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    Category: Director General

    Director General

    Agreement to Enhance Cooperation between ICESCO and Jordan in the Cultural Fields

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ms. Haifa Najjar, Minister of Culture of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, to discuss ways of fortifying cooperation between ICESCO and Jordan in cultural fields and supporting young innovators.

    At the outset of the meeting, held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat on Monday, 18 December 2023, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the key facets of the Organization’s new vision and strategic orientations rooted in openness and broad partnerships for the benefit of the Islamic world and humanity at large. Dr. AlMalik also shed light on the pivotal initiatives, programs, and projects implemented by ICESCO, particularly those geared towards cultivating the technological and innovative capacities of youth, promoting investment in space sciences, and strengthening the values of coexistence and peace.

    Dr. AlMalik underscored the Organization’s commitment to bolstering communication with competent authorities in its Member States. This involves a keen understanding of their needs and priorities to formulate plans and programs aligned with these imperatives. Dr. AlMalik expressed his aspiration to strengthen collaboration between ICESCO and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

    For her part, the Jordanian Minister of Culture acknowledged the notable transformations and progress within ICESCO over the past four years, expressing delight at the Organization’s adeptness in enhancing the civilizational splendor of the Islamic world and repositioning it globally to befit its esteemed stature.

    Moreover, the meeting explored proposals for collaboration between ICESCO and the Jordanian Ministry of Culture, particularly in the areas of heritage preservation and valorization, as well as the support and cultivation of innovators, with a focus on youth and their active participation in ICESCO’s cultural activities. The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain coordinated efforts between the two parties to realize these objectives.

    Ms. Haifa Najjar welcomed an invitation to contribute intellectually to the publications of ICESCO’s International Think Tank for Thought, Letters, and Arts, “Culture for Rethinking the World”. This platform convenes an esteemed gathering of innovators and notable figures, including intellectuals, scholars, researchers, and thinkers from around the globe.

    The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, and Dr. Barry Koumbou, Head of the Education Sector.

    Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied the Jordanian Minister of Culture on a tour of ICESCO to exhibit the progress made towards the modernization and development of the Organization’s headquarters and working mechanisms.

    Discussion of ICESCO’s Participation Details in OIC-Banjul Islamic Summit

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of The Gambia, and Mr. Yankuba Dibba, the Chief Executive Officer of the Organizing Committee for the 15th OIC Islamic Summit, to be hosted by The Gambia next year, to discuss ICESCO’s participation details in the Summit.

    At the outset of the meeting, held in Rabat, Morocco, Dr. AlMalik warmly welcomed the Gambian delegation, expressing ICESCO’s keenness to bolster collaboration with The Gambia in the fields of education, science, and culture through joint programs and activities tailored to meet The Gambia’s priority needs in these vital sectors.

    The meeting discussed the participation of ICESCO’s delegation, led by its Director-General, in the 15th Islamic Summit. In the same vein, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that ICESCO is endeavoring to actively and innovatively contribute to this major event to showcase the Organization’s initiatives and efforts within its area of competence before the Islamic world leaders, which are in perfect alignment with its new vision and strategic orientations. He also expressed his confidence in The Gambian authorities’ ability to efficiently organize this significant international gathering.

    11th IWHC Meeting kicks off: KSA elected as Chair

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    The 11th Meeting of the Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC), in its new composition, kicked off today, Monday, December 18, 2023, at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The Meeting saw the election of the Committee’s new Bureau for a four-year term, headed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as Vice-Chair and the Republic of Senegal as Rapporteur.

    Prior to the Meeting, Dr. Salim. M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, welcomed the Committee members, expressing his good wishes for the success of this key event. He also commended the IWHC’s work, in its previous composition under the presidency of the State of Kuwait, and the tremendous efforts exerted to inscribe the Islamic world heritage, noting that the Committee represents a key pillar in ICESCO’s strategy to preserve and safeguard heritage, along with building the capacities of young people and professionals in this area.

    The Director-General also talked about the Islamic World Heritage Center and its ability to overcome the large number of obstacles it had faced, by attracting remarkable capacities and expertise, to fulfill its goal to inscribe 1,000 heritage sites and cultural elements by 2025.

    At the outset, the Committee adopted its Draft Agenda. Dr. Mohammed Zine Alabidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, gave an address where he stressed that the Meeting seeks to inscribe, promote and preserve the heritage of the Islamic world. The Meeting also reviewed several ICESCO’s heritage documents, discussed the Activity Report of the Islamic World Heritage Center and examined the submitted nomination files for the inscription of historic sites and cultural elements in the Islamic World Heritage List.

    Moreover, the Meeting elected the new members of the IWHC Bureau, as adopted in the 12th Session of the Conference of Culture Ministers in the Islamic World, held in Doha, State of Qatar, last September, namely, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Brunei Darussalam, Benin, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Gabon, Senegal, Kazakhstan, Palestine and Malaysia. The Bureau members selected Mr. Mohammed Al-Aidarous, KSA representative as Chair, Mr. Fadi Abedallah Youssef Balaawi, representative of Jordan as Vice-Chair, and Ms. Ndaye Khady Diouf, representative of Senegal as Rapporteur.

    The Meeting’s working sessions examined the nomination files submitted by the Member States to inscribe their historic sites and cultural elements on the Islamic World Heritage Lists.

    ICESCO mourns the death of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait

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    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) mourns the death of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away on Saturday (December 16, 2023).

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, for himself and on behalf of all the Organization’s staff, expresses sincere condolences to the ruling family and the people of Kuwait, beseeching Allah Almighty to bestow his mercy on the late Emir and grant him the highest paradise.

    At this sorrowful moment, ICESCO Director-General commended the great role the deceased fulfilled in serving cultural issues and developing the fields of science as well as his keenness to strengthen humanitarian action and promote sustainable development, pointing out to the great development of cooperation between ICESCO and the competent Kuwaiti authorities during his reign.

    ICESCO Director-General receives Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, chairwoman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Azerbaijan. She visited the ICESCO headquarters in Rabat on Friday 15 December 2023, as part of her official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco, leading a high-level Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation.

    At the outset of the meeting, attended by Ambassador Nazim Samadov, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Morocco, ICESCO Director-General welcomed the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament and her accompanying delegation, extending congratulations to Azerbaijan’s leadership, government, and people for being selected to host the upcoming session of the Conference of Parties (COP 29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

    Ms. Sahiba Gafarova expressed her delight at visiting the ICESCO headquarters and her appreciation for the roles that the Organization plays, which is highly regarded by Azerbaijan. She highlighted President Ilham Aliyev’s keenness to enhance the distinguished partnership between the Organization and Azerbaijani stakeholders in the fields of education, science, and culture.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed ICESCO’s appreciation for Azerbaijan’s support for the Organization’s initiatives and programs, extending beyond Azerbaijan to supporting projects and activities in several Islamic world countries. The Director-General then proceeded to review these initiatives, particularly ICESCO’s Program to Support Youth Technology and Innovation Projects. The meeting touched upon proposals for collaboration between ICESCO and the Azerbaijani Parliament.

    Moreover, Ms. Sahiba Gafarova invited ICESCO to join, as an observer, the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement, launched in 2021; and extended an invitation to the Director-General to attend the Network’s fourth conference scheduled to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, in March 2024. Both parties underscored the significance of the soon-to-be-opened ICESCO regional office in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, in fostering the partnership between ICESCO and Azerbaijan and cementing the Organization’s presence in the Central Asian region.

    Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament and her delegation on a tour of the International Exhibition and Museum of Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently hosted at the ICESCO headquarters in partnership with the Muslim World League and the Mohammadia League of Scholars.

    ICESCO Hosts Piano Concert of Azerbaijani Artist Murad Huseynov

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    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) headquarters hosted a solo piano concert by the international pianist Murad Huseynov, Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, on Friday, 15 November 2023. The concert, held by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Morocco, witnessed high-level participation as part of a large reception ceremony to celebrate the 100th anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev.

    In his opening remarks, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, welcomed the attendees, notably Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, Chair of the Milli Majlis, noting the distinguished ties between the Organization and Azerbaijan.

    In his speech, H.E. Nazim Samadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Morocco, reviewed the keenness of H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Lady and First Vice-President and ICESCO Goodwill Ambassador, to develop the partnership between Azerbaijan and ICESCO, noting that the celebration of Shusha as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2024, offers an excellent occasion to launch a set of joint and innovative programs, initiatives and projects.

    Following the speeches, Murad Huseynov appealed to the audience as he starred in the solo piano concert by performing well-established iconic pieces of classical music by famous artists.

    Signing Agreement to establish ICESCO Chair at the International Space University in France

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    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International Space University in France have signed an Agreement to establish the ICESCO Chair for “Space Engineering and Space Sciences” at the University. This Agreement seeks to enhance scientific research and training in the field of space systems engineering and space sciences, establish standards for documenting studies, exchange information in the field, and facilitate collaboration among professors and researchers in universities and institutions specialized in space sciences.

    The Agreement was signed by Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr. Nicolas Peter, President of the International Space University, on Friday 15 December 2023, through teleconferencing. Dr. Taiwo Tejumola, Chair’s Director, and Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor in the Science and Technology Sector at ICESCO, also participated in the signing.

    In his remark, Dr. Al-Malik underscored that this Chair addresses the imperative to cultivate the capabilities of researchers and enhance collaboration among those working in space engineering and sciences.

    Moreover, he affirmed ICESCO’s commitment to support space exploration efforts and the development of modern sciences and technology to improve life on Earth, preserve the planet facing numerous challenges, and promote knowledge and innovation. On the other hand, Dr. Peter reiterated that the International Space University, through its partnership with ICESCO, attempts to nurture the skills of youth and elevate their aspirations, recognizing that talents transcend geographical boundaries.

    According to the terms of the Agreement, the ICESCO Chair at the International Space University in France aims to contribute to the completion of several scientific research projects in the field of space sciences. It also seeks to raise awareness of professional development opportunities in the field of space engineering, foster collaboration between the University and the Organization in advancing higher education curricula in engineering and space sciences for ICESCO Member States, and encourage knowledge exchange.

    Following the signing of the Agreement, the ICESCO Director-General addressed the young graduates during the graduation ceremony at the International Space University via teleconferencing. He extended warm congratulations and offered words of encouragement, urging them to persist in their endeavors to contribute to the development of space sciences in order to tackle future challenges with a combination of scientific passion, an inquisitive spirit of exploration, and love for knowledge.

    ICESCO and UIR organize a workshop to examine the impact of artificial intelligence on the family

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    On Tuesday, 12 December 2023, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the International University of Rabat (UIR) in the Kingdom of Morocco, held a workshop titled “The Family in the Era of Artificial Intelligence”, as part of the activities of ICESCO’s Network of Experts in Human and Social Sciences. The workshop aims to examine the challenges of artificial intelligence and its effects on the family in the Islamic world, and to adopt recommendations for guiding public policy in this area.

    At the start of the two-day workshop, held at the headquarters of UIR’s Faculty of Social Sciences, Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of ICESCO’s Human and Social Sciences Sector, reviewed the main themes of the workshop, stressing that the Organization attaches great importance to family issues and the artificial intelligence revolution.

    In his address, delivered on his behalf by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Organization’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, welcomed the workshop’s theme, which addresses important aspects related to family values and relationships, as well as artificial intelligence, which is a catalyst for change that poses a number of complex challenges and issues. He also stressed the need to examine these challenges and grasp their effects on social and family life.

    He called for the preservation of fundamental family values, the ethical use of the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence applications, and the protection of the family and society from the risks it carries.

    Dr. Awatef Hayar, Moroccan Minister of Solidarity, Social Inclusion and the Family, addressed the participants in a recorded speech, in which she reviewed Morocco’s efforts to protect the institution of the family and assured that it keeps pace with modern technological developments and harnesses them to ensure the development and stability of society.

    The workshop was then opened with an inaugural lecture by Dr. Farid El Asri, Dean of the UIR College of Social Sciences, in which he outlined the main issues and influences facing the family in the age of artificial intelligence.

    The first session of the workshop, which examined family forms and courses with the participation of an host of university professors, specialists and international experts, was moderated by Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO Director General for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, while the second session addressed the theme of the family in the face of the artificial intelligence revolution.

    On its second day, the workshop will discuss the role of the human and social sciences in policy-making, and examine and adopt recommendations on the organizational and practical methods of ICESCO’s Network of Experts in the Human and Social Sciences.

    ICESCO Obtains Observer Status at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations’ Convention on Climate Change (COP)

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    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) obtained the observer status at the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), during its 28th session, held by the United Nations, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November through 12 December 2023.

    The COP Secretariat informed ICESCO that the Organization’s request to be admitted as an observer has been approved. This would facilitate ICESCO’s participation in the special activities and sittings of upcoming conference sessions through its delegations to discuss climate issues and examine ways to support ICESCO Member States in environmental preservation, starting from “COP 29,” to be hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan, in 2024.

    This observer status will allow ICESCO to intensify its efforts in environmental protection inside and outside of its Member States, thus enabling the Organization to effectively contribute to enhancing flexible and sustainable policies to mitigate the effects of climate change. ICESCO holds a significant interest in environmental affairs, as evidenced by its cooperation with various institutions, universities, and research centers in its Member States, aiming to innovate new solutions that leverage the digital revolution, artificial intelligence applications, and space sciences.

    ICESCO endeavors to instill a culture of environmental protection in the Islamic world by developing and implementing numerous programs, projects, and workshops focusing on supporting scientific research in environmental conservation.

    It is noteworthy that the Conference of the Parties (COP), which have been convening annually since 1995, is the body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, involving the parties that have signed the convention, totaling 198 members.

    ICESCO Director-General reviews the Organization’s initiatives to protect heritage at COP 28 in Dubai

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    Dr. Salim Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), announced that ICESCO has launched an initiative to establish a mechanism to monitor and follow up the impact of climate changes on heritage sites, using remote sensing technologies and artificial intelligence applications. He also revealed ICESCO’s initiative to measure the carbon footprint and reduce the use of carbon-producing materials in a number of archaeological sites and museums in countries of the Islamic world.

    This was part of his speech, today, Friday (8 December 2023), at the high-level ministerial dialogue for Culture-Based Climate Action, held within the framework of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, in the presence of ministers and officials from the culture and heritage sector from more than 20 countries and heads of relevant international organizations, to discuss the key role played by the sector of culture in climate action, and to find a way to integrate culture in climate action.

    Dr. Al-Malik affirmed that protecting culture and human heritage must be a top priority given the increasing natural challenges including environmental threats and climate changes, noting that ICESCO had submitted a proposal to adopt culture as the 18th SDG.

    ICESCO Director-General also reviewed the Organization’s initiatives and efforts to protect culture and heritage, noting that ICESCO launched its initiative to establish a fund for confronting the impact of climate change on heritage sites. The initiative was strongly present in the high-level ministerial dialogue at COP 27, which resulted in the “Sharm El-Sheikh Declaration on “Culture-Based Climate Action”.

    Dr. AlMalik stated that the “Culture-Based Climate Action” is being finalized today at COP 28 with the aim of launching the Group of Friends of Climate Action on Culture. He concluded by emphasizing that ICESCO will always be an active partner in this framework in order to protect human heritage.