Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with His Eminence Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman, President of the Australian National Imams Council, on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, to explore prospects for joint cooperation between the Organization and the Council in the fields of civilizational dialogue, youth capacity-building, and civilizational upbringing.

During the meeting, held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik underscored the importance of cooperation among organizations and institutions from within and beyond the Islamic world to promote the values of respect and coexistence. He highlighted the roles of religious leaders in bringing communities closer together as civilizational intermediaries.

Dr. AlMalik also reviewed the Organization’s key initiatives, programs, and activities in education, science, and the protection of culture and heritage in the Islamic world, as well as its efforts to promote civilizational dialogue. He further pointed out the Organization’s policy of openness aimed at exchanging expertise and advancing peace.

For his part, Sheikh Alsuleiman commended ICESCO’s contributions to building bridges of cultural exchange, stressing the importance of integrating Muslim youth into their societies so that they may become productive members. He added that the Australian National Imams Council stands ready to cooperate with ICESCO in promoting the history and civilization of the Islamic world.

The two sides agreed to establish a joint framework to implement programs in the fields of civilizational upbringing, youth leadership skills development, and the promotion of the tolerant image of Islam.

The meeting was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue; Dr. Nidal Abuzuhri, Director of the Administrative Operations Department; and Dr. Hani Al Balawi, Expert at the Center for Civilizational Dialogue.