Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), stressed the importance of cooperation and the exchange of expertise among countries, organizations, and international civil society institutions to build a future marked by peace, social cohesion, and innovation, with people at its heart. He noted that the future humanity seeks to build must be founded on shared values that transcend differences among civilizations and societies, creating a better world for future generations.

Dr. AlMalik made these remarks in a recorded address delivered at the opening session of the Second World Public Assembly, held on 18 and 19 September 2026 in Moscow, Russian Federation, under the theme “New World: Values That Unite.” The event brought together more than 5,000 speakers representing 154 countries, alongside officials, diplomats, experts, scientists, and cultural and youth figures.

Dr. AlMalik explained that societies are undergoing rapid transformations in modern technology and artificial intelligence. He highlighted education, science, and culture as pillars of human development, noting that education enables individuals to understand the world, science empowers them to change it, and culture provides the wisdom needed to harness change in the service of humanity.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s efforts to build young people’s capacities, foremost among them the Youth Knowledge Forum, held for the second time at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat through a partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme. He underscored the responsibility of institutions to provide young people with the knowledge, confidence, and platforms needed to strengthen responsible leadership skills and develop solutions to challenges.

Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik called for a new generation of partnerships that transcend borders and institutional constraints, guided by a forward-looking approach capable of anticipating and responding to future changes and helping to shape the future. He concluded by commending the Second World Public Assembly’s role in advancing knowledge and intellectual exchange among individuals and institutions.

As part of the Assembly, Mr. Waqas Afridi, Expert in ICESCO’s Education Sector, participated in a high-level panel discussion titled “International Organizations: Effective Partnerships in Science and Education.” He presented the Organization’s education initiatives, notably the ICESCO Global Green Education Progress Tracker, launched in partnership with UNESCO, and the ICESCO Digital Library, as well as the development of the first tool for assessing standards and identifying best practices for teachers and school leaders in the Islamic world, in partnership with the International Baccalaureate.