Riyadh, Feb 11, 2023, SPA -- Under the Chairman of Dr. Mounir bin Mahmoud Al-Desouki, the President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Deputy Chairman of Governors of Global Research Council (GRC), the KACST has hosted the meeting of the heads of the Regional Research Councils in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, affiliated to GRC. The meeting aims at developing a common regional vision to enhance the presence and influence of research councils in MENA region in the future activities of GRC. During the meeting, the chairmen of the councils recommended the formation of a joint working group to prepare an executive plan to enhance the role of the regional research councils in MENA region in the future activities of GRC in a way that meets the aspirations and priorities of joint regional research and innovation, and in line with the future vision of the Council. They also stressed the need for governance to coordinate between the members of MENA region, appointing a Secretary-General to represent the region in GRC, develop the Arab scientific media, and an information base to serve researchers in MENA region. It is worth mentioning that the Kingdom's representative, the President of KACST occupies the post of Vice Chairman of the GRC's Governors. KACST participates as a member in the GRC since its inception, and has chaired its periodic regional meetings of MENA region. --SPA 02:20 LOCAL TIME 23:20 GMT 0004 www.spa.gov.sa/w1852638