Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Ms. Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan, within their participation in the 3rd Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network (NAM PN), being held in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme “Revitalizing parliamentary action in combating climate change.”

At the outset of the meeting, held on Monday (March 25, 2024), Dr. AlMalik stressed ICESCO’s keenness to boost its partnership with the Republic of Uzbekistan through joint programs and initiatives, particularly in preparation for the celebration of Samarkand, Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2025, within the framework of ICESCO’s Programme of Culture Capitals in the Islamic World. The celebration will include the implementation of many year-round programs and activities, concurrently with Uzbekistan’s hosting of the 43rd Session of UNESCO General Conference.

Moreover, ICESCO Director-General reviewed the key aspects of the Organization’s new vision and strategic orientations, most notably supporting and building the capacities of youth and women, safeguarding the Islamic world’s cultural heritage through its Heritage Center, which is a think tank for relevant specialists and experts, and inscribing historical sites and cultural elements on the Islamic World Heritage List, including many Uzbek sites, given the unique cultural richness of the Uzbek civilization and its Islamic history.

The meeting also touched on the remarkable outcomes of the cooperation efforts between ICESCO and Uzbekistan in a number of programs and projects, including ICESCO Chair of Islamic Civilization at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, and its contribution to providing scholarships for students and teaching them Arabic language and Sharia sciences.

For her part, Ms. Tanzila Narbaeva commended ICESCO’s efforts geared towards supporting Member States in its areas of competence, stressing Uzbekistan’s keenness to sustain fruitful cooperation with the Organization.
The meeting saw the presence of Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO.