Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), recommended providing adequate and customized technical support for decision makers and officials in charge of devising and implementing education plans across the globe in order to properly achieve SDG4. He stated that ICESCO firmly supports joint strategic documents in a bid to improve international cooperation in the field of education.

Dr. AlMalik made the statement in his address at the Ministerial Roundtable of the Global Education Meeting 2021, that UNESCO held, on Thursday, July 13, 2021, via videoconference. The Meeting was held under the theme, “From recovery to accelerating SDG 4 progress,” and saw the participation of several key international figures including ministers, education experts and specialists, and activists in humanitarian and educational work.

Dr. AlMalik noted that anticipating the future of education indicates that the schools we know will undoubtedly transform into digital and virtual schools. He added that this compels us to develop innovative curricula and alternative school programs and education paths to pave the way towards the digital schools of the future.

“In line with the sustainable development plan, and considering that education is a human right, ICESCO has sustained its efforts to support its Member States since the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing school closure,” Dr. AlMalik stated. He further explained that ICESCO’s efforts were geared towards ensuring the continuity of the education process and guaranteeing the right to education for all.

Dr. Al-Malik noted, ICESCO provided its Member States with the necessary technological equipment and devices to help them transition to the new learning model. He added that the Organization prepared a document on the guidelines for re-opening schools in Member States, launched many initiatives as part of “ICESCO Digital Home” to help address the issue of “educational loss,” and provided support to 25 Member States to set up education and training e-platforms.

The DG also revealed that ICESCO is currently working on some key studies relevant to AI and smart data in education.