The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the “International Cultural Forum: Central Asia at the Crossroads of Civilizations”, which was held in Khiva, Uzbekistan, on September 14-15, 2021, under the patronage of His Excellency the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Forum aims at exploring and promoting culture and the common heritage in Central Asia and consolidate their important role in shaping civilizations in the region and beyond.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, took part in the closing session through a video speech, on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, moderated the closing session, which also brought together Assistant DG for the Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, ICCROM DG, the Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, and the Minister of Culture of Turkey.

In his speech, ICESCO DG noted the prominent role that the Central Asian region played in human civilization throughout history. “It was the cradle of many sciences and arts thanks to its scholars and thinkers, who influenced the ancient and modern human civilization,” he added.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s great interest in investing in the opportunities of the applications of artificial intelligence and space sciences and supporting the Member States to keep pace with modern technology. He explained that the Organization has established an artificial intelligence unit at ICESCO Heritage Center, which undertakes the tasks of preserving heritage in the Islamic World. He also called on the ICESCO Member States to submit files to register their historical sites and cultural elements on the lists of heritage in the Islamic world, which now includes 326 sites and heritage elements.

ICESCO DG announced the Organization’s initiative to conduct an extensive study on the impact of climate change on several sectors, including heritage, with proposals for fully feasible solutions, to reduce the risks of this phenomenon.

At the close of his speech, Dr. AlMalik called for developing the existing cooperation between ICESCO, Uzbekistan, and all the countries of the region in the Organization’s areas of competence.

Dr. Osama Al-Nahas and Mr. Bilel Chebbi, experts at Culture and Communication Sector, represented ICESCO at this forum, which saw the high-level participation of representatives of many international organizations, in addition to experts and specialists in the fields of culture, heritage, science, and the arts.