Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a series of bilateral meetings with a number of ministers and heads of delegations participating in the Organization’s 15th General Conference in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation. The meetings, which took place on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, focused on ways to strengthen cooperation in education, culture, and capacity building, as well as promoting the Arabic language among non-native speakers.

As part of these meetings, Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Mahamat Ahmat Alhabo, Chad’s Minister of State for National Education, Bilingualism and Citizenship Promotion. The two sides discussed ways to support youth empowerment, teacher training, and capacity building in Arabic language education. In this regard, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s readiness to intensify Arabic language programs for the benefit of administrative staff and managers, and to adopt flexible educational mechanisms that allow for increased benefit across various departments and ministries.

Dr. AlMalik also met with Dr. Al-Tohami Al-Zein Hajar, the Sudanese Minister of Education, and both discussed ways of strengthening cooperation in educational curriculum printing and the reactivation of the Sinnar Regional Centre for Dialogue and Cultural Diversity. They also talked about supporting projects related to youth and capacity building that serve current priorities and enhance the sustainability of educational and cultural programs.

Subsequently, Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Mohamed Abdul Salam Al-Qariou, the Libyan Minister of Education. They both reviewed ways to expand cooperation in education and curriculum development, and support remedial education initiatives for drop-out students and those with educational difficulties. The meeting also addressed integrating the values of tolerance and citizenship into education, as well as teacher training and professional development.

In another meeting, Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Ahmed Mohamed, the Maldives’ Minister of State for Education. During the meeting, the two sides explored the possibility of ICESCO supporting the implementation of educational projects and organizing seminars related to the Arabic language. Dr. Al-Malik called for developing cooperation through joint programs that meet the Maldives’ needs.

Dr. AlMalik concluded his meetings with a discussion with Mr. Bakhodir Ahmadov, First Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan. They emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural cooperation and expanding areas of partnership to support heritage preservation and the revitalization of joint initiatives in line with ICESCO’s approach to promoting the integration of culture and education, and building capacity in Member States and beyond.