The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) inaugurated its new Regional Office in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, marking a strategic step toward strengthening cooperation with the Member States of Central Asia.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by high-level dignitaries, notably Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Ms. Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Center, along with a host of senior officials, ministers, ambassadors, and intellectuals.

Other distinguished guests included Mr. Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan; Mr. Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture and President of the National Commission for Education, Science and Culture; Mr. Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Science and Education; Mr. Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports; as well as the Governors of the Old City of Baku and Shusha.

In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, stated that the inauguration of the Regional Office in Baku—a city of deep-rooted history and a cradle of peace and culture—ushers in a new beacon of education, science, culture, and communication.

He emphasized that the Office will not only serve Azerbaijan but also meet the needs of the Member States of Central Asia, highlighting that this achievement is the result of the clear vision and wise leadership of H.E. President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and his steadfast support for ICESCO’s mission in the Islamic world. Dr. AlMalik also expressed his gratitude to Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Lady, First Vice President, and ICESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

Speaking on the Office’s mission, Dr. AlMalik noted that it will work to advance ICESCO’s strategic priorities, particularly in areas such as environmental protection, the use of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity, youth empowerment, and heritage preservation.

At the close of the ceremony, the Director-General presented ICESCO Shields to Ms. Leyla Aliyeva and Ms. Arzu Aliyeva, in recognition of their presence and the strong support that Azerbaijan’s leadership continues to show for ICESCO.

ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku serves as a strategic platform for enhancing cooperation in education, science, and culture between ICESCO and countries including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. It seeks to build fruitful partnerships with government institutions, academic and cultural bodies, as well as regional and international organizations, ensuring that ICESCO’s programs are aligned with the region’s specific context and development goals.