Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), welcomed Mr. Ahmed Adam Bakhit, Minister of Social Development of the Republic of Sudan, and his accompanying delegation. The Meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry in the fields of social protection and psychological healthcare through the implementation of joint programs and projects.

During the Meeting, held on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. Benarafa emphasized the Organization’s commitment to partnering with Sudan and addressing the Country’s needs in its areas of expertise, particularly education and social care. He highlighted the challenges facing Sudan, which have impacted development and permeated throughout all segments of society.

Dr. Benarafa reviewed the initiatives and activities carried out by ICESCO in Sudan, including supporting women’s entrepreneurship, mitigating the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizing a socio-medical caravan, and conducting training sessions on writing African languages in the Arabic script.

Mr. Bakhit, in turn, provided an overview of the situation in Sudan, noting that the number of displaced people has reached 10 million, affecting the social and economic landscape of the country and requiring an intensification of international efforts geared towards resolving the currently bleak state of affairs. Furthermore, the Minister praised the extensive cooperation between ICESCO and Sudan in various fields and expressed a desire to further develop this cooperation and implement future programs aimed at advancing education and building youth and women capacities.