Category: Director General

A number of delegations participating in the first international forum of military music, organized by the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces on the occasion of Throne Day, visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, being housed at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and cultural organization (ICESCO) in Rabat.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, received on Friday (26 July 2024), the delegations representing the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Senegal, explaining that the Organization is hosting the Exhibition within the framework of its efforts to showcase the correct image of our true religion, in strategic partnership with the Muslim World League and the Mohammadia League of Scholars.

Afterwards, the visitors listened to explanations about the detailed simulation of the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) through the use of the latest technologies that take the visitor into a real experience to discover the prophet biography.

At the end of the tour, the visitors expressed their happiness to visit this great Exhibition, commending its ways of addressing all categories in a simplified manner through the use of the latest technologies.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Organization for Education, Science and culture (ICESCO), received Dr. Saud Al-Harbi, former Director General of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and former minister of education and higher education of the State of Kuwait. The two parties exchanged views and ideas on the development of action in the educational fields in the Islamic world.

At the beginning of the meeting, held on Friday July 26, 2024, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the key axes of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations, and its programs and projects, especially in the field of education in light of the major global transformations, particularly in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence and the relevant opportunities and challenges in the educational field.

The Director General of ICESCO explained that the Organization is striving to mobilize efforts and encourage commitment to transformation within its Member States towards a new path in education that keeps up with the global developments.

For his part, Dr. Al-Harbi commended the roles played by ICESCO in the development of the fields of education, science and culture in the Islamic world, and provided some ideas and opinions on ways to develop the working methodology of international organizations in the field of education.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Tarek Ben Salem, Secretary-General of the Arab Maghreb Union, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the Organization and the Union in areas of common interest.

During the Meeting, held today, Tuesday 16 July 2024, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main pillars of ICESCO’s vision and strategic directions, as well as the Organization’s flagship initiatives, programs, and projects currently being implemented to serve its Member States and Muslim communities around the world. This includes areas such as youth capacity building, artificial intelligence, space sciences, promoting values of coexistence and civilizational dialogue, and preserving and appreciating heritage.

The DG pointed out that ICESCO has adopted a new working methodology, based on leveraging the capabilities provided by modern technology to improve its performance and achieve its goals. The Organization has achieved significant accomplishments and successes over the past five years, which have been praised and appreciated by its Member States.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Arab Maghreb Union praised ICESCO’s roles in its fields of competence, affirming the Union’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with the organization in several programs and projects for the benefit of Member States of both institutions.

Following the Meeting, the DG of ICESCO accompanied the Secretary General of the Arab Maghreb Union on a tour within the Organization’s premises to see the developments and updates in its infrastructure, technology, and work environment. The Tour also included a visit to the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, currently hosted at ICESCO headquarters in partnership with the Muslim World League and the Mohammedia League of Scholars.

On Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, the Islamic World AI Charter for Asia and Middle East Regions Workshop concluded its proceedings. The two-day workshop featured rich discussions and an exchange of ideas among a select group of officials, experts, and representatives of ICESCO Member States. They presented the results of their discussions on the ethical principles of artificial intelligence to be included in the Charter, as well as their proposals for oversight and governance mechanisms to ensure the proper application of these principles.

Participants in this workshop, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman, and in collaboration with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, emphasized the necessity of drafting legal and ethical frameworks to govern artificial intelligence. The participants also stressed the need to carry this out in tandem with building human capacities to use AI and the importance of aligning the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence with international charters, while considering the specificities and values of the Islamic world. Moreover, they called for balancing innovation and scientific research with the protection of individual rights, stressing the importance of awareness-raising and capacity-building.

At the beginning of the second day of the Workshop, held as part of the activities of ICESCO Chair for Artificial Intelligence Ethics at UTAS in Oman and in preparation for the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, gave his remarks prior to the start of the working group discussions, where he underscored the necessity of integrating an ethical value system into the Charter to achieve its intended purpose, with a focus on creativity, individual freedom, and equity.

Dr. AlMalik added that although the application of artificial intelligence across various domains yields substantial advantages, its unethical use poses significant risks, such as its use in preparing research and studies for academic degrees, which represents a form of academic plagiarism and corruption.

In his statement, Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, reviewed the Center’s efforts and methodology in promoting the culture of foresight, foundational principles of methodological analysis, dynamic scenario building, and the use of the Arabic language in this domain.

Speaking next, Dr. Said Bin Salem Jaboob, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UTAS for Postgraduate Studies, Research, and Innovation, stated that preparing the initial draft of the Charter’s articles is a significant step towards establishing a solid framework for AI ethics and governance in Asia and the Middle East.

The second day’s agenda included brainstorming sessions to develop a comprehensive vision for the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence. Experts and researchers were divided into four groups, each discussing multiple scenarios to derive several ethical principles necessary for better drafting of the Charter.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al-Shaibani, Minister of Education and President of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, attended today, Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Muscat, the signing of the agreement for Oman to host the Third Conference of Education Ministers of ICESCO Member States, scheduled for October 2-3 , 2024.

The Agreement was signed by Ms. Amna bint Salem Al Balushi, Secretary-General of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, and Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences at ICESCO.

During the meeting, attended by several Ministry officials, the DG expressed thanks and appreciation to the Sultanate of Oman, represented by its Ministry of Education and National Commission, for the initiative to host the Conference and for preparations made so far to ensure its success.

Dr. AlMalik stated that this conference mirrors ICESCO’s efforts to revamp its ministerial conferences, as it will feature key documents addressing the state of the Islamic world post-Transforming Education Summit, in addition to other key themes such as Green Education, and Girls’ Education, prepared by experts from renowned international universities and research centers.

For her part, Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al-Shaibani praised ICESCO’s efforts in preparing for the Conference, reaffirming her country’s keenness to provide all facilitations to ensure the success of this key event.

The Meeting also touched upon the Conference’s organizational arrangements, with both sides emphasizing the importance of its outcomes, including studies, documents, and recommendations, to emerge as a significant addition to the efforts of Islamic countries in updating their educational systems to keep pace with the rapid global developments and transformations.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority in Oman, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the Organization and the Authority in areas of mutual interest, particularly in advancing scientific research in environmental protection.

During the meeting, held on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, at the Authority’s headquarters in Muscat, and attended by Ms. Amna Al-Balushi, Secretary of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s new vision and strategic orientations that prioritize supporting Member States’ efforts to preserve the environment. He stated that ICESCO is committed to mitigate the negative impact of climate change, and rationalize the use of natural resources, in view of contributing to building a sustainable and green future in the Islamic world.

Dr. AlMalik further emphasized the Organization’s commitment to fostering fruitful cooperation with the Authority, facilitating the transfer of expertise, and exchanging information with counterpart bodies in the Islamic world. He noted that ICESCO will participate with a distinguished pavilion at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 29), which will be hosted by Azerbaijan next November.

For his part, Dr. Al Amri commended ICESCO’s efforts in supporting its Member States in its areas of competence. He also outlined the main objectives of the Authority, including preserving natural and renewable resources and raising communities’ awareness of key environmental concepts.

The meeting also discussed proposals for cooperation between the two sides, such as establishing a chair for environmental studies at an Omani university, ICESCO’s participation in the Oman Conference for Environmental Sustainability, held annually in Muscat in February, and the Environment Authority’s participation in the third Conference of Ministers of Education for ICESCO’s Member States, which Oman will host this year, on October 2-3.

At the end of the meeting, the two parties agreed to maintain coordination and develop implementation plans for the proposed areas of cooperation discussed.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Salim Al-Habsi, Head of the General Secretariat for National Commissions and Conferences, and Mr. Samy Al Kamhawy, Head of the Department of Information and Institutional Identity at ICESCO.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al-Najjar, Minister of Social Development in the Sultanate of Oman, and together they discussed ways to promote cooperation between the Organization and the Ministry in social care and humanitarian affairs through the joint implementation of several initiatives and programs.

During the meeting held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Muscat, and in the presence of Ms. Amna Al-Balushi, Secretary of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that ICESCO places special importance on investing in human capital, as part of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations to contribute to building healthy, prosperous, and strong communities. This goal, he added, is pursued through the implementation of various initiatives, programs, and projects that focus on supporting girls and women and building the capacities of youth.

Likewise, Dr. AlMalik pointed out that ICESCO is currently developing its partnerships with countries, international organizations and bodies, and civil society institutions, for the benefit of its Member States and Muslim communities around the world. He seized the opportunity to commend the efforts of the Sultanate of Oman in supporting women and individuals with special needs.

For her part, Dr. Laila Al-Najjar shed light on the Ministry’s most ambitious programs and projects under the social welfare and development axis of Oman Vision 2040, and the Ministry’s cooperation with the Ministries of Health and Education. The Omani Minister praised ICESCO’s efforts in supporting its Member States in its areas of competence, reaffirming Oman’s keenness to deepen cooperation with the Organization in humanitarian fields.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to sustain coordination to collaborate on several programs, projects, and activities of mutual interest that were discussed during the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Salim Al-Habsi, Head of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences, and Mr. Samy El Kamhawy, Head of Media and Institutional Identity at ICESCO.

The Omani capital, Muscat, is hosting the Islamic World AI Charter Regional Workshop (IWAIC) Asia and Middle East Regions, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in partnership with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman, and in collaboration with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. The workshop kicked off on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024, under the patronage and in the presence of Dr. Khamis bin Saif Al Jabri, Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, bringing together high-level participation from officials, experts, and researchers from 23 countries.

This Workshop is part of the activities of ICESCO Chair for AI Ethics at UTAS in Oman and the Organization’s preparation and draft of the Islamic World AI Charter.

The Workshop opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by welcoming remarks by Dr. Saeed bin Hamad Al-Rubaie, President of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences. Dr. Al-Rubaie highlighted that UTAS and ICESCO are focused on AI ethics and use, which is reflected in their joint plans and initiatives, mainly ICESCO Chair for AI Ethics, which was established this year at UTAS to address ethical issues arising from the advent of AI applications.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), began his speech with poetic verses in tribute to Oman and its people. Dr. AlMalik stated that scholars of the Islamic world have historically been at the forefront of advancing humanity.

Dr. Al-Malik stated that the global AI market is growing at an annual rate of 33% and is expected to drive global economic growth by 14% by 2030. He added that AI market is projected to expand by at least 120% year-on-year and that 77% of the devices we currently use incorporate AI.

The DG stressed that the Organization accords special attention to AI evident in its comprehensive foresight strategy for the field, particularly strategic governance and ethical dimensions. This focus, he explained, has led the Member States to task ICESCO’s General Directorate with drafting the Islamic World AI Charter.

Dr. AlMalik concluded his address by thanking the Sultanate of Oman, Dr. Al-Jabri, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, and the Omani National Commission for their significant efforts in organizing the Workshop, which will help open new horizons for the use of artificial intelligence.

Speaking next, Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, reviewed the strategic and methodological framework for the IWAIC, emphasizing that the Charter is a milestone towards a prosperous and sustainable technological future for the Islamic world, aligning with its values and consolidating its position on the global stage.

Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of ICESCO Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards, presented an overview of the indicators used to measure countries’ readiness for artificial intelligence implementation, including “governance and ethics,” explaining that the differences in readiness among countries drive the Organization to work more on sharing experiences among its Member States to benefit from leading experiences.

Dr. Said Bin Salim Jaboob, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences for Postgraduate Studies, Research, and Innovation, discussed the prospects of development in artificial intelligence, its competition with humans and the need to keep pace with regulating research in this field, especially with regard to artificial intelligence ethics.

At the end of the opening session, the workshop participants, including researchers and experts, were honored, and commemorative shields were exchanged between the heads of the organizing bodies and the patron of the event, followed by a group photo.

The agenda of the two-day workshop features several interactive sessions, discussions, and presentations. Additionally, it includes the creation of working groups to exchange views and perspectives on artificial intelligence in Asia and the Middle East, as well as to discuss the ethical aspects related to its applications in the Islamic world.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to discuss ways to enhance the partnership between ICESCO and Uzbekistan in areas of common interest.
At the outset of the meeting, which took place on Friday, 31 May 2024, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tashkent, Dr. AlMalik expressed his delight in meeting with H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Presidential Palace and conveyed his gratitude and appreciation for His Excellency’s keenness to develop cooperation between ICESCO and various institutions in Uzbekistan.

For his part, Mr. Saidov commended ICESCO’s notable efforts in its areas of expertise, affirming that he had received directives from H.E President Mirziyoyev to intensify communication and coordination with ICESCO to deepen cooperation between the two sides through the implementation of joint programs and projects and the organization of joint international conferences, as well as to ensure the success of the celebration of Samarkand as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2025.

Following, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the Organization’s current and key initiatives, programs, and projects as part of its new vision and strategic orientations, particularly in youth capacity-building and training them for the professions of tomorrow, supporting entrepreneurship, contributing to the development of education, enhancing the presence of women and girls in various sectors, valorizing and preserving heritage, and consolidating the values of coexistence, peace, and civilizational dialogue.

As part of Dr. AlMalik’s visit, the two sides also explored areas of cooperation, including preparing for the Samarkand celebration, the establishment of a National Commission in Uzbekistan to follow up on cooperation with ICESCO, engaging Uzbek professionals to join at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, organizing the proposed international conference on the life and publications of Al-Bukhari, and ensuring ICESCO’s participation in international events in Uzbekistan.

The meeting also discussed a proposal for cooperation between ICESCO and Uzbekistan in the implementation of several joint programs and projects in Afghanistan, particularly in the fields of education, culture, and the preservation and protection of heritage.

At the end of the meeting, the two parties agreed to form a joint team from ICESCO and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan to draft an agreement on future joint programs and projects between the two sides.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), began his visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan by meeting Ambassador Dr. Shoazim Minovarov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization, at the new headquarters of the Center, in Tashkent, and together explored cooperation avenues between ICESCO and the Center in areas of common interest.

During this meeting, held on Wednesday, 29 May 2024, Dr. AlMalik and Ambassador Minovarov stressed their desire to establish fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and the Center, which has been created at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to be a hub of Islamic heritage and civilization, including knowledge materials, manuscripts and rare masterpieces from around the world, and host conferences and seminars that highlight the contributions of Islamic world to human civilization.

The meeting examined proposals for bilateral cooperation, including the establishment of an office for ICESCO at the Center’s headquarters to monitor cooperation between the two parties, the creation of the Arabic language excellence training center, based on the agreement signed between the ICESCO’s Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers and the Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, which joined the Center, in addition to the Organization’s participation in the official inauguration of the Center and at its conferences and symposia. The new headquarters of the Center will be inaugurated by the middle of next year, in the heart of the capital, Tashkent, on an area of more than seven hectares, conjunctly with the celebration of Samarkand, Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2025.

At the close of the meeting, ICESCO and the Center agreed to form a joint working group to draft a partnership agreement to be signed at the earliest convenience, covering concrete programs and projects.

The meeting saw the presence of Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, and Mr. Musallim Afandiyev, expert in the same Sector.