As part of the ICESCO Forum “Culture for Rethinking the World,” the Culture Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) organized a panel discussion via videoconferencing on “Movement and Arabic Calligraphy: Calligraphic Choreography,” with the participation of Dr. Anne-Marie Sellami, academic and calligrapher specializing in diacritics analysis, in celebration of Human Rights Day.

In his opening remarks at the session, held on Friday, 12 December 2025, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, emphasized that culture is a fundamental space for human expression and a vital means for building bridges of dialogue between societies. He further noted that the Organization actively promotes new forms of artistic creativity that contribute to renewing cultural thought and strengthening mutual understanding among peoples.

Dr. Anne-Marie Sellami delivered a presentation in which she addressed the expressive and mnemonic dimensions of Arabic calligraphy, explaining how letters are transformed into a shared heritage that brings together the personal and the collective dimensions. She also highlighted the concept of “calligraphic choreography” as an interaction between the body, the letter, and movement.

The session also saw the participation of Dr. Mahamat Abba Ousman, Expert in Cultural Heritage at ICESCO, who highlighted the role of oral traditions in the Islamic world in transmitting values and cultures. Ms. Zineb Bougrine, Expert in Cultural Policy at the Organization, reviewed the richness of the heritage associated with Arabic letters and their potential to inspire the creation of a language of movement that draws on imagination and artistic sensibility.

The panel discussion concluded by reaffirming ICESCO’s commitment to continuing its support for visual arts, foremost among them Arabic calligraphy, and to encouraging innovative creative practices that enrich human thought and strengthen the standing of culture.