Category: Director General

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) received on Friday, 8 May 2026, the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participating in the 2026 International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the Organization’s key achievements and programs through a tour of its various sectors and centers.

The delegation, which included representatives of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission and various other entities, also visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, and toured the halls of the Sultan Qaboos Library at ICESCO, where they explored its diverse collection of publications and cultural and knowledge references.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, received the Saudi delegation in his office, welcoming them and reviewing the outcomes of the strategic partnership between ICESCO and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a number of cultural, educational, and scientific fields.

Dr. AlMalik also expressed ICESCO’s aspiration to participate in the Riyadh International Book Fair, commending its distinguished cultural presence and its active role in supporting the book and publishing industry.

He further praised the initiative of the Saudi delegation to donate a collection of books and publications displayed at the Kingdom’s pavilion to the Sultan Qaboos Library at ICESCO, noting that this contribution would enrich the Library’s holdings and strengthen cultural and knowledge cooperation.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Dawas Tayseer Rashid Dawas, Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Al-Quds Affairs at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on the occasion of the conclusion of his term as Chair of ICESCO’s Executive Council. Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts exerted by Dr. Dawas during his term and for his valuable contributions to supporting educational and cultural action in the service of the causes of the Islamic world.

During the meeting, held on Thursday, 7 May 2026, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik praised Dr. Dawas’ commitment and professionalism, as well as his contributions to advancing the Organization’s orientations and programs. He also commended his previous role as Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, wishing him success in his current responsibilities.

Dr. AlMalik emphasized that Dr. Dawas’ assumption of his new duties within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation would open broader prospects for coordination between the two organizations, enabling enhanced partnerships, the exchange of expertise, and the development of integrated action.

For his part, Dr. Dawas expressed his appreciation for ICESCO and his pride in having chaired the Executive Council, praising the qualitative progress achieved by the Organization in terms of programs, initiatives, and international presence. He also conveyed the congratulations and regards of H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to Dr. Salim AlMalik on the occasion of submitting a recommendation to ICESCO’s General Conference to re-elect him as Director-General for a second term.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented Dr. Dawas with a commemorative shield in recognition of his distinguished efforts during his term as Chair of the Organization’s Executive Council and in appreciation of his contributions to supporting ICESCO’s path and strengthening its institutional presence.

The meeting was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Dr. Salim Al-Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences, and Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of the Division of Legal Affairs and International Standards.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting via videoconference on Thursday, 7 May 2026, with Dr. AlBara AlAuhali, Deputy Minister of Cultural Strategies and Policies at the Saudi Ministry of Culture, and Dr. Abdullah Hamidaddin, Assistant Secretary-General for Scientific Affairs at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, to discuss the progress achieved in the joint project for the Illustrated Dictionary of the History of Arabic Calligraphy.

The discussions focused on the level of progress attained in the project, particularly with regard to the preparation of a scientific framework documenting the most prominent sources of Arabic calligraphy in the Islamic world, including manuscripts, inscriptions, artistic panels, and other materials, in order to present this civilizational heritage in a rigorous scholarly format that highlights its evolution and distinctiveness. The meeting also addressed a proposal to organize a scientific workshop at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, with the participation of researchers, experts, and specialists in the art of Arabic calligraphy.

In this regard, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that this major cultural project aims to consolidate the authenticity of Arabic calligraphy and highlight its uniqueness, independence, and distinction within its civilizational context. He further noted that the project constitutes one of the reference initiatives with profound impact in the Islamic world, as it will contribute to preserving and documenting this art through an illustrated scientific dictionary comprising three volumes.

Dr. AlMalik added that ICESCO continues to work seriously and in close coordination with its partners on the project, explaining that current efforts include the preparation of a guidebook on the project and the formulation of the titles of the three volumes. He also proposed launching the project from ICESCO headquarters in Rabat in the presence of His Highness Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which would provide the project with momentum commensurate with its significance.

For his part, Dr. AlBara AlAuhali stressed the particular importance of the dictionary, as it seeks to affirm the authenticity, uniqueness, and independence of Arabic calligraphy, and to highlight its distinction as an art form in its own right rather than one derived from other scripts. He also underscored the importance of completing the project within the established timeframe.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hamidaddin delivered a presentation on the project and its scientific and intellectual dimensions, highlighting that the dictionary seeks to demonstrate the role of Islam as a principal driver in the development and spread of Arabic calligraphy.

During the meeting, ICESCO was represented by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of the Culture Sector; Dr. Ahmed AlBanyan, Director of the Translation and Publishing Center; Dr. Idham Hanash, Director of the Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the Director-General and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector; and Dr. Magdi Haji Ibrahim, Director of the Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers.

The Executive Council of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) recommended the renewal of the mandate of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik as Director-General (DG) of the Organization for a second term. The Council decided to submit the recommendation to the Organization’s General Conference, which will be held in Kazan, Tatarstan, on 13 and 14 May 2026. The recommendation was made during the proceedings of the 46th session of the Executive Council, held in person at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat and remotely, with the participation of representatives from 44 Member States.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the candidate’s country, had expressed its wish to reappoint Dr. AlMalik for a second term, and this nomination was supported by 51 member states.

At its meeting, which commenced on the morning of Wednesday, 6 May 2026, the Council adopted the decisions and projects submitted by the Organization’s General Directorate. The meeting also witnessed the election of Dr. Nawaf Al-Ajarmeh, Secretary-General for Educational and Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Education of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as President of the Executive Council, with Kazakhstan elected Vice-President and Côte d’Ivoire elected Rapporteur.

The Council’s working sessions also saw the adoption of the Executive Report on ICESCO’s Activities for 2025, the Organization’s Financial Reports for 2024, the Report on Member States’ Contributions to ICESCO’s Budget for 2024, proposal to amend the contribution rates of Member States to the ICESCO budget, and the Draft Strategic Plan and Budget of the Organization (2026-2029), in addition to the adoption of measures related to improving the collection of Member States’ contributions and arrears.

The sessions also included presentations delivered by a number of sector heads and directors of ICESCO centers and departments on the ICESCO Goodwill Ambassadors Program, the strategic partnership between ICESCO and the Republic of Azerbaijan to support and rehabilitate educational infrastructure in the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as Baku Declaration concerning the analytical study on the ICESCO Artificial Intelligence Index for the Islamic world, and the ICESCO Program to Support the Removal of Heritage Sites from the List of World Heritage in Danger.

In his address during the closing session, the ICESCO DG commended the enthusiasm and proactive spirit demonstrated by the members of the Executive Council, noting that such commitment places a renewed responsibility on the Organization to fulfill its noble goals. He also expressed his appreciation for the confidence that the Member States continue to place in ICESCO’s General Directorate.

The pavilion of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) at the 2026 Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair hosted, on Tuesday 5 May 2026, a series of cultural and intellectual activities aimed at promoting cultural dialogue, fostering discussion on societal and intellectual issues, and highlighting the role of culture in building bridges between peoples and expanding avenues of civilizational understanding.

In this context, an intellectual seminar on “Social Diplomacy” was held at the pavilion, moderated by Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the Director-General and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector. In her opening remarks, she stressed that the concept of social diplomacy is gaining increasing importance in light of the rapid transformations taking place worldwide, which necessitate the development of communication tools and greater openness to societies, particularly among youth.

The seminar featured contributions from Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain AlJazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of The Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco; Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO; and Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue at the Organization. Their interventions addressed the various dimensions of social diplomacy as a new mechanism for positive influence and for reshaping the relationship between institutions and societies.

At the outset of her intervention, Dr. Yousra AlJazairy emphasized that social diplomacy must today reassess its tools and working methods, noting that the coming decade “will not be forgiving” if it remains confined to traditional and elitist approaches. She called for greater openness to the digital generation and its engagement in initiatives and programs, affirming that diplomacy can no longer operate in isolation from the social and technological transformations that are reshaping patterns of interaction and influence.

For his part, Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine underscored that culture remains the primary vehicle for any successful social diplomacy project, explaining that the challenge lies not only in addressing the attraction to foreign cultures but also in developing a renewed cultural vision rooted in the civilizational heritage of the Islamic world and presented in a contemporary and appealing manner. He added that ICESCO has, in recent years, accumulated a range of relevant initiatives and conferences that are likely to yield positive outcomes in the long term.

Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman highlighted that society constitutes the foundation of diplomatic action, while culture represents its loftiest expression. He noted that changing stereotypes about the Other can only be achieved through education, culture, and mutual openness. He also pointed out that one of the major challenges facing social diplomacy is the persistence of a form of Western centrality in shaping perceptions and standards, which calls for the development of more balanced and equitable approaches.

The seminar also featured an intervention by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, who addressed the dimensions of social diplomacy and its role in strengthening the cultural and human presence of institutions and international organizations.

Dr. AlMalik: “We Discussed Displaying Palestinian Artifacts at ICESCO Headquarters to Raise Global Awareness of the Importance of Their Protection”

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Hani Al-Hayek, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the State of Palestine, on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The meeting aimed to discuss ways to enhance joint cooperation in heritage preservation and valorization, the protection of Palestinian cultural property, and support for the inscription of a number of heritage sites and elements in Palestine on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s vision, programs, and initiatives within its fields of competence, with a particular focus on the Organization’s efforts to inscribe the heritage of the Islamic world and to safeguard cultural property and heritage elements from damage, looting, and illicit trafficking. This is to be achieved through documentation, capacity-building, and the use of the latest technologies in this field.

In this context, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s openness to organizing training programs and specialized workshops on safeguarding cultural heritage. Additionally, the Director-General expressed willingness to launch capacity-building programs for experts and professionals engaged in heritage preservation in Palestine, whether within the Palestinian territories or in the Arab Republic of Egypt, given its advanced expertise and experience in this domain.

Dr. AlMalik also proposed the possibility of hosting Palestinian artifacts at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat as part of an initiative aimed at showcasing Palestinian civilizational heritage and bringing its spiritual, human, and cultural dimensions closer to the public, thereby contributing to highlighting the richness of this heritage and enhancing international awareness of the importance of its protection and preservation.

For his part, the Palestinian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities stressed the importance of safeguarding Palestinian cultural properties and archaeological sites, noting that many historical and archaeological sites have suffered partial or total destruction due to military operations and successive wars, particularly the recent war on the Gaza Strip.

Mr. Al-Hayek added that Palestine has developed innovative models in heritage management and launched the “5,000 Years of History” program, through which hundreds of historical artifacts have been exhibited in several Arab and European capitals. He also noted his Ministry’s aspiration to build institutional cooperation with ICESCO and its experts to strengthen national capacities in this field.

The two sides agreed during the meeting to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in the near future, outlining a joint cooperation framework for the implementation of programs and projects and the launch of bilateral initiatives in the field of heritage preservation and valorization.

Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Dr. Mohamed Zin El Abidine, Head of the Culture Sector; and Dr. Nidal Abu Zahri, Director of the Administrative Operations Department, represented ICESCO during the meeting.

The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted a grand celebration attended by several public figures and Islamic scholars to mark the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization reaching 10 million visitors since its inauguration in November 2022. The fair, currently hosted at ICESCO headquarters, is the result of a tripartite collaboration among ICESCO, the Muslim World League, and the Mohammadia League of Scholars in the Kingdom of Morocco.

The celebration, held on Sunday, 26 April 2026, commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, followed by an introductory address by Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue at ICESCO, in which he highlighted the fair’s role in fostering civilizational and scientific awareness among its visitors.

In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, lauded the Muslim World League and the Mohammadia League of Scholars for their pivotal role, reflected in the remarkable number of visitors. He underscored ICESCO’s stewardship of the fair, noting its alignment with the commemoration of the 1500th anniversary of Prophet Muhammad’s birth, peace be upon him, as proclaimed this year by His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, may Allah assist him.

Dr. AlMalik affirmed that visitors from all age groups were drawn not only by the fair’s creative displays but also by the highest human values and reliable scientific content, leaving a profound emotional impact on visitors. He concluded by commending the flourishing partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Morocco, crowned by the royal directive to maintain and establish the fair and museum at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat.

In his address, Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, emphasized the museum’s use of interactive modalities to visualize the Prophetic narrative, employing the latest technological innovations to immerse visitors in a virtual environment close to reality.

Following this, Dr. Ahmed Toufiq, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs of Morocco, praised the efforts of those overseeing the fair and museum and the strong public turnout, describing it as a civilizational landmark. He also reviewed historical milestones reflecting the Moroccan people’s steadfast adherence to Islamic values and the teachings of the noble Prophetic biography.

Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammadia League of Scholars, stated that the fair aims to introduce people to the pure Prophetic biography and the illuminating Sunnah, united by love for Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him. He added that reaching 10 million visitors affirms the enduring resonance of this spiritual heritage.

The ceremony unveiled expanded wings and the addition of scientific encyclopedias to the fair, most notably the AI-powered Maeen Portal, as well as dedicated wings featuring unique, detailed presentations on the Prophet’s daily life, his furniture and personal belongings, the route of the Hijrah, and selected moments from the noble biography presented in masterful calligraphy. Complementing these expansions is the creative scholarly work titled “Truth in a Minute: Milestones in the Life of the Prophet,” a detailed master plan wing of Madinah during the Prophet’s era, peace be upon him, and the “Messengers of Firm Resolve” wing.

The ceremony included the presentation of an award to the 10 millionth visitor, in addition to the exchange of commemorative shields between Dr. AlMalik, Dr. Al-Issa, and Dr. Abbadi.

The event culminated in a scholarly panel moderated by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, with the participation of Dr. Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa, former Minister of Endowments of Egypt; Dr. Ismail bin Nasser Al Aoufi, Scientific Advisor at the Office of the Omani Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs; Dr. Abdelhamid Achak, Director of Dar Al Hadith Al Hassania in Morocco; and Dr. Mohammed Essarar, Director of the Ibn Al-Qattan Center for Studies and Research in Hadith and the Noble Prophetic Biography.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening efforts to achieve food security, adapt to climate change, and harness space sciences, technology, and innovation for agricultural development.

The MoU was signed on Friday, 24 April 2026, at ICESCO headquarters by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Dr. Ibrahim Adam El-Dukheri, Director-General of AOAD.

Ahead of the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik stressed that the accelerating pace of climate change worldwide necessitates concerted efforts and the development of strategic partnerships to mitigate its economic and social repercussions on the countries of the Islamic world. He noted that the memorandum represents a step toward developing activities with tangible impact in improving the management of water and natural resources.

He added that climate change poses a persistent threat to cultural sites and elements, which requires the use of artificial intelligence applications to develop sustainable solutions for protecting heritage and civilizational legacy.

For his part, Dr. El-Dukheri commended ICESCO’s contributions to environmental protection and the development of smart agriculture, affirming AOAD’s readiness to exchange expertise and best practices to employ modern technologies in climate change adaptation and the rational management of natural resources in the countries of the Islamic world.

The MoU provides for the implementation of joint activities in the fields of science, technology, and innovation; the application of space sciences for agricultural development; improving food security; climate change adaptation; smart agriculture; natural resource management; water management; the use of Earth observation technologies and artificial intelligence; and capacity building for professionals in agricultural development.

The signing ceremony was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Head of the Civilizational Dialogue Centre; Dr. Adel Smeda, Supervisor of the Science and Environment Sector; Dr. Issam Krimi, expert in the same sector; and Mr. Omer Hamid, expert in the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector.

Kazakhstan Nominates Turkistan as Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2027

On the sidelines of his participation in the Regional Environmental Summit held in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Aida Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, April 22, 2026, at the Astana Opera House.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and Kazakhstan in culture, heritage preservation, and capacity building. Ms. Balayeva commended the cooperation between the two sides, stressing that it is based on tangible achievements and a fruitful partnership. She also praised ICESCO’s high-quality programs and initiatives implemented over the past five years, particularly those related to the inscription and safeguarding of heritage sites in the Islamic world, as well as youth empowerment and capacity-building initiatives.

In this context, Ms. Balayeva announced the official nomination of Turkistan for the 2027 Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, with the support of His Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, alongside Kazakhstan’s candidacy to host the upcoming meeting of the Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC) in the city. She further underscored the importance of protecting heritage sites, especially those that are threatened or damaged in the Islamic world.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik affirmed ICESCO’s principled support for this nomination, in accordance with the approved procedures and regulations, reiterating the Organization’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Kazakhstan across areas of mutual interest.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to the Republic of Kazakhstan for its forthcoming hosting of the IWHC meeting next year, highlighting the importance of this step in supporting efforts to safeguard and promote heritage in the Member States. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of preparing and submitting nomination files for a number of heritage sites and elements in Kazakhstan, in line with ICESCO’s approved criteria and forms, in preparation for their inscription on the List of Heritage in the Islamic World and their discussion during the IWHC’s next session.

The two sides also discussed several proposed initiatives and activities, including the organization of international festivals dedicated to Turkish and Islamic decorative arts, bringing together artists from across the Islamic world, as well as the organization of training programs and workshops in the field of cultural heritage preservation and specialized programs for building the capacities of experts with the support of ICESCO.

The two parties agreed to establish a joint committee to examine the programs and activities to be included in Turkistan’s celebration as Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, to initiate the preparation of a formal cooperation agreement and an executive action plan, and to study the possibility of holding the 2027 Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World in Turkistan.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik extended an invitation to Ms. Balayeva to visit ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat and sign a joint cooperation agreement.