As part of the celebration of Nouakchott as the Culture Capital of the Islamic World, a plaque commemorating the poem “The Flower of Cultural Capitals” was unveiled. The poem was composed and recited by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, at the launch of the celebration in a major cultural event organized under the auspices and presidency of H.E. Mr. Mohamed Ould El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

During the ceremony, held on Friday, August 4, 2023, on the Place de la Liberté in the center of the capital, Ms. Fatimetou Abdel Malick, President of Nouakchott Region, emphasized that the plaque commemorating the poem “The Flower of Cultural Capitals” was an added value for the square, located in the heart of the capital and frequented by visitors from all over Mauritania.

ICESCO was represented at the ceremony by Dr. Ahmed Said Bah, Advisor to the Organization’s Director-General for Partnerships and International Cooperation and supervisor of the General Secretariat for National Commissions and Conferences, who explained that the creation of the commemorative plaque in a central location in the capital is one of the most important steps in the ongoing celebration of Nouakchott as the Capital of Culture of the Islamic World.

A plaque containing the “Djéol” appeal to cultural diversity, launched by the Djéol Festival in March 2023 with the participation of the Organization, was also unveiled during the ceremony.

The ceremony saw the presence of Mr. Mohamed Sidi Abdallah, Secretary General of the Mauritanian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, Secretary General of the Higher Committee in charge of preparing for the celebration of Nouakchott, Culture Capital of the Islamic World, and several officials representing the Ministries of Culture, Interior and Foreign Affairs.