Dr. AlMalik: “We Discussed Displaying Palestinian Artifacts at ICESCO Headquarters to Raise Global Awareness of the Importance of Their Protection”

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Hani Al-Hayek, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the State of Palestine, on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The meeting aimed to discuss ways to enhance joint cooperation in heritage preservation and valorization, the protection of Palestinian cultural property, and support for the inscription of a number of heritage sites and elements in Palestine on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s vision, programs, and initiatives within its fields of competence, with a particular focus on the Organization’s efforts to inscribe the heritage of the Islamic world and to safeguard cultural property and heritage elements from damage, looting, and illicit trafficking. This is to be achieved through documentation, capacity-building, and the use of the latest technologies in this field.

In this context, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s openness to organizing training programs and specialized workshops on safeguarding cultural heritage. Additionally, the Director-General expressed willingness to launch capacity-building programs for experts and professionals engaged in heritage preservation in Palestine, whether within the Palestinian territories or in the Arab Republic of Egypt, given its advanced expertise and experience in this domain.

Dr. AlMalik also proposed the possibility of hosting Palestinian artifacts at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat as part of an initiative aimed at showcasing Palestinian civilizational heritage and bringing its spiritual, human, and cultural dimensions closer to the public, thereby contributing to highlighting the richness of this heritage and enhancing international awareness of the importance of its protection and preservation.

For his part, the Palestinian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities stressed the importance of safeguarding Palestinian cultural properties and archaeological sites, noting that many historical and archaeological sites have suffered partial or total destruction due to military operations and successive wars, particularly the recent war on the Gaza Strip.

Mr. Al-Hayek added that Palestine has developed innovative models in heritage management and launched the “5,000 Years of History” program, through which hundreds of historical artifacts have been exhibited in several Arab and European capitals. He also noted his Ministry’s aspiration to build institutional cooperation with ICESCO and its experts to strengthen national capacities in this field.

The two sides agreed during the meeting to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in the near future, outlining a joint cooperation framework for the implementation of programs and projects and the launch of bilateral initiatives in the field of heritage preservation and valorization.

Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Dr. Mohamed Zin El Abidine, Head of the Culture Sector; and Dr. Nidal Abu Zahri, Director of the Administrative Operations Department, represented ICESCO during the meeting.