Category: Director General

The pavilion of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) at the 2026 Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair hosted, on Tuesday 5 May 2026, a series of cultural and intellectual activities aimed at promoting cultural dialogue, fostering discussion on societal and intellectual issues, and highlighting the role of culture in building bridges between peoples and expanding avenues of civilizational understanding.

In this context, an intellectual seminar on “Social Diplomacy” was held at the pavilion, moderated by Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the Director-General and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector. In her opening remarks, she stressed that the concept of social diplomacy is gaining increasing importance in light of the rapid transformations taking place worldwide, which necessitate the development of communication tools and greater openness to societies, particularly among youth.

The seminar featured contributions from Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain AlJazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of The Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco; Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO; and Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue at the Organization. Their interventions addressed the various dimensions of social diplomacy as a new mechanism for positive influence and for reshaping the relationship between institutions and societies.

At the outset of her intervention, Dr. Yousra AlJazairy emphasized that social diplomacy must today reassess its tools and working methods, noting that the coming decade “will not be forgiving” if it remains confined to traditional and elitist approaches. She called for greater openness to the digital generation and its engagement in initiatives and programs, affirming that diplomacy can no longer operate in isolation from the social and technological transformations that are reshaping patterns of interaction and influence.

For his part, Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine underscored that culture remains the primary vehicle for any successful social diplomacy project, explaining that the challenge lies not only in addressing the attraction to foreign cultures but also in developing a renewed cultural vision rooted in the civilizational heritage of the Islamic world and presented in a contemporary and appealing manner. He added that ICESCO has, in recent years, accumulated a range of relevant initiatives and conferences that are likely to yield positive outcomes in the long term.

Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman highlighted that society constitutes the foundation of diplomatic action, while culture represents its loftiest expression. He noted that changing stereotypes about the Other can only be achieved through education, culture, and mutual openness. He also pointed out that one of the major challenges facing social diplomacy is the persistence of a form of Western centrality in shaping perceptions and standards, which calls for the development of more balanced and equitable approaches.

The seminar also featured an intervention by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, who addressed the dimensions of social diplomacy and its role in strengthening the cultural and human presence of institutions and international organizations.

Dr. AlMalik: “We Discussed Displaying Palestinian Artifacts at ICESCO Headquarters to Raise Global Awareness of the Importance of Their Protection”

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Hani Al-Hayek, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the State of Palestine, on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The meeting aimed to discuss ways to enhance joint cooperation in heritage preservation and valorization, the protection of Palestinian cultural property, and support for the inscription of a number of heritage sites and elements in Palestine on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s vision, programs, and initiatives within its fields of competence, with a particular focus on the Organization’s efforts to inscribe the heritage of the Islamic world and to safeguard cultural property and heritage elements from damage, looting, and illicit trafficking. This is to be achieved through documentation, capacity-building, and the use of the latest technologies in this field.

In this context, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s openness to organizing training programs and specialized workshops on safeguarding cultural heritage. Additionally, the Director-General expressed willingness to launch capacity-building programs for experts and professionals engaged in heritage preservation in Palestine, whether within the Palestinian territories or in the Arab Republic of Egypt, given its advanced expertise and experience in this domain.

Dr. AlMalik also proposed the possibility of hosting Palestinian artifacts at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat as part of an initiative aimed at showcasing Palestinian civilizational heritage and bringing its spiritual, human, and cultural dimensions closer to the public, thereby contributing to highlighting the richness of this heritage and enhancing international awareness of the importance of its protection and preservation.

For his part, the Palestinian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities stressed the importance of safeguarding Palestinian cultural properties and archaeological sites, noting that many historical and archaeological sites have suffered partial or total destruction due to military operations and successive wars, particularly the recent war on the Gaza Strip.

Mr. Al-Hayek added that Palestine has developed innovative models in heritage management and launched the “5,000 Years of History” program, through which hundreds of historical artifacts have been exhibited in several Arab and European capitals. He also noted his Ministry’s aspiration to build institutional cooperation with ICESCO and its experts to strengthen national capacities in this field.

The two sides agreed during the meeting to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in the near future, outlining a joint cooperation framework for the implementation of programs and projects and the launch of bilateral initiatives in the field of heritage preservation and valorization.

Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Dr. Mohamed Zin El Abidine, Head of the Culture Sector; and Dr. Nidal Abu Zahri, Director of the Administrative Operations Department, represented ICESCO during the meeting.

The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted a grand celebration attended by several public figures and Islamic scholars to mark the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization reaching 10 million visitors since its inauguration in November 2022. The fair, currently hosted at ICESCO headquarters, is the result of a tripartite collaboration among ICESCO, the Muslim World League, and the Mohammadia League of Scholars in the Kingdom of Morocco.

The celebration, held on Sunday, 26 April 2026, commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, followed by an introductory address by Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue at ICESCO, in which he highlighted the fair’s role in fostering civilizational and scientific awareness among its visitors.

In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, lauded the Muslim World League and the Mohammadia League of Scholars for their pivotal role, reflected in the remarkable number of visitors. He underscored ICESCO’s stewardship of the fair, noting its alignment with the commemoration of the 1500th anniversary of Prophet Muhammad’s birth, peace be upon him, as proclaimed this year by His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, may Allah assist him.

Dr. AlMalik affirmed that visitors from all age groups were drawn not only by the fair’s creative displays but also by the highest human values and reliable scientific content, leaving a profound emotional impact on visitors. He concluded by commending the flourishing partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Morocco, crowned by the royal directive to maintain and establish the fair and museum at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat.

In his address, Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, emphasized the museum’s use of interactive modalities to visualize the Prophetic narrative, employing the latest technological innovations to immerse visitors in a virtual environment close to reality.

Following this, Dr. Ahmed Toufiq, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs of Morocco, praised the efforts of those overseeing the fair and museum and the strong public turnout, describing it as a civilizational landmark. He also reviewed historical milestones reflecting the Moroccan people’s steadfast adherence to Islamic values and the teachings of the noble Prophetic biography.

Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammadia League of Scholars, stated that the fair aims to introduce people to the pure Prophetic biography and the illuminating Sunnah, united by love for Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him. He added that reaching 10 million visitors affirms the enduring resonance of this spiritual heritage.

The ceremony unveiled expanded wings and the addition of scientific encyclopedias to the fair, most notably the AI-powered Maeen Portal, as well as dedicated wings featuring unique, detailed presentations on the Prophet’s daily life, his furniture and personal belongings, the route of the Hijrah, and selected moments from the noble biography presented in masterful calligraphy. Complementing these expansions is the creative scholarly work titled “Truth in a Minute: Milestones in the Life of the Prophet,” a detailed master plan wing of Madinah during the Prophet’s era, peace be upon him, and the “Messengers of Firm Resolve” wing.

The ceremony included the presentation of an award to the 10 millionth visitor, in addition to the exchange of commemorative shields between Dr. AlMalik, Dr. Al-Issa, and Dr. Abbadi.

The event culminated in a scholarly panel moderated by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, with the participation of Dr. Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa, former Minister of Endowments of Egypt; Dr. Ismail bin Nasser Al Aoufi, Scientific Advisor at the Office of the Omani Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs; Dr. Abdelhamid Achak, Director of Dar Al Hadith Al Hassania in Morocco; and Dr. Mohammed Essarar, Director of the Ibn Al-Qattan Center for Studies and Research in Hadith and the Noble Prophetic Biography.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening efforts to achieve food security, adapt to climate change, and harness space sciences, technology, and innovation for agricultural development.

The MoU was signed on Friday, 24 April 2026, at ICESCO headquarters by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Dr. Ibrahim Adam El-Dukheri, Director-General of AOAD.

Ahead of the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik stressed that the accelerating pace of climate change worldwide necessitates concerted efforts and the development of strategic partnerships to mitigate its economic and social repercussions on the countries of the Islamic world. He noted that the memorandum represents a step toward developing activities with tangible impact in improving the management of water and natural resources.

He added that climate change poses a persistent threat to cultural sites and elements, which requires the use of artificial intelligence applications to develop sustainable solutions for protecting heritage and civilizational legacy.

For his part, Dr. El-Dukheri commended ICESCO’s contributions to environmental protection and the development of smart agriculture, affirming AOAD’s readiness to exchange expertise and best practices to employ modern technologies in climate change adaptation and the rational management of natural resources in the countries of the Islamic world.

The MoU provides for the implementation of joint activities in the fields of science, technology, and innovation; the application of space sciences for agricultural development; improving food security; climate change adaptation; smart agriculture; natural resource management; water management; the use of Earth observation technologies and artificial intelligence; and capacity building for professionals in agricultural development.

The signing ceremony was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Head of the Civilizational Dialogue Centre; Dr. Adel Smeda, Supervisor of the Science and Environment Sector; Dr. Issam Krimi, expert in the same sector; and Mr. Omer Hamid, expert in the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector.

Kazakhstan Nominates Turkistan as Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2027

On the sidelines of his participation in the Regional Environmental Summit held in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Aida Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, April 22, 2026, at the Astana Opera House.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and Kazakhstan in culture, heritage preservation, and capacity building. Ms. Balayeva commended the cooperation between the two sides, stressing that it is based on tangible achievements and a fruitful partnership. She also praised ICESCO’s high-quality programs and initiatives implemented over the past five years, particularly those related to the inscription and safeguarding of heritage sites in the Islamic world, as well as youth empowerment and capacity-building initiatives.

In this context, Ms. Balayeva announced the official nomination of Turkistan for the 2027 Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, with the support of His Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, alongside Kazakhstan’s candidacy to host the upcoming meeting of the Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC) in the city. She further underscored the importance of protecting heritage sites, especially those that are threatened or damaged in the Islamic world.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik affirmed ICESCO’s principled support for this nomination, in accordance with the approved procedures and regulations, reiterating the Organization’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Kazakhstan across areas of mutual interest.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to the Republic of Kazakhstan for its forthcoming hosting of the IWHC meeting next year, highlighting the importance of this step in supporting efforts to safeguard and promote heritage in the Member States. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of preparing and submitting nomination files for a number of heritage sites and elements in Kazakhstan, in line with ICESCO’s approved criteria and forms, in preparation for their inscription on the List of Heritage in the Islamic World and their discussion during the IWHC’s next session.

The two sides also discussed several proposed initiatives and activities, including the organization of international festivals dedicated to Turkish and Islamic decorative arts, bringing together artists from across the Islamic world, as well as the organization of training programs and workshops in the field of cultural heritage preservation and specialized programs for building the capacities of experts with the support of ICESCO.

The two parties agreed to establish a joint committee to examine the programs and activities to be included in Turkistan’s celebration as Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, to initiate the preparation of a formal cooperation agreement and an executive action plan, and to study the possibility of holding the 2027 Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World in Turkistan.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik extended an invitation to Ms. Balayeva to visit ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat and sign a joint cooperation agreement.

Dr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Nurzhan Moldiyarovich Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, during his visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan to participate in the Regional Environment Summit, held from April 22 to 24, 2026.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in the capital, Astana, the two sides reviewed areas of joint cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, particularly programs and initiatives aimed at conserving water resources and enhancing the capacities and training of youth in this vital field.

The two sides reviewed Kazakhstan’s efforts in the water sector, especially following the establishment of the Ministry of Water Resources two years ago—a move reflecting a strategic focus on water resource management—as well as the integration of a culture of water conservation and its importance into educational programs.

Dr. AlMalik also highlighted the most significant initiatives and programs launched by ICESCO over the past five years in the field of water resource protection, addressing the challenges of water scarcity, and enhancing water security in Member States.

The two sides agreed on the importance of deepening cooperation and expanding areas of partnership to include the implementation of joint programs, as well as including these priorities in ICESCO’s strategic plan and action plan for the coming years.

For his part, the Kazakhstani minister affirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with ICESCO in this field and its readiness to share its expertise and experiences with Member States, thereby contributing to international efforts aimed at achieving water security and sustainable development in the Islamic world.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Gulsana Kozhabay, Chair of the Board of the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue (ICIID). The two officials signed a memorandum of understanding whereby ICESCO becomes a strategic partner in co-organizing the Ninth International Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, scheduled to be held in 2027 under the patronage of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, at the Center’s headquarters in Astana, focused on ways to strengthen cooperation between ICESCO and the Center, particularly in advancing and developing interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue and consolidating the values of mutual understanding and coexistence.

During the meeting, Ms. Kozhabay reviewed the Center’s key initiatives and programs aimed at promoting interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue, as well as its future orientations in light of current global challenges, which are expected to be addressed at the upcoming congress scheduled for next year.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that this memorandum falls within the framework of supporting interreligious and intercultural dialogue, building relevant capacities, and rejecting all forms of extremism and fanaticism.

He noted that ICESCO has established the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, tasked with developing modern concepts, most notably the concept of “Civilizational Diplomacy,” which the Organization has adopted within its strategic initiatives as a means of promoting openness and mutual understanding with others through a renewed civilizational vision.

Dr. AlMalik also underscored the importance of engaging youth in these programs by equipping them with modern concepts of dialogue and encouraging their participation in relevant forums and conferences, enabling them to serve as ambassadors for their countries in promoting a culture of peace and understanding among peoples.

The memorandum of understanding includes several provisions, notably a strategic partnership in organizing the Ninth International Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which the Center convenes every two years with the participation of prominent international figures. The memorandum also stresses the importance of youth participation and attendance in these events.

Dr. AlMalik: ICESCO’s Satellite Aims to Support Scientific and Environmental Research in the Islamic World

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a joint satellite in 2028 bearing the name ICESCO, with the aim of enhancing scientific research in space sciences and developing and implementing related training programs and projects.

The MoU was signed on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, at the company’s headquarters in the capital, Astana, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Mr. Amanat Ombetbayev, Managing Director and Board Member of JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary.

Prior to the signing, the two sides held bilateral talks to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in support of advancing space sciences in ICESCO Member States. The discussions underscored the importance of launching a CubeSat satellite named ICESCO, with the participation of a number of partners and supporters, dedicated to scientific and environmental research. The satellite is expected to contribute to monitoring natural disasters and early warning systems, serving countries of the Islamic world and strengthening their capacities to address environmental challenges.

In this context, both sides highlighted the success of the specialized workshop on the design of an educational satellite (CanSat), hosted last year by Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in cooperation with ICESCO, which attracted wide participation and achieved outstanding results.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his appreciation to JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary for this fruitful cooperation, reaffirming the Organization’s commitment to supporting high-impact initiatives in space sciences that contribute to sustainable development and serve communities in its Member States.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik toured the Company’s scientific and research facilities, where he visited several specialized laboratories for the design, manufacture, and integration of satellites. He was briefed on the advanced technologies developed by the Kazakh team, reflecting the advanced level Kazakhstan has achieved in this vital field.

JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary is a leading national company in space technology, operating in the fields of remote sensing, satellite manufacturing, and the development of advanced space solutions.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development of the Sultanate of Oman, on Friday, 17 April 2026, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry in the fields of safe childhood, family cohesion, and civilizational upbringing.

During the meeting, attended by Ambassador Khalid Salim Bamakhalif, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Morocco, Dr. AlMalik expressed ICESCO’s pride in its distinguished partnership with the Sultanate of Oman, which has resulted in the joint organization of activities, programs, conferences, and projects, most recently the inauguration of the Sultan Qaboos Library at ICESCO’s headquarters with the generous support of the Sultanate of Oman.

The Director-General underscored the importance of cooperation in raising awareness of the concept of civilizational upbringing, with a view to strengthening young people’s attachment to the values of the Islamic world while encouraging openness to world cultures. He also reviewed ICESCO’s contributions to building the leadership and creative capacities of youth and women in the Islamic world through the development of training programs in modern technologies and innovation.

For her part, the Omani Minister commended ICESCO’s efforts in keeping pace with contemporary issues and the priorities of the Organization’s Member States, in disseminating knowledge and maximizing benefit. She expressed the Ministry’s willingness to develop programs and projects in the areas of safe childhood and family cohesion, and to harness modern technologies to support persons with disabilities.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied the Minister and her delegation on a tour of the Sultan Qaboos Library, which houses more than 6,000 printed titles, nearly 200,000 digital publications, and a number of rare documentary treasures, including a copy of the Holy Quran handwritten by Ibn al-Bawwab. They also visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization housed at ICESCO’s headquarters.

The meeting also saw the presence of Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector; Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector; Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue; and Dr. Salim Al-Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences.