Category: Director General

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded the activities of its Ramadan Gathering, “Excellence in Vicegerency (Istikhlaf),” on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, held at its headquarters in Rabat throughout the holy month of Ramadan in cooperation with the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco. The session featured a lecture by Dr. Khadija Abouzid, Professor of Higher Education at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, titled “When the Balance of Values Is Disrupted.”

The closing session was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, a number of ambassadors accredited to Morocco, members of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, as well as intellectuals and specialists in spiritual and educational affairs.

The session opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by young reciter Zayd El Bakkali, winner of the “Child Hafiz” Award in Morocco, followed by a poem recited by young reciter “munshida” Abeer Al Mahboubi. Dr. AlMalik then presented both children with honorary awards in recognition of their excellence in Qur’an memorization and recitation.

Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain AlJazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Group, delivered an introductory address in which she emphasized that history demonstrates that the fall of civilizations stems from losing the compass of values that governs human behavior, noting that sound reason and moral integrity are the true measures of individual worth and the foundation of thriving societies, which calls for reflection on how to elevate human values so they move from theoretical knowledge to tangible behavior and impact.

She added that the lecture would focus on Qur’anic principles guiding human conduct, the Qur’anic perspective on Vicegerency values, ways to translate theoretical principles into practical behavior, and the role of role models in instilling Vicegerency values among youth.

Dr. Abouzid began her lecture by highlighting the foundations of responsible human existence from an Islamic perspective: faith in God, ethical conduct, and responsibility toward society. Through these pillars, she explained, individuals become capable of fulfilling their life mission and serving as catalysts for positive change in their societies.

She added that human behavior in Islam is guided by a holistic system of values that shapes a balanced character in one’s relationship with God, the self, and the community. Acts of worship that cultivate inner discipline help anchor these values until they become daily practice, especially when youth and society at large can look to exemplary figures who embody these principles.

The session included a rich discussion among participants. Dr. AlMalik commended Dr. Abouzid for her contributions throughout the gathering’s sessions, noting that her insights had enriched the theme of “Excellence in Vicegerency (Istikhlaf)” and opened new horizons that illuminated previously overlooked dimensions.

The event concluded with Dr. AlMalik and Ms. Rania Shobaki, Chairwoman of the Group, presenting honorary shields to Dr. Abouzid, Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the ICESCO Director-General and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector at ICESCO, Qur’an reciter Hassnae Khoulali, and Mr. Ala Mula Al-Dwailah from the Office of the Director-General, in addition to several ICESCO sectors, divisions, and departments for their contributions to the Gathering’s success.

Benali: Women are Active in Fields of Science, Education, and Culture

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a major celebration on Thursday, 12 March 2026, at its headquarters in Rabat, to mark International Women’s Day under the theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” aimed at promoting awareness of the contributions of women and girls within society and the importance of strengthening their capacities across various fields.

The event opened with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, in which he conveyed greetings to all women. He noted that the civilization of the Islamic world has, since its earliest days, honored women, upheld their rightful status, and laid the foundations for the achievements witnessed today, where women serve as pioneers and leaders occupying the highest positions of influence.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted that ICESCO places women’s issues at the core of its priorities, reflected in women holding fifty percent of leadership positions within the Organization. He affirmed that ICESCO has a clear vision in which women are accorded full dignity and occupy leadership roles commensurate with those of men.

For her part, Dr. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of the Kingdom of Morocco, stressed the particular importance of the celebration’s theme, as it places women’s roles in building, development, and influence at the center of discussion. She underlined that women in the Islamic and Arab world are active in science, education, culture, and action and reform, and she reviewed Morocco’s national efforts to empower women and strengthen their dignity and status.

The ceremony then featured a screening of a short film titled “Women Making Impact,” followed by verses of Prophetic praise, and a high-level panel discussion moderated by Dr. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector at ICESCO. The session included the participation of Dr. Yousra bint Hussein AlJazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to Morocco, who emphasized the importance of supporting women’s success stories, which reach their full impact when transformed into sustained contributions that open broader opportunities for other women.

Dr. Yousra AlJazairy noted that women’s experiences across the Islamic world vary, with some having access to education and leadership opportunities, while others continue striving to obtain them. She called for narrowing the gaps in education and empowerment.

In her intervention, H.E. Mawadda Omar Haj Al-Toam, Ambassador of Sudan to Morocco, affirmed that Islam advocates equality in rights, referencing several stages in Islamic civilization during which women assumed leadership roles.

Dr. Sadia Faizunnesa, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Morocco, reviewed her country’s efforts to promote girls’ education, considering it essential for women’s economic, social, and leadership development and a driver of sustainable development.

The celebration concluded with an exchange of commemorative shields between Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Benali. Following this, ICESCO’s Director-General presented commemorative shields to Dr. AlJazairy, H.E. Mawadda Omar Haj Al-Toam, H.E. Sadia Faizunnesa, and Dr. Almamy Mbaye in recognition of their efforts to advance women’s roles in various fields.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received, on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, Ambassador Yu Jinsong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Morocco, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between the Organization and China in the fields of education, science, culture, and civilizational dialogue.

At the beginning of the meeting, held at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik congratulated Ambassador Yu Jinsong on her appointment as China’s Ambassador to Morocco, wishing her success in her mission. He stressed the Organization’s commitment to enhancing its distinguished partnership with China, which has resulted in the implementation of several activities, programmes, and conferences in the fields of civilizational exchange and heritage preservation. The most recent initiative was a cultural celebration hosted at ICESCO Headquarters on the occasion of the Chinese Spring Festival 2026, featuring performances that reflected the harmony between Islamic civilization and Chinese culture.

Dr. AlMalik noted that, in line with ICESCO’s approach of openness, the Organization offers non-Member States the opportunity to join as “Observer Members,” extending an invitation to the Chinese side to participate with a high-level delegation in ICESCO’s General Conference scheduled for next May, which the Ambassador welcomed.

For her part, Ambassador Yu Jinsong affirmed her country’s keenness to strengthen its outstanding partnership with ICESCO in the fields of education, science, culture, and the exchange of expertise and knowledge in technology and civilizational communication.

Ambassador Yu Jinsong also delivered to Dr. AlMalik an official letter from Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), reaffirming ICESCO’s pivotal role in enhancing cooperation between the Islamic world and China in the fields of culture, science, education, youth, and the deepening of civilizational dialogue.

The meeting was attended from ICESCO by Anar Karimov, Head of the Sector of Partnerships and International Cooperation; Osama Heikal, Head of the Sector of Media and Communication; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director General’s Office and Supervisor of the Sector of Strategy and Institutional Excellence; Dr. Webber Ndoro, Head of the Islamic World Heritage Center; and Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of the Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence.

The Headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, the third session of the Ramadan Gathering “Excellence in Vicegerency (Istikhlaf),” organized by ICESCO, in cooperation with the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco. During the event, Dr. Khadija Abouzid, Professor of Higher Education at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, delivered a lecture titled “From Screen to Testimony: The Art of Making an Impact,” in the presence of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, a number of ambassadors accredited to Morocco, members of the Group, and a distinguished audience interested in intellectual and spiritual affairs.

The meeting kicked off with recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, followed by welcoming remarks from Dr. Yousra Aljazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Group. She underscored that human awareness is reflected in one’s understanding that life on earth is not a silent passage but an enduring imprint that bears witness for or against its maker. She added that humans were honored not only with reason, knowledge, or capability, but also with the unique ability to create impact through conscious choice.

Dr. Aljazairy emphasized that the essence of vicegerency lies not in the act itself but in its lingering mark, stressing that vicegerency is not a granted privilege but a responsibility to create meaningful impact. She noted that every human being, willingly or unwillingly, leaves a trace, citing the noble Seerah of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, who reshaped human consciousness, leaving a living presence in the human conscience more than fourteen centuries later.

Dr. Abouzid then explained the precise meaning of “impact” as the mark that endures in hearts, emotions, and minds after a person’s departure. She affirmed that the essence of human existence is tied to relationships and to the impact one leaves within one’s surroundings. This was evident, she noted, in the early years of the Islamic call, when the Prophet, peace be upon him, focused on spiritual and psychological development before rituals and obligations, an approach that should guide the upbringing of children within the family, prioritizing faith and ethics to nurture responsible individuals capable of self-accountability in their relationship with Allah Almighty and with others.

She stressed that modern technologies have become essential tools in daily life and should be used to generate positive impact and good practices in digital interactions. She outlined several principles for doing so, including knowing Allah, sincerity in action, positive expectations, generosity, wishing good for others, patience, and mastery of work.

The lecture concluded with an open discussion, during which Dr. Abouzid answered questions from the audience.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting with Mr. Hammam bin Juraid, Executive Director of the Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND), to discuss a joint action plan, under the MoU signed between the two sides, for the implementation of programs and projects aimed at supporting the educational process in Sudan, Syria, and a number of other countries in the Islamic world.

During the meeting, held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, via videoconference, Dr. AlMalik stressed the need to develop impactful activities and programs that can improve the living conditions of individuals and communities, as well as projects that promote the advancement of the educational system in Sudan and Syria, and in other countries most in need, by providing educational facilities and school supplies for students and teachers.

For his part, Mr. Bin Juraid expressed AGFUND’s aspiration to develop joint projects with ICESCO in the field of education in both Sudan and Syria and to implement them in several phases in the near future as part of the efforts deployed by both sides to promote sustainable development, especially in areas suffering from instability.

The two sides agreed to form a joint team of experts and specialists to identify the programs and projects to be worked in the near future.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector and Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Director of Legal Affairs and International Standards at the Organization, and on behalf of AGFUND, Mr. Muhammad Alsalim Director of Projects Department.

Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, and the Minister of Education of the Syrian Arab Republic and Chairman of the Syrian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, Dr. Mohammed Abdulrahman Turko, discussed mechanisms for implementing the tripartite partnership agreement to support educational infrastructure in Syria, signed between ICESCO, the Syrian Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik affirmed that the agreement falls within joint efforts to advance the education system in Syria and support its recovery as an ICESCO Member State, noting that this agreement serves as a model for launching similar initiatives in other Islamic world countries facing comparable challenges, thereby promoting solidarity and cooperation among Member States.

For his part, Minister Turko expressed full confidence in ICESCO’s ability to oversee the implementation of the agreement’s provisions, based on an inclusive approach that ensures benefits are extended to all Syrian regions while prioritizing the most affected areas. He also reviewed national efforts to strengthen the education sector and shape a better future for coming generations.

By virtue of the tripartite partnership agreement, both sides agreed to outline the general framework for the implementation phases and the mechanisms for exchanging expertise between the two parties.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of ICESCO, and from the Syrian side, Mr. Abdul Karim Qadri, Secretary-General of the Syrian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, with Mr. Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in scientific research and knowledge exchange between ICESCO Member States and Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, held at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat and attended by Ambassador Nazim Samadov, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Morocco and his country’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO, Dr. AlMalik expressed his appreciation for Azerbaijan’s confidence in ICESCO and its continued support for the implementation of pioneering initiatives, programs, and projects in the fields of education, science, and scientific research in ICESCO Member States, foremost among them the signing of the strategic partnership agreement to support educational infrastructure in Syria, aimed at rehabilitating 100 damaged schools and building 10 new educational facilities.

Dr. AlMalik noted that the Organization has attracted numerous competencies and talents from Azerbaijan, with the aim of building bridges of cooperation and professional and knowledge exchange between Central Asian countries and the rest of the Islamic world.

Mr. Amrullayev reviewed the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen the education system through the development and implementation of several initiatives and the integration of universities and research centers into the scientific research ecosystem. Moreover, he expressed his country’s willingness to develop further programs and projects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and to enhance university and student exchange.

Representing ICESCO at the meeting were Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Dr. Dinara Guliyeva, Head of the Human Development Division at the Social and Human Sciences Sector; and Mr. Murad Aliyev, Expert in the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Imad Issa Saleh, President of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI), and the accompanying delegation to discuss prospects for joint cooperation in the fields of translation, publishing, and support for national libraries in Member States. The meeting took place on Thursday, 12 February 2026, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s vision, strategic orientations, and the most prominent programs and initiatives it offers for the benefit of its Member States, especially in the fields of translation and knowledge dissemination. He also noted that ICESCO is currently finalizing arrangements to inaugurate the Sultan Qaboos Library (may Allah have mercy on him), hosted at the Organization’s headquarters after being modernized and equipped with the latest technologies, in addition to a collection of rare books and documents.

Dr. AlMalik stated that ICESCO is forging distinguished partnerships with leading national libraries across the countries of the Islamic world, noting the Organization’s willingness to host major conferences convened by the Federation and to participate in their organization, thereby helping broaden the Federation’s impact throughout the Islamic world.

For his part, Dr. Imad Saleh presented an overview of the Federation, headquartered in Tunisia, outlined its main areas of work, and expressed the Federation’s keenness to cooperate with ICESCO in light of its pivotal role in the fields of education, science, and culture in the Islamic world, as well as to benefit from the Organization’s expertise in advancing knowledge.

The meeting discussed several proposed programs and projects, including capacity building for publishing professionals, the issuance of specialized knowledge series and technical studies, technical cooperation in cataloguing and drafting reference guides for libraries, and digitizing historical documents.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Director of ICESCO’s Translation and Publishing Center; Mr. Sultan Saif Khamis Said Al Mazrouei, Vice President of the Federation; and Ms. Badiaa Rahmouni, Member of the Executive Bureau.

Following the meeting, the AFLI delegation toured the halls of the Sultan Qaboos Library. An expanded meeting was then held with the participation of Dr. Albanyan and Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, during which in-depth discussions took place on programs and projects proposed for implementation between the two sides.

The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat hosted an international cultural event on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, celebrating the Chinese Spring Festival 2026. The event featured a cultural exhibition, performances of traditional Chinese folk dances, and musical segments using instruments rooted in the heritage of the Islamic world, creating an atmosphere that reflected the spirit of harmony between the Islamic world and Chinese civilization.

The celebration was organized in partnership with China Intercontinental Press and the Institute of Silk Road Strategic Studies at Shanghai International Studies University, and was attended by several ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco.

In his opening address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stressed that the event embodies a relationship built on mutual respect and fostered by the power of civilizational dialogue, noting that cooperation between ICESCO and China continues to grow, as it is founded on trust and a shared belief in the role of knowledge in connecting peoples and bringing them closer together.

For his part, Zhou Zhicheng, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Morocco, commended the role of ICESCO in promoting cooperation and exchange in the fields of education, science, and culture, and in supporting intercultural dialogue, affirming his country’s readiness to strengthen partnership and joint action to safeguard cultural diversity.

In turn, Guan Hong, Deputy General Manager of China Intercontinental Press, stated that the event reflects shared values and longstanding bonds of friendship between China and the Islamic world, noting that the activities and exhibits showcase respect for cultural diversity and open broader prospects for cooperation between the two sides.

Following the opening, Dr. AlMalik and distinguished guests toured the exhibition accompanying the celebration. The exhibition featured several pavilions highlighting calligraphy, painting, traditional crafts, and a variety of popular dishes, in addition to interactive cultural experiences that demonstrated the richness of Chinese heritage and the depth of civilizational exchange.

The ceremony also included a tribute to Dr. AlMalik by the Chinese side in recognition of his efforts in promoting civilizational dialogue and bringing peoples closer through culture. ICESCO, in turn, honored its partners with a commemorative shield in appreciation of their role in supporting cultural diplomacy and strengthening channels of communication between the Islamic and Chinese cultural spheres.