements throughout its long and distinguished history.
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A selection of items from the exhibition
