Category: Director General

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called for stronger regional cooperation in education, science, and culture to establish artificial intelligence governance that safeguards human dignity and promotes inclusion and diversity, stressing that legislation alone is not enough to achieve this goal.

His remarks came during his participation on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, in the high-level ministerial dialogue on “Artificial Intelligence, Multilateralism, and Diplomacy,” held as part of the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Forum is jointly organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and UNESCO, in cooperation with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), with the participation of ministers, experts, representatives of specialized international institutions, and more than 100 speakers.

Dr. AlMalik stated that cooperation in these three fields is a cornerstone of joint action among ICESCO Member States. He underscored the need to develop shared curricula on artificial intelligence and its ethics, train teachers, and adopt unified standards for the knowledge and skills required to address the impact of this technology on learning and assessment.
Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the “10K Leaders Training Program” initiative, implemented by ICESCO in cooperation with ICAIRE, which aims to train professionals in the field using shared training materials and standards that promote responsible use.

The ICESCO Director-General emphasized the importance of enabling researchers to evaluate AI systems and their linguistic performance within local contexts, while facilitating the exchange of research findings. He also highlighted the role of the “ICESCO AI Index for the Islamic World” in measuring Member States’ progress against a unified regional benchmark and enabling them to benefit from one another’s experiences.

Dr. AlMalik also referred to the “Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence for the Islamic World,” launched by ICESCO in cooperation with SDAIA, emphasizing its contribution to establishing ethical principles that respect the cultural specificities of Member States and align with relevant international recommendations.

The session also featured Dr. Sid Ali Zerrouki, Algeria’s Minister of Post and Telecommunications; Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications; Mr. Kamal Shehadi, Lebanon’s Minister of the Displaced, Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence; and Mr. Esam Alwagait, Director of the National Information Center at SDAIA.

The city of Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, hosted a festive ceremony on Sunday evening, 13 September 2026, as part of the Buraidah International Dates Carnival. The ceremony was graced by His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Qassim Region, and attended by several ministers, senior officials, and prominent figures.

On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), delivered an address highlighting the Carnival’s distinguished standing and growing global recognition. The world’s largest date market has been registered by Guinness World Records, while the knowledge, skills, traditions, and practices associated with the date palm have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Dr. AlMalik stated that the date palm has been closely connected to humankind since ancient times, serving as a lifelong companion and source of livelihood while remaining deeply rooted in human memory and consciousness. It is an integral part of Saudi identity and a living testament to the profound bond between the Saudi people, their land, and their heritage. The date palm is also honored through its mention in more than 20 verses of the Holy Quran, reflecting its blessed status and civilizational significance.

The ICESCO Director-General noted that the Buraidah International Dates Carnival has transcended the conventional concept of a marketplace to become a season heralding a promising future, as Qassim dates make their way into global markets, supported by accumulated expertise and outstanding product quality.

He added that ICESCO stands ready to provide support and cooperation, marking the beginning of a new phase of promising partnership between entrepreneurship and the fields of education, science, and culture. This commitment stems from the Organization’s belief that the Islamic world deserves an advanced position in development and innovation.

His Excellency announced ICESCO’s readiness to cooperate in promoting the Buraidah International Dates Carnival as a prominent heritage and economic landmark and to invite countries across the Islamic world to participate, opening broader prospects for cultural exchange and economic cooperation.

Dr. AlMalik concluded his address by reciting a poem titled “Peace Be upon the Date Palms of Qassim,” which was warmly received by His Royal Highness the Governor and the audience.

At the close of the ceremony, His Royal Highness the Governor of Qassim Region honored His Excellency Dr. Salim M. AlMalik in recognition of his participation and attendance, as well as ICESCO’s contribution to supporting initiatives that promote heritage and highlight its civilizational and development value.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a bilateral partnership aimed at promoting sport as a driver of peace, solidarity, and social cohesion; empowering the youth through sport and volunteerism; enhancing women’s participation and leadership in sport; promoting cultural dialogue, innovation and sustainable human development; and fostering the inclusion of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), attended the signing ceremony. The MoU was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Dr. Nasser Majali, Secretary General of ISSA, on Saturday, 12 September 2026, in Taif, Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the ISSA General Assembly.

The five-year MoU provides for the development of joint programs and initiatives and the organization of international sports conferences and events aimed at promoting physical and mental health and overall well-being for all, supporting the concept of cultural diplomacy through sport, advancing research and innovation in the field of Sports for Social Impact, and facilitating partnerships and resource mobilization for initiatives benefiting communities in ICESCO Member States and beyond.

Under the terms of the MoU, the two sides will launch joint initiatives to prepare a select group of young athletes to serve as ambassadors for their countries in the fields of peace and dialogue, and to recognize inspiring role models who embody the values of fair play and contribute to serving their communities. The MoU also provides for ISSA’s participation in organizing ICESCO’s annual marathon and efforts to expand its reach across the Islamic world, as well as ICESCO’s participation through cultural initiatives during the Islamic Solidarity Games, starting with the next edition, to be hosted by the State of Selangor, Malaysia, in 2029.

His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), at the InterContinental Hotel in Taif, on the sidelines of the Association’s General Assembly meeting.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and President of the Saudi Camel Sports, and Dr. Nasser Majali, Secretary General of ISSA.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between ISSA and ICESCO in a manner that contributes to serving youth in the Islamic world and promoting the values of solidarity and peace. Dr. Nasser Majali, for his part, reviewed the key provisions of the cooperation agreement signed between the two sides during the General Assembly meeting, as well as the opportunities it offers for launching joint programs with a tangible impact.

Dr. Salim AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s initiatives in the fields of youth and peacebuilding, noting the role of sport in bringing peoples closer together and promoting intercultural dialogue.

The meeting also addressed a proposal to launch the “Sport for Peace” initiative, aimed at preparing a select group of young athletes to serve as ambassadors for their countries in the fields of peace and dialogue. The proposal also included the establishment of a “Cultural Village” as a program accompanying the Islamic Solidarity Games, starting with the next edition of the Games in 2029. The Initiative aims to showcase the heritage of participating countries and add a cultural dimension to the Games.

The proposals also included the launch of the “ICESCO–ISSA Award for Sports Ethics” to recognize inspiring role models who embody the values of fair play and contribute to serving their communities, in addition to the ISSA’s participation in organizing ICESCO’s annual marathon and efforts to expand its scope across the countries of the Islamic world.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the ICESCO Director-General expressed his appreciation to H.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal for the warm reception and his support for institutional cooperation. His Highness affirmed ISSA’s readiness to strengthen joint action with ICESCO, directing the Secretary General to coordinate with ICESCO to translate the proposed initiatives into action within the framework of the bilateral cooperation agreement.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a high-level delegation from the International Baccalaureate (IB) on 9 September 2026, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, to discuss the latest developments in their joint project on the “Development of the First ICESCO School Teachers and School Leaders Standards and Practice Instrument for the Islamic World.”

The International Baccalaureate delegation included Dr. Donna Hurrle, Senior Learning Architect; Ms. Kiri Stevenson, Senior Education Systems Solutions Manager at the IB’s office in the United Kingdom; and Ms. Issota Crisafulli, Senior Operations Manager Education Systems Solutions at the United Kingdom Office.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that developing an assessment instrument is an important step toward translating the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations into tangible impact. The Project aims to build the capacities of teachers and educators in educational institutions across Member States in areas including enhancing the quality of education, future skills, and modern technologies. He underscored that the Project will bring real added value to education systems in the Islamic world and beyond.

For its part, the delegation praised the strong partnership between the two organizations and invited Dr. AlMalik to participate in the IB Global Conference, scheduled to be held in Lyon, France, in October 2026.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a joint technical team from ICESCO and IB delivered a presentation on the scope and methodology of the Project as well as the meta-analysis of current international and national professional standards. The presentation also covered the findings of the surveys, mechanisms for developing and validating the assessment instrument, and its role in providing a reference framework to support countries in the Islamic world in strengthening the capacities of teachers and school leaders to adapt to local educational needs.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of a joint technical workshop on the Project, was attended by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector and Director of the Translation and Publication Center at ICESCO, and Dr. Waqas Afridi, Expert at the Education Sector.

A delegation from Oman’s National Records and Archives Authority, headed by Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Dhuhayani, Chairman of the Authority, visited the Sultan Qaboos Library at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.

The delegation was received by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, who expressed the Organization’s high regard for its strategic partnership with the Sultanate of Oman, noting that it has resulted in pioneering programs and initiatives, including the inauguration of the Sultan Qaboos Library at ICESCO’s headquarters last April, with the generous support of the Sultanate of Oman.

Dr. AlMalik accompanied the delegation on a tour of the Library, during which they were briefed in detail on its facilities and specialized knowledge collections, as well as the advanced digital services it offers.

The ICESCO Director-General emphasized that the Library constitutes a distinguished knowledge hub. In its first phase, it houses more than 6,000 print titles, complemented by a digital offering that provides access to nearly 200,000 works through ICESCO’s digital platform. The Library also houses several rare documentary treasures, including a replica of the Holy Quran transcribed in the hand of Ibn al-Bawwab.

For his part, Dr. Al-Dhuhayani commended the Library’s modern facilities and its wealth of knowledge and cultural publications, expressing the Authority’s interest in pursuing cooperation with ICESCO in areas of shared interest.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of the Authority supporting the Library by providing it with national publications and manuscripts.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Maan Al Hafiz, General Supervisor of the Geneva Islamic Cultural Foundation and representative of the Muslim World League to the United Nations in Geneva, to discuss prospects for cooperation between the two sides and ways to build an institutional partnership that serves issues of mutual interest.

The meeting, held on Monday, 7 September 2026, reviewed proposed areas of cooperation, particularly in education, culture, intercultural dialogue, and peacebuilding, as well as the exchange of expertise, participation in seminars, forums, and programs, and the launch of joint initiatives that promote coexistence and mutual understanding and address current challenges.

Dr. AlMalik affirmed ICESCO’s willingness to support the Geneva Islamic Cultural Foundation with its expertise and capabilities, and provide access to the Organization’s experts and competencies, as well as to exchange experiences and best practices, contributing to expanding the impact of joint programs and initiatives.

He noted that Geneva’s position as a hub for international organizations and institutions offers promising opportunities to develop high-quality initiatives with an international dimension and promote the values of dialogue and peace.

For his part, Dr. Maan Al Hafiz outlined the Foundation’s vision, mission, and objectives, as well as its current programs and projects and future aspirations, emphasizing the importance of drawing on ICESCO’s expertise and standing in the fields of education, culture, and dialogue to develop the Foundation’s programs and expand its impact.

The two officials agreed on the importance of establishing cooperation within a sustainable institutional framework and identifying priority areas and programs for the coming phase, in a manner that supports their shared mission and enhances the effectiveness of their initiatives.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. Maan Al Hafiz expressed his appreciation for ICESCO’s efforts and initiatives in serving its Member States, as well as its contributions to promoting intercultural dialogue and fostering a culture of peace, openness, and communication among peoples and cultures.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Nayef bin Abdullah Al-Ajhar, Senior Manager of Saudia Airlines for Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, at his office at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation and prospects for building an institutional partnership between ICESCO and Saudia Airlines.

The meeting, held on Monday, 7 September 2026, addressed opportunities for Saudia Airlines to participate in a number of ICESCO conferences, forums and international events, as well as opportunities to support and sponsor the initiatives and programs implemented by the Organization, particularly those that align with the company’s social responsibility priorities.
The two sides also discussed the possibility of signing a cooperation agreement between ICESCO and Saudia Airlines, which would open up broader prospects for partnership, including designating Saudia Airlines as one of the carriers for ICESCO guests participating in its conferences, forums, seminars and international events.

During the meeting, Mr. Nayef bin Abdullah Al-Ajhar expressed his appreciation for the roles undertaken by ICESCO and the high-impact initiatives, programs and projects it implements across its Member States. He commended the Organization’s impact in the fields of education, science and culture, as well as the cooperation opportunities it offers which align with Saudia Airlines’ objectives and social responsibility programs.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik underscored the importance of building effective institutional partnerships with leading national institutions. He commended Saudia Airlines’ standing and international presence, noting the opportunities that partnership with the airline could offer to support ICESCO’s programs and expand their impact.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik thanked Mr. Nayef bin Abdullah Al-Ajhar for his visit, expressing his hope that the discussions would be translated into practical steps laying the foundations for fruitful cooperation and a sustainable partnership between ICESCO and Saudia Airlines.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a delegation of Moroccan artists on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, to discuss ways and mechanisms for leveraging art and creative industries to advance education and learning, promote the development of science, and raise awareness of the culture of the Islamic world. The meeting came as part of their participation in the Youth Knowledge Forum.

The delegation included Mr. Rachid El Ouali, actor, director and producer; Mr. Youssef Britel, film director and screenwriter; Ms. Sandya Tajdin, actress; and Ms. Faten El Youssoufi, screenwriter and playwright.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s efforts, within the framework of its vision and strategic plan, to engage youth and women by attracting young talents and strengthening women’s capacities across the Organization’s various sectors, departments and centers. He underscored the role of art, in its various forms, in raising awareness of the issues and challenges facing societies around the world.

For their part, the guests expressed their willingness to cooperate with ICESCO in organizing international conferences and seminars aimed at building bridges of communication and fostering the exchange of expertise among artists, media professionals and industry workers.

At the close of the meeting, the delegation toured the ICESCO Studio, which is equipped with state-of-the-art cameras and technologies for recording and media broadcasting, with the aim of enhancing the production of digital content that supports the Organization’s global mission. The delegation also visited the Sultan Qaboos Library and explored its modern facilities and collection of knowledge and cultural publications and references, as well as a number of rare books and documents.
The meeting was also attended by Osama Heikal, Head of ICESCO Media and Communication Sector.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ms. Leyla Fazleeva, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, and Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Aide to the Rais of the Republic and Head of All-Russian Public-State Movement of Children and Youth in the Republic of Tatarstan “Movement of the First,” to discuss ways and mechanisms of cooperation between the Organization and Tatarstan in the areas of youth capacity building and heritage preservation. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 5th edition of the “Knowledge Youth Forum,” which is being hosted for the second time at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Morocco, on 7-8 September.

During the meeting, held on 7 September 2026, at ICESCO Headquarters, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the Organization’s vision and strategic plan, highlighting its efforts in recent years to strengthen the fields of education, science and culture and support its Member States in achieving comprehensive development goals and building sustainable societies. He emphasized the importance of developing partnerships with organizations, institutions, universities and research centers across the Islamic world to exchange expertise and best practices in areas of shared interest.

For her part, Ms. Fazleeva commended the strong partnership between ICESCO and Tatarstan, which has resulted in several joint activities over the past five years. She also praised the Organization’s contributions to bridging communication among the countries of the Islamic world and preparing youth for future challenges by honing their skills in various fields.

The two sides agreed to cooperate during the coming period to promote the culture and rich heritage of Central Asia and train youth in the fields of modern technology. The meeting was attended from ICESCO by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Kuanysh Yergaliyev, Head of the Science and Environment Sector.