The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) mourns the virtuous educator Dr. Amadou-Mahtar M’Bow, who passed away on Monday evening, September 23rd, 2024, at the age of 103. The late Dr. M’Bow was former Director-General (DG) of UNESCO, and one of the great intellectuals that Senegal and the African continent has given birth over the last century.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, ICESCO DG, in his own name and on behalf of all the Organization’s staff, extends his sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased, to his students, and to the Republic of Senegal, its leadership, government and people, beseeching Almighty Allah to bestow His mercy upon him and grant him the highest place in Paradise.

ICESCO Director General noted the great role of the deceased in the struggle to achieve independence for his country, and his assumption of many positions in which he served his country, and his representation of the African continent in the management of UNESCO for thirteen years, during which UNESCO opened itself to Africa, and a number of African cities were registered on the World Heritage lists. Dr. AlMalik said that during his official visit to Senegal in January 2020, he was keen to meet Dr. M’Bow at his home in appreciation of the great efforts he exerted to serve the Islamic world, during his management of UNESCO and after his retirement.

It is worth mentioning that the late Dr. Amadou-Mahtar M’Bow held several positions in the field of education in Senegal, before becoming Minister of Education and Culture in 1957. He then held several ministries until 1970. He was elected to the UNESCO Executive Council in 1966, and was appointed UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for education in 1970. He was then elected DG of UNESCO in 1974, and was re-elected for a second term in 1980 serving until until 1987.