Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting with Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo, Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on the sidelines of the 21st edition of the Education World Forum (EWF), which took place in London from 19 to 22 May 2025.

The meeting, held at the Commonwealth’s headquarters in Marlborough House, London, featured in-depth discussions on strengthening cooperation between the two organizations, especially in light of the new strategic directions recently adopted by the Commonwealth Secretariat. These include achieving sustainable development and social justice, with particular emphasis on health and education.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik outlined ICESCO’s vision and its strategic orientation as an innovative and forward-looking organization, highlighting the international recognition it has received in this regard. He emphasized the importance of identifying areas of synergy and complementarity between the two entities to maximize impact in states that are members of both organizations. He also expressed ICESCO’s readiness to collaborate with the Commonwealth on matters of shared interest, particularly in the fields of culture, education, science, and peacebuilding.

For his part, Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo conveyed the greetings of Ms. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, to Dr. AlMalik. He noted his familiarity with ICESCO’s activities and praised the Organization’s efforts, pointing to the many intersections in their programs and priorities. He also presented the main pillars of the Commonwealth’s recently adopted strategy, which focuses on democracy and governance, sustainable development, climate action, and support for small and vulnerable states.

Dr. AlMalik proposed launching two joint education projects as a starting point for bilateral cooperation, with results to be presented at the upcoming Conference of Education Ministers in the Islamic World. Both parties would contribute to the funding and oversight of these projects.

At the close of the meeting, both sides agreed to organize reciprocal visits between ICESCO and the Commonwealth and to sign a cooperation agreement for the implementation of joint programs—underscoring their shared commitment to strengthening international partnerships and advancing sustainable development in the face of global challenges.

It is worth noting that the Commonwealth is a voluntary international association headquartered in London, comprising 56 member states that collaborate based on shared values such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and sustainable development. The organization runs specialized programs in areas including education, youth empowerment, development, women’s advancement, and cultural exchange.