The Culture Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held the first meeting of the International Network of Civil Society Communities for Culture and Development, as part of efforts to establish a structured framework for consultation and cooperation among civil society actors engaged in cultural and development work. The meeting brought together 70 associations and organizations active in the cultural and socio-development fields.

In his opening address at the meeting, held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat on Monday, 4 May 2026, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, underlined the pivotal role played by civil society communities in promoting cultural expressions, strengthening social cohesion, and advancing inclusion. He noted that the current challenges related to culture and development call for the creation of new spaces for consultation and coordination, enabling the formulation of more effective and impactful collective responses.

The meeting sessions were chaired by Mr. Frédéric Jambu and Ms. Zineb Bougrine, experts at ICESCO’s Culture Sector, with the participation of Mr. Uli Glaess, Director of the International Munich Art Lab. These sessions provided participants with an opportunity to present their experiences and priorities, and to exchange perspectives on ways to enhance cooperation among civil society components and build bridges for coordination and joint action in the fields of culture and development. The discussions also highlighted support for youth-oriented initiatives and the strengthening of cultural projects with sustainable community impact.

The launch of this network forms part of a broader orientation of ICESCO’s Culture Sector toward building structured and sustainable cooperation mechanisms, following initiatives including the international forum Culture for Rethinking the World, ICESCO International Chairs Network, and the International Thinkers Guests of ICESCO Program.