On Tuesday, 7 July 2026, the first International Forum, “Islamic Civilization: The Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” was launched. The event is co-organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in cooperation with the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, under the patronage of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The forum brings together ministers, heads and representatives of religious and international organizations and institutions, along with more than 300 speakers from 40 countries.

The forum opened with an address from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, delivered on his behalf by Mr. Khayriddin Sultanov, Advisor to the President, who commended the high-level international participation in the forum, noting that it reflects growing global interest in Islamic civilization and its spiritual, scientific, and cultural heritage.

He affirmed that the revival, careful preservation, study, and wide dissemination of Islamic heritage are among Uzbekistan’s key priorities, adding that the world is undergoing profound transformations that underscore the importance of upholding the values of Islam, which emphasize human dignity and the pursuit of knowledge and creativity.

Following the opening address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, delivered remarks highlighting Uzbekistan’s significant civilizational and scientific legacy, which has made it one of the historical centers that shaped the course of Islamic and human civilization. Dr. AlMalik referred to the contributions of prominent scholars such as Imam Al-Bukhari, Imam Al-Tirmidhi, Imam Al-Maturidi, Al-Biruni, Al-Khwarizmi, and Ibn Sina.

The Director-General stressed that organizing the forum reflects Uzbekistan’s vision of reviving the values of peace, tolerance, and enlightenment and demonstrates the role of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent as a comprehensive cultural and knowledge institution that promotes awareness of the radiance of Islamic civilization and highlights its scientific and human contributions.

Dr. AlMalik called for the inclusion of the history of Islamic civilization as a core subject across all educational levels, the establishment of an international award for Islamic civilization named after President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the adoption of ICESCO’s innovative concept of “civilizational diplomacy” as a mechanism to strengthen dialogue.

In conclusion, the ICESCO Director-General praised the strong partnership between the Organization and Uzbek institutions, particularly through hosting the ICESCO Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts at the Center of Islamic Civilization, which enhances efforts to preserve Islamic heritage and showcase its civilizational contributions.

The forum, which runs from 7 to 11 July, features several international conferences held in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Termez, including “Al-Jami’ Al-Musnad Al-Sahih by Imam Al-Bukhari: A Book for the Ummah,” “The Legacy of Imam Al-Maturidi: The Foundation of Moderation, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” and “The Tirmidhi School of Hadith: Scholars’ Heritage and Contemporary Research,” with the aim of exploring the rich spiritual and intellectual heritage of Islamic civilization and promoting peace and dialogue.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Mr. Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, on Monday, 6 July 2026, in Tashkent, as part of his participation in the First International Islamic Civilization Forum, held under the theme “The Path of Peace, Tolerance and Enlightenment,” from 7 to 11 July 2026.

The meeting discussed ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between ICESCO and the Republic of Uzbekistan, reviewed current areas of cooperation, and explored prospects for launching new initiatives in support of development and capacity-building efforts, cultural heritage preservation, and cooperation in education, science, and culture.

The Uzbek Foreign Minister commended ICESCO’s achievements and high-quality programs across the Islamic World. He also expressed his appreciation for the close partnership with the Organization, which has resulted in the full implementation of the Action Plan signed by the two parties two and a half years ago, reflecting their solid relations and effective institutional cooperation.

Moreover, the two officials agreed to prepare a new joint action plan featuring strategic initiatives and projects that are aligned with the priorities of the next phase. These projects will promote avenues of cooperation in areas of mutual interest serving their shared vision of consolidating the values of knowledge, dialogue, and innovation, and preserving the Islamic civilizational heritage.

Dr. AlMalik affirmed ICESCO’s pride in its distinguished partnership with the Republic of Uzbekistan, praising the country’s cultural and civilizational renaissance under the leadership of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He also reiterated the Organization’s commitment to continuing joint efforts and launching innovative initiatives that serve Member States and reinforce the Islamic civilization’s contribution to building a more prosperous future.

At the close of the meeting, ICESCO Director-General expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the warm reception, affirming that the coming period promises further joint programs and initiatives that reflect the depth of the partnership between the two parties.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan held a press conference on Monday, 6 July 2026, at the Center’s headquarters in Tashkent, ahead of the launch of the first international forum, themed “Islamic Civilization: The Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” scheduled for 7th to 11th July 2026, with the participation of around 300 speakers from 40 countries.

The forum will bring together ministers, heads and representatives of religious and international organizations and institutions, along with distinguished experts and specialists in the fields of culture, thought and Islamic civilization, to explore ways to highlight the contributions of Islamic civilization to promoting the values of peace, tolerance, and enlightenment.

During the press conference, held in the presence of Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, stressed that organizing this forum, including an international conference dedicated to the three Imams, Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi, and Imam al-Maturidi, reflects Uzbekistan’s status as a global beacon showcasing the contributions of Islamic civilization and its eminent scholars to science and knowledge.

He added that the selection of these Imams carries profound significance, as they represent core domains in the construction of Islamic civilization, including the Prophetic Sunnah, theology (Aqidah), and Islamic sciences, noting that al-Bukhari and al-Tirmidhi preserved the Sunnah of the Prophet, while Imam al-Maturidi contributed to establishing a methodology of moderation and balance.

The Director-General emphasized that the forum goes beyond revisiting history, as it is grounded in the conviction that the legacy of these scholars can contribute to addressing contemporary intellectual and cultural challenges, fostering the values of moderation, mutual respect, coexistence, and elevating the status of knowledge.

Dr. AlMalik concluded by expressing appreciation to the Republic of Uzbekistan, its leadership, government, and people, for their care for its Islamic civilizational heritage, praising the Islamic Civilization Center as a testament to a rich past, a platform for shaping the future, and a bridge for civilizational dialogue.

Conference to Be Held Under the Patronage of the President of Uzbekistan with the Participation of Ministers of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and Leading Scholars

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) will hold the International Scientific Conference “Al-Jami’ al-Musnad al-Sahih of Imam al-Bukhari: The Book of a Nation” in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, on 9–10 July 2026, under the patronage of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Conference is being organized in partnership with the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent and the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center in Uzbekistan.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, stated that the Conference will bring together a distinguished gathering of ministers of awqaf and religious affairs, muftis, eminent scholars, researchers, and representatives of religious institutions from across the Islamic world. During the Conference, the winning research papers submitted through the Conference’s call for papers will be announced, and their authors will be honored. In addition, a reviewed and edited volume containing the selected conference papers, prepared under the supervision of ICESCO, will be published.

Dr. AlMalik added that the Conference aims to highlight Imam al-Bukhari’s scholarly contributions to the preservation and service of the Prophet’s Sunnah and Hadith, to reaffirm the stature of both Imam al-Bukhari and his Sahih, to refute misconceptions and allegations raised by critics, to shed light on Imam al-Bukhari’s methodology and genius in compiling Al-Jami’ al-Sahih, and to encourage academic research related to the primary sources of the Prophet’s Sunnah.

Across its five scientific sessions, the Conference will address a range of themes, including: the scientific standards, documentation, and classification methodology employed by Imam al-Bukhari in his Sahih; the contributions of scholars from different regions to the service of Al-Jami’ al-Sahih; criticisms and objections raised regarding the Sahih and the responses to them; and the role of Uzbekistan and the historic region of Transoxiana in the flourishing of the science of Hadith.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Fadi Makki, Minister of State for Administrative Reform of the Lebanese Republic, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of development, administrative reform, institutional excellence, and the promotion of creativity and innovation.

During the meeting, held on Thursday, 2 July 2026, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of Amb. Ali Daher, Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon to the Kingdom of Morocco, Dr. AlMalik provided an overview of ICESCO’s history and the major strategic transformations and updates it has undergone in recent years. He noted that although Lebanon joined the Organization only three years ago, it has always remained at the heart of ICESCO’s priorities, given its distinguished cultural standing and its rich intellectual and creative output.

The Director-General emphasized that ICESCO has implemented several programs and initiatives for the benefit of Lebanon in recent years. These include allocating USD 100,000 to support Lebanese institutions following the Beirut port explosion, providing financial assistance to Lebanese students studying in Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine war, and implementing a program to support infrastructure development for a number of schools and educational facilities.

For his part, the Lebanese Minister expressed his pleasure at visiting ICESCO headquarters and gaining first-hand insight into its pivotal role in advancing its areas of competence across the Islamic world. He praised the Organization’s administrative transformation, which has positioned it among the leading international organizations in education, science, and culture.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied Dr. Makki on a tour of ICESCO’s sectors and centers, including the Media and Communication Sector, the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector, the Digital Transformation Department, and the Sultan Qaboos Library. The visit included presentations on the Organization’s operating mechanisms, its key programs and projects, and the reform and development of its administrative structure.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Dr. Kuanysh Yergaliyev, Head of the Science and Environment Sector; Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Supervisor of the Education Sector and Director of the Translation and Publishing Center; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Sector of Strategy and Institutional Excellence; and Dr. Wissam Chehade, expert in the Science and Environment Sector.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Foday Malang, Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to the Kingdom of Morocco, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, science, and culture.

During the meeting, held on Thursday, 2 July 2026, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik congratulated Ambassador Malang on his appointment and wished him success in his mission.

Dr. AlMalik noted that ICESCO has implemented numerous programs, initiatives, and activities for the benefit of The Gambia in recent years, supported by H.E. President Adama Barrow and the First Lady, Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow. He also commended the country’s progress across several sectors, particularly education.

Dr. AlMalik expressed ICESCO’s willingness to recruit qualified professionals from The Gambia to work within the Organization, in addition to hosting Gambian youth for training across its sectors, centers, and departments. In this regard, he indicated that ICESCO has trained approximately 2,000 young people from Member States and beyond in recent years.

For his part, the Gambian Ambassador commended the institutional modernization and development achieved by ICESCO in recent years, expressing his country’s aspiration to further strengthen cooperation with the Organization in areas of mutual interest.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik took Ambassador Malang and his delegation on a tour of the Sultan Qaboos Library at ICESCO headquarters, reviewing its publications, collections, and facilities.

Dr. AlMalik Proposes Establishing Uzbekistan-ICESCO Academy for Maqom and Launching the Global Prize and Program “Maqom Without Borders”

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), announced a set of pioneering initiatives to advance the strategic partnership between ICESCO and the Republic of Uzbekistan, particularly in safeguarding and developing the art of Maqom. These include a proposal to establish the Uzbekistan-ICESCO Maqom Academy, launch a Global Maqom Prize, and strengthen the academic dimension of the International Maqom Art Forum by promoting scientific research and training new generations of researchers and artists specialized in this ancient art.

He made these remarks during his participation as a guest of honor at the opening session of the Third Maqom International Art Forum, held on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, in Namangan, under the auspices and in the presence of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The event saw the participation of several ministers of culture, representatives of international organizations, and around 250 experts, researchers, and artists from more than 80 countries.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that Uzbekistan, under the wise leadership of President Mirziyoyev, has demonstrated through its development vision that investment in culture and knowledge is among the noblest investments nations can undertake. He also noted that this vision has been instrumental in advancing the art of Maqom to its well-deserved place on the international cultural scene.

ICESCO Director-General also proposed launching an international program titled “Maqom Without Borders,” aimed at presenting Maqom music on major stages, universities, and cultural capitals worldwide, enabling this authentic artistic heritage to reach new audiences and reinforcing its role as a bridge for intercultural dialogue and communication.

Dr. AlMalik further explained that ICESCO will contribute its expertise in artificial intelligence and heritage to support the Global Digital Maqom Library, ensuring that this pioneering platform becomes an international reference for Maqom traditions and a knowledge space for preserving and making this artistic heritage accessible to researchers, artists, and cultural institutions.

He concluded by emphasizing that the International Maqom Art Forum goes beyond a celebration of music to represent a celebration of civilization, identity, and memory, highlighting that Maqom art preserves artistic wisdom and transmits it from one generation to the next, reflecting Uzbekistan’s enduring heritage.

On the sidelines of his participation in the International Maqam Music Festival, set in the presence of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), paid a visit to the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent, inaugurated this year as one of the most prominent civilizational and cultural landmarks in the Islamic world.

Dr. AlMalik was received by the Center’s Director, Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov, who accompanied him on a tour during which he was briefed on the Center’s various sections and galleries, as well as its rare manuscripts, collections, and historical documents. He also explored its innovative architectural design and advanced exhibition technologies, which present the Islamic civilization through a blend of authenticity and modernity.

During the tour, Dr. Abdukhalikov reviewed the stages of the Center’s establishment, its vision and objectives, and the role it plays in preserving, safeguarding, and restoring manuscripts, protecting Islamic heritage, and showcasing it for future generations. He further emphasized how these efforts reflect the scholarly and civilizational contributions made by Muslim scholars to the advancement of human knowledge.

Following the tour, the two sides discussed prospects for cooperation between the Center and ICESCO, and agreed to establish a joint committee tasked with developing implementation pathways for future cooperation and preparing joint programs, initiatives, and projects that serve the objectives of both institutions and contribute to strengthening the preservation and promotion of Islamic heritage and highlighting its civilizational values.

Dr. AlMalik also stressed the importance of signing a cooperation agreement to define the general framework of the strategic partnership and open new horizons for collaboration in the fields of culture, heritage, manuscripts, scientific research, and capacity building.

The meeting also addressed the international scientific conferences that the Republic of Uzbekistan will host from 7 to 10 July 2026, foremost among them the International Conference on Imam Maturidi and the International Conference on Imam Al-Tirmidhi, in addition to the International Conference on Imam Al-Bukhari, which will be held in Samarkand near the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center, with the participation of a distinguished group of scholars, researchers, and specialists from around the world.

Dr. AlMalik commended the great attention that the Republic of Uzbekistan devotes to Islamic heritage and the preservation of the legacy of Muslim scholars, affirming that the Islamic Civilization Center represents a pioneering civilizational project that contributes to preserving the historical memory of the nation and presents new generations with a bright image of its scientific, intellectual, and cultural contributions.

At the conclusion of the visit, Dr. AlMalik wrote a message in the Center’s Golden Book, expressing his deep admiration for this distinguished civilizational edifice. He praised the beauty of its architecture, the richness of its content, and the meticulous presentation of the history of Islamic civilization and the contributions of its scholars throughout the ages. He noted that the Center represents a pioneering model for preserving the civilizational memory of our nation and a bridge of knowledge connecting new generations with their rich scientific and cultural heritage. He also commended the efforts of the Republic of Uzbekistan to realize this inspiring civilizational project, which harmoniously combines the authenticity of history with the horizons of the future.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Bahram Jan Aliyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The meeting reviewed areas of joint cooperation and followed up on the implementation of the roadmap adopted two years ago, including the programs, initiatives, and qualitative projects delivered within its framework.

During the meeting, held on Monday, 22 June 2026, in Tashkent, the Uzbek Deputy Foreign Minister commended ICESCO’s role and the level of fruitful cooperation with Uzbekistan. He highlighted the success achieved under the Samarkand as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2025 programme, along with the distinguished cultural, intellectual, and scientific activities organized. He also praised the efforts of ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Committee, which led to the inscription and recognition of several archaeological sites and tangible and intangible heritage elements, in addition to organizing specialized conferences and programs that showcase the civilizational and cultural heritage of the Islamic world.

Mr. Aliyev stressed the importance of continuing and expanding this cooperation to include new areas that serve shared cultural and developmental priorities, expressing Uzbekistan’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with ICESCO across fields of mutual interest.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed appreciation for the support and attention extended to ICESCO by the leadership of the Republic of Uzbekistan, reaffirming the Organization’s commitment to implementing all components of the agreed roadmap and advancing toward broader cooperation in education, science, culture, heritage, and capacity building.

He also noted that his current visit is to participate in the International Maqam Art Festival, which will be held in Namangan, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. He added that ICESCO will present a number of flagship initiatives during the forum that align with its objectives, supporting its areas of work and contributing to enhanced international cooperation and sustainable development.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his sincere thanks to Mr. Bahram Aliyev for the warm welcome and hospitality, and for his commitment to advancing cooperation between the two sides in a manner that serves shared interests and strengthens cultural and civilizational action in the Islamic world.