The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB), based in Switzerland, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at building the capacities of teachers, professors, and educational staff in the fields of education, future skills, and modern technologies across Member States.

The MoU was signed on Friday, 10 April 2026, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Mr. Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director-General of IB, in the presence of several high-ranking officials from both organizations.

The Memorandum provides for enhanced exchange of expertise between the two parties regarding challenges in the education sector and the needs of ICESCO Member States, as well as the organization of joint activities, conferences, seminars, and discussion sessions to examine and address key educational issues.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that the MoU marks the beginning of a fruitful partnership for the joint implementation of various programs aimed at developing future skills and critical thinking. He highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation with academic institutions and centers to advance educational infrastructure in the Islamic world and to provide training opportunities for youth to refine their skills.

He also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts to attract competencies from within and beyond the Islamic world to exchange expertise, disseminate knowledge, and develop initiatives and activities that meet the needs of Member States.

For his part, Mr. Heinonen commended ICESCO’s efforts in promoting education and advancing its systems through a number of impactful programs and projects. He also noted the shared priorities of the two organizations, particularly the adoption of forward-looking and flexible approaches to integrate younger generations into the process of building a brighter future.

The signing ceremony was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Dr. Ahmed Al-Banyan, Director of the Translation and Publishing Center; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector; and Dr. Waqas Afridi, Expert at the Education Sector.