Category: Director General

The Global Artificial Intelligence (GAIN) Assembly commenced today, Wednesday, May 14, 2024, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Session was organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the United Nations Advisory Committee on Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), headed the Organization’s delegation to the Event, with the attendance of a host of high-level officials, experts, and researchers.

In his opening address, Dr. AlMalik praised the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of artificial intelligence, acknowledging the keen interest of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and Prime Minister, in supporting SDAIA and chairing its board of directors, reaffirming ICESCO’s commitment to building close cooperation with it.

ICESCO DG announced that the official launch of the initial results of the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence, being prepared by ICESCO, will take place during the 3rd Global AI Summit, to be held by SDAIA in September.

Furthermore, His Excellency explained that the clear future direction is the continued adoption of artificial intelligence in development in the coming years, presenting a set of statistics and figures related to the tremendous progress in this field and the changes that the labor market will witness by 2025, where forecasts indicate the disappearance of 85 million jobs and the emergence of 97 million new jobs, resulting in a net gain of 12 million jobs.

Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), spoke about the importance of hosting the Riyadh Global AI Summit, which SDAIA will organize in September 2024, and within which falls the international consultation session on artificial intelligence governance. He emphasized the importance of partnership with ICESCO to exchange views and knowledge in the field of international governance of artificial intelligence.

In the business session dedicated to exploring the future of artificial intelligence governance in the Islamic world and beyond, Dr. Qais Al-Hamami, Head of the ICESCO Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, spoke about the collaborative approach in preparing the Islamic World Charter on Artificial Intelligence, which ICESCO is working on, and its foresight dimension, highlighting the future variables that may affect artificial intelligence systems and the associated risks.

Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of ICESCO’s Legal Affairs and International Standards Department, presented an overview of the ethical principles of artificial intelligence systems, especially in the countries of the Islamic world, explaining the necessity of developing policies and legislation related to this field, which the Organization seeks to highlight in the AI Charter.

The session discussed the unveiling of the results of the standardization phase of the Charter and concluded with a speech by Mr. Hani Mansi, Advisor to the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, emphasizing the necessity of international cooperation to harness the potential of artificial intelligence.

The celebration of Shusha, Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024, kicked off on Saturday (11 May 2024), under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in a major ceremony organized by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), within the framework of the Organization’s Programme of Culture Capitals in the Islamic World.

The ceremony, which coincided with the opening of the Kharibulbul International Music Festival, bringing together artistic groups from several countries, witnessed a high-level presence of officials in the Azerbaijani government, a number of ambassadors, representatives of diplomatic missions, public figures, writers, thinkers and artists.

In his address during the ceremony, President Aliyev thanked ICESCO for celebrating Shusha as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World, which is an opportunity to publicize the Azerbaijani culture in the Islamic world and beyond, noting that visitors of Shusha can clearly discover the Azerbaijani spirit and identity in every corner of the city.

He added that Azerbaijan is actively working to restore the historical image of the city through the restoration of its historical and religious landmarks, most notably the reconstruction of four ancient mosques and the restoration of others, lauding the unique cultural status of Shusha as a symbol of victory and peace.

At the outset of his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), stressed that Shusha today is deservedly celebrated once again in 2024 as Culture Capital in the Islamic World after being Celebrated in 2022 as Capital of Azerbaijani Culture, and Culture Capital of the Turkic World in 2023, adding that Shusha indisputably possesses great potential and significance, as evidenced by the title of culture capital for three consecutive years.

The ICESCO DG also indicated that Shusha has always been known for its transcendence and exaltation, as its intellectuals proudly manifested its Islamic identity, commending the efforts exerted by Heydar Aliyev Foundation, headed by the First Lady Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva, Vice President, ICESCO Goodwill Ambassador, to renew and modernize the city of Shusha, and the challenge of comprehensive development, which is being carefully and rationally led by President Ilham Aliyev.

Dr. AlMalik underscored that the Organization has been true to its promise, proud of President Aliyev’s patronage of its nationwide plans and programs, as evidenced by the first expert mission dispatched to the liberated territories.

After that, the artistic concert started with music and dance performances representing the traditional arts and folklores of Azerbaijan and a number of countries of the Islamic world, mainly Morocco, Qatar, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.

The celebration of Shusha, Culture Capital in the Islamic World, includes many diverse cultural and artistic activities throughout 2024 in Shusha and other Azerbaijani cities.

H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on the sidelines of the launch of the celebration of Shusha, Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024, which takes place under the high patronage of the President of the Republic.

At the beginning of the meeting, held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Shusha, Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep thanks and gratitude to H.E. President Aliyev, for his continued support to ICESCO in its areas of competence, and for its high patronage of the Shusha year-round celebration, emphasizing that this city deserves to be the capital of culture in the Islamic world due to its natural purity, its cultural diversity, its historical richness, its distinguished geographical location and its role in preserving Azerbaijani identity.

The meeting focused on the fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and Azerbaijan, stressing the importance of continuing this distinguished partnership between the Organization and Azerbaijani institutions.

The ICESCO DG highlighted that the Organization signed a memorandum of understanding with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the fields of education, science and culture, in order to implement joint programs in several countries, particularly on the African continent.

He reviewed the preparations made by the Organization for an active participation in COP29, which Azerbaijan will host in Baku, next November, and indicated that ICESCO would establish its own pavilion at this Global Forum, to help raise awareness of the need to address the negative impacts of climate change and related challenges.

For his part, the Azerbaijani President appreciated ICESCO’s efforts in the development of education, science and culture in its Member States, emphasizing his country’s continued support for the various programs and activities of the Organization, and welcoming ICESCO’s participation in COP29.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented President Aliyev with the shield of the celebration of Shusha, Culture Capital in the Islamic World.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, headed by Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Lady and First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation and the exchange of experiences in areas of common interest, most notably education, culture, science, technology, environment and the social and health areas.

The memorandum of understanding was signed this Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Shusha, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, and M. Anar Alakbarov, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, in light of the launch of the celebration of Shusha, Culture Capital in the Islamic World 2024.

In his address at the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik praised the distinguished partnership between ICESCO and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and welcomed the signing of the memorandum with the prestigious Foundation, which has achieved remarkable successes in its areas of expertise through the development and implementation of programs and projects related to education, culture, health, sports and environmental issues.

He stressed that ICESCO, as part of its strategic vision, is committed to contributing to the progress of education, science and culture in its Member States, through the implementation of a number of initiatives and projects with its international partners serving the countries of the Islamic world and Muslim communities around the world.

For his part, Mr. Ali Akbarov expressed his happiness with the cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and ICESCO, and the support for the mission and objectives of the Organization, noting that the Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

He added that cooperation with ICESCO is part of the efforts aimed at contributing to the support and development of science and culture in the countries of the Islamic world, stressing the importance of this partnership to benefit from ICESCO’s expertise and knowledge in its areas of competence, as well as coordinating efforts to design programs and hold joint international seminars and conferences.

The MoU stipulates that the two parties shall cooperate in the implementation of initiatives and projects, and exchange the best practices in the fields of education, culture, science and technology, and the methods of implementation of joint projects and working mechanisms between the two parties.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with Ada University and the Institute for Development and Diplomacy in Azerbaijan, held a roundtable discussion on strategic foresight, today, Friday, May 10, 2024, to exchange experiences and knowledge on enhancing the culture of foresight to contribute to decision-making. Experts from several countries and from research and strategic planning centers in Azerbaijan participated in the event, which took place at the University’s headquarters in Baku.

At the onset of the roundtable, Dr. Fariz Ismailzade, Vice Rector at ADA University, delivered a welcoming speech underscoring the importance of the discussion and commending ICESCO’s role in promoting strategic foresight culture in the Islamic world.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO’s Director General highlighted the prevailing global conditions marked by uncertainty, rapid changes, and unforeseen circumstances. He further stressed the urgent need to enhance strategic foresight, emphasizing its critical importance in navigating this uncertain landscape. Dr. AlMalik emphasized the necessity of addressing ongoing challenges to chart a clear and inclusive path, highlighting the importance of developing effective scenarios to guide decision-making.

He also elaborated on the rapid transformations driven by successive technological advancements worldwide, highlighting the impacts of artificial intelligence on the work environment. This is associated with the decline of traditional professions and the emergence of unforeseen jobs. Statistics indicate that approximately 85% of future jobs in 2030 have not been yet envisioned, highlighting the crucial role of strategic foresight.

Dr. AlMalik reiterated ICESCO’s commitment to fostering a culture of foresight and encouraging countries to prioritize long-term planning in their action plans. Moreover, he affirmed ICESCO’s dedication to maintaining its leading position in adopting foresight through numerous initiatives, programs, and activities.

Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, acknowledged Azerbaijan’s alignment with roundtable’s theme, noting that the world’s development requires studying possible future scenarios and preparing to face challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

Dr. Kais Hammami, Director of the ICESCO Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, highlighted the role of university students in shaping the future, emphasizing the need to train and develop their skills to meet future requirements.

Subsequently, the panel discussions commenced on topics related to foresight, management, public policies, and Azerbaijan’s experience in the field.

H.E. President Mohamed Al Menfi, President of the Presidential Council of Libya, received on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the Presidential Council’s headquarters in Tripoli, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The two officials discussed ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between ICESCO and Libya in the fields of education, science and culture.

At the beginning of the meeting, which was attended by Mr. Mohamed El Amari Zaid, Libya’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO, the President of the Libyan Presidential Council expressed his delight at the selection of Benghazi as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024, as part of ICESCO’s Culture Capitals Programme, stressing that Benghazi is one of Libya’s cities with long-standing history and heritage.

Mr. Al Menfi announced that the Libyan government will sponsor the establishment of a center for the translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran in cooperation and coordination with ICESCO in the upcoming period. The President of the Presidential Council also commended the proceedings of the International Conference on the Translation of the Meanings of the Holy Quran, held by the Holy Quran Academy in Tripoli, with the support of the Libyan Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.

Mr. Al Menfi also reaffirmed Libya’s keenness to host the next session of the Organization’s Executive Council as well as several of its other international conferences and seminars.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik highlighted key initiatives, programs and activities currently implemented by ICESCO, within the framework of its vision and strategic directions, which focus on building the capacities of youth and women, consolidating the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue, and encouraging investment in technology, innovation, artificial intelligence and space science. The DG also stated that ICESCO’s activities are geared toward spreading the culture of foresight, fostering the global status of the Arabic language, and promoting and preserving heritage through inscription on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Lists.

Moreover, the DG stressed the Organization’s keenness to develop cooperation and strategic partnership with the State of Libya within its areas of competence, especially in light of the celebration of Benghazi as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World. He added that ICESCO supports the activities of the year-long celebration to best represent the historical and cultural status of the city.

At the close of the meeting, the DG presented H.E. President of the Presidential Council of Libya with ICESCO’s commemorative shield.