The activities of the celebration of Nouakchott as Culture Capital in the Islamic world for 2023 have officially concluded under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. This celebration was organized as part of the program of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) to honor the cities of the Islamic world. Over the course of the entire year, more than a hundred cultural activities were implemented, including exhibitions, intellectual forums, as well as a considerable number of training sessions and workshops.

The closing ceremony, held on Friday 22 December 2023, was attended by Dr. Mariem Mohamed Fadel Dah, First Lady of Mauritania, along with several ministers and senior officials. The event began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a film showcasing the key moments of Nouakchott’s celebration as Culture Capital in the Islamic world for 2023.

Subsequently, a poem was presented to introduce the treasures of embedded within Mauritania’s cultural heritage and its rich components, which have fused together to give rise to a unique culture that incorporates all its diverse elements. Furthermore, a film was presented, offering a glimpse into the proceedings of the International Conference on the Role of Women’s Leadership in Empowering Women in the Digital Field, organized by ICESCO and its Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW) in Nouakchott.

In his remarks, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, commended the remarkable success of the celebration of Nouakchott as Culture Capital. The event exemplified sophistication, beauty, diversity, and richness in activities and programs, emphasizing authenticity, literature, poetry, sports, and the development of the capabilities of children, youth, and women. Moreover, the celebration aimed at professional and digital training, and foresight.

Dr. AlMalik underscored that the conclusion of the celebration symbolizes the perpetuation of the global cultural journey, expressing gratitude to the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and all entities that contributed to the celebration. Dr. Al-Malik also shared a poem titled « Sun of Chinguetti », which he specifically composed for this occasion.

In her speech, Mrs. Fatima bint Abdelmalik, President of the Nouakchott Regional Council, affirmed that the designation of Nouakchott as Culture Capital in the Islamic world for 2023 was a source of great pride for all. This recognition served as a valuable opportunity to spotlight Mauritania’s cultural heritage and the intellectual richness of the country, embodying what Mauritania represents as a convergence point for various African cultures.

Mr. Mohamed Sidi Abdallah, Secretary-General of the Mauritanian National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, praised the fruitful collaboration with all entities that contributed to the success of the celebration. He noted that this collaboration marked a significant milestone in valuing culture and cultural economy at the national level.

In the closing remarks, Mr. Ahmed Sid’Ahmed Dié, Mauritanian Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Relations with Parliament, extended gratitude to ICESCO for its commendable efforts, starting from the designation of Nouakchott as Culture Capital to the continuous support throughout the year-long festivities. Mr. Agg pointed out that Mauritanian authorities gained valuable experience in organizing diverse activities during the celebration.

Following this, Dr. Mariem Mohamed Fadel Dah, First Lady of Mauritania, was declared ICESCO Goodwill Ambassador. For this, Dr. AlMalik presented her with a medal and an accreditation certificate.