The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the eighth International ILEM Summer School entitled “Rethinking Arts and Aesthetics in the Islamic World: Concepts, Theories and Practices,” in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye, organized by the Academic Studies Association “ILEM,” in partnership with the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum, to discuss key issues in the Islamic world by bringing together academics, researchers and artists from diverse backgrounds.

ICESCO was represented by Ms. Zainab Bougrine, from the Culture and Communication Sector, as well as Dr. Asmaa Bouhadioui and Mr. Alaa Mawla Al-Duwailah, members of the Young Professionals Program, in this seven-day activity, which kicked off on Monday (July 24, 2023), along with 40 researchers from 15 countries. The participants reviewed the efforts of ICESCO in promoting the fields of culture and heritage through programs and initiatives in the Member States, including the preservation and promotion of heritage and its inscription on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List, and holding several training workshops for the benefit of staff in the field.

ICESCO delegation also met Mr. Taha Ayhan, President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum, at the Forum’s headquarters in Istanbul, where they discussed means of cooperation in developing youth capacities and preparing them for the professions of tomorrow and the prospects for implementing joint programs and projects between ICESCO and the Forum for the benefit of youth in the Islamic world.