Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Khaled Al-Anani, former minister of tourism and antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Arab nominee for the position of Director-General of the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the term 2025 to 2029. The meeting came as part of the Arab tour undertaken by Dr. Al-Anani as part of his campaign preparations, following the decision of the Council of the Arab League during its 160th Session held at the ministerial level to endorse his nomination.
At the outset of the meeting, held on Wednesday 1 November 2023, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of the ambassador of Egypt to Morocco, Dr. AlMalik extended his congratulations to Dr. Al-Anani for the trust placed in him by the Egyptian government in nominating him for this prestigious international position and the unanimous Arab support and endorsement of his nomination, wishing him success in securing the position.

ICESCO Director-General also emphasized the Organization’s support for Dr. Al-Anani’s nomination and its full readiness to provide all forms of support and assistance to ensure his success in the elections, in coordination with the countries of the Islamic world, praising the academic qualifications, executive achievements, and international experience of the Arab nominee, which span over 30 years.

On his part, Dr. Al-Anani expressed his gratitude to Dr. Al-Malik for the audience and ICESCO’s support of his nomination for the position of UNESCO Director-General. He also noted that consultations are underway with Arab countries to understand their proposals, visions, and priorities in the fields related to education, culture, science, and communication in the coming period.

The meeting was attended by Minister-Delegate Wael Abdel Wahab, Coordinator of Dr. Al-Anani’s election campaign, and Ms. Imane Bellah Ghattouri, Counselor at the Egyptian Embassy in Rabat, and from ICESCO, Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the Director-General, and Samy El Kamhawy, Director of the Department of Communication and Institutional Communication.

Following the meeting, Dr. Al-Malik accompanied Dr. Al-Anani on a tour of the different galleries and sections of the International Museum and Exhibition of the Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently hosted at ICESCO’s headquarters. Upon the tour’s completion, Dr. Al-Anani expressed his delight at visiting this distinguished scholarly exhibit, noting that it offers a journey through time by seizing the benefits of cutting-edge display technologies.