As part of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (ICESCO) International Open Days, the ICESCO Chairs Network for Thought, Literature, and Arts hosted the fourth edition of the program ” International Thinkers Guests of ICESCO” under the theme “Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Disability, and the Right to Culture.” This program was organized in partnership with the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez, Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra, Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, the Sorbonne University, and the European Center for Cultural Accessibility in France.

The two-day event, held on 4 – 5 November 2024, featured two intellectual forums: the first at the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez and the second at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat. Both sessions brought together an array of international academics and specialists in therapeutic fields to explore ways of integrating arts into therapy and rehabilitation programs for people with disabilities, supporting their right to cultural access, and emphasizing the role of arts in fostering social inclusion.

Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture and Communication Sector, opened the sessions by emphasizing the importance of ICESCO’s programs and activities as a global center of expertise that addresses key contemporary issues, including cultural rights and therapy through art.

Following his remarks, Dr. Édith Lecourt, Professor of Psychology at Paris Cité University, shared France’s experience in introducing music therapy into university programs, highlighting music’s unique ability to transcend language barriers and translation difficulties.

Composer and musician Mr. André Fertier spoke of the significance of art therapy, detailing his career and his dedication to therapeutic art practices.

Mr. François-Xavier Vrait, a music therapy specialist, spoke on the intersections of psychology, neuroscience, and community communication through music. Dr. Frank Pecquet, Professor at the Sorbonne University, then discussed the evolving aesthetics of contemporary arts.

The Sessions were moderated by Dr. Sanae Ghouati, Supervisor of ICESCO Chair at Ibn Tofail University; Dr. Asma Abbas, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities at Al Akhawayn University; Dr. Majda Nniya El Berdai, Professor at the Euro-Mediterranean University; and Dr. Bouazza Benachir, Professor at Ibn Tofail University.