Category: Director General

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, stated that the world is undergoing a significant scientific, technological, and research transformation where Information and communications technology (ICT), big data and artificial intelligence (AI) define its course. “Life has been rapidly evolving, and the future holds many challenges for which the COVID-19 pandemic sounds the alarm, which is seen as a sign of change,” he added.

The statement was part of his address during a videoconference, on August 29, to honor Yemeni graduates in Moroccan universities. The Yemeni Embassy in Morocco held the ceremony in cooperation with the Yemeni Ministry of Higher Education.

The event saw the participation of Dr. Driss Ouaouicha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education, and Scientific Research, in charge of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Morocco; Dr. Hussein Abdulrahman Basalamah, Minister of Higher Education in Yemen; Mr. Azzedine Al-Asbahi, Ambassador of Yemen to Morocco. Ambassador Mohamed Methqal, DG of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation, university presidents, and Yemeni researchers, who obtained their PhD from Moroccan universities in 2019-2020, attended the ceremony.

ICESCO’s DG called on the graduates to restore Yemen’s glory, outreach, dynamism, and influence in its Arab-Islamic region and the world stage. Dr. AlMalik raised the graduates’ need to keep pace with future changes and become technology makers, not consumers. He also highlighted that this is consistent with ICESCO’s new vision to keep abreast of present changes and foresee future challenges.

ICESCO established the Strategic Foresight Center and the AI Center to focus on forecast studies.

Dr. AlMalik advised the graduates to make the impossible possible and withstand challenges. He equally insisted that they individually define their own course of life, be proud of their nationality and Arab identity and religion, and strive to hone their skills.

“The future will not solely acknowledge degrees as future transformations increasingly require skills, talents, and creative competencies that adapt to change,” he emphasized.

Dr. AlMalik congratulated the graduates and thanked Morocco for its hospitality, then concluded the ceremony with two verses of poetry.

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) met Today, August 27, Mr. Armando Albino Arafa, Ambassador Guinea-Bissau to Morocco to explore cooperation opportunities between the Organization and the republic.

At the Embassy of Guinea Bissau in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik underscored ICESCO’s new vision and strategy to give priority to African Member States. He added that the Organization is working to expand cooperation within the region.

Dr. AlMalik noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, ICESCO cooperated with multiple donor institutions to support Member States. The aid aimed at mitigating the impact of the outbreak on education, science, and culture.

ICESCO launched and implemented several initiatives, programs, and activities since the start of the pandemic. The initiatives provided technological equipment to 24 countries to produce educational contents for the continuity of distance schooling, elaborated the DG.

Dr. AlMalik explained that ICESCO distributed preventive equipment and hygiene products to 10 other countries. It also granted financial and technical assistance for the creation of low-cost sanitizers production units in several countries and training local communities in their production process.

The two parties also discussed ICESCO’s efforts to inscribe Member States’ heritage sites on the Islamic World Heritage List (IWHL). The conversation covered future joint action to inscribe the historic sites of Guinea-Bissau on IWHL, following the approval of the Islamic World Heritage Committee.

Ambassador Arafa thanked the DG for his visit to the Embassy, commending the ICESCO’s work throughout the pandemic and its support to the Member States. The Ambassador reaffirmed his country’s willingness to develop cooperation with ICESCO.

The Ambassador also praised the importance ICESCO provides to interreligious dialogue, given its role in mediating peace between African societies.

ICESCO’s Ambassador Khaled Fathalrahman, Director of Dialogue and Cultural Diversity Department; Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Director of Social and Human Sciences Sector; and Mr.  Joe Moussa Dantas, Minister Plenipotentiary from the Embassy of Guinea Bissau attended the meeting.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the World Water Council (WWC) held a videoconference on Tuesday, August 25, to explore cooperation opportunities in water security. The discussions focused on an action strategy draft to improve the management of water resources and the preparations for the 9^th World Water Forum (Dakar 2021).

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO’s Director-General, and Mr. Loic Fauchon, World Water Council’s (WWC) President. The council’s officials and ICESCO’s sector directors and experts also took part in the meeting.

The attendees reviewed the Organization’s practical programs for capacity building in water management, climate change, and technological solutions transfer. The meeting also focused on the importance of multilateral cooperation and proposed setting up a Member States’ representatives’ meetings to identify the specific needs in terms of human capacity-building and infrastructure.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s willingness to assist its Member States in water security, particularly as climate change and environmental impacts threaten already mismanaged clean water resources.

Mr. Fauchon praised ICESCO’s major programs and the partnerships it maintains with donors to aid countries in attaining water security. He also called on the Organization to join the WWC for a result-oriented cooperation between the two parties. ICESCO’s DG promised to study this issue and thanked Mr. Fauchon for his invitation, reaffirming the numerous common goals that can be achieved.

The two parties underscored their exigent desire to develop bilateral cooperation, which began with holding, on July 27, the “Virtual Meeting on Water Security for Peace and Development in the Islamic World.” The meeting was part of the preparations for next year’s 9^th World Water Forum, in Dakar, Senegal. Both ICESCO and the council are collaborating with the Senegalese government to hold the Forum.

ICESCO and the WWC also agreed to set up a joint committee for a future action plan. The goal is to ensure water security and provide safe drinking water to the widest range of beneficiaries in vulnerable countries, particularly in the African region.

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) met Monday, August 24, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, with Mr. Zakalia Kote, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Morocco. The two officials explored cooperation opportunities between the Organization and Burkina Faso in the fields of education, science, and culture.

Dr. AlMalik reiterated his thanks to President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré for his participation, on June 25, in ICESCO’s “Mental Health and Strengthening Resilience during Crises” webinar. He added that the active participation reaffirms the strong relation between the Organization and Burkina Faso.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted the key features of ICESCO’s new vision and strategy, which rely on effective communication with Member States, and enable non-Member States to join the Organization as Observer States. He stated that the COVID-19 pandemic was an opportunity to put into action the orientations of the vision. 

The DG underlined that ICESCO launched several practical initiatives, programs, and activities to support Member States’ efforts in mitigating the impact of the pandemic. He added that the Organization provided technical and financial assistance to contribute to the fields of education, science, and culture.

Burkina Faso has been a partner in ICESCO’s “Comprehensive Humanitarian Coalition Initiative,” with projects and programs targeting the states most vulnerable to the pandemic, stated the DG referring to the priority status of African Member States.  

Ambassador Kote commended the remarkable work ICESCO has carried out during the pandemic, praising the Organization’s support for his country to ensure the continuity of schooling. The Ambassador also praised the aid ICESCO and its partners provided to vulnerable beneficiaries during the pandemic. 

The two parties agreed to promote cooperation between ICESCO and the country. This includes inscribing Burkina Faso’s heritage sites on the Islamic World Heritage List.

The First Counsellor of the Embassy of Burkina Faso, the Cultural Adviser and ICESCO’s sector directors attended the meeting.

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, lauded the directives in His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s speech on the occasion of the 67^th Anniversary of the “Revolution of the King and the People.”

King Mohammed VI reaffirmed that the battle against the COVID-19 is ongoing and includes all stakeholders in the campaign to face the pandemic. As the number of confirmed cases, critical cases, and fatalities tripled following the loosening of lockdown restrictions, the speech called on citizens to comply with health and sanitary measures including wearing protective masks, observing social distancing, and using hygiene and disinfection tools.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted the forthrightness with which the monarch addressed Moroccans regarding the critical epidemiological situation in the country. He also hailed King Mohammed VI’s warning that the COVID-19 scientific committee could recommend a return to strict lockdown restrictions should infection cases continue to rise. “This reflects His Majesty’s concern for the health and safety of his citizens,” ICESCO’s DG added.

Dr. AlMalik praised the early mobilization of the Moroccan authorities and the precautionary measures since the beginning of the pandemic last March, namely the lockdown. The measure was a step to contain the virus and yielded results that received worldwide admiration.

King Mohammed VI stressed that this should encourage more precautionary measures to win the battle against the pandemic, especially amid the rise in the infection rates (from one case to 10 cases daily) among health workers.

Dr. AlMalik concluded that since the beginning of the pandemic, ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Morocco, has complied with the Moroccan authorities’ preventive measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Organization continues to apply the highest prevention standards to ensure the safety of its staff and visitors.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Koudjo Adanou, Togolese Chargé d’affaires to Morocco, explored on Wednesday, August 19, at Organization’s headquarters, cooperation prospects between ICESCO and Togo.

Dr. AlMalik stated that ICESCO’s strategy relies on effective communication with Member States to customize programs  to beneficiaries’ particular needs. The Organization also focuses on extensive inclusion of local authorities.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s main initiatives benefiting the most vulnerable countries to ensure the continuity of schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also mentioned the humanitarian assistance to curb the outbreak to Togo and other African countries. The technical and financial aid comprised setting up sanitizer production units and training the local workforce in delivering the best value for money for the products.

In ICESCO’s pursuit to become a model for global civilizational outreach, the Organization set up  several specialized centers, stated Dr. AlMalik. The centers particularly focus on artificial intelligence, teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, Islamic world heritage preservation and inscription, and ongoing strategic foresight. One example of the latter is an experts’ study on the future of Africa.

The Chargé d’affaires also lauded ICESCO’s outstanding work during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategy realignment. Mr. Adanou expressed his gratitude for ICESCO’s programs in Togo. He also communicated his country’s interest in new joint cooperation opportunities consistent with the domestic development plans in Togo, particularly for capacity-building of the human resources.

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) met Today, August 19, in Rabat with Mr. Sylver Aboubacar Minko Mi Nseme, Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic to Morocco, and together they explored cooperation opportunities between the Organization and Gabon.

The meeting brought together the Embassy’s officials and ICESCO’s directors of sectors. Dr. AlMalik then presented the Organization’s major achievements over the previous year. The milestones were part of the new international outreach strategy targeting ICESCO’s Member States and Muslim communities around the globe.

The DG underscored the priority status of African Member States development in ICESCO’s new vision. The Projects’ implementation and African countries’ representation within the Organization are two examples that the DG cited. The Executive Council also adopted last January a recent organizational structure that ensures diversity in the teams and programs.

He also added that the Organization follows an open-door policy that invites all countries around the world to actively participate as Observer States. The new status allows expertise exchange and knowledge transfer in education, science, and culture.

Dr. AlMalik cited ICESCO’s major initiatives, programs, and projects to support the most vulnerable countries in ensuring the continuity of schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also mentioned the humanitarian assistance and protective materials against the outbreak to several African countries. The technical and financial aid comprised setting up sanitizer production units and training the local workforce in delivering the best value for money for the products.

The Gabonese Ambassador expressed his satisfaction with the visit and congratulated the DG on ICESCO’s recent progress, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

He also stated that his country is keen on building a strong partnership with the Organization, starting with effective communication and frequent consultation on ICESCO’s programs in Gabon.

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, discussed Tuesday, August 18, with Mr. Abdullah bin Saad Al-Ghariri, Saudi Ambassador to Morocco, cooperation opportunities.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s major initiatives to counter the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Organization kickstarted “ICESCO Digital Home,” “Societies We Want,” “Comprehensive Humanitarian Coalition,” “Teaching of Arabic to non-Arabic Speakers,” and “Distance Culture” initiatives.

ICESCO also prepared awareness-raising videos on the prevention against the virus in the Organization’s official three languages of ICESCO (Arabic, English and French) along with several local African languages.

The Organization, in cooperation with donors, provided financial and logistical aid to 24 countries to contribute to the continuity of schooling and digitize educational content, explained Dr. AlMalik.

ICESCO also provided food assistance, health equipment, and protective materials to 10 countries. The financial and technical assistance ensured training for the use of sanitizers production units benefitting citizens in these countries.

The DG pointed out that ICESCO’s newly adopted strategy invited non-Member States to join the Organization as observers for active cooperation and partnerships. The end goal is to reach and benefit Muslim communities around the globe.

Ambassador Ghariri lauded ICESCO’s outstanding assistance to Member States during the pandemic, which positively reflected the leadership style in the organization.

The Saudi ambassador commented on the high-caliber participation while attending ICESCO’s videoconferences. The events involved not only participants from Member States but also world experts and specialists. He also commended the constructive debates and outcomes, while supporting ICESCO’s open-door policy in attaining the vision’s objectives.

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) explored with Mr. Julio Glinternick Bitelli, Brazilian Ambassador to Morocco, to explore cooperation opportunities between the Organization and Brazil.

The meeting brought forward the open-door policy in ICESCO’s strategy that sustains productive partnerships to effectively assist the Organization’s Member States and Muslim communities in non-Member States. ICESCO adopted a new regulations charter for Observer States, which ensures the active participation of non-Member States, excluding the right to vote, elaborated Dr. AlMalik. He seized the opportunity to invite Brazil to join ICESCO as an observer.

The DG also commented on the achievements of the last session of the Executive Council, which included the creation of the International Consultative Council. The Council’s members were 16 prominent international personalities, originating, at equal proportions, from Member States and non-Member States. The diversity in the members’ backgrounds will ensure more inclusion and a wider perspective, according to Dr. AlMalik.

The DG highlighted ICESCO’s substantial role among the initiatives, activities, and programs rolled out during the COVID-19 pandemic. He reaffirmed that the initiatives support Member States’ efforts to mitigate the impact of the outbreak, noting that ICESCO adopted “Let’s achieve the impossible” as a battle cry throughout the ongoing crisis.

The list of the initiatives includes “ICESCO Digital Home,” and the “Societies We Want.” “Comprehensive Humanitarian Coalition Initiative” also assists to the most vulnerable groups in many countries, particularly in Africa. Many countries, international organizations and donors joined the coalition, added Dr. AlMalik. He then invited Brazil’s institutions and major corporations to join the coalition.

The Brazilian Ambassador commended ICESCO’s new working mechanisms, which placed the Organization at the forefront of development work during the pandemic.

Ambassador Bitelli also reaffirmed his country’s willingness to cooperate with ICESCO, noting that the Brazilian and Islamic civilizations share multiple similarities.