AUS-Riyadh/SA
July 22, 2024, SPA –
Today in Riyadh, the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad 2024 launches with the participation of 333 talented individuals from 90 countries and under the supervision of 260 global chemistry experts. The event is sponsored by the Minister of Education, Yousef Al-Benyan and attended by the Secretary-General of Mawhiba, Dr. Amal Al-Hazzaa, and the Assistant Minister of Education for Development, Murhaf Al-Madani.
The Olympiad, organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) under the theme “Build The Bonds,”
will continue until July 30, with final results announced on July 28. The event is held in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education and King Saud University.
Saudi Arabia began participating in the International Chemistry Olympiad in 2011. Since then, the Kingdom has achieved numerous awards for talented students, gaining global recognition and an invitation to host the current edition.
Dr. Amal Al-Hazzaa, Secretary-General of Mawhiba, stated that this year’s event will go beyond academic competition to include a diverse program allowing participants to interact with their peers from around the world and support themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Amal Al-Hazzaa emphasized that hosting the International Chemistry Olympiad in Riyadh reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, supporting talented youth, and enhancing the international cooperation in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
She explained, “This Olympiad brings together teams from 90 countries, creating ideas and cultures. This gathering is key to solving global challenges, from sustainable energy to medical breakthroughs, through teamwork.”
The Secretary-General praised the successful collaboration among the strategic partners of this significant event, foremost the Ministry of Education, which has united efforts with the brightest minds to create a culture of excellence and creativity, and King Saud University, whose vision for developing a knowledge-based society aligns with the goals of the Olympiad. Additionally, SABIC’s exclusive sponsorship, which made this event possible.Dr. Al-Hazzaa highlighted the achievements of the Saudi teams, which have won 43 awards in chemistry and 653 awards in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics Olympiads(STEM), emphasizing that these accomplishments shed light the potential of Saudi students to make significant contributions to the international scientific community.
She confirmed that building cross-border relationships plays a vital role in supporting the International Steering Committee, which coordinates efforts and supports local organizers to ensure the high standards of the Olympiad. She also expressed Mawhiba’s gratitude to the International Steering Committee for its efforts in making the International Chemistry Olympiad a leading event that enhances partnership and excellence among gifted chemistries worldwide.
Dr. JL Kiappes, Chairman of the International Steering Committee, praised the exceptional organization and Saudi hospitality, saying, “The 56th International Chemistry Olympiad will set a record for being the greatest Olympiad, but there is something we have already witnessed that is the hospitality of Saudi Arabia.”
The Olympiad is the largest international competition for high school students in the field of chemistry and has been held annually in a different country since its launching in
1968 in Prague, the capital of Czechoslovakia. The current edition is exclusively sponsored by the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC).