RIYADH — The governing board of the Global Research Council has unanimously elected the representative of Saudi Arabia, Munir El-Desouki, as the board's vice chair, at a meeting held in Panama as part of the 10th annual meeting of the council.

El-Desouki is also the president of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).

It was the first time a representative from the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region got elected to key position.

El-Desouki’s appointment highlights the prominent status of Saudi Arabia and its scientific institutions on the map of research and development in the Mena region and at the international level as well as its influential role in enhancing development based on science, knowledge and innovation in light of restructuring the research, development and innovation sector and preparing new trends for the sector under the supervision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

KACST participated in the council as a member since its establishment. — SPA