The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and National Economic and Social Development Board in Libya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing a cooperation and coordination mechanism for training youth in the fields of technical sciences and promoting the values of citizenship and the culture of peace, as well as enhancing cultural exchange between the two parties.

The MoU was signed on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Organization’s headquarters, in Rabat, by Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and Dr. Mahmoud El Fetisi, General Director of National Economic and Social Development Board, in the presence of Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy DG, as well as several heads and directors of ICESCO’s sectors and departments, Mohammed Ammari Zayed, Libya’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO, and members of the Council’s delegation.

The two-year MoU provides for leveraging ICESCO’s experts to support the Council’s strategy in the field of awareness-raising about the spread of drugs and psychotropic substances, designing professional training programs for Libyan youth in the field of technical sciences, diplomatic leadership and citizenship, promoting the culture of peace, supporting the Council in issuing international reports on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Libya, cultural exchange, and providing training opportunities for Libyan youth at ICESCO.

Prior to the signing ceremony, Dr. Al-Malik received Dr. El Fetisi and his delegation, during which he reviewed ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, and its major programs and initiatives, especially in the field of empowering youth for tomorrow’s professions, pointing out that youth are central in the Organization’s priorities with over 41% of ICESCO’s current employees below the age of 35, which has given the Organization an impetus for creativity and innovation in its areas of competence.

Dr. Al-Malik commended the willingness he witnessed during his last visit to Libya, of all the competent parties in Libya to implement programs and initiatives in cooperation with ICESCO to develop the fields of education, science and culture.

For his part, Dr. Mahmoud El Fetisi praised ICESCO’s roles in developing its areas of competence in Member States, stressing that the MoU will strengthen the outstanding partnership between Libya and the Organization.