The Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, took part in the 12th edition of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), held on 24 and 25 November 2025 in Doha. The event was organized by Qatar’s Ministry of Education and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and brought together over 1,000 participants, including education ministers, policymakers, multilateral organizations, researchers, and EdTech pioneers from around the globe.

Held under the theme “Humanity.io: Human Values at the Heart of Education,” the summit explored bold transformations in education systems based on human values to ensure education remains adaptable, accessible, and relevant.

Dr. AlMalik spoke at a ministerial roundtable titled “Bridging the Gap: Financing Inclusive and Future-Ready Education,” where he addressed strategic opportunities for systemic change to promote access, adaptability, and inclusive education for all. He highlighted approaches such as blended financing, establishing regional funding mechanisms, leveraging strategic partnerships, and results-based financing, emphasizing the importance of supporting local capacities and national innovations as key strategic opportunities.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik underscored the vital role of transformative education that integrates diverse identities and community values while promoting universal human rights and inclusivity. He reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to supporting bold and diversified financing models to foster innovation, citing examples of ICESCO’s strategic partnerships in implementing pioneering projects across Member States. These include two pilot virtual learning projects in Gambia and Pakistan, which trained over 500 teachers and benefited more than 2,000 students, as well as ICESCO’s smart learning program using emerging technologies, expected to benefit 200,000 students, and another program for learning management that will serve 10,000 teachers.

The roundtable, which also featured Haddy Jatou Sey, Head of the Education Sector at ICESCO, concluded with organizers pledging to prepare a policy document based on the rich discussions and valuable insights shared by ministers and participants.