On Thursday, 26 June 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Marielle Sander, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Kingdom of Morocco, to discuss the development of joint cooperation mechanisms in the field of social development.

The meeting, held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, focused on proposals for joint programs and projects aimed at empowering youth and women and equipping countries to benefit from the qualified demographic dividend as a strength of societies.

Discussions also included organizing conferences and seminars that articulate realistic visions for achieving sustainable development.

The meeting also addressed mechanisms for initiating the implementation of these initiatives in the Kingdom of Morocco as a first phase, then expanding them to other countries in the Islamic world, in accordance with the specific needs of each country.

In this context, Dr. AlMalik emphasized the great importance ICESCO places on empowering youth, considering them a fundamental pillar of development and progress and a tremendous human asset. He pointed out that ICESCO has made significant progress in this regard, stemming from its belief that youth are the source of creativity and innovation.

For her part, Ms. Sander presented the objectives and programs of the UNFPA in the Kingdom of Morocco, which aim to support families and advance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by improving population well-being and enabling youth and women through economic and social empowerment.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to continue bilateral discussions to explore mechanisms for implementing joint programs and projects and to study the best ways to finance them.