The Culture Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a scientific and cultural meeting via videoconference on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, hosting Dr. Nicole Duperret, psychiatrist and President of the Association Française de Musicothérapie. The meeting was organized as part of the “Global Thinkers Guests of ICESCO” program, with the aim of promoting culture as a driver of human development by supporting initiatives that bring together scientific knowledge, artistic practice, and societal engagement.

The meeting was opened by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, who emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary approaches that connect culture, health, and well-being from a humanistic and social perspective. He highlighted the growing role of artistic practices in shaping innovative cultural policies across the Islamic world.

In her presentation, Dr. Duperret reviewed her academic and professional journey and highlighted the positive effects of music on neurodevelopment and emotional balance. She noted that music therapy represents a key tool for self-expression and personal reconstruction, particularly in therapeutic settings, where it is increasingly recognized as an approved complementary medical approach.

She explained that this form of therapy, through sessions based on musical improvisation and the use of instruments, enables patients to express their emotions and better understand their suffering, while also contributing to enhanced social integration. In this respect, she stressed the importance of taking into account each patient’s cultural and musical identity to ensure appropriate therapeutic support and strengthen the effectiveness of the treatment process.

Dr. Duperret also addressed institutional developments in the field of music therapy since the beginning of the current millennium, pointing to the establishment of specialized associations, the development of university partnerships, and the strengthening of the academic recognition of this discipline.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Zineb Bougrine and Mr. Frédéric Jambu, experts from ICESCO’s Culture Sector.