The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in a certificate signing ceremony upon receipt of tablets from the Korean company Woongjin ThinkBig, which specialized in the field of education and digital technology, to support girls’ education in the Republic of Niger.

The signing ceremony, which was held on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at ICESCO Headquarters and via videoconference, saw the participation of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), Dr. Ibrahim Natatou, Nigerien Minister of National Education, Dr. Keeyong Chung, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Morocco, Mr. Salissou Ada, Nigerien Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, Mr. JaeJin Lee, CEO of Woongjin ThinkBig, Mr. Joong Hee Han, Senior Director of Contents Development at the company, Mr. Chito Boubacar, First Advisor of the Embassy of Niger to the Kingdom of Morocco, Dr. Barry Boly Koumbou, Head of ICESCO’s Education Sector, and Dr. Sungbong Kim, Expert at the Sector.

In his address, Dr. AlMalik emphasized the importance of this initiative aimed at supporting the efforts of the Nigerien Government to advance girls’ education and ensure their access to quality learning by offering them digital learning devices, noting that this initiative is part of ICESCO’s “Girls’ Digital Labs” Programme and its projects that are geared towards to enhance girls’ ability to use modern technology.

In a video-recorded address, Mr. Jae-Jin Lee commended ICESCO’s support for its Member States and its endeavor to develop the educational field in Niger, hoping that this initiative marks the beginning of fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and the Korean company. Mr. Keeyong Chung conveyed his gratitude to the Organization for its efforts toward promoting education in the countries of the Islamic world.

For his part, Dr. Ibrahim Natatou underscored the need for joint action to overcome major challenges in Niger’s education sector, praising ICESCO’s work and role in delivering digital devices. Mr. Salissou Ada lauded the effective cooperation between ICESCO and the Nigerien Government, calling for strengthened partnerships between the two parties in the Organization’s areas of competence.