On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, a delegation from the University of Redlands, USA, and the Civilization Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (CECF) in Washington visited the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), where they discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of civilizational dialogue and the dissemination of the values of coexistence and peace.

Dr. Abelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General (DG), received the delegation headed by Dr. Mohamad Bashar Arafat, CECF President, which comprised of a number of students and faculty members from the University of Redlands. The meeting was attended by Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Sector of Human and Social Sciences; Amb. Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue; Dr. Ahmad Said Bah, Advisor to the General Directorate; and Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to the DG for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW).

During the meeting, Dr. Benarafa addressed the main axes of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations, and key field initiatives within its areas of competence. He further explained that the Organization seeks to provide capacity building activities, and trainings on leadership for peace and security and skills for tomorrow’s professions for the benefit of young people and women, stating that ICESCO’s initiatives focus on promoting civilizational dialogue and consolidating the values of coexistence. Several ICESCO representatives also presented key programs and projects implemented by the Organization in the fields of education, science and culture, in cooperation with the competent authorities in its Member States and abroad.

The meeting saw rich discussions between the students and ICESCO’s representatives regarding cooperation proposals between the Organization and American universities.

Dr. Benarafa accompanied the delegation to the Mishkat Hall, where they were introduced to its key programs in the field of teaching Arabic. The delegation also visited the Museum and Exhibition of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO headquarters. The Museum and Exhibition conveys Islam’s messages of justice, peace, mercy, tolerance and coexistence.