On the occasion of the World Children’s Day, celebrated since 1954 as an annual occasion on November 20 to strengthen joint action for children and raise their awareness, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) received at its headquarters a group of children who came to learn about the history of the Organization, its objectives and its action mechanism. The visit, which was organized by ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) office in Morocco, provided them with an opportunity to simulate assuming leadership positions at ICESCO.

The group included a number of children who won first places in the second edition of ICESCO Marathon, which was organized on October 28 under the slogan “All for Social Solidarity,” in partnership between ICESCO and the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, and in cooperation with a number of Moroccan ministries and institutions.

Dr. Abdelilah Benarfa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, received the group of children and conducted a dialogue with them during which he encouraged them to express their opinions freely and strive to develop their scientific, literary and cultural capacities. Afterwards, he invited them to visit ICESCO’s pavilion at the International Book Fair for Children and Youth in Casablanca.

In addition, during their meetings with a number of heads of sectors, directors of departments and centers, and experts at ICESCO, the children were informed about the objectives, missions, activities and action mechanisms of the Organization in the fields of education, science and culture, as well as ICESCO’s keenness to contribute to the protection of children’s rights.

After that, the visiting children were given the opportunity to undertake a simulation experience, each of them assuming a leadership position at ICESCO, to learn about the decisions they can take in this capacity, and how to conduct daily work.

Through this visit, ICESCO aims to emphasize the importance of the role of children in achieving positive change, the necessity of providing them with a safe environment, encouraging them to express their opinions on their issues, and preparing them to participate in decision-making in a way that enhances their role in society and reflects respect for their rights.