The proceedings of the 15th session of the General Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) opened on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, in the presence of His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, with the participation of a number of ministers, heads of National Commissions, Member States’ delegations, and representatives of international and regional organizations, both in person and remotely.

In his address at the opening session, His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov stated that Russia and the countries of the Islamic world have traditionally been bound by strong relations based on trust and mutual respect. He added that convening the ICESCO General Conference in Kazan strengthens multilateral relationships between Russia and the Organization’s Member States, commending the efforts of ICESCO under the leadership of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik in its fields of competence.

For his part, Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs, commended Dr. AlMalik’s role in developing the fields of culture, education, and science, and his contribution to strengthening the Organization’s regional and international presence. He welcomed the renewal of confidence in Dr. AlMalik to ensure the continuity of programs and projects and expand their impact.

Subsequently, Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Arab Republic of Egypt and President of the ICESCO General Conference, affirmed that ICESCO continues to consolidate its position as an effective international organization in education, science, culture, and communication, serving as a platform for civilizational dialogue, the promotion of joint Islamic action, and the anticipation of global transformations. He considered that the accomplished achievements reflect an institutional model based on partnership with the Member States.

In the statement of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Sami bin Mohammed bin Abdullah Alsadhan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation, expressed thanks to Member States for the re-election of Dr. AlMalik, the Kingdom’s nominee, for a second term, highlighting ICESCO’s role in promoting the values of understanding and rapprochement among peoples.

Following the General Conference’s approval of his election for a second term, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, reviewed the Organization’s institutional frameworks that provide greater flexibility and enhanced capacity for adaptation and resilience. He also outlined the goals of the next phase, describing it as an innovative vision centered on creativity, driven by youth, and grounded in the firm belief that the future is shaped through knowledge, openness, and joint action.

Dr. AlMalik noted that the Organization seeks to expand its impact beyond the Islamic world by building bridges of civilizational dialogue, strengthening cultural presence, and opening up to the horizons of science, research, and foresight, emphasizing that the true measure of success lies in the impact of programs and initiatives on the lives of peoples.

Concluding his address, the Director-General of ICESCO thanked Member States for renewing their confidence, and extended special thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. He also commended Tatarstan’s hosting of the Conference and expressed his appreciation to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, and to the Moroccan Government for their support and for hosting the Organization’s headquarters.

During its two-day sessions, the Conference will consider the approval of applications submitted by Turkmenistan, Brazil, and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law to obtain observer status with the Organization. It will also approve the report of the Executive Council and the report of the General Directorate on activities for the period 2021–2025, as well as the draft strategic plan and budget for 2026–2029.