The 3rd Media Forum of the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA-OIC) will host, by videoconference on 30 December 2020, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).
UNA-OIC Acting DG, Mr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Qarni, stated that the forum will tackle the future of Islamic cultural action and ICESCO’s efforts and initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as its future vision as a house of expertise and a center of excellence in cultural, educational, scientific and foresight action.
The forum will be an open dialogue between the main guest and the participating representatives of news agencies, satellite TV channels, radio stations, newspapers, and e-platforms, along with senior officials from the OIC, ambassadors, experts, and academics from the Islamic world.
UNA-OIC launched a series of media forums hosting Islamic action leaderships and renowned personalities from the Islamic world for an open dialogue with international media on the various Islamic world’s issues. The forum will be broadcasted in Arabic, English, and French.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Senegalese National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture have signed an agreement to launch the Project “Countering COVID-19 Effects through Supporting Innovation and Entrepreneurship among Women and Youth” in Senegal, in partnership with Alwaleed Philanthropies to help 10 African countries fight the adverse repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The virtual signing ceremony took place today in the presence of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, and Mr. Mamadou Talla, Minister of National Education and President of the Senegalese National Commission.
In his address at the ceremony, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik reaffirmed that ICESCO will continue supporting its Member States in addressing the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure is part of ICESCO’s new vision that adopts more communication with countries to identify their respective needs and priorities and thus design and implement relevant programs and projects.
The DG expressed his sincere thanks and deep appreciation to ICESCO’s permanent partner, Alwaleed Philanthropies, whose Board of Directors is chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, for its generous support to ICESCO’s humanitarian and social initiatives to assist 10 African countries, including Senegal.
Mr. Talla commended ICESCO’s excellent work, in particular the initiatives, programs, and activities the Organization launched and implemented during COVID-19, aimed at strengthening the efforts of Member States to address the negative impacts of the pandemic. Mr. Talla also appreciated Alwaleed Philanthropies’ assistance to Senegal through its partnership with ICESCO.
At the end of the ceremony, the two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the implementation phases of the project. The aim is to develop a sense of innovation and entrepreneurship among women and youth in Senegal and support the private sector, entrepreneurs, and small enterprises.
For four decades, the Foundation has spent more than SAR 15 billion and carried out thousands of projects in over 189 countries. Ten Saudi female members manage the projects, benefiting more than one billion people around the world, regardless of gender, race, or religion. Alwaleed Philanthropies collaborates with a range of philanthropic, governmental, and educational organizations to combat poverty, empower women and youth, develop communities, provide disaster relief, and create cultural understanding through education. The goal is to build bridges for a more compassionate, tolerant, and accepting world.
The
participants in the roundtable on “Foresight Attitude in the Philosophical
Spirit of Ibn Khaldun,” agreed unanimously that the ideas and books of Ibn
Khaldoun will remain valuable references adapted to all eras and places while
calling for the resources’ profound examination to understand and analyze the
present and anticipate the future. The Islamic World Educational, Scientific,
and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held yesterday the roundtable in partnership
with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation Morocco, at ICESCO’s headquarters.
The
Organizers held the event both face-to-face and remotely. The roundtable hosted
high-level participants including ambassadors, experts, researchers, and
academics from several countries.
Dr. Salim M.
AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), delivered an opening address wherein he revealed
that the Organization would carry out a study on the foresight thought of Ibn
Khaldun and his biography. The study will touch on the main phases of the
renowned scholar’s life, his intellectual journey, and enduring achievements
and works, the DG continued.
Dr. AlMalik
reaffirmed that roundtables, such as ICESCO’s, seek to highlight the major role
of intellectuals and scholars who left visible imprints in the history of the
Islamic world and humanity at large. The emphasis, Dr. AlMalik went on, should
be done through the recognition of the scholars’ efforts, examining their ideas,
and learning from their intellectual achievement heritage.
Mr. Steffen
Krüger, Representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation Morocco,
pointed out that the Berlin-based foundation, with offices in more than 100
countries, conducts studies in languages. The foundation’s interests include
foresight, sciences, innovation, security, and the thoughts of outstanding
thinkers similar to Ibn Khaldun.
Dr. Kaïs
Hammami, Director of ICESCO Strategic Foresight Center, underscored the
importance of the roundtable, listed its objectives and topics. He also stated
that COVID-19 uncovered the important role of foresight today as it is key to implementing
the desired change.
Dr. Mohamed
Zine El Abidine, Director of Culture and Communication Sector of ICESCO, moderated
the first working session “History perception in Ibn Khaldun’s writings.” Dr.
Sohail Inayatullah, Visiting Lecturer at Futures Studies Institute at Tamkang
University in Taiwan, stated that Ibn Khaldun was the first to use the term
“future.” The Russian Orientalist Dr. Anna Belikova then explored the evolutionary
context of Ibn Khaldun’s critical thought. Dr. Hassan Haj Ali Al Azrak,
Professor of Political Science at the University of Khartoum, said that Ibn
Khaldun’s analysis of clannism contributes largely to the studies of
civilizational analysis studies that emerged over the last two decades.
At the same
session, Dr. Nadeem Omar Tarar, Executive Director of the Center for Cultural
and Development, Islamabad, provided a critical view of Ibn Khaldun’s approach
to the exegesis of the Holy Quran. Dr. Heba Raouf Mohamed Ezzat, Researcher and
university professor at Ibn Haldun University in Turkey, then pointed out that
the works of Ibn Khaldun remain of utmost importance, namely his
sociobiological approach to understanding life in general.
Ambassador
Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of Partnership and International Cooperation Sector
of ICESCO, moderated the second session “Empires and states theory of power.” Mr.
Victor V. Motti, Director of World Futures Studies Federation, gave a short
biography of Ibn Khaldun. Dr. Mohammed Ait Hammou, Researcher and university
professor of Islamic Philosophy and Modern Arabic Thoughts at the Dhar El
Mahraz University of Fes, made a comparative presentation between the realistic
and conceptual history of Ibn Khaldun. Dr. Faouzi Boukhriss, Researcher and
university professor of sociology at Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra, talked
about foresight in Ibn Khaldun’s thought through the education philosophy. Dr.
Mohamed Cherif Ferjani, Tunisian France-based political scientist, Islamologist,
and researcher, positioned Ibn Khaldun’s theories among anterior theories.
Dr.
Abdelilah Benarafa, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General (DG), moderated the
third session. The third session titled “Ibn Khaldun’s foresight thinking under
the framework of modern Islamic thoughts,” discussed foresight thought in Ibn
Khaldun’s philosophy.
Dr.
Abdessamad Ghazi, Director of the Center for Monitoring and Foresight Studies
at the Rabita Mohammadia of Ulemas, said that Ibn Khaldun was more than a history
commentator and that his books give an in-depth analysis on the course of
history.
Dr. Hanane
Hamoda, University Professor of sociology and anthropology at Mohammed V
University in Rabat, presented Ibn Khaldun’s thought model. Dr. Mohamed
Messouadi, University Professor of Philosophy at Mohammed V University in Rabat
and Researcher in political philosophy, stressed that Ibn Khaldun had predicted
the reality of our era. Dr. Allen Fromherz, Professor of History and director
of the Middle East Studies Center at Georgia State University, provided a
theoretical approach to Ibn Khaldun through his biography. Dr. Faouzi Skali, a Doctor
in anthropology, ethnology, and religious sciences, founder of the Festival of
Sufi Culture of Fes, touched on the Sufi thought in Ibn Khaldun’s philosophy.
At the close
of the roundtable, Dr. Kaïs Hammami thanked the participants, ICESCO’s guests
and team.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG)
of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
(ICESCO), received yesterday at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, Ms.
Mabel Gomez Oliver, Ambassador of Mexico to Morocco. The meeting touched upon the
cooperation prospects between ICESCO and Mexico in the fields of education,
science, and culture. Several Directors of ICESCO’s sectors joined the meeting.
During the meeting, Dr. Al-Malik reaffirmed
that ICESCO’s vision and action strategy adopts an open-door policy towards all
countries, including non-Member States. The goal is to cooperate and hold
partnerships for the benefit of the Member States and Muslim communities around
the world. He also pointed out that ICESCO’s
non-Member States may enjoy observer status while calling upon Mexico to join the
Organization as an observer.
ICESCO DG reviewed the salient initiatives,
projects, and programs that the Organization launched and implemented to
support Member States in countering the negative repercussions of the COVID-19
pandemic in the fields of education, science, and culture.
“These initiatives include “ICESCO Digital
Home,” “The Societies We Want,” and “Global Humanitarian Coalition,” which aim
at helping the neediest countries, particularly in Africa. Several countries, international
organizations, and donor institutions have joined this coalition. Mexico and
its major institutions are welcome to join this coalition,” he added.
The meeting explored the proposed areas of
cooperation between ICESCO and the educational, scientific, and cultural
authorities in Mexico to share expertise with the competent authorities as well
as universities and research centers in the ICESCO Member States,
The Ambassador of Mexico thanked ICESCO for
the meeting and commended the Organization’s outstanding work during the COVID-19
pandemic while stressing that Mexico will exert every effort to ensure cooperation
with ICESCO in its areas of competence.
The Director-General (DG) of the
Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr.
Salim M. AlMalik, called for recognizing the major efforts of H.R.H. Prince
Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two
Holy Mosques, Prince of the Makkah Al-Mukkaramah Region, in promoting the
Arabic language and spreading the Arab-Islamic culture. The DG stated that Prince
Khalid Al-Faisal’s works need to be academically documented and publicized,
adding that extensive studies need to be conducted on the Prince’s
intellectual, literary, and artistic materials.
Dr. AlMalik called for drawing
inspiration from the factors of success and excellence in Prince Khalid
Al-Faisal’s intellectual and cultural endeavors to anchor an authentic identity
that is founded on the Arabic language and the Arab-Islamic culture, and openness
to other languages and cultures. He added that the balance between authenticity
and openness in the Arab Islamic culture is the essence of the vision upon
which the Prince’s intellectual, literary, and civilizational project is based.
The DG made the statement during his
participation in a videoconference on Tuesday, December 22. The King Abdulaziz
University in Saudi Arabia held the seminar, in cooperation with ICESCO and the
Cultural Attaché Office at the Embassy of the Kingdom in Rabat. The seminar was
held under the theme, “Efforts of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal in service of
promoting the Arabic language and spreading the Arab culture.”
ICESCO DG moderated both academic
sessions of the seminar. The event saw high-level participation including
prominent religious and academic figures, and Saudi university presidents and
faculty deans. His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdurahman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais,
General President of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques; delivered his address
during the first session along with Dr. Abdullah bin Salim Al-Mutani, Former
Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council; and Dr. Mansoor bin Mohammad Al-Harthey,
Director of the Academy of Arabic Poetry.
The speakers during the first
session attested to the key features that characterize the Prince’s journey as
a human, an intellectual, and an artist and his roles in defending Arabic and
ensuring the language receive the due attention in our societies.
The second session saw addresses that
Prof. Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, Former Secretary-General of the King
Abdulaziz International Center for Arabic Language (KAICAl); delivered along
with Abdullah Owaiqil Al-Sulami, President of the Jeddah Literary and Cultural
Club; and Prof. Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Sabil, Secretary-General of King Faisal Award.
The speakers highlighted the factors and reasons leading to elements of
intellectual and literary excellence in Prince Khalid Al-Faisal’s character.
At the close of the seminar, ICESCO DG
pushes for the recognition, appreciation, and tribute from the Arabic language
institutions, setting forth a suggestion to the General Secretariat of the King
Faisal Award to present the Prince with the prominent international award. The
step is in recognition for his leading efforts in service of the Arabic
language and thought. Dr. AlMalik also commended the participants’ proposals to
further publicize the prince’s efforts in the service of Arabic and expressed
the Organization’s readiness to cooperate with King Abdulaziz University in
Saudi Arabia.
The celebration of the Islamic World
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded its
proceedings, following deliberations and presentations on the future of the
Arabic language. High-profile participation marked the celebration, which
lasted for more than four hours.
H.R.H. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud honored the celebration with his attendance and delivered the
opening address. H.E. Prof. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Former President of Mauritius;
Mr. Aboubakar Siddick Choroma, Minister of National Education and Civic
Promotion of Chad; and Dr. Ali Mohamed Shumo, Former Minister of Culture and
Information of Sudan, also took part in the opening ceremony.
ICESCO held the major celebration in
observance of the World Arabic Language Day, yesterday, December 21, via
videoconferencing. The Organization cooperated with King Abdulaziz University
in Saudi Arabia, the Cultural Attaché Office at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Rabat,
the Regional UNESCO Office in Rabat, and Al-Akhawayn University in Morocco.
H.R.H. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud gave the opening address, as the Conference’s most revered guest.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG) then moderated the opening
session, during which he read a poem he authored, titled “The Richness of
Arabic.” The opening session also featured the addresses of H.E. Prof. Ameenah
Gurib-Fakim, who highlighted the great value of the Arabic Language within and
beyond its social circles, calling for rethinking our approach to languages in
general, as many are on the verge of extinction and taking away cultural
treasures with them.
Mr. Aboubakar Siddick Choroma,
Minister of National Education and Civic Promotion of Chad called for using the
modern digital revolution in the field of Arabic teaching. Ms. Angela Melo then
gave the address on behalf of the UNESCO DG, who underscored that protecting
languages is a shared responsibility. Dr. Ali Mohamed Shumo stated that
millions of Muslims speak Arabic, given that it is the language of the Holy
Quran and the Sunnah.
The conference, held under the theme
“Arabic Language: Foresight in a Changing World,” featured five working
sessions. Dr. Abdulah Al-Ubaid, Honorary President of ICESCO Center of Arabic for non-Arabic
Speakers, moderated the first session on the future roles of academic
institutions in promoting Arabic.
Dr. Yussra bint Hussain Al-Jazairi,
Cultural Attaché of Saudi Arabia in Rabat, moderated the second session on the
future of the Arabic language in educational systems. Dr. Abdulilah Benarafa,
Cultural Advisor to ICESCO DG, moderated the third session that focused on the
opportunities of the Arabic language in the era of the fourth industrial
revolution. Mr. Adil Bouraoui, Advisor to ICESCO DG for Arabic Language Centers
Abroad and Academic Chairs, moderated the fourth session, which discussed the
topic of digital applications in aid of the Arabic language. Dr. Majdi bin
Hajji Ibrahim, Head of ICESCO Center of Arabic for non-Arabic Speakers, chaired
the fifth session, which focused on the topic of “Arabic language academies: an
absolute necessity.”
At the close of the ceremony, ICESCO
DG expressed his thanks and appreciation to the guests of honor, all
participants, and cooperating institutions for accepting ICESCO’s invitation,
reaffirming that the Organization undertakes to give all proposals,
recommendations, and visions set forth during the Conference the due attention
they deserve.
At the International Conference that the
Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held
in celebration of the World Arabic Language Day, Dr. Salim AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General
(DG), surprised the participants with his poem “Richness of Arabic” as a token
of his love for Arabic language.
Dr.
AlMalik stated, “my address today will neither be similar to the usual opening
addresses, nor remind us of the centuries-old glories and the unique genius of the
Arabic language as many books, research, and literary works on Arabic language
will give enough evidence thereon.”
“I do not want my address to be a review of
ICESCO’s achievements or anticipation of our future projects. The information
is already available on our websites. In this address, I would like to express
my great and undying love for the Arabic language,” he continued.
Dr. AlMalik added: “As I see poetry as the
most adequate, valuable, and expressive genre, I composed a poem on this
occasion, entitled ‘Richness of Arabic.’ In the poem, the DG
shows the richness of the Arabic language, particularly its vocabulary, rhetoric,
and aesthetics as well as the capacity of its syntax and lexicon to adapt to
scientific and technological developments.
His Royal Highness Prince Khalid al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Advisor to the Custodian of the Holy Mosques, Governor of Makkah Region, said that he devoted his life to serving the language of the Quran. He also reaffirmed that the Arabic language is the highest form of expression and the manifestation of human identity.
The statement was part of Prince Khalid al-Faisal’s address at the opening session of the international conference that the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held yesterday, in celebration of the World Arabic Language Day.
His Royal Highness also said that “Allah
Almighty and then the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques have given me the honor
of serving the sacred Mosque. Thus, I have devoted my life to serving the
language of the Quran and Muslims at this time and place. Arabic is the highest
form of expression and human identity. Today, ICESCO honors me through the
invitation to this conference. I am extremely grateful to ICESCO and all its
staff members.”
His Royal Highness beseeched Allah Almighty
to make him “among those who remember and praise Allah, learn the lessons of life,
and make their speech concise and beneficial.”
At the opening of the celebration under the theme: “Arabic language: Foresight in a changing world,” Dr. Salim AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to H.R.H. Prince Khalid al-Faisal for his outstanding participation in the videoconference.
“His Highness accomplished many
achievements in serving the Arabic language and Arab thought. His intellectual
works, poetry collections, and artistic works mainly focus on serving Arabic,
promoting its position, and stimulating creativity in Arab thought,” he
underscored.
Dr. AlMalik also reaffirmed that “His Royal
Highness is a pioneer of cultural, tourism, sports, and literary action in
Saudi Arabia and the Arab and Islamic worlds. He is also the founder of many
forums, awards, and cultural and literary journals.”
The
cornerstone of the “Intangible Heritage Museum” was laid today, in the building
of Bank Al Maghrib, Central Bank of Morocco, at Jemaa El Fna Square in
Marrakesh in cooperation with the National Museum Foundation in Morocco and the
Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The
effort is in line with the implementation of a partnership agreement that was
signed last October between the two organizations, in cooperation with other
partners.
The artist Mehdi
Qotbi, President of National Museum Foundation, and Dr. Salim M. AlMalik,
ICESCO Director-General (DG), oversaw the ceremony with the attendance of
several officials from the Organization and the Foundation and senior officials
from Marrakesh.
Dr. Abdelaziz
El Idrissi, Director of the Rabat-based Mohammed VI Museum for Modern and
Contemporary Art, gave a detailed presentation on the project. He pointed out
that the Museum will host part of the collective memory of Jemaa El Fna Square.
It will be open to the public with particular attention to the history of the
building complimenting the surrounding area of the square.
For their
part, the architects overseeing the project emphasized that the establishment
will be equipped with cutting-edge display technology and will be open to
children, from all age categories, to preserve and sustain the collective
memory.
Aiming to
publicize the Islamic world’s heritage and art and promote the true image of
Islamic civilization and culture through art, the partnership agreement signed
between ICESCO and the National Museum Foundation comprises a set of major
programs and projects to be co-implemented by the parties.
The projects
and programs include the Intangible Heritage Museum, exhibitions of collections
of pottery, and traditional costumes inspired from the works of late world
artist Eugene Delacroix. The Mohammed VI Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art
will host from April 7, through July 24, 2021, at ICESCO’s Headquarters, the international
exhibition on “Eugene Delacroix: Memories of his Moroccan Travel,” along with
training sessions for the staff of museums in the Islamic world.
The Director-General
(DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
(ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, stated that commemorating Muslim scholars in
various sciences and arts under ICESCO’s civilizational program for Islamic
world culture capitals represents an opportunity to revive the Islamic heritage
in its various aspects and publish the manuscripts stored on the shelves of
libraries. The aim, Dr. AlMalik underscored, is to link the generations
together and build a common ground for anticipating the future, one of the
endeavors of the Organization.
The
statement came in the DG’s address at the virtual international conference that
the Imam Al-Maturidi International Center for Scientific Research held today, at the
International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, in Uzbekistan, on the future plans
of the Center. The event was part of the activities of the celebration of
Bukhara as the Islamic World Culture Capital for 2020 for the Asian region. The
Conference witnessed the participation of high-level officials and religious
leaders from Uzbekistan and the Islamic world.
Dr. Al-Malik
noted that Imam Abu Mansur Al-Maturidi, popularly known as “Imam of Huda,” “Imam of the
Speakers,” “Leader of the Sunnis,” and “the Eremite Imam” occupied a great
place in the history of Islamic thoughts. Al-Maturidi is the founder of a Sunni school that emerged in the
fourth century A.H. in the Transoxiana region and spread to the rest of
the Islamic world. ICESCO DG pointed out that the most prominent characteristic
of the views of Imam Al-Maturidi is that he vilified tradition and advocated
the use of logic and reasoning.
At the close
of his address, ICESCO DG reaffirmed the Organization’s willingness to
cooperate with the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan and Imam Al-Maturidi International Center for Scientific
Research in areas of common interest. The DG focused on “ICESCO’s Roads for the
Future” Project through the establishment of academic chairs in the fields of
heritage, arts and literature, coexistence, and civilizational dialogue.
