Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Wutong Chair Professor at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) in China, delivered his first lecture to the University’s faculty and students. This marked his first academic engagement following his appointment to the University’s highest academic position, in recognition of his academic standing, distinguished leadership career, and contributions to promoting international cooperation and building bridges of civilizational communication between the Islamic world and China.

During the lecture, delivered on Monday, 28 September 2026, at the University in Beijing under the title “Higher Education and Science Diplomacy,” Dr. AlMalik stressed the need for Global South countries to adopt knowledge-based development and become partners in knowledge creation. He highlighted ICESCO’s use of science diplomacy to foster effective cooperation among its Member States and scientific and research institutions, address shared challenges, and build knowledge- and innovation-based societies by developing young people’s capacities and providing student exchange programs and educational scholarships.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted the Islamic world’s role in pioneering the university as a beacon of learning, noting that Fatima al-Fihri founded Al Quaraouiyine University in 859 in Fez, Morocco, attracting scholars from around the world. Dr. AlMalik demonstrated the importance of individuals and scholars in advancing knowledge. He explained that academic mobility is part of the Islamic world’s heritage, citing the journey of Ibn Battuta, who traveled more than 100,000 kilometers in pursuit of knowledge. He called for reviving this longstanding tradition while enabling qualifications and skills to cross borders as easily as their holders do.

Moreover, the ICESCO Director-General discussed the Silk Road between the Islamic world and China, noting that it carried not only silk but also ideas and innovations in both directions. He underscored the importance of sustaining this approach through the New Silk Road initiative. Addressing a new map for higher education, Dr. AlMalik stressed the need to develop universities in the Global South so that they contribute to knowledge creation and become academic destinations.

Subsequently, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s initiatives in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and youth capacity-building. He proposed several avenues for cooperation with BLCU, including launching the Ibn Battuta Academic Mobility Program; ICESCO Digital Qualifications Passport, a facilitated student visa pathway; Silk Road Universities Network; Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Alliance for Education, and Science Diplomacy Academy.

In closing, Dr. AlMalik affirmed that enabling knowledge to reach its full potential would advance human civilization through joint efforts by scholars from Global South countries to disseminate knowledge, promote peace, manage resources, and strengthen dialogue among civilizations.