Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail, Secretary-General of King Faisal Prize, on Friday, 30 October 2026, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and launch joint initiatives.

At the outset of the meeting, held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik commended the cooperation between the Organization and King Faisal Prize. He stressed that the Prize represents the entire Islamic world and enjoys high standing owing to its distinction and credibility, expressing ICESCO’s openness to cooperation in all future areas.

ICESCO Director-General also presented an overview of the Organization’s vision, new strategic orientations, and programs in its fields of competence.

For his part, Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail explained that the Prize’s role is not limited to honoring laureates, but continues after they receive the prize through follow-up programs and activities. He also highlighted efforts to strengthen the Prize’s scientific and cultural presence at international conferences and forums through active, substantive participation. Dr. Alsebail announced that the Prize will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2028, an occasion that will honor a distinguished group of laureates in several countries.

The two sides expressed strong interest in organizing joint conferences aligned with ICESCO’s areas of focus, drawing on the Organization’s outstanding experience in organizing international conferences, its qualified team, and its comprehensive logistical capabilities.

The meeting saw the presence of Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector, Supervisor of the Translation and Publishing Center; Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; and Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Head of the Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers.