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    Category: Culture and Communication

    Culture and Communication

    ICESCO holds training session in Benin on promoting rights of children with disabilities through culture

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    Today, Wednesday, August 7, 2024, the training session held in Porto-Novo, the capital of the Republic of Benin, on promoting the rights of children with disabilities through artistic and cultural activities, concluded. The session was organized by the Culture and Communication Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the National Commission for UNESCO and ICESCO in Benin.

    The session, which benefited 40 children with disabilities and lasted for three days, aimed to enhance knowledge of human rights and the necessity of respecting and ensuring them for all social segments. It also provided training in designing drama performances and paintings that disseminate awareness of the importance of respecting the rights of children with disabilities, especially deaf and mute children, within the educational and cultural environment.

    This session, which was supervised by trainers from the “Deaf Reception, Education and Integration Center” (Centre d’accueil, d’éducation et d’intégration des sourds) (CAEIS), à Louho, Benin, is part of the efforts of ICESCO’s Culture and Communication Sector to promote the right to access culture, develop creative economy, contribute to the integration of persons with disabilities into cultural and artistic activities, and employ their creative abilities through training sessions.

    The opening ceremony of the session was attended by Raliou Arinloye, Deputy Director of Cabinet of the Minister of Pre-school and Primary Education, Benin, Dr Paulette Okpèicha Gnanvi, Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO and ICESCO in Benin, in addition to a number of officials in the cultural sector.

    Cultural and Artistic Evening at ICESCO Headquarters Celebrating “Shusha” as Culture Capital in Islamic World

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    The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat hosted a cultural and artistic evening on Friday, June 7, 2024, as part of the “Shusha Days”. The Event was organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Morocco, in celebration of Shusha being 2024 Capital of Culture of the Islamic World. The Evening witnessed the high-level attendance of officials, ambassadors, prominent public figures, and a large audience.

    The Evening commenced with an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, in which he welcomed Shusha, represented by its art, heritage, and enduring legends, into the Organization’s premises. He expressed ICESCO’s pride in its deep relations with Azerbaijan and thanked the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Embassy in Rabat, and the ICESCO team, particularly those from Azerbaijan, for their significant efforts in organizing the Evening.

    Dr. AlMalik highlighted that Shusha exemplifies how supreme human values can endure despite adversaries, stating that the genius artwork is created by those who master the art of marrying color and thought. In this regard, the DG brought focus on the legend of “Khari Bulbul,” a unique and beautiful flower resulting from the fusion of a rose, a thorn, and a singing bulbul (songbird), which Shusha has adopted as its symbol.

    In his speech, Mr. Aydin Karimov, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district, thanked ICESCO and its DG for declaring Shusha Culture Capital of the Islamic World. He noted that the celebration program includes many outstanding activities to be implemented throughout the year.

    Ambassador Nazim Samadov, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Morocco, also expressed his gratitude to ICESCO and its Member States for the honor bestowed upon Shusha. He referred to the words of His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev during the launch of the celebration event of Shusha as Culture Capital of the Islamic World on 11 May 2024. He stated that the people of Shusha are honored to receive the title, which represents evidence of the increasing support and respect from the Islamic world towards Azerbaijan.

    The Event continued with a video presentation showcasing the most notable landmarks of Shusha, including scenes from the launch ceremony of Shusha as the Culture Capital. Following this, the musical segments of the evening commenced, featuring performances by more than 20 artistic and musical groups from Shusha and Azerbaijan, presenting traditional dances, tunes, and songs that highlight Shusha’s rich cultural heritage. These performances received significant interaction from the audience.

    The cultural event at ICESCO headquarters also included a photo exhibition revealing the extent of Azerbaijan’s achievements in reconstructing and rebuilding the beautiful city of Shusha, as well as a display of the most famous and delicious dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine.

    ICESCO Director General Receives Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Arts of the Republic of Gabon

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. André Jacques Augand, Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Arts of the Republic of Gabon to discuss the progress of the partnership between the Organization and Gabon in the fields of education, science, and culture.

    The meeting took place on Tuesday, 28 May 2024 at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, attended by Mr. Sylver Aboubakar Minko Mi-Nseme, Gabonese Ambassador to Morocco, and the minister’s accompanying delegation. Dr. AlMalik highlighted the Organization’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Gabon through the implementation of programs, projects, and initiatives that align with Gabon’s priorities and meet its needs.

    Dr. AlMalik explained that ICESCO’s new vision prioritizes cultural fields and that the Organization has developed a cultural strategy aimed at supporting the Member States in updating their cultural policies, preserving and valorizing heritage in the Islamic world, employing modern technologies, inscribing historical sites and cultural elements on heritage lists in the Islamic world, and building the capacities of heritage professionals.

    For his part, Dr. Augand praised ICESCO’s roles and distinguished initiatives, expressing his aspiration to further develop the partnership between Gabon and the Organization in the coming period.

    The meeting also covered the results of some ongoing projects between the two sides, as well as proposals for cooperation, including the possibility of ICESCO supporting the establishment of a museum in Gabon to exhibit archaeological items to be recovered from European countries.

    In attendance from ICESCO were Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, and Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector.

    ICESCO and Republic of Guinea Explore Cooperation Prospects in Education, Science and Culture

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Namory Traoré, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to the Kingdom of Morocco, and together they explored prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and Guinea in the fields of education, science and culture.
    At the beginning of the meeting, held on Friday, May 24, 2024, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik congratulated Mr. Traoré on his new position as Guinea’s Ambassador to Morocco, wishing him success in his mission.

    The Director-General also reaffirmed ICESCO’s keenness to develop cooperation with Guinea and support its endeavors to modernize the fields of education, science and culture, particularly during the current transitional phase. He added that the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations adopt openness to the Member States to accurately identify their needs and priorities aimed at designing programs and projects tailored to each country.

    For his part, Ambassador Traoré conveyed the greetings of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Guinea and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Director General, commending the Organization’s efforts to support Guinea during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also stressed Conakry’s keenness to develop cooperation with ICESCO, as the political leadership in the Republic is counting on this partnership to further its work in rebuilding and restructuring the country.

    The meeting discussed proposals to develop a partnership between ICESCO and Guinea in the fields of education, science, and culture, including the establishment of an ICESCO regional center in Conakry and the promotion of the Organization’s cooperation with Guinean universities. The two parties also agreed to sustain coordination at the expert level to develop executive plans for joint programs and projects.

    ICESCO and Diplomatic Club of Rabat Explore Cooperation Prospects

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    A delegation from the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) met on Wednesday, February 6, in a videoconference with a delegation of the Diplomatic Club for Charity of Rabat to explore cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

    Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Director of the Sector of Culture and Communication, headed the delegation, which comprised Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Advisor to the Director-General; Ms. Rime Jirari, Head of the Division of Organizations and Bodies at the Sector of Cooperation and Partnerships; and Mr. Bilel Chebbi, Expert at the Sector of Culture and Communication.

    Ms. Zeina Barakat, the wife of the Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic to Rabat, President of the Club, presided over the delegation of the Club, with the participation of Ms. Nadia Al Hadithi, wife of the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Morocco; Dr. Yousra Al Jazairy, Acting Cultural Attaché at Saudi Arabia in Morocco; and Ms. Yolanda Jah, Cultural Officer.

    During the meeting, the parties agreed to jointly translate the book “Flavors of the World” into Arabic, to be published by the end of February 2021. The two parties discussed the inscription of Ramadan table and its associated rituals on the Islamic World Heritage List. The participants also proposed publishing a book on the important role of Ramadan table and its relevant values and principles in entrenching respect for cultural diversity and promoting coexistence values. They examined cooperation to submit the inscription file on the Representative List of the Intangible Heritage.

    At the close of the meeting, the Club’s members reiterated their thanks to ICESCO for its unwavering support and efforts to protect cultural heritage in the Islamic world.

    ICESCO Calls for Global Partnership in Islamic Art

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      Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) called on international organizations, government bodies, and associations working in the field of culture and arts to increase their coordination efforts. The goal is to develop a mutually agreed global artistic system on the role of art in building human civilization and spreading the values of peace.

    The DG underscored that art is capable of unifying peoples and nations, refining the spirit of creativity, consolidating cultural diversity and respect for others, and promoting coexistence.

    The statement came as part of the DG’s address during the “International Virtual Symposium on the Contribution of Islamic Art to Building Human civilization and Spreading Peace Values.” ICESCO held yesterday the event in celebration, for the first time, of the International Day of Islamic Art.

    The Symposium brought together the representatives of specialized international and regional organizations, ministers, and curators of museums of Islamic art in the world.

    On the occasion, Dr. Al-Malik thanked Bahrain for submitting a proposal to allocate a day for celebrating Islamic art. The General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved the proposal, and the countries of the Islamic world adopted the initiative, following a recommendation from the 2019 UNESCO Executive Council. The goal was to acknowledge the importance of Islamic art and its contribution to building human civilization throughout history.

    ICESCO DG stated that the Organization prepared, during the week from 18 to 25 November 2020, an integrated program to celebrate the International Day of Islamic Art. The week’s agenda featured several artistic and creative activities and cultural and literary salons. The agenda also included virtual exhibitions of modern and contemporary art using the Islamic civilization and culture as inspiration; and competitions on Arabic calligraphy to publicize the great contribution of Islamic art to building human civilization.

    Dr. AlMalik emphasized that Islamic art remained steadfast through time, present and renewable in all parts of the world, representing the image of a man and his creativity and that we must give insight into what the Islamic civilization has provided to humanity throughout history. He explained that the various types of Islamic art that have shaped Islamic architecture and formed a distinct personality and identity that has left its imprints in all civilizations.

    The DG pointed out that ICESCO scheduled, as part of its priorities for the next decade, several programs aimed at supporting art across the world, under its civilization program “ICESCO’s Roads to the Future.”  The umbrella program is key to implementing the Organization’s strategic plan for building partnerships and strengthening cooperation.

    The cooperation, Dr. AlMalik concluded, is reflected in the establishment of the International Center for Arts, ICESCO’s Cultural and Academic Chairs, to promote the Organization’s virtual culture in fiction, poetry, and literature.

    ICESCO Announces Winners of Short Films Award

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    The Jury of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Short Films Award held its last meeting on November 11, 2020, to select the winners. ICESCO launched the Award last March as part of its “Distance Culture” initiative, in cooperation with Layan Cultural Foundation, under the presidency of HH Faisal bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Saud.
    ICESCO will announce the winners on Thursday, November 19, 2020, as part of its celebration of the International Week of Islamic Art.

    The Jury is made up of Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Director of Culture and Communication Sector at ICESCO; Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Cultural Advisor to ICESCO Director-General (DG), Jury Chairman; Dr. Najib Rhiati, Advisor to the General Directorate, Rapporteur of the Jury; Khaled Ibrahimi, Film Director; Mohammed Chouika, Film Critic and Writer; Abdelilah Hamdouchi, Novelist and Screenwriter; as well as Mr. Nassim Mohand Amer, Program Director at the Culture and Communication Sector.

    The Jury drew on ICESCO’s fields of interest in the assessment of the short films, such as environment and sustainable development, culture, heritage protection, and the rights of children, disabled people, and girls. The assessment also hinged upon technical criteria, namely the concept, filmmaking, scenario, and picture of the short film.

    During the meeting, the jury selected the top six short films out of the 180 films received from the Asian, Arab, and African regions. Every two films will receive one award based on their quality.
    ICESCO launched a set of contests during the lockdown period, which included various creative fields such as the short story, drawing, music, and short films. These contests saw great participation from all over the world.

    ICESCO and Qatari Ministry of Culture Coordinate Celebration of Doha as Capital of Islamic Culture for 2021

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    Dr. Mohammed Zine El Abidine, Director of Culture and Communication Sector at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Belal Chabi, Expert at Culture and Communication Sector, held on November 1, a coordination meeting with the officials of the Qatari Ministry of Culture and Youth and the Secretary-General of the Qatari National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science. The meeting explored the preparations for the celebration of Doha as Capital of Islamic Culture for 2021.

    During the videoconference, the two parties discussed the arrangements for the official launch of the celebration, the draft program, and the key proposed activities and main cooperating parties. The meeting also stressed the importance of coordination between the ministries and the concerned sector to ensure the success of the celebration.

    The Qatari officials proposed January 16, 2021, as the launch date of the celebration, concurrently with the close of Doha International Book Fair. The officials also undertook to provide ICESCO with the major programs to be implemented. The activities will include regional and international exhibitions, festivals, international symposia, and cultural weeks mainly targeting women and youth.

    ICESCO’s representatives undertook to provide the Qatari officials with the major activities to be implemented as part of the Doha celebration. The measures fall under ICESCO’s new vision that focuses on establishing centers and developing programs and initiatives to promote the position of culture in Muslim countries, mainly “ICESCO Digital Home,” “ICESCO International Arts Center,” “Islamic World Heritage Center” and “ICESCO Chairs.”

    At the close of the meeting, the two parties considered the possibility of shifting towards virtual activities if the pandemic persists. The officials agreed to hold a videoconference or face-to-face coordination meeting by the end of November 2020, to review the preparations for the celebration.

    ICESCO’s Jury for Creativity Prize Holds Meeting

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    The Jury of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Creativity Prize held a meeting on October 20, at the Organization’s headquarters to examine the contest nominations for the short stories, poetry, painting, and music.

    The Jury consists of Dr. Mohamed Zin Al-Abidin, Director of the Culture and Communication sector, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Cultural Advisor of the Director-General, and Dr. Najib Rhiati, Advisor to the General Directorate. It also included ICESCO’s experts Dr. Oussama Nahas and Dr. Mohammed Ansari.

    After processing submissions, the Jury shortlisted 15 short stories, six in Arabic, eight in English, and one in French. It also shortlisted two musical works, noting that it will announce results soon.

    The contest is part of ICESCO’s lockdown initiatives amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It falls within ICESCO’s “Distance Culture” Initiative to support young people’s talents, harness their creativity, and raise their spirits amid the current health emergency.

    ICESCO’s prizes covered various creative fields such as short films, painting, and short stories, and saw the participation of a large number of contestants from different countries.

    ICESCO Announces Program Plan to Outline and Index Civilizational and Cultural Roads

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    The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, called on the Ministers of Cultures and the competent parties in the Islamic world to take part in ICESCO’s program for joint inscription of models of civilizational roads and historic cultural routes.


    The DG also invited Member States to submit technical files to inscribe all their tangible and intangible heritage sites and elements on the Islamic World Heritage List (IWHL).


    ICESCO’s DG made the call in his address at the Virtual International Forum on “Consonance of Civilizations on the Silk Road.” The International Turkic Academy (ITA), in Kazakhstan, organized the event in commemoration of the 1150th anniversary of the philosopher Abu Nasr Al-Farabi.


    Dr. AlMalik presented the plan of “ICESCO International Program for Roads and Routes,” which outlines and indexes all current and future civilizational, cultural, and heritage roads. To ensure the success of this endeavor, the DG stated that the Organization needs the support of its Member States and all the regional and international cultural heritage institutions with extensive expertise in this field.


    The Organization will allocate all its resources and capacities to ensure the success of the program, stated Dr. AlMalik. He added that the Organization is willing to cooperate in training and capacity building and commits to provide study grants for students to conduct research on the topic of civilizational roads and routes in the Islamic world.


    Dr. AlMalik also stated that civilizational roads contributed to building civilizations, promoting cultural harmony, bringing nations together, and anchoring the foundations of security.
    “Today, more than ever before, we are in dire need for similar roads, albeit taking different forms. The roads we need today rely on modern technology and are capable of contributing to the attainment of sustainable development,” he noted.


    The DG addressed the purpose of creating these civilizational roads. He stated that even though the Silk Road and many others were primarily created for commercial purposes they also contributed to the cultural and religious exchange. He gave the example of the Hajj Road, which alone left a literary and cultural treasure consisting of pilgrimage journeys where pilgrims documented their travel experiences. He further noted that pilgrims meticulously recorded the aspects of history, civilization, and geography, becoming outstanding knowledge references for subsequent generations.


    ITA organized the forum to celebrate the life and work of the great Muslim philosopher, who was born in 874 in the Farap region in Kazakhstan. He was a renowned scientific figure who had great contributions to the medical field. ITA was created by virtue of the Nakhchivan Agreement signed in 2009. The Academy operates in the fields of science and education and has been operating from Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan since 2010.