Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Hamad bin Muhammad Al Sheikh, Minister of Education of Saudi Arabia, and together they explored prospects of developing cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry.

During the meeting, held Sunday, February 14, 2021, at the headquarters of the Ministry in Riyadh, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the Organization’s major achievements and work carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the field of education. The DG also discussed the aids ICESCO provided for vulnerable Member States to support their efforts to ensure the continuity of schooling.

The two parties discussed ways to overcome several educational challenges witnessed during the pandemic including the growing education wastage and the evaluation of technical education platform. They also reviewed distance education programs and Saudi Arabia’s successful experience in the field and explored the possibility of transferring the experience in several ICESCO Member States, especially in Africa.

The DG and the Saudi Minister agreed to work towards developing cooperation between the Organization and the Ministry over the next period.