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    Category: Director General

    Director General

    ICESCO’s International Forum “By Youth For Youth” Concludes Proceedings in Baku

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The International Forum “By Youth For Youth,” organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan and Heydar Aliyev Foundation, concluded its proceedings on Wednesday, 26 June 2024. The Forum witnessed high-level attendance of ministers, officials, representatives of Azerbaijani institutions and bodies, and public figures and saw the participation of 90 young people representing 43 countries inside the Islamic world and beyond.

    During the closing ceremony, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), praised the success of the first edition of the Forum, offered guidance to the youth on leadership, and called on them to participate in building a sustainable and bright future for the world.

    Speaking next, Ms. Indira Hajiyeva, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, commended the close cooperation between Azerbaijan and ICESCO, which culminated in organizing the Forum over four days in Shusha and Baku.

    For her part, Ms. Sanaa Rida, representative of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, reviewed the joint activities held by the youth sector at the Ministry in cooperation with ICESCO. Moreover, Mr. Théodore Adrien Ndiaye, representative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Senegal, praised the Forum’s sessions and topics.

    In his remarks, Mamoudou Sall, Assistant DG of the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), lauded the collaboration with ICESCO, particularly in entrepreneurship through the organization of “Innovation Lab for Young Change-Makers,” and affirmed ICDT’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with ICESCO.

    Following, three winners were announced among the participants who had proposed innovative projects to promote entrepreneurship, peace-building and climate change mitigation.

    In conclusion, Ms. Zarifa Maharramova, ICESCO Ambassador for Peace and Head of the International Relations Department at the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, read the Forum’s final declaration entitled, “Shusha-Baku Youth Action Plan for a Sustainable Future in the Islamic World,” which included a set of recommendations for developing sustainable public policies in peace, well-being, climate change, and entrepreneurship.

    ICESCO Director-General Holds Meetings with Ministers of Youth and Sports

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a series of meetings with several ministers of youth and sports who attended the launch of the international forum “By Youth for Youth,” organized by ICESCO in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, in Shusha and Baku.

    The meetings, which took place on Wednesday, 26 June, 2024, in Baku, included discussions with Mr. Peter Ogwang, State Minister for Education and Sports of the Republic of Uganda; Mr. Abakar Djermah Aumi, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Chad; Mr. Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of The Gambia; and Dr. Donuma Umar Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The discussions focused on developing cooperation between ICESCO and the countries represented by each Minister in leveraging sports to build youth capacities and prepare them for future professions.

    Dr. AlMalik emphasized the importance of sports in promoting culture, building peace, and fostering values of coexistence and intercultural dialogue. He further stressed that ICESCO encourages its Member States to invest in sports activities, considering them a catalyst for social inclusion and for building healthy, resilient, and inclusive communities.

    The Ministers expressed their pleasure in attending ICESCO’s forum “By Youth for Youth”, as well as their commitment to supporting the Organization’s activities and initiatives in building youth sports capabilities. They praised ICESCO’s efforts in sports and leadership training for peace and security, and called for the possibility of organizing similar activities in their countries in the future.

    ICESCO International Forum “By Youth For Youth” Kicks off in Shusha

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The International Forum “By Youth For Youth,” organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan and Heydar Aliyev Foundation, kicked off in Shusha on Tuesday, 25 June 2024.

    The four-day Forum is part of celebrating Shusha as Culture Capital in the Islamic World and ICESCO’s Year of Youth activities. It aims to provide a platform for young people to express their views, share best practices in peacebuilding, humanitarian work, and sustainable development, and devise concrete ideas to empower youth to lead positive change in their communities.

    The Forum witnessed the attendance of high-level officials and representatives from Azerbaijani institutions and bodies, as well as public figures. It includes the participation of 90 young people representing 43 countries from the Islamic world and beyond. The agenda features various panel sessions, intellectual dialogues and cultural and artistic activities.

    In his opening speech, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, expressed gratitude to His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for his diligent efforts to promote civilizational dialogue on peace and sustainable development, as well as to the First Vice President and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and all Azerbaijani entities for their significant efforts in ensuring the success of this event and their steadfast support in bringing this initiative into being for the Islamic world.

    Following, Dr. AlMalik welcomed the young participants in the Forum, particularly ICESCO Peace Ambassadors, noting that the youth population in Islamic countries is projected to reach 29% by 2030. This demographic trend has prompted ICESCO to strongly focus on youth participation as future leaders. Dr. AlMalik pointed out that youth represent 42% of ICESCO’s staff and highlighted the Organization’s key initiatives and programs in collaboration with international partners.

    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that the Forum serves as a space for youth to build a brighter future by harnessing their potential to address global challenges and transform them into opportunities for peace and development. Dr. AlMalik also underscored the importance of deepening partnerships with the Republic of Azerbaijan.

    For his part, Aydin Karimov, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Shusha District, welcomed the Forum’s participants, expressing his sincere thanks to the organizing partners for their efforts in making the event successful and commending the participation of ICESCO’s young ambassadors from various countries.

    Furthermore, Mr. Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, highlighted the Forum’s importance as it will feature significant intellectual discussions to develop youth skills and contribute to peacebuilding and sustainable development globally. Mr. Gayibov pointed out that the majority of the Azerbaijani population are youth, necessitating the launch of various initiatives and activities to empower them and discuss innovative solutions to challenges.

    Mr. Elvin Aslanov, Head of the Humanitarian Affairs Department at Heydar Aliyev Foundation, welcomed the strategic partnership between ICESCO and the Foundation, noting the importance of organizing this Forum in Shusha as the city reflects the rich and unique history and heritage of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

    The Forum’s working sessions followed, featuring discussions and dialogues among youth and inspiring leaders from different countries to exchange experiences and ideas.

    ICESCO Director-General Meets Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sports in Shusha

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Azerbaijan in leveraging sports to build youth capacities and develop their skills to keep pace with global changes.

    The Meeting took place on Tuesday (June 25, 2024), in Shusha, Azerbaijan, on the sidelines of the launch of the international forum “By Youth for Youth,” the fruit of a partnership between ICESCO, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Dr. AlMalik thanked Mr. Gayibov, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the other Azerbaijani parties for their significant cooperation and efforts made to ensure the Forum’s success.

    Dr. AlMalik emphasized that ICESCO’s new vision places youth issues at the heart of its priorities due to their crucial role in achieving sustainable development and advancing their communities. ICESCO commits, in its programs and projects, to utilizing the potential of sports to support community cohesion and improve the lives of individuals in its Member States.
    Mr. Gayibov expressed his gratitude to ICESCO’s DG and his accompanying delegation for their ongoing efforts to develop the partnership with Azerbaijan. He praised ICESCO’s vision, as it pertains to youth and its notable achievements in its areas of expertise.

    The Meeting also discussed proposals for implementing several joint programs and projects between ICESCO and the Azerbaijani Ministry of Youth and Sports, particularly in the context of celebrating Shusha as the 2024 Culture Capital of the Islamic world. Key proposals included organizing a version of ICESCO’s Social Solidarity Marathon in Azerbaijan and launching several cultural and sports initiatives serving the youth of the Islamic world, and beyond.

    At the close of the Meeting, the ICESCO DG and the Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sports exchanged commemorative shields.

    The Meeting was attended by Ambassador Nazim Samadov, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Morocco, Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, and several youth members of the Organization.

    At ICESCO Headquarters: Launch of UNESCO’s Book on the Legacy of Arabic Language along Silk Roads

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat hosted the launch event for UNESCO’s book, “Underlining the Role and Legacy of the Arabic language in Cultural, Scientific, and Commercial Exchanges along the Silk Roads,” on Monday, 24 June 2024. This publication is the fruit of a collaborative effort between UNESCO, the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Programme for the Arabic Language and the Silk Road Program.

    The event, organized by UNESCO and the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Foundation, featured a distinguished audience and began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a recorded speech from Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), who commended the centrality of the Arabic language as highlighted in the book, emphasizing its role in enriching the Silk Road. He noted that Arabic, originating from the Arabian Peninsula, the cradle of the Islamic message, reached as far as China and Central Asia, extending to Türkiye and the borders of Europe. He also pointed out that translation to and from Arabic became one of the most lucrative trades.

    Ms. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant DG for the Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, expressed her gratitude to the organizers for their efforts in promoting cultural diversity and highlighting the importance of the Arabic language in bridging civilizations.

    Dr. Saleh Ibrahim AlKhulaifi, DG of the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation, expressed his joy at the collaborative efforts that led to the publication of the book and emphasized its role in fostering intercultural dialogue through the Arabic language.

    Mr. Eric Falt, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Rabat, praised the book launch, stressing its vital role in preserving the legacy of the Arabic language. Moreover, he noted how it has cultivated a distinctive community along the Silk Roads, transcending barriers between diverse peoples.

    Dr. Li Ruohong, President of the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation, underscored the global significance of the Arabic language in enhancing heritage and urged the youth to actively preserve the cultural and social legacy of the Silk Roads.

    Dr. Hani Al Balawi and Dr. Sidra Tariq Jamil, experts at ICESCO’s Center of Civilizational Dialogue, acknowledged the contributions of the partners and organizers, underscoring the crucial role of the Arabic language in taking up the torch of culture along the Silk Roads. Additionally, they highlighted ICESCO’s diligent efforts in preserving and promoting this legacy.

    The launch included two panel discussions on the legacy of the Arabic language along the Silk Roads. Dr. Omar Halli, advisor to ICESCO DG for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, chaired the first session, while the second was moderated by Dr. Mehrdad Shabahang, Head of the UNESCO Silk Road Programme.

    Dr. Abdulaziz Almagushi, Deputy Director-General of the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation, tackled the importance of Arabic culture, which traversed continents, imparting values, principles, and concepts that positively influenced various societies.

    In his concluding remarks, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, emphasized the profound importance of the Silk Road and the scholarly wealth encapsulated in the UNESCO book. He added that addressing the Arabic language in this launch reflects a strategic vision for languages, particularly Arabic, as a primary conduit for transmitting humanity’s scientific, cultural, and civilizational heritage. He also stressed the necessity of prioritizing its preservation and development.

    Launch of “ICESCO Young Anchor Competition” for non-Arabic-speaking children

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is pleased to announce the launch of the “ICESCO Young Anchor Competition”, as part of the attention the Organization gives to the new generations and the youth of the future. The competition is aimed at non-Arabic-speaking children to encourage them to practice, master and use the Arabic language on an international scale. It also aims to boost their self-confidence, develop their communication skills and improve their linguistic and expressive competencies.

    The competition, organized by ICESCO’s Arabic Language Centre for non-Arabic Speakers, aims to promote intercultural understanding and the exchange of expertise between different cultures. It also aims to encourage children to express their ideas and opinions in innovative and diverse ways, helping to shape a generation capable of positively impacting their communities and building a better world through the power and appeal of words.

    Candidates wishing to take part in the Competition are invited to register from today, Monday 24 June 2024, until the end of October 2024. Entrants can compete in the following categories: National news or sports presentation, weather report presentation and news bulletin presentation.
    Applications are subject to the following conditions:

    • The participant must hold a non-Arab passport;
    • Participation must be in classical Arabic;
    • The participant must not be over 12 years of age;
    • The application must be submitted through the administration of the school with which the child is affiliated;
    • A video not exceeding 3 minutes must be sent to the competition e-mail address;
    • The application form must be completed and can be downloaded via the following link: https://icesco.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Application-Form-ICESCO-Young-Anchor-Competition.pdf
    • A copy of the candidate’s passport and their guardian’s passport;
    • All participations must be sent to the following e-mail address: daaiac@icesco.org.

    After the closing date for nominations, a specialized jury will evaluate the nomination files and select the three winners. The first prize winner will receive US$ 4,000, the second prize winner US$ 2,000 dollars and the third prize winner US$ 1,000, in addition to receiving certificates of merit. The winners will be announced on ICESCO’s official website and through official notifications sent to the parties concerned. The awards will be presented at a ceremony to be announced at a later date.

    ICESCO Regional Educational Center in N’Djamena Becomes a Destination for Thousands of Chadian High School Students

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The ICESCO Regional Educational Center in its new headquarters in N’Djamena, the capital of the Republic of Chad, has become a favorite destination for high school students. Over the course of three weeks, the Center offers final review services for these students’ academic subjects before their end-of-year exams, led by a selection of the best teachers working with the Center.

    The ICESCO Educational Center in N’Djamena has been offering this service since moving to its new headquarters, officially inaugurated on 27 November 2023. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Mr. Moussa Khaddam, Chadian Minister of National Education and Civic Promotion, a group of senior officials and public figures, a representative from Qatar Charity (which funded the Center’s construction), and a large number of the Center’s alumni.

    The review sessions, attended by thousands of male and female students pursuing their education in Arabic schools both inside and outside of N’Djamena, covered subjects including Arabic, mathematics, science, geography, history, and other subjects.

    This initiative, implemented by the ICESCO Regional Educational Center in Chad under the supervision of Dr. Mohamed Ali Qamar, Center director, has received widespread acclaim from all segments of Chadian society. It is part of ICESCO’s new vision to support the efforts of its Member States in the fields of education, science, and culture, focusing on building youth capacities and equipping them with the necessary skills to keep pace with global developments.

    ICESCO and OTS sign MoU for cooperation in education, science and culture

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the fields of education, culture, science, technology, media and communication, through the implementation of joint programs and projects, and the exchange of technical expertise, knowledge and best practices in these fields.

    The MoU was signed on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and Amb. Kubanychbek Omuraliev, OTS Secretary-General. The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Nazim Samadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Morocco, Mr. Mustafa İlker Kılıç, Ambassador of Türkiye, Ms. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Dr. Abdelilah Benarfa, ICESCO Deputy DG and several heads of sectors and departments at the Organization.

    Dr. AlMalik expressed his delight at signing this MoU, stating that it would be the stepping stone for greater cooperation between ICESCO and the OTS in the fields of education, science and culture. He also commended the strong partnership relations between ICESCO and a number of the Member States of both organizations, especially Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

    For his part, Amb. Omuraliev stressed that the signing of the MoU will open great prospects for impactful cooperation between the Member States of the two organizations through the implementation of joint programs and projects falling within the two organizations’ areas of competence.

    The MoU provides for promoting joint cooperation between the two organizations, contributing to the development of expertise and knowledge exchange between universities and higher education institutions in the Member States, participating in the annual and ministerial meetings of both sides, and implementing a number of initiatives and projects in areas of common interest.

    Prior to the signing, the Director-General received the OTS Secretary General, and together they reaffirmed their keenness to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations, in accordance with the MoU provisions. They also agreed to focus efforts on building young capacities, supporting efforts to develop scientific research, and publicizing the cultures of the Islamic world and the contributions of its scientists throughout history in building human civilization.

    Founded in 2009 as an intergovernmental organization, the Organization of Turkic States is based in the Istanbul, Türkiye, and its members include Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The OTS also has a number of Observer States. in addition to the membership of a number of countries and organizations as observers.

    Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations in Morocco honors ICESCO Director-General

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco honored Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), presenting him with a commemorative shield and a certificate of appreciation, in recognition of his sincere efforts and that of ICESCO in supporting the charitable and cultural activities of the Group during the past period.

    Dr. AlMalik received the shield and the certificate, on Tuesday (11 June 2024), when he received a delegation of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, including Ms. Rania Shobaki, Chairwoman of the Group, as well as Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain Al-Jazairy, Ms. Zeina Baraka Atallah and Ms. Arwa Sultan, members of the Group.

    The Group began the meeting by thanking ICESCO DG for his support of the Group’s initiatives, especially in charitable work and the field of culture, commending ICESCO’s great efforts.

    The delegation handed Dr. AlMalik a copy of the report on the results of the Group’s activities for the past year, which features its key initiatives, most notably Ramadan food baskets distribution, Ramadan breakfasts, contribution to confronting cancer, Correct Your Sight campaign, and other initiatives.

    For his part, ICESCO DG expressed his happiness with this tribute, stressing that the Organization attaches special importance to social welfare programs in its Member States, within the framework of its new vision and strategic orientations, and cooperates with a number of donor institutions and bodies to support the neediest groups through capacity-building programs and entrepreneurship promotion.

    Discussing cooperation enhancement between ICESCO and Ibn Tofail University in Morocco

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Mohamed Larbi Kerkeb, President of Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra, Morocco. Both parties discussed enhancing cooperation between the Organization and the University in several fields, chief among them being artificial intelligence.

    During the Meeting, held today, Monday, June 10, 2024 at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik emphasized the Organization’s commitment to openness and collaboration with universities. He acknowledged that universities and research centers are the best incubators for innovation and creativity. He explained that ICESCO implements many activities and projects with universities and places great importance on its scientific chairs program, which has established many chairs in various prestigious universities inside and outside the Islamic world. ICESCO DG also reaffirmed the Organization’s ongoing work to strengthen cooperation with and among universities through the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World.

    ICESCO DG praised the recommendations issued by the international conference “Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Opportunities and Challenges,” which ICESCO and the University co-organized, along with the Moroccan Ministry Delegate in Charge of Human Rights, in cooperation with the Council of Europe, the Danish Institute for Human Rights, and the United Nations Development Programme. He pointed out that ICESCO places great importance on the ethical and value-based dimensions of artificial intelligence, as reflected in its preparation of the Charter on Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World.

    For his part, Dr. Kerkeb commended ICESCO’s roles and efforts in supporting universities and contributing to the development of scientific research. He reaffirmed Ibn Tofail University’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with the Organization in various programs and projects, whether related to artificial intelligence and technology or other fields of applied sciences and humanities.

    The Meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmed Ajaoun, Dean of the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences at Ibn Tofail University, Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO DG for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, and Mr. Mohamed Hedi Sehili, Director of the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards at ICESCO.