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    Category: Director General

    Director General

    Second meeting of ICESCO-OIC Joint Coordination and Cooperation Committee Kicks off in Rabat

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The second meeting of the Joint Committee for Coordination and Cooperation between the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) kicked off on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, to review the latest partnership developments between the two organizations and discuss its development mechanisms through the implementation of a number of initiatives and programs for the benefit of the countries of the Islamic world in areas of common interest.

    Prior to the beginning of the Committee’s technical meetings, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, welcomed the OIC delegation, led by Ambassador Tariq Ali Bakhit, Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural, Social and Family Affairs, and underlined ICESCO’s willingness to develop the partnership with its parent organization, the OIC, given their common goals and visions aiming at serving the countries of the Islamic world in their respective areas of competence.

    He stressed that the cooperation approach between the two organizations is based on newness and continuity, recalling the recent bilateral meetings he had with Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, OIC Secretary General, and their willingness to consolidate the partnership between ICESCO and the OIC.

    Moreover, ICESCO Director General reviewed the main successful programs implemented by the Organization for the benefit of its Member States, in the light of its new vision and action strategy. He also hoped that this meeting would be a continuation of the first meeting, held two years ago at the OIC General Secretariat headquarters, in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    He also underlined the importance of this meeting in view of the enormous challenges facing the Islamic world, and indicated that the OIC General Secretariat has been working to eliminate the obstacles hindering cooperation between the two organizations.

    On behalf of the OIC Secretary General, Ambassador Bakhit presented Dr. AlMalik with the OIC shield in recognition of his efforts in developing the fields of education, science and culture in the Islamic world.

    The two-day technical meetings of the joint committee began in the presence of the OIC delegation, as well as the Heads of Sectors and Directors of Centers and Departments of ICESCO, to examine the latest developments in cooperation between the two parties, as well as the proposed programs and projects for the coming period.

    ICESCO Director-General receives a delegation of young Saudi people at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a delegation of Saudi youth visiting the Kingdom of Morocco as part of the National Youth Cultural Tourism Program (Cultural Exchange), organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication.

    During the meeting, held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed that the Organization attaches special importance to youth, within the framework of its vision and strategic orientations. He further explained that this attention is clearly reflected in the programs, projects and initiatives it implements for the benefit of the youth of the Islamic world, notably, the proclamation of the ICESCO Year of Youth, the program to support youth to create and develop small projects in the fields of technology and innovation, training workshops to design an educational satellite (CanSat), the Young Professionals Program, and the Leadership Training in Peace and Security Program (LTIPS).

    The Director General also held an open discussion with the delegation, which included 12 young men and women, touching on topics pertaining to the Organization’s work, including its roles, working mechanisms, and its support for the efforts of its Member States, highlighting the special partnership relations between ICESCO and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.


    At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik advised the young delegation to take serious steps to prepare themselves for tomorrow’s professions, and keep up with the developments unfolding in the world, especially in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

    Prior to the meeting, the youth delegation toured the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO headquarters, in partnership among the Organization, the Muslim World League and the Muhammadia League of Scholars.

    ICESCO Director-General: We seek to serve people and contribute to building a brighter future for humanity

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    Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), affirmed that the Organization’s new vision and strategic orientations adopt an open, forward-looking approach to sustain the efforts of its Member States in modernizing the fields of education, science and culture, and prioritize building the capacities of youth and training them on leadership for peace to contribute to building a brighter future for humanity and to confront the challenges imposed by the rapid changes and transformations occurring in all sectors.

    This was part of a television interview given by Dr. AlMalik to the famous journalist Mikhail Gusman, First Deputy DG of the Russian TASS News Agency, and aired by Russian television via the Russia 24 news channel, as part of the most prominent talk show, which hosts senior officials and decision-makers from all over the world and broadcast by a large number of websites.

    During the interview, Dr. AlMalik stated that ICESCO has strong relations with the Russian Federation, which joined the Organization as an observer in 2007, and that both sides cooperate in several programs and projects, including the launch of research chairs in Russian universities in the field of the Arabic language for non-native speakers, and the promotion of relations between the countries of the Islamic world and Russia in ICESCO’s areas of competence.

    He further pointed out that ICESCO has made great strides over the past five years in its endeavor to become a global beacon of civilizational and knowledge exchange, stressing that all of the Organization’s initiatives, programs and projects are designed and implemented to serve people, regardless of their gender or religious beliefs, and focus on supporting creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; encouraging investment in technology including artificial intelligence, space science and its applications, and spreading a culture of anticipation.


    ICESCO DG touched upon the Organization’s roles in contributing to the development of educational systems in its Member States, supporting scientific research, enhancing the status of universities, and valuing and preserving tangible and intangible heritage through the programs and projects it implements in countries of the Islamic world and beyond in the areas of building the capacities of youth and women and consolidating the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue.

    He also stressed that the development witnessed by ICESCO is the fruit of recruiting distinguished competencies in all specializations from around the world, and of rejuvenating the Organization’s staff with more than 41% of ICESCO’s employees are now under 35 years of age, in addition to women assuming 50% of leadership positions in the organization.

    ICESCO Launches “Read it, to Understand it” Initiative

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) launched its initiative “Read it… to Understand It”, on Tuesday (9 July 2024), as a positive response to the desperate attempts disrespecting the Holy Quran, and bring to light western stances that provide positive views of the Holy Quran, so that non-believers can discover the mercy and guidance of the Holy Quran.

    At the close of the International Seminar “The Quran and the West: Towards a Rational Approach”, held at ICESCO’s headquarters, in Rabat, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, announced this initiative, stressing that it is the outcome of a rich consideration of how the Holy Qur’an is dealt with all over the world, by believers, following its teachings and protecting its sanctity, to respectful non-believers, to the rest who build their whole character around their hatred towards the Quran, manifested in behavior that can only described as uncivilized, an ungrounded hatred as they did not even bother to read it and ponder upon its meanings.

    Dr. AlMalik indicated that the initiative contents are drawn from proposals received from a number of ICESCO Member States’ National Commissions, and inspired by the constructive scientific discussions put forth during the Seminar, reviewing the mainlines of the initiative, which hinges upon establishing partnerships with Western think tanks and scientific research centers to highlight the richness of the Quran and expose the flimsy grounds of wrongful claims about its teachings, urging governments in the Islamic world to capitalize on cultural diplomacy to accord special attention to addressing Quran-related matters within the spheres of their bilateral and multilateral relations. In this regard, the Organization will provide the Member States with an annual report highlighting trends in dealing with the Holy Quran.

    The initiative also encourages Muslim communities in the West, through their religious institutions, to respect national legislations, indicating that ICESCO supports the design of a vision to prioritize according better attention to the Holy Quran in Muslim communities and fostering its presentation in a tolerant, convincing and easy way, exchanging visits between intellectuals in both the West and the Islamic world, especially from among young people, and stressing ICESCO’s willingness to support the translation of the Holy Quran, coordinate between Quranic translation institutions and hold the Conference, Quran and the West, at a periodical basis.

    The initiative includes organizing travelling exhibitions equipped with the latest display technologies in major capitals, in addition to advertising campaigns in public squares and transportation means to express the humanitarian and cultural aspects of the Holy Quran, cooperating with relevant parties to provide introductory brochures in several languages, and announcing ICESCO annual Prize for the best applications and proposals presented in the context of urging the (Other) to read and understand the Holy Quran.

    The initiative appreciated the positions of European countries regarding the extremist desecration of the sanctity of the Holy Quran, and affirmed ICESCO’s willingness to strengthen its ties with various Western legislative institutions to counter fanaticism and racism.

    ICESCO Holds First International Seminar “The Quran and the West: Towards a Rational Approach”

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    The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted the first International Seminar “The Quran and the West: Towards a Rational Approach” on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. The Seminar, organized by ICESCO in collaboration with the German Institute for Dialogue and Understanding (Mouatana), was attended by high-profile international figures, several ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, and experts in Islamic studies and Interreligious dialogue.

    This Seminar, held in-person and via videoconference, opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by opening remarks of Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Head of ICESCO Center for Civilizational Dialogue, who emphasized the significance of the Seminar’s theme among Muslims worldwide. He noted that the Seminar’s diverse sessions would feature rich contributions from a select group of thinkers, experts, and scholars in Arabic and Islamic studies as well as Interreligious dialogue.

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), underscored the profound human impact of the Quran, describing it as the most influential book in shaping the characters and attitudes of its followers toward others. Dr. AlMalik highlighted that the Seminar, as reflected in its title and themes, is convened to promote the welfare of humanity and enhance security, peace, and coexistence.

    Dr. AlMalik stated that the West’s representation of the Quran in the Seminar encompasses the entirety of Western civilizational heritage and its manifestations in global human relations and geostrategic implications. Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik presented intellectual perspectives from various orientalists on the eloquence, miraculous nature, and powerful influence of the Quran on the human psyche.

    Moreover, ICESCO DG stressed that a rational approach is the optimal way to counter campaigns of defamation against the Holy Quran. He added that this approach requires strict adherence to respecting sacred values and upholding the principles of freedom of expression while balancing it with the rights of others. Dr. AlMalik announced that the Organization would reveal the launch of the initiative “Read It… to Understand It” at the closing of the Seminar, after receiving several proposals from National Commissions in Member States.

    In his remarks, Mr. Robert Dolger, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kingdom of Morocco, affirmed the Quran’s significant position in Europe and its highlight of the cultural exchange between different civilizations.


    The Seminar proceeded with the main lecture delivered by Prof. Stefan Schreiner, Senior Professor of Religious and Jewish Studies at the University of Tübingen, Germany, entitled “The Evolution of Quran Knowledge in Europe through Translation.” This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Abdelmalek Hibaoui, Head of the Interreligious Dialogue Department at the German Institute for Dialogue and Understanding (Mouatana).

    Another session themed “Visions and Ideas,” moderated by Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector, was held with the participation of several experts worldwide.

    Regional Workshop on Islamic World AI Charter Concludes Proceedings in Oman

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    On Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, the Islamic World AI Charter for Asia and Middle East Regions Workshop concluded its proceedings. The two-day workshop featured rich discussions and an exchange of ideas among a select group of officials, experts, and representatives of ICESCO Member States. They presented the results of their discussions on the ethical principles of artificial intelligence to be included in the Charter, as well as their proposals for oversight and governance mechanisms to ensure the proper application of these principles.

    Participants in this workshop, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman, and in collaboration with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, emphasized the necessity of drafting legal and ethical frameworks to govern artificial intelligence. The participants also stressed the need to carry this out in tandem with building human capacities to use AI and the importance of aligning the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence with international charters, while considering the specificities and values of the Islamic world. Moreover, they called for balancing innovation and scientific research with the protection of individual rights, stressing the importance of awareness-raising and capacity-building.

    At the beginning of the second day of the Workshop, held as part of the activities of ICESCO Chair for Artificial Intelligence Ethics at UTAS in Oman and in preparation for the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, gave his remarks prior to the start of the working group discussions, where he underscored the necessity of integrating an ethical value system into the Charter to achieve its intended purpose, with a focus on creativity, individual freedom, and equity.

    Dr. AlMalik added that although the application of artificial intelligence across various domains yields substantial advantages, its unethical use poses significant risks, such as its use in preparing research and studies for academic degrees, which represents a form of academic plagiarism and corruption.

    In his statement, Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, reviewed the Center’s efforts and methodology in promoting the culture of foresight, foundational principles of methodological analysis, dynamic scenario building, and the use of the Arabic language in this domain.

    Speaking next, Dr. Said Bin Salem Jaboob, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UTAS for Postgraduate Studies, Research, and Innovation, stated that preparing the initial draft of the Charter’s articles is a significant step towards establishing a solid framework for AI ethics and governance in Asia and the Middle East.

    The second day’s agenda included brainstorming sessions to develop a comprehensive vision for the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence. Experts and researchers were divided into four groups, each discussing multiple scenarios to derive several ethical principles necessary for better drafting of the Charter.

    Agreement Signing to Hold Third Conference of Education Ministers of ICESCO Member States in Oman

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al-Shaibani, Minister of Education and President of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, attended today, Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Muscat, the signing of the agreement for Oman to host the Third Conference of Education Ministers of ICESCO Member States, scheduled for October 2-3 , 2024.

    The Agreement was signed by Ms. Amna bint Salem Al Balushi, Secretary-General of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, and Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences at ICESCO.

    During the meeting, attended by several Ministry officials, the DG expressed thanks and appreciation to the Sultanate of Oman, represented by its Ministry of Education and National Commission, for the initiative to host the Conference and for preparations made so far to ensure its success.

    Dr. AlMalik stated that this conference mirrors ICESCO’s efforts to revamp its ministerial conferences, as it will feature key documents addressing the state of the Islamic world post-Transforming Education Summit, in addition to other key themes such as Green Education, and Girls’ Education, prepared by experts from renowned international universities and research centers.

    For her part, Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al-Shaibani praised ICESCO’s efforts in preparing for the Conference, reaffirming her country’s keenness to provide all facilitations to ensure the success of this key event.

    The Meeting also touched upon the Conference’s organizational arrangements, with both sides emphasizing the importance of its outcomes, including studies, documents, and recommendations, to emerge as a significant addition to the efforts of Islamic countries in updating their educational systems to keep pace with the rapid global developments and transformations.

    Agreement to Develop Cooperation between ICESCO and Environment Authority in Oman

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority in Oman, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the Organization and the Authority in areas of mutual interest, particularly in advancing scientific research in environmental protection.

    During the meeting, held on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, at the Authority’s headquarters in Muscat, and attended by Ms. Amna Al-Balushi, Secretary of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s new vision and strategic orientations that prioritize supporting Member States’ efforts to preserve the environment. He stated that ICESCO is committed to mitigate the negative impact of climate change, and rationalize the use of natural resources, in view of contributing to building a sustainable and green future in the Islamic world.

    Dr. AlMalik further emphasized the Organization’s commitment to fostering fruitful cooperation with the Authority, facilitating the transfer of expertise, and exchanging information with counterpart bodies in the Islamic world. He noted that ICESCO will participate with a distinguished pavilion at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 29), which will be hosted by Azerbaijan next November.

    For his part, Dr. Al Amri commended ICESCO’s efforts in supporting its Member States in its areas of competence. He also outlined the main objectives of the Authority, including preserving natural and renewable resources and raising communities’ awareness of key environmental concepts.

    The meeting also discussed proposals for cooperation between the two sides, such as establishing a chair for environmental studies at an Omani university, ICESCO’s participation in the Oman Conference for Environmental Sustainability, held annually in Muscat in February, and the Environment Authority’s participation in the third Conference of Ministers of Education for ICESCO’s Member States, which Oman will host this year, on October 2-3.

    At the end of the meeting, the two parties agreed to maintain coordination and develop implementation plans for the proposed areas of cooperation discussed.

    The meeting was attended by Dr. Salim Al-Habsi, Head of the General Secretariat for National Commissions and Conferences, and Mr. Samy Al Kamhawy, Head of the Department of Information and Institutional Identity at ICESCO.

    ICESCO Director-General Visits Omani National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited, today, Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024, the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center in Muscat, Oman. He was received by Mr. Abdullah Al-Khadoori, DG of Meteorology at the Civil Aviation Authority, which oversees the Center.

    Mr. Al-Khadoori and Mr. Nasser Al Ismaili, supervisor of the Omani National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center, provided Dr. AlMalik with an overview of the operations of the Center, which is the first of its kind in the Region, explaining that it focuses on early warning of multiple natural hazards such as cyclones, tsunamis, and floods.

    The Omani officials outlined the history and functions of the General Directorate of Meteorology in the Sultanate of Oman and the history of the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center, which was inaugurated on 23 March 2015. They highlighted the Center’s capacities and resources, including 75 surface stations for weather monitoring, two upper air monitoring stations, and five radars that transmit data to the largest computer in the Sultanate. The Officials added that the Center is equipped with advanced devices using the latest global technologies in monitoring and forecasting various disasters by analyzing data to promptly issue weather bulletins and warnings.

    Dr. AlMalik praised the information he received about the Center and its operational methods. He emphasized that the climate changes the world is experiencing, which increase the occurrence of natural disasters and result in casualties and economic losses, necessitate the development of prediction and monitoring systems. He highlighted the importance of leveraging significant technological advancements, including artificial intelligence applications and space sciences, in this field.

    The DG also noted that ICESCO places great importance on supporting its Member States’ efforts to preserve the environment, address the negative impacts of climate change, and transition towards smart, resilient, and sustainable cities. He stressed the importance of sharing the experience of the Omani National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center with other countries in the Islamic world.

    ICESCO and Omani Ministry of Social Development Cooperation Prospects

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al-Najjar, Minister of Social Development in the Sultanate of Oman, and together they discussed ways to promote cooperation between the Organization and the Ministry in social care and humanitarian affairs through the joint implementation of several initiatives and programs.

    During the meeting held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Muscat, and in the presence of Ms. Amna Al-Balushi, Secretary of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that ICESCO places special importance on investing in human capital, as part of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations to contribute to building healthy, prosperous, and strong communities. This goal, he added, is pursued through the implementation of various initiatives, programs, and projects that focus on supporting girls and women and building the capacities of youth.

    Likewise, Dr. AlMalik pointed out that ICESCO is currently developing its partnerships with countries, international organizations and bodies, and civil society institutions, for the benefit of its Member States and Muslim communities around the world. He seized the opportunity to commend the efforts of the Sultanate of Oman in supporting women and individuals with special needs.

    For her part, Dr. Laila Al-Najjar shed light on the Ministry’s most ambitious programs and projects under the social welfare and development axis of Oman Vision 2040, and the Ministry’s cooperation with the Ministries of Health and Education. The Omani Minister praised ICESCO’s efforts in supporting its Member States in its areas of competence, reaffirming Oman’s keenness to deepen cooperation with the Organization in humanitarian fields.

    At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to sustain coordination to collaborate on several programs, projects, and activities of mutual interest that were discussed during the meeting.

    The meeting was attended by Dr. Salim Al-Habsi, Head of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences, and Mr. Samy El Kamhawy, Head of Media and Institutional Identity at ICESCO.