Category: Director General

Secretary-General of the Muslim World League: The Charter Unified Muslim Scholars

Secretary-General of the Muslim World League: The Charter Unified Muslim Scholars

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held on Friday, May 21, 2020, at its headquarters, in Rabat, a scientific symposium in partnership with the Muslim World League (MWL) under the theme: ”Makkah Charter: Achievements and Perspectives.” The event, during which Dr. Mohammad Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa delivered the main lecture, enjoyed high-level participation and witnessed rich discussions with the aim to achieve the goals of the Charter, which scholars and intellectuals coming from 27 Muslim sects and schools of thought approved. 

The symposium began with the recitation of some verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an address  Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), delivered during which he welcomed Dr. Al-Issa and his delegation. Dr. AlMalik stressed that the symposium is an opportunity to exchange views and explore ideas on the Makkah Charter hoping that the efforts of Arab and Muslim countries will put an end to the sufferings of the Palestinians and help restore Al-Quds Al-Sharif and Al-Aqsa Mosque, after having reached a truce in the occupied territories.

Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Cultural Advisor to ICESCO DG, highlighted in his introduction the urgent need for issuing the Makkah Charter from the Qibla that unifies all Muslims to disseminate enlightened Islamic thought and respect all religions.

During the symposium’s main lecture, Dr. Mohammad Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa explained the achievements and perspectives of the Charter that was able to unify Muslim Scholars. He noted that Muslim intellectuals were well aware of their scientific and intellectual duty to issue the Charter which was signed by more than 1200 Muslim Muftis and Scholars representing various Muslim sects and schools of thought. More than 4500 Muslim intellectuals attended the conference which issued it.

MWL Secretary-General stressed that the Charter tackled several key contemporary issues, raised awareness and transmitted enlightened Islamic thought, especially to the youth of the Muslim world. The document was based on the Madina Charter that the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) signed, which calls for the respect of religious and civil rights. The Makkah Charter is considered an extension of that historical document.

Dr. Al-Issa added that Makkah Charter reinforces the need for religious, cultural and civilizational dialogue for coexistence, mutual understanding, development and fighting corruption.

The Secretary-General also praised the roles that ICESCO plays, hoping that the Organization will carry on its mission of publicizing the Makkah Charter, which was approved by Muslim World Countries during the Meeting of Foreign Ministers.

Following the main lecture, the participants expressed their views during which Dr. Ahmed Sennouni, Secretary-General of the Mohammedia League of Scholars, reaffirmed that the Makkah Charter should be a source of inspiration, both at the personal and collective level, for it is regarded as a humanist document considering its goals and functions.

Dr. Khalid Samadi, Director of the Moroccan Center for Studies and Educational Research, noted that the Charter corrected some misconceptions, enshrined various values, and developed skills to overcome differences.

Dr. Mahjoub Bensaid, a researcher in the fields of communication sciences and cultural dialogue, presented many proposals to strengthen the universal character of the Charter. Dr. Mustapha Zabbakh, Rapporteur of the Academy of the Moroccan Kingdom, then praised the document’s aim to free the Muslim mentality from misconceptions to build a renewed understanding of Islam.

The symposium’s recordings are available on ICESCO Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/ICESCO.En/videos/759106971446672

The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat saw the inauguration of the ICESCO Gallery for Contemporary Art. The first exhibition in the Gallery was dubbed “Painting of Hope” and was organized in partnership with the Arab Group of the Charitable Diplomatic Circle in Morocco and in cooperation with the Karmadi Workshop, as part of the Organization’s celebration of the Islamic World Heritage Month, under the theme, “United for Arts and Heritage.”

The Exhibition was inaugurated Thursday, 20 May 2021, with the special participation of Ms. Jamila El-Moussali, Minister of Solidarity, Social Development, Equality and Family in Morocco; Dr. Driss Ouaouicha: Minister Delegate in Charge of Higher Education; Ms. Nezha Ouafi, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates in Charge of Moroccan Expatriates;  Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General; leaderships at the Diplomatic Club in Rabat, and a host of officials and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Rabat. 

In his address at the ceremony, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed that ICESCO Gallery for Contemporary Art strives to become a special destination for sponsoring arts and creativity in Member States and keeping up with the different artistic and creative trends. He added that through this Gallery, the Organization aims to send a civilizational message about supporting arts and creative people and setting up workshops for contemporary arts and creations including calligraphy, sculptures, miniatures, photography, etc.

In the same vein, ICESCO Director-General stated that this Gallery will be an opportunity to receive creations highlighting aspects of beauty in the Islamic civilization through sponsoring creators and nurturing blooming creative and artistic faculties to evolve into creative and aesthetic talents.

For her part, Ms. Nidaa Ezzat Sabry, President of the Arab Group of the Charitable Diplomatic Circle Morocco, reaffirmed that the Gallery reflects civilizational intermix and cultural diversity, two permanent sources of inspiration for artists. She announced that proceeds from the Exhibition will be donated to Ibn Sina Hospital in Rabat for the treatment of children with cancer.

Following the inauguration, visitors toured the exhibitions which featured more than 130 paintings made by 28 Moroccan artists in addition to a host of Arab artists.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Chairman of the International Body of Muslim Scholars, who visited ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

The visit started with bilateral talks, during which the two parties explored the prospects of a partnership between ICESCO and MWL, and the potential cooperation programs in the next phase. The meeting also discussed the organizational arrangements of the Scientific Symposium on “Makkah Charter: Achievements and Perspectives,” due to be held on Friday, May 21, 2021, during which Dr. Al-Issa will deliver the main lecture, as well as the arrangements of the International Conference on Civilizational Values ​​in the Prophet’s Seerah, due to be held on May 27, 2021.

Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Al-Issa met afterward with the heads of sectors, departments and centers at ICESCO, together with the MWL delegation.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Al-Malik stressed the constructive cooperation and highlighted the common denominators between ICESCO and MWL as they both played key roles in supporting countries of the Islamic World during the COVID-19 pandemic and made many achievements.

For his part, Dr. Al-Issa expressed his happiness to visit ICESCO to continue the civilizational project between the Organization and the League, which represents their common values and aims to publicize the truth of Islam worldwide in its civilized dimension by ensuring interaction and correcting misconceptions.

In the same vein, the directors at ICESCO reviewed the most prominent axes of the Organization’s new vision as per each sector and department, and the programs and projects that ICESCO implements, in cooperation with the competent authorities in the Member States. They also suggested some practical proposals to develop a partnership between ICESCO and the MWL in the upcoming period.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), reaffirmed that the Organization devotes great attention to the issues of cultural diversity and civilizational dialogue as part of its new vision and strategic plan. The Organization has implemented several initiatives that aim to promote the values of coexistence among different cultures and enshrine the culture of dialogue.

The statement was part of Dr. AlMalik’s address at the opening of an event that the Qatari Forum for Authors held, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, via videoconference, under the theme “Writing as a cultural ambassador for the promotion of cultural diversity,” on the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

The event is part of the Celebration of Doha as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2021, which saw the participation of Mr. Salah Bin Ghanem Al Ali, Qatari Minister of Culture and Sports; Dr. Hamada Hasan Al-Sulaiti, Secretary-General of Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science; and several professors and experts in the field.

At the outset of his address, Dr. AlMalik reiterated ICESCO’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and its support to Palestinian institutions operating in the educational, cultural, and social fields, in light of the ongoing violations committed against Palestinians for the last 73 years.

Dr. AlMalik stated that the theme of the event is in line with the goals of the celebration of Doha as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2021 within the framework of ICESCO’s Programme of the Capitals of Islamic Culture and its Declaration on Cultural Diversity.

ICESCO DG reviewed the most prominent initiatives and projects that the Organization implemented to promote cultural diversity, such as the establishment of ICESCO Center for Dialogue and Cultural Diversity and the Islamic World Heritage Center. The organization is also committed, amid the COVID-19 crisis, to guaranteeing the right to culture for all and provide appropriate mechanisms to protect multiculturalism through the launching of new initiatives such as “ICESCO Digital Home” and “Distance Culture Initiative,” which have provided great opportunities to encourage all forms of cultural and artistic expression.

At the close of his address, Dr. AlMalik called upon all international organizations, government bodies, and organizations working in the fields of culture and Arts to further coordinate to agree on a global artistic and creative system focusing on the role of art, literature, and creativity in human development, spreading peace and preserving cultural diversity.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) called for comprehensive development of the Islamic world education systems. He stated that this development must address students’ and teachers’ mental health, keep up with technological advancements and employ artificial intelligence.

Dr. AlMalik made the statement during his participation in the World Humanitarian Forum, which kicked off Wednesday, May 19, 2021, via videoconference. The DG was the Keynote Speaker at the session titled “Re-Imagining Education in Global Reset Dialogue”, which was moderated by Ms. Vivian Lopez, Executive Coordinator of the UNICEF Every Woman Every Child Movement, and saw the participation of a host of officials representing several organizations and institutions active in the field of education.

The DG stated that school closure in more than 120 countries as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted more than one billion learners around the world, contributed to the increase in illiteracy rates, and exacerbated the economic vulnerability of their families. Dr. Almalik maintained that ICESCO launched several initiatives and implemented practical programs in cooperation with the competent parties in its Member States to ensure the continuity of schooling in these countries.

The DG noted that as part of its proclamation of 2021 at the Year of Women, ICESCO launched several programs highlighting women’s contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they were at the frontlines of the fight against the pandemic, especially in the fields of health and education.

ICESCO DG noted that the Organization, in cooperation with several universities, has set up academic Chairs to promote educational capacities, stating that ICESCO is planning to add 30 chairs in the next five years to promote the role of scientific research in finding innovative solutions to problems facing humanity.

“Though its “The Societies We Want” Initiative, ICESCO joins the global dialogue to support social projects to develop human capital and promote the values of coexistence and dialogue,” Dr. AlMalik stated.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Rovira i Virgili University in Tarragona, Spain held a meeting to explore prospects of cooperation in the fields of scientific research, technology, and innovation.

Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Adviser at the Sector of Science and Technology, and Dr. Foued El-Ayni, Expert at the Sector, represented ICESCO in the meeting, held via videoconference Tuesday, May 18, 2021. Mr. John Style, Vice President for Internationalization; Prof. Josep Ribalta Vives, Vice-Rector for Postgraduate and Doctoral Training School; Marina Casals Sala, Director of International Relations; and Dr. Carmen Claver, Professor at the University, all represented the University.

During the meeting, the two parties discussed cooperation to grant scholarships to students from the Islamic world, hold joint workshops and conferences in the modern fields of science and technology, and exchange expertise in the area of scientific research.

ICESCO representatives also extended the invitation to the University officials to take part in the International Symposium on Space Technology that the Organization will hold in cooperation with the American Space Foundation. The Symposium is expected to see high-caliber participation including space agencies, astronauts and specialists in space science and technology.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to coordinate to build fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and the University.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) will host at its headquarters, in Rabat, on Friday (May 21, 2021), Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Chairman of the International Body of Muslim Scholars, to deliver the main lecture in the Scientific Symposium that ICESCO organizes in partnership with MWL, under the theme: “Makkah Charter: Achievements and Perspectives.” The symposium will start at 10:30 a.m. (Rabat time), face-to-face and on Zoom platform. The participants will first listen to the recitation of some verses from the Holy Quran. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), will then deliver a welcome address.

Dr. Al-Issa will deliver a lecture on the achievements and prospects of the Makkah Charter that 1200 senior Muslim Muftis and Scholars issued, on the sidelines of MWL’s International Conference on “The Values ​​of Moderation and Middle Stance,” in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, in Ramadan 1440 A.H. The Declaration is considered as a contemporary framework of reference with its 27 items that restore the role of the Islamic civilization in honoring mankind and consolidating the values ​​of coexistence for the benefit of humanity.

The symposium will also feature a video that ICESCO produced on Makkah Charter, as well as a discussion and exchange of ideas among participants.

The symposium will be broadcast live on the official Facebook page of ICESCO through the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/ICESCO.En/live

You may also register on Zoom via the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81402404031?pwd=SkRadmdQb0NlRlJPRnV4ak5sekkvdz09

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Space Foundation, Monday, May 10, 2021, held a working session to explore areas of cooperation and agree upon the key axes of the partnership agreement the two parties will sign in the upcoming period.

ICESCO Director-General (DG), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, and the Space Foundation Chief Operation Officer, Shelli Brunswick, chaired the working session, held via videoconference, with the participation of several ICESCO heads of sectors and departments as well as several executive directors at the Space Foundation attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the Space Foundation team presented the major initiatives and programs the Foundation launched and implemented, particularly regarding the use of space technology in developing the fields of agriculture, environment protection, entrepreneurship, education and communication, data analysis, health, and energy. The team also addressed the challenges facing the use of space technology and the opportunities of this advanced technology.

The team reaffirmed the Space Foundation’s keenness to build a partnership with various institutions, bodies, and governments to achieve mutual goals.

For his part, ICESCO DG underlined the importance of cooperation between the Organization and the Space Foundation in ICESCO’s areas of competence. He explained that such cooperation will be based on practical and goal-oriented programs with measurable results, such as girl integration in science and space technology education, stating that space is the future.

Several ICESCO heads of sectors put forth several ideas pertaining to cooperation in organizing several joint seminars and workshops and inquired about the details of some areas of cooperation, which the Foundation team answered.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), reaffirmed that the Organization’s new strategic cultural plan pays great attention to the human tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The DG added that “ICESCO’s efforts aim to ensure heritage management and preservation through modern mechanisms and appropriate strategies to publicize the successful experiences in conserving and sustaining heritage to serve as a lever for cultural and socio-economic development in the Islamic world.”

The statement was part of Dr. AlMalik’s address at the opening ceremony of the First Celebration of the International Day of Argania that the UN General Assembly adopted on March 3^rd, 2021, at the initiative of Morocco and with the support of UN Member States. The celebration was organized at the Faculty of Science, Mohammed V University, in Rabat, under the theme “Three decades of research and development for sustainable development of the Argan tree,” yesterday, May 10, 2021, with the participation of Dr. Saaïd Amzazi, Minister of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research; Dr. Mohamed Ghachi, President of Mohammed V University; and Dr. Mohammed El Ragragui, Dean of the Faculty of Science of Mohammed V University, as well as a host of researchers and experts in the field.

Dr. AlMalik praised Morocco’s initiative to preserve the Argan tree, which is a new achievement added to its accomplishments in preserving its environmental and architectural treasures, defending its socio-cultural symbols, and promoting its tangible and intangible heritage. The initiative reaffirms the strong international support for the Moroccan national strategy, entitled “Forests of Morocco” that His Majesty King Mohammed VI launched, and which includes an ambitious project to plant 10,000 argan trees over a six-year period.

ICESCO DG also stated that the Organization will support women’s enterprises in Morocco, particularly women’s agricultural cooperatives in rural areas, including the argan cooperatives. Such support, he stated, is part of the Organization’s proclamation of 2021 as the Year of Women, which includes many programmes and activities to enhance the participation of women in building the future and achieving sustainable development and falls within the framework of its partnership with the Alwaleed Philanthropies.

At the close of his address, Dr. Al-Malik called on the competent authorities in Morocco to submit the file of the Argan tree for its inscription on the Islamic World Intangible Cultural Heritage List, stressing that ICESCO is fully prepared to support the scientific research works relevant to the tree.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), reaffirmed that “the Organization will continue its close cooperation with the Member States to develop, support, and keep up with all projects, initiatives, and efforts aimed at enabling the peoples of countries of the Islamic World to fully enjoy their socio-cultural rights while adding that the debate on such rights would no longer be raised in the immediate future.”

The statement was part of Dr. AlMalik’s address at the webinar that the Human Rights Information and Training Center (HRITC) organized, in cooperation with ICESCO, on May 9, 2021, under the theme: “Towards a vision for strengthening the protection mechanisms of socio-cultural rights: challenges and prospects.”

The webinar saw the participation of Ezzedine Al-Asbahi, Ambassador of Yemen to Morocco; Dr. Muhammad Amin Maidani, Lecturer in Law at the University of Strasbourg; and Mr. Alaa Shalaby, President of the Arab Organization for Human Rights; in addition to a group of experts and activists.

Dr. AlMalik explained that socio-economic and cultural rights are an essential part of human rights, which include the right to education, adequate housing, health care, food, and water as well as the right to employment. He also noted that “although the international instruments and treaties enshrining these basic rights are remarkably advanced, thanks to the considerable international efforts, we are still lagging behind.”

ICESCO DG reviewed the Organization’s vision and efforts to create the appropriate conditions to enable all peoples of the Islamic world to fully enjoy their socio-cultural rights, highlighting that ICESCO has been working on a clear strategy to bring about a positive change in the field of human rights, including the socio-cultural rights, in the light of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “ICESCO has also launched several important projects and programmes in its Member States, particularly for youth and women, in cooperation with a group of donor institutions,” he underscored.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that the international community still has much to do to find innovative ideas and visions likely to consolidate socio-cultural rights, support the role of organizations and the private sector to strengthen the integration of roles and build a society that can face the increasingly difficult challenges.