Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Gulsana Kozhabay, Chair of the Board of the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue (ICIID). The two officials signed a memorandum of understanding whereby ICESCO becomes a strategic partner in co-organizing the Ninth International Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, scheduled to be held in 2027 under the patronage of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, at the Center’s headquarters in Astana, focused on ways to strengthen cooperation between ICESCO and the Center, particularly in advancing and developing interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue and consolidating the values of mutual understanding and coexistence.

During the meeting, Ms. Kozhabay reviewed the Center’s key initiatives and programs aimed at promoting interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue, as well as its future orientations in light of current global challenges, which are expected to be addressed at the upcoming congress scheduled for next year.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that this memorandum falls within the framework of supporting interreligious and intercultural dialogue, building relevant capacities, and rejecting all forms of extremism and fanaticism.

He noted that ICESCO has established the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, tasked with developing modern concepts, most notably the concept of “Civilizational Diplomacy,” which the Organization has adopted within its strategic initiatives as a means of promoting openness and mutual understanding with others through a renewed civilizational vision.

Dr. AlMalik also underscored the importance of engaging youth in these programs by equipping them with modern concepts of dialogue and encouraging their participation in relevant forums and conferences, enabling them to serve as ambassadors for their countries in promoting a culture of peace and understanding among peoples.

The memorandum of understanding includes several provisions, notably a strategic partnership in organizing the Ninth International Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which the Center convenes every two years with the participation of prominent international figures. The memorandum also stresses the importance of youth participation and attendance in these events.