The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the High Commission for Veterans and Former Members of the Liberation Army of the Kingdom of Morocco, held a lecture on the values of the World Veterans Federation and the ideals of peace and understanding among nations, within the framework of ICESCO lectures that seek to consolidate the values of peace and dialogue.

The lecture, held on Monday (June 13, 2022) at ICESCO Headquarters, is part of the activities of the Celebration of Rabat, Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022. It saw the presence of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, and Mr. Mustapha El Ktiri, High Commissioner of Veterans and Former Members of the Liberation Army, as well as several ambassadors, public figures, and a group of veterans from the Kingdom of Morocco.

Mr. Najib Rhiati, Cultural Adviser to ICESCO DG, moderated the lecture, which was given by Mr. Dan Viggo Bergtun, President of the World Veterans Federation. He first introduced the Federation, which was established after World War II, explaining that it is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that has under its umbrella 172 institutions of veterans, including about 60 million veterans, from 121 countries around the world.

Mr. Bergtun also reviewed the Federation’s efforts and initiatives to build security and peace as the basis for developing societies, and its role in supporting family members of veterans and victims of war, helping them integrate into society and preserving their dignity, health and well-being.

Afterward, he detailed the requirements for building peace, most notably learning about history to raise young people’s awareness of the tragic consequences of war, the need to build peace and confidence in our ability to make a change and build a common platform to support world peace.

In conclusion, the floor was opened for questions and comments. The participants lauded the topic of the lecture and the importance of building and maintaining peace for the benefit of all peoples and future generations.