Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Ms. Irina Bokova, former UNESCO Director-General, following their participation in the 12th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, organized by ICESCO, and hosted by the State of Qatar, in Doha, on 25-26 September 2023, with the rallying call “Towards the Renewal of Cultural Action in the Islamic World.”

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik began the meeting by extending his thanks and appreciation to Ms. Bokova for attending as the guest of honor, addressing the Conference’s opening session, and lauding ICESCO’s vision of modernization and openness. Dr. AlMalik reiterated ICESCO’s openness, as part of its new vision and strategic orientations, to cooperate with all stakeholders to serve humanity and contribute to overcoming global challenges in all aspects.

For her part, Ms. Bokova thanked ICESCO Director-General for the invitation to participate in the work of the Conference to get deep insights into the cultural actions of ICESCO and its Member States and stressed her appreciation of the topics discussed during the Conference and the papers submitted by ICESCO General Directorate, which reflect ICESCO’s development and comprehensive future vision.

ICESCO Director-General highlighted key initiatives, programs and projects implemented by ICESCO, in conjunction with the competent authorities in its Member States and in full coordination with the National Commissions for Education, Science and Culture, in the field of building youth’s capacities in technology and innovation, training in leadership for peace and security, supporting women, combatting girls’ school dropout, instilling the values of coexistence and civilizational dialogue as well as ICESCO’s efforts in valorizing and preserving heritage.