Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Mohamed Nabil Benabdallah, Minister of National Education, Preschool, Professional Training and Qualification of the Kingdom of Morocco and President of the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Rabat. The two sides discussed cooperation in education, with a view to supporting efforts to develop education and foster its civilizational values.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik congratulated Mr. Benabdallah on the High Royal Trust bestowed upon him through his appointment to this position, wishing him success in advancing the education system and further developing the vocational training sector.
The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the two sides and explore prospects for advancing education systems across the Islamic world. Dr. AlMalik presented ICESCO’s vision and key programmes and initiatives, and discussed with the Moroccan minister opportunities to develop schools and train teachers, with particular emphasis on innovation, the use of technology in education, and aligning vocational training with future skills.
Dr. AlMalik highlighted the special standing Morocco enjoys within ICESCO the Seat country. He commended the gracious support extended to the Organization by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah protect him, and underlined ICESCO’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Ministry and drawing on Moroccan expertise to develop programmes that respond to the priorities of Member States.
For his part, Mr. Benabdallah reaffirmed Morocco’s support for ICESCO and its mission, expressing the Ministry’s readiness to broaden cooperation and further develop its partnership with the Organization to help improve the quality of education and build capacities.
The meeting also featured the presentation of several cooperation proposals, which will undergo systematic review and be developed into actionable initiatives for submission to the ICESCO Conference of Education Ministers.
Dr. Al-Malik Congratulates King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan Government, and People on the First Anniversary of Unity Day
The fourth edition of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Marathon took place in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, 31 October 2026, under the theme “Let’s Run Together for Mental Health and Well-Being.” The event brought together more than 1,000 runners from different age groups and social backgrounds, including children, young people, women, men, and persons with disabilities, in an atmosphere combining sporting competition with a spirit of participation.
This edition was organized in partnership with the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture; the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, Vocational Training and Qualification; the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports of the Kingdom of Morocco; the Wilaya of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Region; the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade; the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation; the Moroccan Anti-Doping Agency; and Air Arabia.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, signaled the start of the race outside the Organization’s headquarters on FAR Avenue in Rabat’s Hay Riad district. The approximately nine-kilometer route passed through several of the capital’s main streets, offering a shared sporting experience that encouraged physical activity and raised awareness of its importance to mental health and quality of life.
Dr. Al-Malik extended his congratulations to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government, and the Moroccan people on the occasion of the first anniversary of Unity Day. He emphasized that sports serve as a gateway to enhancing mental health and well-being, providing opportunities for communication, building self-confidence, and fostering a spirit of cooperation. He highlighted that the marathon reflects the Organization’s commitment to creating spaces that bring together diverse groups, support the participation of youth, women, and persons with disabilities, and reinforce the values of solidarity, coexistence, and equal opportunity.
Mr. Karim Hamidouche, Secretary-General of the Moroccan National Commission, praised the strong turnout for this edition, describing the event as an opportunity to promote noble human values. He emphasized that the initiative embodies the complementarity of sport, education, culture, and health, and that developing balanced individuals who engage positively with their surroundings is a shared responsibility requiring concerted efforts from institutions and all segments of society.
Following the race, Dr. AlMalik and Mr. Hamidouche, alongside representatives of the partners and sponsors, honored the winners in the different categories and presented incentive prizes, including airline tickets. Medals and certificates of participation were also awarded in recognition of the runners’ performance to encourage them to continue engaging in sports.
This edition was supported by several partners, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Special Olympics Morocco, the Royal Moroccan School Sports Federation, Aswak Assalam, and Assurances Lyazidi.
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.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) launched the third edition of its book, “Peace 360°: Weaving the Carpet of Harmony: Peace and Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan through the Eyes of the Youth.” This special edition, dedicated to the Republic of Azerbaijan in recognition of its contributions to promoting cultural diversity and shared human values, was co-authored by 29 young people from 23 countries.
The book was launched at a major ceremony held on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event brought together Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General; Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC); Mr. Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan; and several senior officials of international organizations and institutions.
The ceremony opened with remarks by Dr. AlMalik, who commended the efforts of His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, praising his steadfast commitment to intercultural dialogue through the Baku Process. He also thanked Ms. Leyla Aliyeva for penning the foreword of this edition, which underscores the importance of dialogue in achieving tangible impact.
Dr. AlMalik stated that ICESCO dedicates this edition to the Republic of Azerbaijan in recognition of its role in promoting coexistence and intercultural dialogue. He noted that the book gives young people a channel through which they can express their aspirations for shaping the future and advancing human values. It also demonstrates that dialogue is an active process through which understanding and cooperation are achieved. This vision has made peacebuilding a priority for ICESCO, which has developed its “Peace 360°” approach and the concept of Civilizational Diplomacy, and launched the Leadership Training in Peace and Security program, building the capacities of 250 Young Peace Ambassadors from 81 countries.
Dr. AlMalik also commended the role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, under the leadership of Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President, First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan and President of the Foundation, together with Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Foundation, in advancing peacebuilding efforts in Azerbaijan and worldwide through humanitarian initiatives, support for children with disabilities, and the inclusion of youth in vulnerable situations.
Dr. AlMalik called on the Young Peace Ambassadors to promote dialogue within schools, communities, and institutions to build bridges of communication and drive change.
For her part, Ms. Leyla Aliyeva stressed the critical importance of promoting the values of peace at a time when conflicts and divisions are intensifying worldwide. She highlighted Azerbaijan’s role in supporting cultural diversity as a crossroads for different cultures, religions, and traditions, and highlighted the contributions of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to culture, education, and environmental protection.
In his remarks, Mr. Moratinos emphasized the need for concerted international efforts to end wars and conflicts around the world, commending Azerbaijan’s initiatives in support of global peace efforts.
The ceremony then featured a video about the book, produced by ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector. This was followed by the remarks of Mr. Alioune Ndiaye, Head of the Peace Department at ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, and speeches by ICESCO Young Peace Ambassadors representing Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Morocco. At the close of the ceremony, Dr. AlMalik received an art piece entitled “Welcome to Karabakh.”
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Khalid Al-Eisir, Minister of Culture, Information, Antiquities and Tourism of Sudan, at ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku. The meeting focused on ways to strengthen joint cooperation and support Sudan’s efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate its cultural institutions, restore their operations and develop sectors related to culture and information.
During the meeting, held on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, Dr. AlMalik expressed his eagerness to visit Sudan, reaffirming ICESCO’s openness to contributing to strengthening national capacities and developing Sudanese expertise in areas of common interest.
The ICESCO Director-General also affirmed the Organization’s readiness to organize official and social media training programs for staff members and media professionals. He further pledged to provide the necessary support to help rebuild the Sudan Academy of Communication Sciences.
The meeting was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Civilizational Dialogue Center; and Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of the Foresight and Artificial Intelligence Center.
His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, in Baku. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, co-organized by ICESCO under the theme “Dialogue for a Shared Future: Building Bridges in a Fractured World.”
During the meeting, President Aliyev praised the level of cooperation between Azerbaijan and ICESCO. He affirmed that his country is making sustained efforts to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with the countries of the Islamic world. The President added that it will continue supporting the activities of both the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and ICESCO to fulfil the aspirations of the countries and peoples of the Islamic world. In this context, he noted that Azerbaijan will host the 16th Islamic Summit Conference in 2027.
For his part, Dr. AlMalik congratulated President Aliyev on the Forum’s resounding success, noting that the Azerbaijani President’s opening address had garnered widespread attention. He underscored, in particular, the importance of countries drawing on Azerbaijan’s experience in ending wars and building peace amid ongoing conflicts around the world.
The ICESCO Director-General expressed his gratitude to President Aliyev for his continued support for the Organization’s activities and for Azerbaijan’s sustained efforts to advance joint initiatives. He also voiced deep appreciation for Azerbaijan’s support for projects aimed at developing education in the countries of the Islamic world.
In this regard, Dr. AlMalik commended the cooperation with Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, underscoring the importance of the humanitarian and educational projects implemented in ICESCO Member States with her support. Dr. AlMalik outlined several prominent initiatives, including a project providing educational and social support to displaced girls living in boarding schools in Burkina Faso and Niger.
The meeting was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director-General of International Baccalaureate (IB), agreed to elevate cooperation between their two Organizations to a strategic partnership. The partnership will be guided by a two-year joint action plan featuring high-impact initiatives to enhance the quality of education and advance the performance of teachers and school leaders across the Islamic world.
The agreement was reached during their meeting on Friday, 23 October 2026, held on the sidelines of the annual IB Conference in Lyon, France, from 22 to 24 October 2026, in which ICESCO participated.
At the outset of the meeting, ICESCO Director-General expressed his appreciation for the invitation and warm reception. The IB Director General, in turn, commended Dr. AlMalik’s participation and address at the opening plenary session, as well as the contribution of ICESCO’s Education Sector to the Conference and the organization of a joint event by the two Organizations.
Both parties expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved since the signing of the strategic MoU at ICESCO Headquarters in April 2026. They affirmed their commitment to building on its outcomes through initiatives that have a direct impact on educational institutions. The action plan includes completing the professional standards initiative for teachers and school leaders in early 2027, in preparation for its launch and presentation at the ICESCO Conference of Education Ministers in the Islamic World, scheduled for the last quarter 2027. It also provides for adapting these standards to national contexts and piloting them in three to five Member States, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in developing educational practice.
The two sides also agreed to launch the “ICESCO–IB Award for Educational Excellence,” which will recognize the best teacher, school leader, and school, in order to encourage inspiring practices and showcase experiences that make a meaningful difference in student learning.
Dr. AlMalik presented a proposal for the “ICESCO–IB Schools” initiative, to be included in the joint action plan. The initiative would establish defined standards that schools may seek to fulfil in order to obtain accreditation under the initiative. The proposal draws on ICESCO’s knowledge of its Member States’ priorities and the IB’s expertise in curricula and assessment, offering an educational model that respects national particularities while benefiting from international best practices.
ICESCO Director-General also announced the allocation of 200 places for IB school teachers and leaders in ICESCO’s “10,000 AI Leaders” programme, supporting their capacity to employ these technologies in teaching and school leadership.
The two sides also discussed developing the “ICESCO–IB Professional Excellence Pathway for Teachers and School Leaders,” based on the standards currently under development. The pathway aims to provide high-quality training and professional certifications in fields including artificial intelligence, digital teaching, values and ethics, inclusive education, future skills, and school leadership.
The discussions also covered joint participation in the Human Capability Initiative Conference (HCI 2026), to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April 2027, and enhancing the IB’s participation in ICESCO Conference of Education Ministers. Dr. AlMalik further proposed hosting one of the IB’s annual conferences in 2029 at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat. This would expand engagement with educational institutions across the Islamic world and open new horizons for cooperation.
The two sides also agreed to establish a professional exchange programme between the staff of both Organizations, to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise. They will also work towards issuing a periodic report on the situation of teachers and school leaders in the Islamic world, contributing to the guidance of development efforts and support for education policies.
The two sides exchanged views on learning outcomes as reflected in international reports, affirming the importance of improving teaching quality and strengthening institutional support for education professionals. In this context, Mr. Heinonen commended ICESCO’s standing and growing impact in the Islamic world and beyond, expressing the IB’s pride in its partnership with the Organization.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a joint technical team to finalize the action plan, identify its priorities, timelines, and implementation mechanisms, and monitor the delivery of the initiatives over two years, translating the strategic partnership into tangible and sustainable results. The meeting was attended, on behalf of ICESCO, by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of Education Sector, and Mr. Waqas Afridi, Expert at the Sector. The IB delegation included the senior executive responsible for programme development and professional pathways, the regional directors for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Canada, the Global Head of Education Standards, Policy and Design, as well as the Senior Director for Education Systems Solutions and the Senior Director for Education Systems Operations.
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.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held the international symposium “Calligraphy and Manuscript Terminology: Theory and Practice” on Thursday, 15 October 2026, at its headquarters in Rabat, in cooperation with the Hassania Royal Library in Rabat and the Sunni Endowment Diwan of the Republic of Iraq. The event brought together leading experts and researchers specializing in calligraphy and manuscripts from several countries across the Islamic world.
The symposium featured 12 academic papers by researchers from Tunisia, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Morocco. It aimed to examine terminological issues at the intersection of calligraphy and manuscript studies and advance specialized research and scholarship on terminology.
The opening session began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General. He underscored the importance of preserving manuscripts as a living memory bearing the imprint of the hand that wrote them and the mind that created them. He stressed that safeguarding this heritage begins with understanding it and standardizing its terminology, and that the loss of a single manuscript undermines future generations’ right to know their history.
Dr. AlMalik also highlighted scholars’ early recognition of the need to define meanings and terminology and facilitate their transmission across generations. He emphasized the responsibility of all who value knowledge to reconnect this heritage with academic life and reviewed ICESCO’s efforts to protect it from deterioration and make it accessible to researchers. He called for the symposium to serve as a genuine starting point for establishing a shared terminological reference and launching integrated manuscript cataloguing and digitization projects.
For his part, Dr. Ahmed Chaouki Binebine, Curator of the Hassania Royal Library in Rabat, highlighted the symposium’s importance in addressing a complex subject, explaining that the study of terminology is the first step and a solid foundation for academic research. In the context of codicology, Dr. Binebine noted that neither classical nor modern dictionaries adequately help researchers interpret and decipher many manuscript terms. He provided examples illustrating the issue and pointed out that dozens of terms remain unexplained in dictionaries.
The symposium, moderated by Dr. Ahmed Abdel Basset, expert at ICESCO’s Calligraphy and Manuscripts Center, featured three academic sessions chaired respectively by Dr. Ahmed Chaouki Binebine; Dr. Idham Muhammad Hanash, Head of the Calligraphy and Manuscripts Center; and Dr. Murad Al-Rifi, Director of the Arabization Coordination Bureau in Rabat. A distinguished group of researchers and academics delivered presentations covering issues and terminology related to Arabic calligraphy, manuscripts and textual editing.
They also traced the historical development of these terms and examined their linguistic, technical and aesthetic meanings, with a focus on contemporary efforts to unify and standardize them and address related artistic and technical challenges.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, in the international conference titled “Islamic Civilization: The Great Spiritual and Scientific Heritage of Uzbekistan, New Prospects for Enlightenment and Dialogue Among Civilizations,” held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France.
In his address, Dr. AlMalik affirmed that Islamic civilization is a civilization of peace, fraternity, culture and science. He described it as a deeply rooted and enduring civilization distinguished by its consistent openness to all, highlighting the Islamic world’s lasting contribution to the advancement of knowledge, science, education, culture and human thought.
The ICESCO Director-General underscored the importance of heritage as a bridge connecting cultures, generations and civilizations. He also emphasized the pivotal role of education, science, culture and intercultural dialogue in promoting mutual understanding and strengthening international cooperation.
In closing, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to supporting initiatives that safeguard cultural heritage, foster knowledge exchange, and contribute to establishing a culture of peace and dialogue among civilizations.
