Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ms. Haifa Najjar, Minister of Culture of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, to discuss ways of fortifying cooperation between ICESCO and Jordan in cultural fields and supporting young innovators.

At the outset of the meeting, held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat on Monday, 18 December 2023, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the key facets of the Organization’s new vision and strategic orientations rooted in openness and broad partnerships for the benefit of the Islamic world and humanity at large. Dr. AlMalik also shed light on the pivotal initiatives, programs, and projects implemented by ICESCO, particularly those geared towards cultivating the technological and innovative capacities of youth, promoting investment in space sciences, and strengthening the values of coexistence and peace.

Dr. AlMalik underscored the Organization’s commitment to bolstering communication with competent authorities in its Member States. This involves a keen understanding of their needs and priorities to formulate plans and programs aligned with these imperatives. Dr. AlMalik expressed his aspiration to strengthen collaboration between ICESCO and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

For her part, the Jordanian Minister of Culture acknowledged the notable transformations and progress within ICESCO over the past four years, expressing delight at the Organization’s adeptness in enhancing the civilizational splendor of the Islamic world and repositioning it globally to befit its esteemed stature.

Moreover, the meeting explored proposals for collaboration between ICESCO and the Jordanian Ministry of Culture, particularly in the areas of heritage preservation and valorization, as well as the support and cultivation of innovators, with a focus on youth and their active participation in ICESCO’s cultural activities. The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain coordinated efforts between the two parties to realize these objectives.

Ms. Haifa Najjar welcomed an invitation to contribute intellectually to the publications of ICESCO’s International Think Tank for Thought, Letters, and Arts, “Culture for Rethinking the World”. This platform convenes an esteemed gathering of innovators and notable figures, including intellectuals, scholars, researchers, and thinkers from around the globe.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, and Dr. Barry Koumbou, Head of the Education Sector.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied the Jordanian Minister of Culture on a tour of ICESCO to exhibit the progress made towards the modernization and development of the Organization’s headquarters and working mechanisms.