Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ms. Fadia Saadeh, Regional Director for Human Development in Middle East and North Africa Region at the World Bank, and her accompanying delegation. The Meeting focused on exploring avenues for cooperation between ICESCO and the World Bank for the benefit of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Member States of the Organization.

During the Meeting, held on Monday, December 16, 2024, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik highlighted that ICESCO adopts an open approach to engaging with international organizations and bodies in order to support its Member States in advancing education, science, and culture, as well as building the capacities of women and youth.

He reviewed ICESCO’s key strategic vision and objectives, and highlighted the Organization’s flagship programs and projects implemented in collaboration with relevant authorities in its Member States. He also expressed the Organization’s readiness to cooperate with the World Bank in areas of mutual interest.

For her part, Ms. Saadeh praised ICESCO’s efforts, emphasizing that cooperation between the Two Parties could involve sharing expertise, particularly in the fields of education, teacher capacity building, and the joint organization of forums and activities in these areas.

The Meeting was attended by ICESCO officials, including Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector; Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; and Dr. Zaid Abshama, Expert at the Education Sector. From the World Bank’s Morocco team, attendees included Ms. Fadila Caillaud, Regional Manager in Education Global Practice; Ms. Debbie Newitter Mikesell, Senior Education Specialist; and Ms. Léa Iungmann, Education Specialist.