Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), affirmed that launching the “Be Ready” initiative from the historic land of Egypt reflects a profound vision and a sincere partnership between the state and its youth, between the present and the future. He stressed that this launch confirms that youth are at the heart of Egypt’s national development agenda. Dr. AlMalik also commended the patronage of H.E. President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and his leading role in initiating transformative projects that uplift the nation through its young people.

These statements were part of Dr. AlMalik’s address, delivered via videoconference, on Sunday, 20 July 2025, during ICESCO’s participation in the launch of the intensive training camp for career guidance centre coordinators at Egyptian universities. The camp runs from 20 to 26 July 2025, benefiting over 110 trainees, as part of the second edition of the “Be Ready” initiative, which prepares youth for the job market. It falls under the “Alliance and Development” initiative sponsored by President El-Sisi.

In his remarks, Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt, describing it as a “beacon of knowledge and cradle of creativity” and a “shining star in the sky of the world.” Moreover, he praised the efforts of Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Egypt and President of ICESCO’s General Conference, who, alongside a team of top professionals at the ministry, is leading a “progressive and innovative approach” to transform youth energy into productive national capacity through sustainable, high-impact initiatives such as “Be Ready.”

Dr. AlMalik underscored the importance of the initiative as a call for every young person to prepare and take the lead in nation-building. He noted that this vision aligns with ICESCO’s strategic orientations, which place youth at the core of its civilizational project and grant them a significant role in shaping action and decision-making. He also highlighted that over 40% of ICESCO’s staff are young professionals—evidence of the Organization’s confidence in their creativity and renewal potential.

Moreover, the ICESCO Director-General shared three key messages for young people. First: investing in oneself, maintaining passion, nurturing the mind, and upholding strong values, as everyone carries an idea worth growing and a talent waiting to be heard. This, he said, calls for boldness to make the impossible achievable. Second: devotion to one’s homeland; Dr. AlMalik urged youth to express their love for their country through learning and contribution, noting that each step in building the nation is a tribute to its dignity and strength. Third: honouring one’s parents, for they are a source of God’s blessing and pleasure.

Following this, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s youth-focused initiatives that reflect its strategic commitment, such as the Young Professionals Programme, which attracted thousands of applicants seeking to build competencies in various fields; the ICESCO Youth Peace Ambassadors Program, selecting outstanding young people to promote mutual understanding and respect; and the ICESCO Year of Youth, which spanned over a year with impactful activities across Member States. He also cited the launch of the Innovators and Enablers Program, which he said would significantly influence the creative culture of youth in the Islamic world.

Dr. AlMalik concluded with a call to youth in Egypt and across the Islamic world:
“Be ready, to be role models, sources of inspiration, the vanguard of change, the hope of Egypt and the Islamic world, and the architects of the future. Prepare to serve our Islamic world with dedication and sacrifice. You are the part of the history being written today, the torch lighting the way, the bridge between what was and what will be.”

It is worth noting that the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in partnership with ICESCO, launched the second edition of the “Be Ready” initiative on 28 April 2025, at a high-level ceremony in Cairo attended by ministers and representatives of international organizations. Under the slogan “One Million Qualified Innovators,” this edition aims to equip one million young people with future skills and connect them to the job market. The initiative is implemented in partnership with leading international entities, including the UNDP’s Knowledge Project, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, the International Labour Organization, the Global Innovation Institute, and Egypt’s Education Development Fund under the Cabinet of Ministers.