Category: Director General

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in strengthening health systems, building the capacities of the healthcare staff, supporting the adoption of digital technologies, and exchanging experiences and knowledge to support the efforts of the countries of the Islamic world to prepare for and build resilience to natural disasters and every threat to the health of individuals.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, signed the agreement, on Tuesday (March 26, 2024), at the World Health Organization headquarters, in Geneva, in the presence of Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, and Dr. Hanan Balkhi, Regional Director, Eastern Mediterranean Region at the World Health Organization, as well as a number of officials of the Organization.

Afterwards, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the importance of the partnership between ICESCO and the World Health Organization to promote health and serve the countries of the Islamic world, and stressed that many initiatives, programs and activities will be devised to achieve equality and equity in the field of health services and adopt modern technologies, lauding the cooperation relations with the WHO Academy Education.

For his part, WHO Director-General commended ICESCO’s efforts in its areas of competence, stressing his keenness to continue cooperation between the two parties with the view of developing joint health programs to enhance health services.

The MoU aims to establish a cooperation framework that promotes the health-related SDGs of the 2030 Agenda and benefits vulnerable groups in such a way as to contribute to meeting the health needs of refugees and migrants, and supporting the efforts of the States members of the two Organizations in addressing health challenges, taking into account the cultural specificities of ICESCO Member States to achieve an effective response to emergency situations in line with the values and principles of these countries.

The MoU sets forth cooperation in the field of health by strengthening health systems, disease prevention and treatments to contribute to achieving health security in societies, building the capacities of the health workforce, reinforcing information systems, ensuring the adequacy and efficiency of mobilizing resources to confront diseases, improving the quality of maternal and child health care, developing a healthy lifestyle through proper hygiene and sanitation systems, and promoting mental health and primary health care services.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, Chairwoman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Chairwoman of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network, held a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, concurrent with their participation in the third conference of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network, which commenced on 25 March 2024, under the theme: “Revitalizing parliamentary action in combating climate change.”

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed gratitude for ICESCO’s official acceptance as an observer of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network, commending the pivotal roles of the Movement and its Parliamentary Network at the international level for their joint efforts in consolidating the values of coexistence, peace, and counteracting hatred.
Moreover, he reiterated ICESCO’s dedication to strengthening cooperation and building a fruitful partnership with the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network. He also highlighted the shared goals in advancing education, science, cultural exchange, youth development, and establishing solid foundations for joint initiatives that benefit individuals in all Member States of ICESCO and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Dr. AlMalik shed light on the significant progress in the partnership between the Organization and Azerbaijan, as outlined in the cooperation work plan signed in 2022, explaining that the current year will see the implementation of numerous joint programs, projects, and activities, including the celebration of Shusha as the capital of culture in the Islamic world 2024, as part of ICESCO’s program for the capitals of culture in the Islamic world. Additionally, he stressed on the partnership in organizing the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, which takes place every two years in Baku, and participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 29) conference.

Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, on her part, lauded ICESCO’s endeavors in the fields of education, science, and culture, expressing her pride in the Organization’s joining of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network as an observer. She highlighted ICESCO’s significant credibility with the political leadership and various institutions in the Republic of Azerbaijan, underscoring their keenness to bolster the distinguished partnership between the two sides.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Ms. Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan, within their participation in the 3rd Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network (NAM PN), being held in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme “Revitalizing parliamentary action in combating climate change.”

At the outset of the meeting, held on Monday (March 25, 2024), Dr. AlMalik stressed ICESCO’s keenness to boost its partnership with the Republic of Uzbekistan through joint programs and initiatives, particularly in preparation for the celebration of Samarkand, Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2025, within the framework of ICESCO’s Programme of Culture Capitals in the Islamic World. The celebration will include the implementation of many year-round programs and activities, concurrently with Uzbekistan’s hosting of the 43rd Session of UNESCO General Conference.

Moreover, ICESCO Director-General reviewed the key aspects of the Organization’s new vision and strategic orientations, most notably supporting and building the capacities of youth and women, safeguarding the Islamic world’s cultural heritage through its Heritage Center, which is a think tank for relevant specialists and experts, and inscribing historical sites and cultural elements on the Islamic World Heritage List, including many Uzbek sites, given the unique cultural richness of the Uzbek civilization and its Islamic history.

The meeting also touched on the remarkable outcomes of the cooperation efforts between ICESCO and Uzbekistan in a number of programs and projects, including ICESCO Chair of Islamic Civilization at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, and its contribution to providing scholarships for students and teaching them Arabic language and Sharia sciences.

For her part, Ms. Tanzila Narbaeva commended ICESCO’s efforts geared towards supporting Member States in its areas of competence, stressing Uzbekistan’s keenness to sustain fruitful cooperation with the Organization.
The meeting saw the presence of Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), stressed that consolidated efforts and mutual cooperation are the optimal way to address the threats of climate change and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the environmental challenges facing the planet, given their impact on all aspects of human existence and their dire consequences for future generations. He also underscored the role of parliamentary oversight in ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective implementation of environmental policies.

This statement was made during his speech on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the inauguration of the 3rd conference of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network (NAM PN) under the theme: “Revitalizing parliamentary action in combating climate change.” The Conference was held concurrently with the 148th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva, Switzerland, attended by high-level delegations and parliament heads from member states of the Non-Aligned Movement, as well as officials, and representatives of international organizations.

Dr. AlMalik emphasized the significance of this conference in alerting to the urgent need to protect the environment and raise awareness of parliamentary efforts in combating climate change, a global environmental concern at the forefront of the international agenda, representing one of the biggest challenges the world faces today. Moreover, he explained that the constitutional powers of legislative bodies enable them to enact bold and ambitious policies that prioritize environmental sustainability through stringent emission laws, promoting investment in renewable energy infrastructure, and supporting initiatives that enhance climate adaptation.

Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s efforts and its solid foundation for supporting measures aimed at combating climate change. These measures aim to protect our planet for future generations and encourage Islamic world countries to invest in renewable energy, devote sustainable agricultural practices, and promote climate awareness and education.
Through various initiatives, programs, and activities, ICESCO strives to empower communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change and build a more sustainable future. Moreover, ICESCO actively participated in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences (UNFCCC): (COP 27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, (COP 28) in Dubai, UAE, and will take part in the upcoming COP 29 scheduled to be hosted by Azerbaijan in November 2024.

Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to the officials of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network for facilitating the Organization’s official request to join the network, launched in 2021, as an observer. He also highlighted ICESCO’s keenness to cooperate in implementing joint initiatives, and commended the roles of the movement and its parliamentary network in influencing international discourse, enhancing cooperation between countries, and promoting the “Bandung Principles” of the Non-Aligned Movement and the pursuit of peaceful coexistence.

The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat hosted, on Friday, 22 March 2024, the third meeting of the scientific forum, “A Ramadan Journey into the Depths of the Human Soul.” The Forum was organized by ICESCO in cooperation with the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco.

Dr. Khadija Abouzid, Professor of Higher Education at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, delivered a lecture on “Human Relations: Pathway of Good Deeds.” The Lecture was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, a host of ambassadors accredited to Morocco, members of the Group of Spouses, and a large audience from the general public.

The meeting kicked off with a general introduction by Dr. Yusra bint Hussain Al-Jazairy, member of the Group of Spouses, who remarked that the lecture is a continuation of previous meetings during this blessed month of Ramadan. Dr. Al-Jazairy presented several qur’anic verses and hadiths on the significance of wisdom in Islam and its association with the purification of souls. Moreover, Dr. Al-Jazairy stated that purification fosters wisdom and that ethics are the pathway to wisdom, which is not limited to the day-to-day dealings of people but rather an identifying mark of every community.

Dr. Al-Jazairy also emphasized the importance of implementing behavioral psychology practices in work environments that cater to teamwork and effective communication between employees and managers, stressing the need to focus on the psychological aspect in work environments to enhance productivity and ensure business sustainability.

Following, Dr. Khadija Abouzid began her lecture by affirming that Islamic jurisprudence concerns two categories; acts of worship and dealings among people. Moreover, Dr. Abouzid discussed the centrality of marital relationships as a foundation for human relations and the first step in building a balanced individual within the family.

Furthermore, Dr. Abouzid highlighted the importance of prayer in purifying, disciplining, and taming the desires of the human soul, stressing the necessity of introducing children to prayer from an early age due to its crucial role in human development, instilling commitment, enhancing the sense of responsibility, and disciplining.

Dr. Abouzid reviewed the aspects of human relations in Islam, mainly mercy, and stressed the power of words in maintaining relationships with grace and beauty. Dr. Abouzid concluded her lecture by stating that human relations are of many types, mainly gracious forgiveness, gracious patience and gracious avoidance.

Following the lecture, a discussion session was opened, during which Dr. Khadija Abouzid answered several questions.

The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat hosted today, Friday 15 March 2024, the second meeting of the scientific forum, “A Ramadan Journey into the Depths of the Human Soul.”

The Forum was organized by ICESCO in cooperation with the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco. During the event, Dr. Khadija Abouzid, Professor of Higher Education at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, delivered a lecture titled “Ramadan: a Month for the Healing and Purification of Souls.” The Lecture was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, a group of women ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, members of the Group of Spouses, and a large audience from the general public.

The Meeting kicked off with a general introduction by Dr. Yusra bint Hussain Al-Jazairy, member of the Group of Spouses, who emphasized that the second meeting of the Forum came after the outstanding success of the first meeting with Dr. Khadija Abouzid. She mentioned receiving numerous opinions, inquiries, and requests, most of which focused on the importance of shedding light on practical tools for checking the soul in all its aspects, as discussed in the previous meeting.

Dr. Al-Jazairy added that today’s lecture was chosen based on these requests, and that Dr. Khadija Abouzid would take the attendees on a journey into the depths of their souls and will share with them a set of practical tools applicable in this context. Moreover, she praised the creativity that imbued the lecture given in the previous meeting, especially when it mentioned that humans should always seek to strike a balance between the requirements of the body and the soul.

Dr. Yusra Al-Jazairy concluded her presentation by extending gratitude, on behalf of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, to ICESCO for its excellent organization and gracious hosting.

Following that, Dr. Khadija Abouzid started her lecture, during which she outlined the key steps for healing and purifying the soul. She affirmed that the blessed month of Ramadan is the ideal opportunity for soul purification, as “Shaitan” (Satan), the enemy of mankind, is chained during it, and Allah honors humans with the blessed “Laylat-ul-Qadr” (the Night of Power).

She pointed out that diagnosis is the first step towards rejuvenating and educating the soul by identifying its flaws and kick-starting the healing process. Furthermore, she highlighted that just as the body can be diseased, so can the soul, to which equal attention must be paid.

Dr. Abouzid elaborated on the sicknesses of the heart, as mentioned in the Holy Quran, including deceit, arrogance, and pretentiousness, highlighting that the sicknesses of the soul and heart, worldly attachment, and the whispers of “Satan”, are the obstacles that impede the purification of the soul.

Following the lecture, a discussion session was opened, and several questions and inquiries were addressed by Dr. Khadija Abouzid. Dr. Yusra Al-Jazairy thanked the lecturer for the spiritual journey that touched the hearts of the attendees and inspired them to purify their souls.

The Session concluded with a recitation of the poem “My Ultimate Destination” (Muntaha Amri) written by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, and performed by the Moroccan Nashidist Soumia Massine.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received an official letter from Mr. Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, expressing Brazil’s interest in joining ICESCO as an Observer.

This took place during the reception of Mr. Alexandre Guido Lopes Parola, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the Kingdom of Morocco. At the onset of the meeting, held on 14 March 2024 at the ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik warmly welcomed Brazil’s notable initiative, underscoring its significant importance, and viewed it as a tangible outcome of ICESCO’s adoption of a new vision and open policy in its strategic directions, aimed at benefiting the Islamic world and Muslim communities around the world.

Dr. AlMalik shed light on Brazil’s distinguished historical relations with many countries of the Islamic world, highlighting that its joining ICESCO as an observer would further strength these relations. Moreover, he pointed out that ICESCO’s General Directorate would diligently complete all necessary procedures related to Brazil’s membership.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted that this membership would enhance the existing cooperation between the Organization and Brazil in education, science, and culture, citing ICESCO’s establishment of a research chair on “Art and Nature” at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, as well as the upcoming session of ICESCO’s 4th training workshop for the design of the educational satellite (CanSat) to be held in Brazil.

Additionally, he noted the ongoing cooperation between the education sector in the Organization and Lula Institute, which focuses on social development and education issues. The Brazilian Ambassador to Morocco commended ICESCO’s efforts, affirming that Brazil’s decision to join ICESCO as an observer reflects its keenness to enhance cooperation with the Organization and with Islamic world countries in education, science, and culture.