Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Eng. Omar Najjar, Chief Program Officer at the Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Foundation “Misk Foundation” in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held a meeting to discuss ways to promote cooperation between the Organization and the Foundation in developing leadership skills among young people, and implementing joint programs in the fields of education, science and culture.

The meeting was held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the Foundation’s headquarters in Riyadh and brought together several of ICESCO’s heads of sectors and departments, and Misk Foundation’s officials. During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik commended the Foundation’s pioneering roles in encouraging young people to develop their leadership skills and contributing to building knowledge-based societies, stressing the importance of transferring the experiences and expertise of the Misk Foundation to the countries of the Islamic world.

The Director-General also reaffirmed that the Organization, within the framework of its vision and strategic orientations, attaches special importance to young people, and implements a number of ambitious programs and projects aimed at building their capacities, developing their knowledge, guiding them through the field of entrepreneurship, and training them on leadership for peace and security, in coordination and cooperation with the competent authorities in the Member States.

For his part, Eng. Omar Najjar welcomed the visit of the Director-General and his accompanying delegation and commended the Organization’s efforts to support its Member States in its areas of competence, praising the strategic partnership between ICESCO and the Misk Foundation.

Eng. Najjar gave an overview of the key projects, initiatives and strategic programs that the Misk Foundation is implementing, intending to support youth in the fields of education, entrepreneurship, science and modern technologies. He stated that the Foundation strives to provide the necessary resources and a healthy environment to support young talented and creative people and promote fruitful partnerships with local and international organizations.

Afterward, some ICESCO’s heads of sectors and departments highlighted the key initiatives, programs and projects currently implemented by the Organization, including those related to building the capacities of youth and women, promoting the use of technology in the educational process, working to reduce the digital and knowledge divide, and encouraging scientific research.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to strengthen cooperation and partnership and sustain coordination to sign an agreement to provide for the joint implementation of specific programs and projects; to be agreed upon soon.

Following the meeting, Eng. Najjar accompanied Dr. Al-Malik and his delegation on a tour of the various departments of the Misk Foundation, where they listened to detailed explanations about the future vision of the Foundation, which draws on the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030. He also talked about the Foundation’s various paths, notably transparent communication, youth support, initiative implementation, perseverance and determination.