The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) headquarters in Rabat hosted the closing ceremony of the 16th International Festival Children of Peace on Sunday, July 28, 2024. The Festival is organized by Bouregreg Association in the Kingdom of Morocco, under the honorary presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem, with the participation of delegations from 25 countries. The Festival aims to foster a spirit of coexistence and cultural exchange among children from various parts of the world.

The ceremony, organized by ICESCO in partnership with Bouregreg Association and attended by high-level officials and ambassadors, kicked off with a speech by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), to congratulate His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, and the Moroccan people on the 25th anniversary of the Throne Day. Dr. AlMalik also expressed his profound gratitude to Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem for her honorary presidency of the Festival.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted that today’s children are the builders of hope and a bright future filled with peace and security and urged all children to be dutiful to their parents. Dr. AlMalik concluded his speech by calling on the participating children to shed light on their peers in Palestine, who are subjected to unjust killing and torture.

Following his address, Dr. AlMalik exchanged commemorative shields with Mr. Noureddine Chamaou, President of Bouregreg Association, and Mr. Abderrahmane Rouijel, Founding Director of the Festival, both of whom expressed their gratitude to ICESCO for the hosting and remarkable organization of this event.

Subsequently, two young girls read the “Call for Peace” statement in Arabic and English, which emphasized the urgent need for the world to embrace peace, reject violence, and cease wars that cause immense pain and destruction. The Statement drew attention to the unbearable suffering of children in Gaza, Palestine, highlighting their right to safety and a life free from fear.

The “Call for Peace” urged the international community to lay down arms and adopt dialogue instead of conflict, which shatters lives and families and destroys the future. The Statement pointed out that collaborative efforts could build a world where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe environment.

The ceremony continued with artistic performances by Children from the participating delegations. They presented folklore, songs, and musical performances from their respective countries, which were met with great appreciation from the audience.