The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) convened its Second High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Education in its Member States in London, United Kingdom, under the theme “Transforming Education for Sustainable Development and Knowledge Economies.” The Dialogue aimed to facilitate the exchange of perspectives and experiences concerning the opportunities and challenges of educational transformation, and to explore avenues for strengthening international partnerships in this context.

In his opening remarks on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, underscored the importance of harnessing rapid technological advancements—particularly in artificial intelligence and digital learning—to create new pathways for innovation, connectivity, and inclusive access to education. He emphasized that global disruptions have exposed the pitfalls in education systems and highlighted the urgent need to build more resilient and adaptive structures.

Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik noted that in recent years, ICESCO has worked on developing a robust network of active international partnerships to implement hundreds of projects and programs benefiting thousands of students, teachers, and experts. These initiatives have focused on empowering youth and women by equipping them with digital skills and essential knowledge in economics and entrepreneurship. He added that this ministerial gathering positions Member States to play a pivotal role in contributing comprehensive and diverse solutions to the global education agenda.

Following his remarks, Dr. Hady Jatou Sey, Head of the Education Sector at ICESCO, delivered a statement emphasizing the significance of this meeting as a key step toward educational transformation across the Islamic world. She also noted that the Dialogue would address mechanisms for implementing the outcomes of last year’s ICESCO Conference of Education Ministers, held in the Sultanate of Oman.

The proceedings included a series of brainstorming sessions focused on the challenges and opportunities in transforming education systems, best practices for knowledge exchange among countries, strategies for integrating social and cultural values into curricula, and effective mechanisms to empower Member States through enhanced public-private partnerships.

In his closing remarks, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to supporting its Member States in their efforts to reform and advance education and to helping them achieve their goals through innovative programs and initiatives.