Category: Director General

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), at her office in Doha.

The meeting explored prospects for strategic cooperation in education, human development, and scientific research, with a particular focus on the ethics of artificial intelligence from an Islamic perspective and ways to employ it responsibly in education and cultural upbringing. Discussions emphasized the importance of leveraging AI to strengthen human values, preserve identity, and keep pace with rapid transformations in the knowledge economy.

Dr. AlMalik presented ICESCO’s renewed vision and implementation strategy, underscoring the need to integrate the Arabic language and Islamic culture into AI ecosystems and enhance their intellectual and ethical presence in digital models and smart learning platforms.

Her Highness, a global thought leader and a central figure in human development, affirmed that artificial intelligence represents a historic opportunity if grounded in solid ethical principles and a comprehensive human vision. She stressed that education and scientific research form the cornerstone for anticipating and shaping the future. She also highlighted the eminent status of the Arabic language and the importance of promoting it, noting that the completion of the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic marks a new milestone in advancing the language and reinforcing its scientific and cultural presence.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep appreciation to Her Highness for her pioneering role in making education a lever for human development and a bridge to the future. He extended an invitation to Qatar Foundation to visit ICESCO headquarters to discuss ways to deepen cooperation and translate shared visions into impactful, sustainable programs.

The meeting was attended by Engineer Saad bin Ebrahim Al Muhannadi, Head of the Office of the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation; Dr. Ahmad Hasnah, President of Hamad Bin Khalifa University; and Ms. Abeer Al Khalifa, Head of Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation.

In conjunction with the finals of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, currently hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held a conference on Monday, December 22, 2025, at its headquarters in Rabat under the theme “Leveraging Sport for Youth and Women Inclusion and Sustainable Development.” The event saw the participation of ministers, academics, and experts in the fields of youth and sports.

The conference explored ways sports can contribute to strengthening social and economic inclusion, support mental health and well-being, and stimulate new ideas in sports to serve the Sustainable Development Goals and effect real impact on those most in need.

In his opening remarks on behalf of Dr. Salim AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy DG, noted that the conference aligns with the Organization’s strategy to develop a sports model founded on collective action, institutional collaboration, innovation, and sustainability with the aim of amplifying the social impact of sports, positioning it as a catalyst for youth empowerment and women’s advancement, while reinforcing the principles of citizenship and solidarity.

Ms. Ramata Almamie Mbay, Head of ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, presented the Organization’s renewed vision, which considers sport a lever for social inclusion, a driver of economic development, and a promoter of social cohesion.

In her turn, Ms. Khady Diène Gaye, Minister of Youth and Sports of Senegal, confirmed that her country has decided to prioritize sports as a central component of youth-centered public policies. She highlighted Senegal’s active involvement in a process of systemic transformation within the “Senegal 2050” Agenda.

Mr. Abdelrahman Ajbari, Head of the Division of Youth Institutions at the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, stated that sport in Morocco has become a significant catalyst for development, contributing to the enhancement of governance, training, and infrastructure modernization in the Kingdom. Ms. Laura Bill, UNICEF Representative in Morocco, underscored the pivotal role of sports in fostering inclusion and catalyzing sustainability and innovation.

In a recorded speech, Ms. Kanizat Ibrahim, Former CAF Vice-President and current member of the FIFA Council, underscored the potential of football to promote youth inclusion, women’s empowerment, and community cohesion. She emphasized the importance of sustainable partnerships and programs that can translate this approach into tangible results.

The conference featured two panel discussions. The first focused on sport, social and economic inclusion, and its role in youth employment. The second centered on sport, well-being, social cohesion, and sustainability. The conference concluded with a speech by Ms. Kenza Abourmane, Director of Youth at the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Under the patronage and presence of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the ceremony celebrating the completion of the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. The event took place on Monday, December 22nd, 2025, in Doha, Qatar, with high-level attendance including ministers, representatives of regional and international organizations, heads of language academies, members of the Dictionary’s scientific council, and experts and researchers.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that ICESCO is fully committed to supporting the Dictionary, positioning itself as a gateway for this pioneering project to the Arab and Islamic world through a long-term strategic partnership. He noted that the Dictionary holds a unique distinction and excellence, meeting aspirations while anticipating future opportunities and challenges.

The ICESCO DG praised the patronage of H.H the Amir of Qatar for the dictionary project, which began 13 years ago and involved a select group of experts from across the Arab world. He stated: “The Doha Dictionary is the first of its kind to comprehensively document Arabic words and their meanings.”

Dr. AlMalik explained that the Dictionary, which includes more than 300,000 entries, represents a unique resource for scholars, students, and researchers. He affirmed that its completion is a milestone in the advancement of knowledge, and reflects the region’s ability to produce civilizational projects with global impact. He concluded his remarks by reciting a poem he composed for the occasion.

The ceremony also featured remarks by Ms. Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, Qatari Minister of Education and Higher Education; Dr. Azzeddine Bouchikhi, Executive Director of the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language; Dr. Azmi Bishara, DG of the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies; and Dr. Mahmoud Al-Sayed, Head of the Arabic Language Academy in Damascus.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, H.H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani honored the experts, researchers, and editors who worked on completing the Dictionary project across its various stages.

The Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language was launched in 2013 by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies in Qatar. The project includes a textual corpus of approximately one billion words. The Dictionary uniquely documents the evolution of Arabic words from their earliest appearances in inscriptions and texts, tracing changes in their forms and meanings within textual contexts and following the language’s chronological development.

The Financial Control Committee (FCC) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded its annual meeting on Friday, 19 December 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. During the meeting, the Committee approved the financial reports submitted by the General Directorate, as well as the closing accounts for the 2024 financial year, reaffirming in its final report the high level of professionalism and transparency demonstrated in the presentation of data and the management of resources.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, had instructed heads of sectors within the Organization to extend full cooperation to FCC members, expressing his appreciation for their efforts and their role in strengthening ICESCO’s financial management system.

He also reaffirmed the General Directorate’s commitment to sustain cooperation, guided by a financial and administrative vision grounded in efficiency, responsibility, and the consolidation of sound governance principles.

The ICESCO FCC is composed of Mr. Yussuf Ali Najar, Representative of the State of Kuwait as Chairman of the Committee and Mr. Abdulaziz bin Saad Adabbas, Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as Rapporteur.

The FCC is also comprised of three members, namely Mr. Heizrul bin Ali, Representative of Malaysia; Mr. Araz Baghirli, Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan; and Mr. El Hadji Habib Kébé, Representative of the Republic of Senegal.

Over the course of five days, the FCC held a series of meetings with officials from the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences, as well as the Departments of Legal Affairs and International Standards, Administrative Operations, Financial Operations, and the Financial Control Office. These meetings focused on reviewing detailed financial reports and examining various documents related to accounting matters and expenditure across the Organization’s programs and projects.

FCC members also visited several ICESCO sectors to gain first-hand insight into administrative and financial work mechanisms, as well as the monitoring and auditing systems in place.

At the close of the meeting, the Committee expressed its satisfaction with the level of financial discipline and the quality of the reports presented, noting that the consolidation of a culture of transparency and accountability within ICESCO enhances partners’ confidence and supports the Organization’s capacity to mobilize additional resources in service of the priorities of its Member States.

The FCC’s report is scheduled to be submitted to ICESCO’s Executive Council and General Conference in the coming months.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Khaled El-Enany, UNESCO Director-General, on Friday, 19 December 2025, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

During the meeting, the two parties agreed to further develop the partnership agreement signed between the two organizations, ushering in a new phase of cooperation and institutional synergy, and enhancing the impact of joint action in the fields of education, culture, and science at both the regional and international levels.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik extended his congratulations to Dr. El-Enany on assuming the position of UNESCO Director-General for the 2025–2029 term, expressing his aspiration to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two organizations in the coming period, in a manner that keeps pace with global transformations and serves the interests of the Member States.

Moreover, the Director-General underscored the importance of complementarity between ICESCO and UNESCO within their respective areas of expertise, and the key role of joint action in fulfilling the civilizational mission of international organizations, while enhancing their impact in supporting education, safeguarding culture, and advancing science.

The two parties agreed to update the partnership agreement to include new priority areas of cooperation, notably strategic foresight, artificial intelligence, and the preservation of endangered world heritage. The parties also agreed to organize joint programs and activities that reflect the complementary roles of both organizations.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector, and Ms. Somia Djakta, Head of the ICESCO Office to UNESCO.

Following the meeting, Dr. Khaled El-Enany hosted a luncheon in honor of the ICESCO Director-General and his accompanying delegation, marking their first visit to UNESCO Headquarters since he assumed his duties.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the International Forum on Peace and Trust, held on Friday, 12 December 2025, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The Forum was attended by heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international organizations and institutions, on the occasion of Turkmenistan’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of its status of permanent neutrality, the International Day of Neutrality, and the proclamation of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust.”

In his address to the Forum, Dr. AlMalik underscored the importance of trust as a fundamental moral value and a guiding force in an increasingly turbulent world, describing it as a “sacred trust” and a responsibility that links integrity to action, strengthens cooperation, and transforms intentions into lasting peace.

Furthermore, the Director-General reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to preparing a new generation of leaders in the Islamic world through its flagship programs in this field, including the Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS) program and the ICESCO Youth Peace Ambassadors Program, which aim to empower young leaders as the foundation of change for peace and for building the societies we aspire to.

The participation of the ICESCO Director-General in this international forum reflects the Organization’s steadfast approach to supporting and promoting the values of peace, coexistence, and civilizational dialogue, as well as encouraging international initiatives that seek to entrench a culture of dialogue and harmony among different peoples and societies.

The International Forum on Peace and Trust is increasingly cementing its standing as a prominent international platform for the exchange of views on ways to strengthen multilateral cooperation, consolidate mutual trust, and build effective partnerships that contribute to supporting regional and international security and stability.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the unveiling ceremony of the Neutrality Monument, which was erected in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on Friday, 12 December 2025, in celebration of the International Day of Neutrality, observed annually on December 12th.

The ceremony was attended by a number of heads of states, leaders of international organizations, ministers, and dignitaries, including H.E. President Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation; H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye; H.E. President Dr. Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, President of the Republic of Iraq; and H.E. President Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in addition to the heads of Central Asian states.

Participating leaders and officials laid wreaths at the monument as an expression of appreciation for the values of neutrality and peace, and for the promotion of mutual understanding among nations.

Dr. AlMalik took part in the ceremony by laying a wreath on behalf of ICESCO, reaffirming the Organization’s commitment to supporting the principles of peace, dialogue, and coexistence, and to strengthening trust among peoples.

Commemorative photographs were also taken prior to the launch of the International Forum on Trust and Peace, which was held later that day in the city of Ashgabat, in conjunction with the celebration of the International Day of Neutrality.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), began an official visit to Turkmenistan on Thursday, 11 December 2025, to participate in international activities marking Turkmenistan’s 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality, International Day of Neutrality, and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.

Dr. AlMalik commenced his visit to the capital, Ashgabat, by taking part in the flag-raising ceremony at the Neutrality Monument, in the presence of several heads of state and government, ministers, representatives of international organizations, and high-level guests.

Following that, Dr. AlMalik visited the Exhibition of Economic Achievements of Turkmenistan, which highlights the country’s economic and developmental progress, particularly in the sectors of transport, energy, and communications, and reflects its commitment to internationally recognized positive neutrality.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, to discuss ways of strengthening strategic cooperation between ICESCO and Azerbaijan. The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of the international conference held in Baku to launch ICESCO’s Artificial Intelligence Index for the Islamic world, organized in collaboration with the Ministry and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Baku, Dr. AlMalik commended Azerbaijan’s commitment to promoting technology, innovation, and knowledge dissemination, and reaffirmed ICESCO’s readiness to expand joint initiatives aimed at supporting digital education and scientific research in Member States.

For his part, Mr. Amrullayev stressed the Ministry’s keenness to deepen cooperation with ICESCO in developing artificial intelligence policies, training teachers, and building youth capacities across Member States.

The meeting featured in-depth discussions on programs and initiatives jointly implemented for the benefit of the Islamic world, particularly in artificial intelligence technologies, as well as an overview of future action plans between both parties in this regard.

Attending the meeting on behalf of ICESCO were Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah, Advisor to the Director-General; Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku; and Mr. Murad Aliyev, Expert at the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector.