Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), reaffirmed that the Organization devotes great attention to the issues of cultural diversity and civilizational dialogue as part of its new vision and strategic plan. The Organization has implemented several initiatives that aim to promote the values of coexistence among different cultures and enshrine the culture of dialogue.

The statement was part of Dr. AlMalik’s address at the opening of an event that the Qatari Forum for Authors held, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, via videoconference, under the theme “Writing as a cultural ambassador for the promotion of cultural diversity,” on the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

The event is part of the Celebration of Doha as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2021, which saw the participation of Mr. Salah Bin Ghanem Al Ali, Qatari Minister of Culture and Sports; Dr. Hamada Hasan Al-Sulaiti, Secretary-General of Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science; and several professors and experts in the field.

At the outset of his address, Dr. AlMalik reiterated ICESCO’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and its support to Palestinian institutions operating in the educational, cultural, and social fields, in light of the ongoing violations committed against Palestinians for the last 73 years.

Dr. AlMalik stated that the theme of the event is in line with the goals of the celebration of Doha as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2021 within the framework of ICESCO’s Programme of the Capitals of Islamic Culture and its Declaration on Cultural Diversity.

ICESCO DG reviewed the most prominent initiatives and projects that the Organization implemented to promote cultural diversity, such as the establishment of ICESCO Center for Dialogue and Cultural Diversity and the Islamic World Heritage Center. The organization is also committed, amid the COVID-19 crisis, to guaranteeing the right to culture for all and provide appropriate mechanisms to protect multiculturalism through the launching of new initiatives such as “ICESCO Digital Home” and “Distance Culture Initiative,” which have provided great opportunities to encourage all forms of cultural and artistic expression.

At the close of his address, Dr. AlMalik called upon all international organizations, government bodies, and organizations working in the fields of culture and Arts to further coordinate to agree on a global artistic and creative system focusing on the role of art, literature, and creativity in human development, spreading peace and preserving cultural diversity.