The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International Camel Organization (ICO) held, on Monday, June 14, 2021, a virtual working session to explore areas of cooperation between the two parties.

The two parties examined ways to set up a strategic plan of cooperation on several programs and activities pertaining to promoting camels’ civilizational and cultural heritage, conducting scientific studies on this subject, supporting the traditional and handicraft industry, and promoting the desert cultural heritage.

H.H. Prince Sultan bin Saud bin Mohammed, ICO Vice President, and Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG) chaired the meeting. The session also witnessed the participation of H.R.H. Prince Abdulrahman bin Khalid bin Musaad, Representative of Saudi Arabia to the ICO, Dr. Mubarak Al-Suwailem, ICO Secretary-General, and Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy ICESCO DG, in addition to advisors and heads of sectors and departments at the Organization.

At the beginning of the meeting, H.H. Prince Sultan bin Saud conveyed to the participants the greetings and gratitude of H.E. Sheikh Fahd bin Hathleen, Founder and Chairman of the ICO Board of Directors.

During the meeting, which was held as part of the implementation of the Partnership Agreement signed between the two organizations in April 2021, the two parties reviewed the broad lines of the proposed programs and cooperation activities as well as implementation plans to achieve the expected outcomes of the programs. The list includes programs on civilizational and cultural heritage relating to camels and desert culture, the inscription of this heritage on the List of Intangible Heritage of the Islamic World, and participation in King Abdulaziz Festival of Camels and camel races, in addition to the organization of conferences, symposia, festivals and fairs dedicated to camels.

The working session also focused on the studies and scientific research that parties will jointly conduct to protect camel breeds, improve their DNA through genetic research and increase the production of camel milk and meat, to promote camel economy and investment in the field.

The two parties also agreed to issue several publications, such as the encyclopedia of camels, and publicize camel heritage by employing various mediums such as documentaries, digital content and children’s stories. The goal is to bring the new generations of the Islamic world closer to this heritage, which is a source of pride.

At the end of this meeting, which was marked by rich discussions and practical ideas and proposals, both parties reaffirmed that this cooperation will be fruitful, given the two Organizations’ complementary visions and shared objectives, especially in the field of heritage protection and identity promotion. The participants also agreed to hold bilateral technical meetings, to launch the implementation of the agreed-upon programs and activities.