Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), at ICESCO’s pavilion during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to explore ways of strengthening collaboration in areas of shared interest.

During the meeting, held Friday (15 November 2024), Dr. AlMalik affirmed ICESCO’s commitment, through its foresight and strategic orientation, to supporting international efforts to assist the least developed countries in advancing their educational, scientific, and cultural systems. He highlighted various initiatives, programs, and projects aimed particularly at building the capacities of women and youth, preparing them for future professions, fostering entrepreneurship, encouraging investment in modern technology and artificial intelligence applications, and promoting values of coexistence, peace, and intercultural dialogue.

Dr. AlMalik also reviewed the key projects currently being implemented by ICESCO, along with the program of activities at the ICESCO pavilion during COP29, and the Organization’s future plans to contribute to a prosperous future for its Member States. Furthermore, he expressed ICESCO’s willingness to establish fruitful cooperation with the UN Office for South-South Cooperation.

Ms. Dima Al-Khatib commended ICESCO’s efforts and contributions to supporting its Member States, expressing UNOSSC’s readiness to collaborate with the Organization.

The meeting also covered ICESCO’s potential participation in the upcoming meetings of the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation, set to take place in New York in 2025, as well as joint efforts in information exchange on development policies, and ICESCO’s potential membership in the network launched by UNOSSC to achieve this objective.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation at ICESCO.