The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) celebrated the World Day for Cultural Diversity by holding a virtual meeting of its International Network of Chairs for Thought, Heritage, Literature, and Arts. The event brought together the directors of ten academic chairs based in Paris, Berlin, Porto Alegre, Tunis, Rabat, Dakar, Beirut, and Geneva, along with a select group of academics and intellectuals from around the world.

During the opening session, held on 21 May 2025, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, affirmed that the meeting served as a unique intellectual platform that reinforces the Organization’s international presence and reflects its commitment to promoting cultural diversity and fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples. Dr. Zinelabidine emphasized the central role of culture in building cohesive and safe societies.

The chairs’ directors presented a range of projects and research activities carried out during the year and offered comprehensive assessments of their experiences and intellectual contributions on issues of multiculturalism, thought, heritage, and identity. They also discussed ways to overcome cultural and religious misunderstandings in pursuit of a more peaceful and inclusive future.

The meeting was moderated by Ms. Zineb Bougrine and Mr. Frédéric Jambu, experts from the Culture Sector, alongside Dr. Bouazza Benachir, Professor at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh. They outlined the principles underpinning ICESCO’s vision for strengthening cultural cohesion and coexistence, underscoring the Organization’s growing international stature as a reference in this field.

The event also featured the launch of ICESCO’s new publication, The Critical Dictionary of the Cultural Unthinkable , a five-volume encyclopedic work comprising 60 essays by thinkers and artists from 40 countries. The contributions address global cultural observances celebrated by ICESCO, such as the International Day for the Future, World Philosophy Day, and International Women’s Rights Day.