On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and the Science Summit 2026 in New York City, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with several Kazakh universities presidents and their deputies participating in the Summit.

During the meeting, held on Monday, 21 September 2026, Dr. AlMalik presented ICESCO’s vision and flagship programs in education and scientific research. He also discussed prospects for cooperation with Kazakh universities through joint programs and projects, the establishment of academic chairs, and the provision of scholarships for the Islamic world youth.

Dr. AlMalik also gave a presentation on the Federation of Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), an ICESCO-affiliated body, outlining its objectives and aspirations to build an effective university network that advances higher education and strengthens the standing of universities of the Islamic world on the international stage. He invited Kazakh universities to join the Federation and participate in its initiatives.

The university presidents and their deputies expressed appreciation for ICESCO’s programs, affirming their interest in developing cooperation with the Organization and FUIW through scientific forums and conferences, support for projects and programs of mutual interest, and the exchange of academic expertise. Several universities also expressed their readiness to offer scholarships through ICESCO for students from Islamic world countries.

Dr. AlMalik proposed that a Kazakh university host the seventh edition of the Vice Chancellors’ Forum of Universities in the Islamic World, organized by FUIW, and that coordination and preparations for this event begin. The proposal was welcomed by several university presidents, who expressed interest in hosting the Forum.

At the close of the meeting, the participants reiterated their commitment to translating the ideas discussed into practical programs and sustainable academic partnerships and expressed their gratitude to the ICESCO Director-General for this initiative.