Dr. AlMalik: The Organization Places Qur’anic Education and Its Institutions at the Forefront of Its Priorities

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), affirmed that the Organization places Quranic education and its institutions at the forefront of its priorities and areas of focus, underscoring the depth and historical dimension of the partnership between ICESCO and the Republic of Senegal and its multiple strategic dimensions, which have encompassed all fields of the Organization’s work and areas of competence. He described Senegal as a model to be followed in view of its seriousness, rigor, and effectiveness.

AlMalik made these statements during his address as guest of honor at the celebration of the National Day of Qur’anic Schools (Daaras) in the Republic of Senegal, held on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, in Dakar, under the chairmanship of His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and attended by Mr. Malick Ndiaye, President of the National Assembly of Senegal, Mr. Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, Minister of National Education, as well as a number of Islamic scholars and senior officials.

Dr. AlMalik began his address by expressing his appreciation for the gracious invitation extended by His Excellency the President of Senegal for ICESCO to take part in the celebration, recalling the civilizational history of the Republic of Senegal throughout the ages and its eminent standing in Africa and the Islamic world. He noted that Senegal has written illustrious chapters in the preservation, teaching, dissemination, interpretation, and translation of the Holy Qur’an through the legacy of its leading scholars who established a towering base of knowledge.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik commended Senegal’s pioneering initiatives, under the leadership of H.E. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to strengthen the role of the Arabic language and develop Quranic institutions. He highlighted the decision to integrate graduates of traditional education into the labor market and affirmed the Organization’s full readiness to support Senegal’s efforts in implementing its national project by providing technical and knowledge-based expertise to advance Qur’anic schools and by cooperating with the competent authorities to implement the recommendations of national conferences on the “Daaras,” particularly in light of the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and misleading digital content targeting the identity, culture, and religious values of youth.

In closing, Dr. AlMalik affirmed that the partnership between the two parties is witnessing a new launch through a number of educational initiatives, foremost among them the professional training program in Arab-Islamic education implemented by ICESCO in cooperation with Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar. He invited Senegalese experts and researchers to visit the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat and gain first-hand insight into ICESCO’s activities, initiatives, and programs.