The delegation representing the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a meeting with the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture Culture to discuss “ICESCO Program for Improving Water and Sanitation Services in 1000 Rural Schools in the Islamic World.” The first phase of the program benefits four Member States, namely, Morocco, Senegal, Mali, and Uganda.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education, and Scientific Research, the parties reviewed the components of this ambitious program. Through this program, ICESCO aims to provide safe and clean water for rural schools and support Member States in implementing their projects in remote areas. It also aims to raise awareness and hold training to promote the adoption of healthy habits, ensure gender equality, and enhance girls’ education opportunities through adopting innovative and sustainable resources that are suitable for remote areas.

Following a presentation and study of the new project, the two sides agreed to start preparing the necessary preliminary mechanisms for the launch, after defining the conditions for the involvement of the concerned authorities in Morocco. The project will target contribute 20 to 40 educational institutions.

ICESCO and the Moroccan National Commission will draft a partnership and cooperation agreement, given the project’s importance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, making Morocco a model to emulate. The project is part of ICESCO’s efforts to support its Member States and actively contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals, especially those about SDG 6, “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”, and SDG 4, “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

The ICESCO delegation consisted of Ms. Zainab Iraqi, Supervisor of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences, Dr. Muhamaad Sharif, Advisor at the Sector of Science and Technology, and Dr. Foued El Ayni, Expert at the Sector of Science and Technology. Mr. Jamal Edine El-Aloua, Secretary-General of the Commission, and Mr. Karim Hmidouch from the Unit of Management of International Cooperation Programs and Projects represented the Moroccan National Commission.