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    Category: Director General

    Director General

    Cultural and Artistic Evening at ICESCO Headquarters Celebrating “Shusha” as Culture Capital in Islamic World

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat hosted a cultural and artistic evening on Friday, June 7, 2024, as part of the “Shusha Days”. The Event was organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Morocco, in celebration of Shusha being 2024 Capital of Culture of the Islamic World. The Evening witnessed the high-level attendance of officials, ambassadors, prominent public figures, and a large audience.

    The Evening commenced with an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, in which he welcomed Shusha, represented by its art, heritage, and enduring legends, into the Organization’s premises. He expressed ICESCO’s pride in its deep relations with Azerbaijan and thanked the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Embassy in Rabat, and the ICESCO team, particularly those from Azerbaijan, for their significant efforts in organizing the Evening.

    Dr. AlMalik highlighted that Shusha exemplifies how supreme human values can endure despite adversaries, stating that the genius artwork is created by those who master the art of marrying color and thought. In this regard, the DG brought focus on the legend of “Khari Bulbul,” a unique and beautiful flower resulting from the fusion of a rose, a thorn, and a singing bulbul (songbird), which Shusha has adopted as its symbol.

    In his speech, Mr. Aydin Karimov, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district, thanked ICESCO and its DG for declaring Shusha Culture Capital of the Islamic World. He noted that the celebration program includes many outstanding activities to be implemented throughout the year.

    Ambassador Nazim Samadov, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Morocco, also expressed his gratitude to ICESCO and its Member States for the honor bestowed upon Shusha. He referred to the words of His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev during the launch of the celebration event of Shusha as Culture Capital of the Islamic World on 11 May 2024. He stated that the people of Shusha are honored to receive the title, which represents evidence of the increasing support and respect from the Islamic world towards Azerbaijan.

    The Event continued with a video presentation showcasing the most notable landmarks of Shusha, including scenes from the launch ceremony of Shusha as the Culture Capital. Following this, the musical segments of the evening commenced, featuring performances by more than 20 artistic and musical groups from Shusha and Azerbaijan, presenting traditional dances, tunes, and songs that highlight Shusha’s rich cultural heritage. These performances received significant interaction from the audience.

    The cultural event at ICESCO headquarters also included a photo exhibition revealing the extent of Azerbaijan’s achievements in reconstructing and rebuilding the beautiful city of Shusha, as well as a display of the most famous and delicious dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine.

    Le Directeur général de l’ICESCO reçoit le Représentant spécial du Président de l’Azerbaïdjan dans la région de Choucha

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr Salim M. AlMalik, Directeur général de l’Organisation du Monde Islamique pour l’Éducation, les Sciences et la Culture (ICESCO), a reçu M. Aydin Karimov, Représentant spécial du Président de la République d’Azerbaïdjan dans la région de Choucha, pour examiner les derniers développements du programme de célébration de Choucha capitale de la culture dans le monde islamique pour 2024, suite au grand succès de la cérémonie de lancement, tenue sous le patronage de S.E. le Président Ilham Aliyev, Président de la République d’Azerbaïdjan.

    Au cours de la réunion, tenue vendredi 7 juin 2024 au siège de l’ICESCO à Rabat, en présence de M. Nazim Samadov, Ambassadeur de l’Azerbaïdjan au Maroc, et la délégation accompagnant M. Karimov, Dr AlMalik a réitéré ses remerciements et sa gratitude au Président azerbaïdjanais, pour son généreux patronage de ladite célébration et pour son soutien constant à l’ICESCO. Il a également remercié Mme Mehriban Aliyeva, Première vice-présidente, première dame de la République, et toutes les autorités azerbaïdjanaises, qui ont déployé des efforts considérables pour assurer le succès du programme de célébration, prévoyant des activités culturelles et artistiques tout au long de l’année à Choucha et dans nombre de villes du pays et d’ailleurs.

    Le Directeur général a souligné la volonté de l’Organisation d’approfondir le partenariat privilégié avec l’Azerbaïdjan, notant que la tenue d’une journée des « Journées de Choucha » au siège de l’ICESCO à Rabat incarne l’un des objectifs les plus importants du programme de l’ICESCO visant à célébrer les capitales de la culture, à savoir présenter le patrimoine culturel de ces villes pour enrichir le dialogue civilisationnel.

    Pour sa part, le Représentant spécial du Président de l’Azerbaïdjan dans la région de Choucha a exprimé ses remerciements à l’ICESCO et à son directeur général pour avoir déclaré Choucha capitale de la culture dans le monde islamique, louant le rôle de l’Organisation dans la promotion des efforts des États membres dans ses domaines de compétence.
    La réunion a examiné les principales activités mises en œuvre à ce jour dans le cadre de la célébration de Choucha, ainsi que les activités prévues dans le futur. Les deux parties ont par ailleurs confirmé leur volonté de poursuivre la coordination et la coopération pour promouvoir le succès de ladite célébration.

    Ont représenté l’ICESCO à la réunion, Dr Abdelilah Benarafa, Directeur général adjoint de l’ICESCO, Dr Mohamed Zinelabidine, Chef du Secteur de la Culture et de la Communication et M. Anar Karimov, Chef du Secteur des Partenariats et de la Coopération internationale.

    À l’issue de cette réunion, le Directeur général a accompagné le Représentant spécial du Président de l’Azerbaïdjan à Choucha, et à la délégation l’accompagnant, dans une visite à l’exposition et au musée de la Sîrah du Prophète de la civilisation islamique, actuellement hébergés au siège de l’ICESCO.

    ICESCO Director-General Receives Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha District

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Aydin Karimov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha District. The Two Officials discussed updates on the program celebrating Shusha as the 2024 Culture Capital of the Islamic world following the remarkable success of the launch ceremony, attended by His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and held under his patronage.

    During the Meeting, held today, Friday, 7 June 2024, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, and in the presence of Ambassador Nazim Samadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Morocco, and the delegation accompanying Mr. Karimov, Dr. AlMalik reiterated his gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for his generous patronage of the celebration of Shusha as Culture Capital of the Islamic world, and for his continuous support to ICESCO. He also expressed his gratitude to the First Vice President, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and all Azerbaijani parties that made significant efforts to ensure the success of the celebration program, which included cultural and artistic activities organized throughout the year in Shusha and several cities in Azerbaijan and other countries.

    ICESCO Director-General emphasized the Organization’s commitment to deepening its outstanding partnership with Azerbaijan, noting that organizing a day of “Shusha Days” at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat embodies one of the key objectives of ICESCO’s program to celebrate cultural capitals, which is to showcase the rich civilizational heritage and cultural legacy of these cities, thus enriching civilizational dialogue.
    For his part, the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district expressed his gratitude to ICESCO and its Director-General for choosing Shusha as Culture Capital of the Islamic World, appreciating the Organization’s roles in supporting its Member States’ efforts in their respective fields.

    The Meeting also discussed the main activities that have been carried out so far as part of the Shusha celebration and the activities planned for the upcoming phase. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue coordination and cooperation to ensure the ongoing success of the Celebration.

    From ICESCO’s side, the Meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, and Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector.


    Following the Meeting, ICESCO Director-General accompanied the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha district and his accompanying delegation on a tour of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Seerah of the Prophet and Islamic Civilization, currently hosted at ICESCO headquarters.

    ICESCO Director-General receives 2024 Mediterranean Award of Excellence

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    During a solemn ceremony in Naples, Italy, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), was awarded the “Mediterranean Award Medal of Honour” for 2024. This prestigious award is annually presented by the Mediterranean and the United States of the World foundations, to kings, presidents, heads of governments, intellectuals, academics, and innovators who have contributed significantly through their remarkable works and diligent efforts to promoting values of coexistence and peace worldwide.

    The Award was presented to Dr. AlMalik during the ceremony, which was attended by high-level dignitaries from various countries, by Dr. Michele Capasso, President of the Fondazione Mediterraneo and Secretary-General of the United States of the World. In his speech, Dr. Capasso affirmed that awarding this prestigious prize to the Director-General of ICESCO was in recognition of his outstanding work and significant efforts in leading the Organization to achieve remarkable accomplishments over the past five years. This has positioned ICESCO at the forefront of international organizations promoting civilizational dialogue and serving humanity without discrimination, in line with a creative foresighted vision.

    In his address, Dr. AlMalik expressed his delight at receiving the award, which symbolizes lofty human values honored by all those who have been bestowed with it, placing their names among a distinguished list of global figures renowned for their wisdom, objectivism, and responsibility.

    His Excellency added that the timing is of utmost significance, given the emerging global phenomena necessitating intensified efforts, an elevation of rationality, and the promotion of peace to instill hope worldwide that there is still a vision to confront the prevailing political, economic, environmental, health, and educational dispiritedness through the vision and action of institutions and their cooperation to anchor human values, which is their Raison d’être.

    Dr. AlMalik emphasized that openness is a highly rewarding value, as ICESCO has demonstrated by navigating its seas and adopting it as its Modus Operandi. It has opened the door to observer membership for countries outside the Islamic world to ensure the consolidation of the global partnership pillar, seeing as without extending our hand in goodwill, we cannot guide the international community out of the instability that many of its components are currently experiencing.

    The Director-General further pointed out that ICESCO has taken a step of deeper impact by celebrating societal segments that require stronger and more serious efforts, foremost among them being women, youth, children, and persons with disabilities. The Organization has consecutively celebrated a whole year dedicated to women and another to youth, and arrangements are underway for its celebration of a special year for the children of the world, believing that the paths of peace can be secured only by allocating more attention to these segments to reclaim their pivotal roles in human development.

    Dr. AlMalik concluded his speech by expressing his gratitude to all members of the Organization, which he is honored to lead, as ICESCO represents a beehive which produces the finest honey, His Excellency added:” The motivations that prompted you to honor my person with this prize, they are driven by a continuous generosity by those who truly deserve gratitude.”
    He concluded by thanking the United States of the World Foundation, affirming that they have planted, through this award, evergreen trees of hope and appreciation.

    For his part, Dr. Abdelhak Azzouzi, member of the Board of Directors of the Euro-Mediterranean University in Fez, Morocco, praised ICESCO Director-General’s reception of this distinguished award, which many consider as the “Nobel of the Mediterranean region.” He reaffirmed that Dr. AlMalik has excelled in leading ICESCO, which includes 53 member states, to become a creative Organization that anchors values of peace, coexistence, love, and harmony across its Member States, and around the world.

    ICESCO Director General Holds Three Meetings on the Sidelines of ICTM in Uzbekistan

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. Almalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held three important meetings on the sidelines of the 12th Session of the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers (ICTM), organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Khiva, Khorezm region, and hosted by the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, on the second of June 2024, under the rallying call, “Developing the Tourism Industry in a Sustainable and Flexible Manner.”

    Firstly, Dr. Almalik met with Hissein Ibrahim Taha, Secretary-General of OIC, to reiterate ICESCO’s keenness to deepen cooperation with OIC and develop projects and activities that serve the Member States of the two Organizations. For his part, Mr. Ibrahim Taha stressed ICESCO’s significant roles in its fields of competence and the need to strengthen cooperation between the two sides.

    Following, Dr. Almalik held a meeting with Mr. Abdukhakimov Aziz, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to commend Uzbekistan’s efforts in organizing and receiving ICESCO’s delegation to ICMT and to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Uzbekistan by implementing joint projects in the fields of preserving ecosystems, mechanisms to face climate change and promoting awareness among the youth of the Islamic world on environmental citizenship for a better tomorrow.

    The third meeting was held with Mr. Khosrov Nazeri, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), a Eurasian organization founded in 1985 to develop economic partnerships among its 10 Member States. The meeting aimed at discussing prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and ECO in areas of common interest to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

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

    ICESCO Director-General Reviews the Organization’s Efforts to Develop Comprehensive Tourism Strategies for the Islamic World

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), emphasized the need for increased efforts to build a promising future for tourism and to make this sector a means for connecting humans, resolving conflicts, and a tool for foresight. Dr. AlMalik affirmed ICESCO’s commitment to developing knowledge related to tourism, thus keeping pace with technological advancements, developing cultural plans, and promoting heritage to raise awareness and enhance tourism destinations.

    Dr. AlMalik made these remarks during his participation in the 12th Session of the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers (ICTM), organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Khiva, Khorezm region, and hosted by the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, under the rallying call, “Developing the Tourism Industry in a Sustainable and Flexible Manner.” The Conference, which is part of celebrating Khiva as the Tourism Capital of the Islamic World for 2024, saw a high-level presence of tourism ministers in the Islamic world, representatives of international organizations, as well as experts and specialists in the field.

    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik stated that tourism is a ground for a multitude of ideas and activities related to politics, economy, culture, and arts and a metric for human mobility, global security, peace, and prosperity. Dr. AlMalik emphasized the freedom of mobility and the role of tourism that extends beyond mere leisure, attracting capital and acquiring knowledge and cultures to serve as a diplomatic soft power.

    In the same vein, ICESCO Director-General stated that the Organization, given its role in the cultural aspects of tourism, seeks to develop comprehensive tourism strategies. Dr. AlMalik underscored the increasing roles of tourism and the need for pooling efforts to develop more equitable and creative policies that address the risks facing this industry, recalling the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on tourism, with the loss of approximately 900 billion dollars in two years.

    Dr. AlMalik presented several recommendations by ICESCO to recover tourism in the Islamic world. These include developing joint plans for the tourism industry, encouraging media to further highlight accomplishments and developments in tourism facilities, establishing a shared tourism information bank, enabling youth in tourism development systems by leveraging artificial intelligence applications, and adopting “intra-regional tourism” among the countries of the Islamic world.

    At the end of his speech, Dr. AlMalik expressed gratitude to H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Uzbek government for hosting the ICTM, which is dedicated to reviving and developing tourism. Dr. AlMalik also thanked the OIC for its continuous efforts and outstanding initiatives and actions.

    ICESCO Director-General Meets with First Assistant to the President of Uzbekistan

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Saida Mirziyoyeva, First Assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, to discuss the importance of developing cooperation between ICESCO and Uzbekistan in areas of mutual interest and ways to ensure the success of the celebration of Samarkand, Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2025.

    During the meeting, held on Friday, 31 May 2024, in Tashkent, Dr. AlMalik commended the outcomes of his meeting with H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and His keen interest in enhancing cooperation between the two sides. Dr. AlMalik affirmed that the Organization’s new vision and strategic orientations adopt openness and cooperation with the Member States to accurately identify their trends and needs and design programs and projects tailored to each country in coordination with their National Commissions.

    Moreover, ICESCO Director-General outlined the main pillars of the Organization’s strategic vision and reviewed its key initiatives and programs, particularly in supporting and building the capacities of women and youth to face future challenges and enhancing the efforts of Islamic world countries in developing their educational systems through using modern technology and encouraging the Member States to invest in space sciences and other future-oriented fields.

    The meeting also touched on several issues of interest to Ms. Saida Mirziyoyeva, including youth, women, girls’ education and the benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence, all of which are areas to which the First Assistant to the President pays close attention and oversees their policy implementation. Dr. AlMalik praised Ms Mirziyoyeva’s remarkable efforts in these areas, which reflect the priorities of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

    For her part, Ms. Saida Mirziyoyeva emphasized her country’s commitment to cooperating with ICESCO in its areas of expertise, hailing the Organization’s new vision, which is aligned with the latest developments worldwide.

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

    ICESCO Director General Meets Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan in Tashkent

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to discuss ways to enhance the partnership between ICESCO and Uzbekistan in areas of common interest.
    At the outset of the meeting, which took place on Friday, 31 May 2024, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tashkent, Dr. AlMalik expressed his delight in meeting with H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Presidential Palace and conveyed his gratitude and appreciation for His Excellency’s keenness to develop cooperation between ICESCO and various institutions in Uzbekistan.

    For his part, Mr. Saidov commended ICESCO’s notable efforts in its areas of expertise, affirming that he had received directives from H.E President Mirziyoyev to intensify communication and coordination with ICESCO to deepen cooperation between the two sides through the implementation of joint programs and projects and the organization of joint international conferences, as well as to ensure the success of the celebration of Samarkand as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2025.

    Following, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the Organization’s current and key initiatives, programs, and projects as part of its new vision and strategic orientations, particularly in youth capacity-building and training them for the professions of tomorrow, supporting entrepreneurship, contributing to the development of education, enhancing the presence of women and girls in various sectors, valorizing and preserving heritage, and consolidating the values of coexistence, peace, and civilizational dialogue.

    As part of Dr. AlMalik’s visit, the two sides also explored areas of cooperation, including preparing for the Samarkand celebration, the establishment of a National Commission in Uzbekistan to follow up on cooperation with ICESCO, engaging Uzbek professionals to join at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, organizing the proposed international conference on the life and publications of Al-Bukhari, and ensuring ICESCO’s participation in international events in Uzbekistan.

    The meeting also discussed a proposal for cooperation between ICESCO and Uzbekistan in the implementation of several joint programs and projects in Afghanistan, particularly in the fields of education, culture, and the preservation and protection of heritage.

    At the end of the meeting, the two parties agreed to form a joint team from ICESCO and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan to draft an agreement on future joint programs and projects between the two sides.

    ICESCO and Uzbek Ministry of Higher Education Agree to Develop Cooperation

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Sarvarkhon Buzrukhonov, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and together discussed ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry to support scientific research and innovation and provide scholarships for students from the Islamic world to study in Uzbek universities.

    At the beginning of the meeting, held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Tashkent, the Director-General highlighted the key programs, projects and training workshops implemented by the Organization to build youth’s capacities in the fields of technology, creativity and innovation, noting the great success of the Youth Support Program in establishing and developing emerging technology projects in Uzbekistan.

    For his part, Dr. Buzrukhonov commended ICESCO’s efforts in supporting the development of scientific research and innovation for the benefit of the Islamic world, stressing the keenness of the Uzbek Ministry to build fruitful cooperation with the Organization in areas of common interest.

    The meeting discussed the establishment of ICESCO Chairs in Uzbek universities and the membership of a number of these universities in ICESCO’s Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW). They also discussed Uzbek universities’ participation in the FUIW activities and programs and explored the possibility of holding the next edition of the Federation’s prize, “My Thesis in 1000 Words” in one of Uzbekistan’s universities.

    At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to sustain coordination to devise practical plans for future cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry.

    ICESCO and Uzbekistan Discuss Developing Cooperation in Environment and Climate Change

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Mr. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in the presence of Mr. Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Ministry’s Tourism Committee. The meeting explored cooperation avenues between ICESCO and the Ministry in the field of environmental protection, awareness-raising about issues related to climate change, and experience-sharing.

    During the meeting, held on Thursday, 30 May 2024, in Tashkent, the ICESCO Director General reviewed the Organization’s major programs implemented in the field of environment, stressing its endeavor to build a sustainable and green future in the Islamic world by promoting a positive climate action plan and contributing to innovative environmental concepts development through support for the establishment of smart, sustainable and resilient cities, and skill enhancement in the field of environmental technologies.

    Dr. AlMalik added that ICESCO is developing programs and implementing workshops for the benefit of women and youth on preserving ecosystems, confronting climate change, consolidating the concept of environmental citizenship, and addressing challenges in the areas of food security and agriculture, noting that the Organization will participate with an outstanding pavilion at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 29), which Azerbaijan is hosting in Baku, next November, and will exert every effort to ensure the participation of the largest number of Muslim countries at the conference, as well as the representatives of ICESCO’s partners around the world to enrich the conference’s discussions and scientific sessions.

    For his part, Minister Abdukhakimov praised ICESCO’s efforts in the field of environmental protection, expressing the Ministry’s keenness to cooperate with the Organization in holding several conferences and workshops to discuss current environmental issues.

    During the meeting, the two parties discussed organizing the first edition of the ICESCO Conference of Ministers of Environment and Culture in the Islamic World in the Republic of Uzbekistan to discuss the impacts of climate change on heritage and archaeological sites and identifying mechanisms for leveraging modern technologies for their preservation.