Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. António Vitorino, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), where they discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of common interest and mobilize efforts to contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday (November 22, 2022), in Fez, Kingdom of Morocco, as part of their participation in the 9th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s efforts to support its Member States in the fields of education, science and culture, and its keenness to cooperate with all parties to implement innovative programmes and projects around the world.

He pointed out that ICESCO attaches great importance to its programmes and projects to support immigrants and their children, sponsor and build the capacities of youth and women, and provide them with training on leadership for peace and security in order to consolidate the values of coexistence and intercultural dialogue.

The two parties agreed to hold a series of expert meetings to renew the memorandum of understanding signed between the two organizations and develop joint programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue.

The meeting saw the participation of Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, Ms. Amira El-Fadil, Head of ICESCO Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, Ms. Rime Jirari, Head of Organizations and Bodies Department at ICESCO, as well as Mr. Hassan Mustafa Abdel-Moneim, Advisor to IOM Director-General for North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf, and Ms. Laura Palatini, Head of IOM’s Mission in Morocco.