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    ICESCO Director-General, Former Prime Minister of Mali Discuss Promotion of Peace and Security

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, H.E. Abdoulaye Idrissa Maïga, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Mali, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The meeting, which saw the presence of H.E. Salaheddine Mezouar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco, explored prospects for joint development initiatives in light of the security, educational, and human development challenges facing countries in the African Sahel region.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s steadfast commitment to promoting the values of peace, tolerance, and intercultural dialogue as core pillars of the Organization’s strategic vision. He highlighted several flagship initiatives implemented by ICESCO in this regard, including the award-winning “360° Peace” initiative, the Encyclopedia for Deconstructing Extremist Discourse developed in partnership with the Mohammadia League of Scholars in Morocco, the publication of ‘‘Ahmad Baba al-Timbukti: A Model of Civilizational Diplomacy in West Africa’’, and the Leadership Training Programme in Peace and Security (LTIPS), which has trained more than 180 young men and women from 68 countries, who were selected to serve as ICESCO’s Peace Ambassadors.

    For his part, Mr. Maïga expressed his appreciation for ICESCO’s efforts in fostering peace and security through education, science, and culture. He emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation with the Organization in initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace and sustainable development in the Sahel region.

    At the close of the meeting, the two sides agreed to continue coordination on developing a joint initiative focused on peacebuilding and sustainability, contributing to regional and international efforts to support stability and development in the region.

    In attendance from ICESCO were Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue; and Dr. Abdoulaye Al Maïga, expert at the Center for Civilizational Dialogue.

    ICESCO, Rwanda Discuss Prospects for Cooperation in Youth and Women Empowerment and Peace Issues

    Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mrs. Shakilla Umutoni Kazimbaya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of Morocco. The two parties discussed avenues for cooperation in the fields of developing education, protecting culture, achieving peace, capacity-building of youth and women, and the possibility of joining the Organization as an “Observer Member.”

    During the meeting, held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the importance the Organization attributes to African countries by implementing programs and projects that meet their needs in capacity-building of youth and women, promoting entrepreneurship in the fields of technology and AI, and strengthening the values of coexistence, peace, and civilizational dialogue. Dr. AlMalik commended the continuous efforts carried out by Rwanda to overcome challenges in recent years.

    For her part, Mrs. Kazimbaya reviewed the efforts of Rwanda to build a resilient society capable of overcoming challenges and strengthening peace and security. She affirmed her country’s commitment to cooperate with the Organization in developing projects and programs, convening symposiums for the capacity-building of youth, and empowering human capital in the fields of promoting leadership skills and developing education, scientific research, and heritage preservation.

    The two parties also discussed the possibility of Rwanda joining ICESCO as an “Observer Member,” as Mrs. Kazimbaya expressed her country’s desire to join the Organization and the importance of building fruitful partnerships in the fields of education, sciences, and culture. Dr. AlMalik welcomed this proposition, noting that the Organization is adopting an open approach to international cooperation, in accordance with its vision and purposeful strategy to promote partnerships and support joint work.

    Saudi Ambassador to Thailand Hosts Banquet in Honor of ICESCO Director-General

    H.E. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Suhaibani, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Kingdom of Thailand, held a banquet in honor of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on Friday , 10 October 2025.

    The banquet was attended by His Eminence Sheikh Arun Boonchom, Sheikh of Islam of Thailand, a number of senior officials and ambassadors accredited to Bangkok, as well as university presidents and officials of cultural and educational institutions.

    In his remarks, Ambassador Al-Suhaibani welcomed Dr. AlMalik, commending his fruitful meetings during his official visit, especially with a number of parliamentary, academic and religious leaders in Thailand, which resulted in important understandings in the fields of education, culture, science, environment, and the holding of the Civilizational Dimensions Forum between Thailand and the Islamic world. This also includes the acceptance of the Speaker of Thailand Parliament to join ICESCO Goodwill Ambassadors as well as the prospect of proclaiming one of Thailand’s cities as the Culture Capital in the Islamic world in the coming years.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to HE the Ambassador for the generous invitation, warm reception and hospitality, commending the efforts of the Kingdom’s Embassy in strengthening ICESCO’s presence in Thailand and bridging the views between the Islamic world and the Kingdom of Thailand.

    The meeting concluded in a cordial atmosphere marked by mutual appreciation and a common desire to foster more fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and the cultural, scientific and educational institutions in Thailand, with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Bangkok along with the embassies of the Islamic world countries.

    Director-General Meets Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow Kingdom of Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Headquarters of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok. The two sides discussed avenues for strengthening joint cooperation between ICESCO and Thailand.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed most of ICESCO’S programs and projects in the fields of education, sciences and culture in the Member States, pointing out to the possibility of Thailand joining ICESCO as an “observer member,” to benefit from these programs, particularly in the fields of heritage protection, training of national staff in charge of heritage sites inscription and preservation, and empowering youth in the fields of culture and innovation.

    ICESCO Director-General also presented several proposals for future cooperation, including the possibility of the Kingdom of Thailand hosting one of the Ministerial Conferences organized by ICESCO, as well as nominating one of the southern Thai cities to be the Capital Culture in the Islamic World in the future.

    For his part, the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his deep appreciation for ICESCO’s efforts to promote civilizational dialogue and cultural rapprochement among peoples, affirming his country’s keenness to expand its cooperation with the Organization in areas of mutual interest.

    In international conference in Thailand… ICESCO DG: We strive to enhance international status of Arabic

    Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), affirmed that the Organization places the Arabic language and the enhancement of its international status at the forefront of its priorities. He noted that ICESCO is implementing high-quality programs and projects, including work on the “Unified Reference Framework for the Arabic language in teaching, learning, and assessment.,” in cooperation with international institutions. ICESCO is also preparing global reports on the status of Arabic as a second language and is working to launch artificial intelligence projects to develop Arabic language models (LLMs).

    This was part of his keynote speech as Guest of Honor at the opening of the third international conference titled “the Arabic Language in the Modern Era: Literacy Opportunities and Challenges,” held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Bangkok, co-organized by ICESCO and Krirk University, the Wasatiyyah Institute under the Office of Chularatchamontri (Sheikhul Islam of Thailand), and the International Islamic University Malaysia. The conference witnessed high-level attendance from ministers, senior officials, ambassadors, and university presidents, led by H.E. Mrs. Sabida Thaiseth, Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Thailand, who attended on behalf of the Prime Minister.

    Dr. AlMalik highlighted the distinguished status of the Arabic language among world languages thanks to its uniqueness and rich vocabulary, describing it as the language of miracles, science, and thought. He emphasized its divine honor when the Holy Qur’an was revealed in clear Arabic.

    He stated that Arabic has remained resilient against colonial attempts to weaken it, recognizing that language is not merely spoken words but a comprehensive system of thought, creativity, and identity, pointing out that current challenges, especially the weakness of Arabic digital content, which barely exceeds 1% of global content, require intensive efforts from all institutions concerned, calling for enriching Arabic content by keeping pace with the demands and developments of the modern era.

    Dr. AlMalik presented a set of recommendations to enhance the international status of Arabic, including linguistic scientific research encouragement, especially in applied and computational linguistics, offering opportunities to study in Arab universities for non-Arab students to become ambassadors of the Arabic language, and allocating the necessary budgets to implement ambitious Arabic language projects.

    Additionally, Dr. Hani Al Balawi, expert at ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, participated in a conference session titled “Arabic Language: A Bridge for Civilizational Diplomacy.” He delivered a presentation on the civilizational depth of Arabic and reviewed ICESCO’s efforts, in cooperation with the Kingdom of Thailand, to make Arabic a bridge for civilizational dialogue and a tool for promoting values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

    ICESCO Organizes Training Workshop on Youth Mental Health in Yemen

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded a training workshop titled “Capacity Building: Mental Health Training for Adolescents and Youth,” organized in cooperation with the Yemeni National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, in Aden on 6 and 7 October 2025. The workshop benefited 35 young men and women and aimed to raise awareness about mental and psychological health while equipping youth with the skills needed to cope with crises.

    In her opening remarks, Dr. Hafiza Al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Yemeni National Commission, emphasized the importance of the workshop in enhancing young people’s understanding of mental health and its connection to conflict, thereby strengthening their resilience within their communities. She noted that societies cannot mature without fostering inner strength and ensuring psychological and social well-being.

    For his part, ICESCO representative Mr. Alioune Ndiaye, Head of Peace Division at the Social and Human Sciences Sector, highlighted that mental health and youth empowerment form a central focus of ICESCO’s strategic vision. He referred to the Organization’s practical initiatives, including the publication of two mental health guides and the organization of previous training sessions in Morocco and Libya.

    The workshop concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony attended by Mr. Iqbal Yassin Bahader, Deputy Director of the Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Yemen, Dr. Al-Khader Nasser Laswar, President of the University of Aden, along with several professors and academics.

    ICESCO Signs Two MoUs in Civilizational Dialogue and Scientific Research in Thailand

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) signed two MoUs with the Wasatiyyah Institute for Peace and Development, affiliated with the Office of the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, and with Krirk University in Bangkok, with the aim of strengthening cooperation in the fields of peaceful coexistence and civilizational dialogue, and advancing academic, scientific, and research collaboration. The signing took place on Thursday, 9 October 2025, on the sidelines of the third international conference titled “The Arabic Language in the Modern Era: Literacy, Opportunities, Challenges,” held in the Thai capital.

    The first MoU was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr. Abdullah Numsuk, Director of the Wasatiyyah Institute for Peace and Development. Spanning three years, the MoU seeks to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, spread the values of peace and coexistence, and foster sustainable peace and social cohesion, through joint training programs, international conferences, and exchange of expertise, research, and scientific publications.

    Following the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that partnerships with religious and civil institutions in Asia are a key driver for embedding a culture of peace. He noted that the MoU supports the implementation of joint initiatives to build youth capacities, empower community leaders, and carry out practical programs to counter hate speech.

    The second MoU was signed by Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Krasae Chanawongse, President of Krirk University. It aims to establish an institutional framework for academic and research cooperation, including the launch of joint research projects and the organization of specialized conferences and seminars in the fields of language, innovation, and civilizational studies.

    In this context, Dr. AlMalik affirmed that the signing of the MoU aligns with ICESCO’s strategic approach to expand international cooperation networks and exchange expertise, thereby supporting societal stability and enhancing the role of education, science, and culture in fostering peace and development.

    ICESCO Director-General Visits Krirk University in Thailand and Explores Prospects for Academic Cooperation

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited the campus of Krirk University in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday 8 October 2025, as part of his official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand. He was received by Dr. Krasae Chanawongse, President of the University, his Deputy, the Deans of the Colleges, and several faculty members.

    During the meeting, the University’s administration presented a comprehensive overview of its history and academic achievements. Krirk University is the oldest private university established in Thailand, attracting students from various Asian countries and beyond. It also places significant emphasis on Islamic studies and is currently working on establishing a specialized faculty for Islamic and Arabic studies.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik commended the University’s efforts in promoting education and advancing Islamic and Arabic studies. He also stressed the importance of conducting specialized research on the civilizational dimensions linking Thailand and the Islamic world and proposed the organization of an international conference dedicated to these civilizational aspects.

    ICESCO Director-General presented the University President with the official membership letter confirming Krirk University’s accession to the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), which operates under the Organization and includes more than 560 member universities. This was part of strengthening academic cooperation between the Organization and the University.

    At the conclusion of the visit, the two parties exchanged gifts, and Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the University’s administration and faculty members for their warm reception and generous hospitality.

    Attending the meeting from ICESCO’s side was Dr. Hani Al Balawi, Expert at the Center for Civilizational Dialogue.
    It is noteworthy that Dr. AlMalik will participate tomorrow as a keynote speaker in the Third International Conference of the International Islamic College of Bangkok, under the theme: “Contemporary Arabic: Knowledge, Horizons, and Challenges,” organized by the University.

    Speaker of Thai House of Representatives Appointed as ICESCO Goodwill Ambassador

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Thailand, on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, in Bangkok, during the Director-General’s official visit to Thailand, which is an Observer State in the Organization.

    At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Matha welcomed Dr. AlMalik, emphasizing Thailand’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with ICESCO in various fields, particularly those related to promoting the values of coexistence, rejecting hatred, and respecting religions and cultures.

    He praised the importance of ICESCO’s presence in Thailand’s cultural and intellectual scene through seminars, lectures, and meetings, as well as its cooperation with academic institutions and Thai universities. He further expressed his welcome to hosting ICESCO meetings in Bangkok in the future.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s main programs and initiatives, and highlighted Thailand’s position as a leading model in promoting tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect, thanks to its rich history and contemporary experience. He also affirmed ICESCO’s keenness to engage Thailand in many of its future projects and initiatives, particularly those related to civilizational dialogue and cross-cultural understanding.

    At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik conveyed ICESCO’s intention to appoint Dr. Matha as one of the Organization’s Goodwill Ambassadors, in recognition of his distinguished career and outstanding efforts in promoting the values of coexistence and peace. Dr. Matha expressed his deep appreciation for this honor, voicing his pride in this recognition and his readiness to further support the close relations between ICESCO and Thailand, and to advancedevelop joint initiatives in this field.

    The ICESCO delegation included Dr. Hani AlBalawi, expert at the Center for Civilizational Dialogue.

    ICESCO Director-General Begins Official Visit to Thailand with Meeting with Sheikhul Islam and Agreement to Promote Moderation and Tolerance

    As part of his first official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with His Eminence Sheikh Arun Boonchom, Sheikhul Islam and President of the Central Islamic Council of Thailand, on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, in Bangkok.

    The meeting explored avenues for strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and the Central Islamic Council in promoting interfaith coexistence and advancing the values of moderation and tolerance as fundamental pillars for building balanced and inclusive societies.

    Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s key initiatives in this field, particularly those carried out through its Center for Civilizational Dialogue. He highlighted the innovative concept of Civilizational Diplomacy, which seeks to shape individuals and societies on strong civilizational foundations that foster peace and intercultural understanding. He also presented several specific initiatives, including the “Read it to Understand it” initiative, which aims to deepen understanding of the Holy Quran and promote the values of dialogue and mutual respect. Additionally, Dr. AlMalik proposed organizing a symposium on Thailand’s experience of peaceful coexistence, as well as another on the cultural ties between Thailand and the Islamic world.

    For his part, Sheikh Arun Boonchom commended ICESCO’s efforts in promoting tolerance and coexistence, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in this area, particularly in Thailand, where Muslims make up approximately 10% of the population. He also expressed his eagerness to develop joint programs aimed at promoting the values of moderation, centrism, and dialogue.

    The two parties agreed to strengthen mutual participation in conferences and seminars organized by ICESCO in this field, and to move forward with signing a cooperation agreement between the Organization and the Office of the Sheikhul Islam in Thailand, on the sidelines of the International Conference on Arabic Language, to be hosted by Krirk University tomorrow.

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