Kampala: 24 September 2026

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated on Thursday, 24 September 2026, in the 30th Annual International Management Conference, organized by Makerere University Business School in Uganda in a hybrid format under the theme “Knowledge Revolution: Driving Innovation and Sustainable Development in Africa.” The conference brought together academics, researchers, officials, entrepreneurs, experts, and specialists to discuss the role of knowledge, innovation, and scientific research in advancing sustainable development across the continent.

ICESCO was represented at a conference panel on “Knowledge for Development” by Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Director-General’s Office, Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector. The panel also brought together representatives of international organizations and institutions, notably the African Union, the United Nations Development Programme, the Asian Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Bank of Uganda, North-West University in South Africa, RenuMesh Technologies, and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa.

Dr. Mabrouk delivered a presentation titled “Advancing Knowledge Societies in Africa: From Knowledge Production to Sustainable Development Impact,” highlighting the role of knowledge societies in developing infrastructure for development. She stressed the importance of strengthening African countries’ capacity to produce and harness knowledge and reviewed the key challenges facing the continent’s knowledge ecosystems, including the gap between scientific research and policymaking, unequal access to opportunities, limited institutional capacity, and insufficient exchange of expertise.

Moreover, Dr. Mabrouk highlighted ICESCO’s efforts as a platform for knowledge cooperation among its 53 Member States, including 17 African countries, to advance education, science, technology, foresight, artificial intelligence, culture, and international partnerships. These efforts are pursued through a range of activities and initiatives, notably the Youth Knowledge Forum and the “10,000 AI Leaders” Program.