RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Culture Minister Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez on Monday attended a virtual meeting of Arab culture ministers organized by the Arab League’s Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). Fayez called for a unified Arab strategy to confront the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Participating on behalf of Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, he said culture should form a key pillar of that strategy. He stressed the need for digital transformation and innovative solutions to revitalize the Arab cultural sector. The deputy culture minister urged his Arab counterparts to promote exchange of experiences and expertise to curb the spread of COVID-19. Fayez highlighted various cultural measures taken in the Kingdom to help people overcome difficulties caused by social distancing and lockdown. The cultural initiatives, he said, were launched under the slogan “Culture in isolation.” These initiatives include the “Theater composition” competition launched by the National Theater; “Literature in isolation” initiative launched by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Authority, in addition to the “Cultural hobbies” initiative and the “Film tonight” launched by the Ministry of Culture to support local content and highlight Saudi creative talents in various cultural fields. These activities are open to all citizens and residents. ALECSO is a Tunis-based institution of the Arab League. It seeks to achieve unity of thought in the Arab world through education, culture and science.