The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with North South University in Bangladesh, held, on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, the first international symposium on “Digital Trust and Security in Space and Academic Ecosystems,” with the participation of international experts, decision-makers, and researchers to discuss the growing challenges related to cybersecurity, space technologies, and academic research.

The symposium, held in person and via videoconference, saw broad international participation, with more than 100 attendees at North South University’s campus in the capital, Dhaka, in addition to a group of experts, researchers, and students joining remotely.

The symposium opened with an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor for the Science and Environment Sector at the Organization. In his remarks, he stressed that universities and research centers have become complex digital ecosystems managing vast amounts of sensitive data, making digital openness an opportunity to enhance cooperation and innovation, while at the same time a source of growing risks, including data breaches and cyberattacks.

He added that ICESCO considers digital trust and security as foundational pillars for sustainable knowledge societies, emphasizing that cross-border cyber threats make international cooperation a necessity for exchanging expertise and developing academic partnerships and innovative solutions that serve the Member States. He also reviewed the Organization’s efforts in capacity-building, strengthening digital governance, and advancing cooperation in the fields of space, Artificial Intelligence, and cybersecurity.

The symposium featured discussion sessions moderated by Dr. Adel Smeda, Supervisor of the Science and Environment Sector, along with Dr. Issam Krimi and Dr. Fahman Fathhurrahman, experts in the sector. The discussions focused on the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks, enhance trust in digital systems, and reinforce resilient infrastructures, particularly in sectors related to space technology and academic research.

At the conclusion of the symposium, participants underlined the importance of developing competencies, coordinating policies, and strengthening international cooperation, alongside the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and secure data systems.