The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a conference on Students’ Mental Health and Well-being on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, at its headquarters in Rabat, under the theme “From Understanding Challenges to Collective Action.” The event was organized in partnership with the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, Vocational Training and Qualification of the Kingdom of Morocco, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Sciences and Culture, as part of the celebration of World Mental Health Day.

The conference opened with remarks by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector, Supervisor of the Translation and Publishing Center. He stressed that approaches to mental health must not be limited to healthcare but must encompass education, family support, culture, sports and inclusive policies. He explained that schools and families share responsibility for providing safe and supportive environments where children can express their concerns and seek help.

The representative of Morocco’s Ministry of National Education, Preschool, Vocational Training and Qualification underscored the importance of mental health as an essential factor in students’ development and active participation in public life, particularly amid rapid social and digital transformations and the new pressures and challenges they bring.

For her part, Dr. Fatima Abouali, President of the Moroccan Anti-Doping Agency, highlighted the individual and collective responsibility to safeguard health as the foundation of contribution and psychological well-being. She also emphasized the need to uphold the integrity of sports and combat doping to protect health and ensure equal opportunities.

Following, Mr. Karim Hamidouche, Secretary-General of the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Sciences and Culture, touched on the importance of investing in mental health as a direct investment in building more resilient people equipped to confront challenges. Additionally, Ms. Hafida Boumarouane, representative of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, stressed that mental health is a fundamental human right, noting that most mental disorders begin before the age of 14, making childhood and adolescence critical stages.

Mr. Yassine Souidi, representative of the UNFPA, commended the conference for reaffirming the school’s role as a space for learning and thriving, and the family’s role as a supportive and empowering partner, enabling young people to develop their capacities.

The conference also featured panel discussions with the participation of officials and representatives of government and non-governmental bodies, organizations and civil society institutions. The discussions addressed ways to strengthen listening, dialogue, prevention and support for children, and to build trust and genuine partnership between families and educational institutions.

The conference concluded with Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, and representatives of the official partners announcing details of the fourth edition of the ICESCO Marathon, scheduled to take place on 31 October 2026 in Rabat.