The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) co-organized the Granada Partners Forum for Educational Excellence and Innovation, held by the Granada Foundation for Publishing and Educational Services on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, in cooperation with the University Center for Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers at Sultan Moulay Slimane University in the Kingdom of Morocco, under the theme “Arabic Brings Us Together.”

Held via videoconference, the Forum brought together a distinguished group of experts, academics and specialists in Arabic language education and the development of educational practices. It addressed excellence and innovation in Arabic language education, curriculum and program development, and the advancement of teachers’ continuing professional development.

ICESCO was represented at the Forum by Mr. Adel Bouraoui, Advisor to the Director-General and Supervisor of the “Mishkat Al-Arabiya” program, who delivered a presentation entitled “ICESCO and the Granada Foundation: A Model Partnership at the Service of Arabic Language.” He highlighted the importance of institutional partnerships in developing educational initiatives and programs, sharing educational expertise, and coordinating efforts to serve Arabic language and expand its reach across diverse linguistic and cultural settings. He also commended the achievements made through this partnership over two decades in numerous countries across all six continents.

Dr. Youssef Ismaili, Head of Language Training Division at ICESCO Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, delivered a presentation entitled “Arabic as Soft Power: Global Education and Teacher Training.” He explored the civilizational and cultural dimensions of Arabic and its role in promoting communication and mutual understanding among peoples, stressing the importance of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers as a means of fostering cultural dialogue and broadening the horizons of civilizational dialogue. He also highlighted the pivotal role of teacher training in improving the quality of Arabic language education by developing teachers’ linguistic, pedagogical and digital competencies and enabling them to use modern curricula and innovative educational technologies.