Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Eric Falt, Director of the UNESCO office for the Maghreb, and together explored ways to enhance cooperation between the two Organizations in education, science and culture.

During the meeting, which was held on Friday, 3 February 2023, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the Organization’s key ongoing activities and programmes geared towards supporting the efforts of its Member States in accordance with their specific needs and priorities, particularly in the fields of building women and youth capacities, anchoring the values ​​of coexistence, tolerance and civilizational dialogue, safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage through the inscription of the Islamic world’s historical sites and cultural elements on ICESCO’s heritage lists, and encouraging investment in modern technology to achieve sustainable development.

The two parties discussed proposals for the development of a distinguished partnership between ICESCO and UNESCO by expanding the geographical scope of programmes and activities in areas of common interest to include all ICESCO Member States. Dr. Al-Malik emphasized the Organization’s keenness to multiply its partnerships and improve its openness to international organizations and institutions to contribute to the modernization of education, science and culture in its Member States.

For his part, Mr. Falt commended the effective cooperation between the two Organizations, highlighting avenues for future partnership in developing the capabilities of women and girls, and devising joint programmes in the fields of education, science and culture.