Category: Director General

Mr. Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity of the State of Libya, received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), to explore ways of developing the cooperation relations between ICESCO and Libya in areas of common interest, particularly in light of the celebration of Benghazi as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024, within ICESCO’s Culture Capitals Programme.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in Tripoli, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the major current initiatives, programs and activities of ICESCO, under its new vision and strategic orientations, which focus on building the capacities and developing the skills of women and youth to meet the requirements of the professions of tomorrow, supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening education, and scientific research systems, promoting and preserving heritage through its inscription on its Islamic World Heritage List, and consolidating the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue.
The meeting discussed the importance of the celebration of Benghazi, Culture Capital in the Islamic World, to give a new impetus to the partnership between ICESCO and Libya in the fields of education, science, and culture, and highlight the artistic and cultural elements of Benghazi and other Libyan cities.

For his part, Mr. Dbeibah reaffirmed the State of Libya’s support for ICESCO and its intention to settle its entire arrears to the Organization’s budget, in addition to its willingness to provide funding for a number of ICESCO’s programs and projects in Libya or in other countries of the Islamic world, explaining that the Government of National Unity will finance all programs, projects and activities falling within the Celebration of Benghazi, Culture Capital in the Islamic World.

The Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity commended the roles of ICESCO in supporting the efforts of its Member States in its areas of competence, and expressed special interest in the Organization’s programs to build the capacities of young people and inscribing tangible and intangible heritage, stressing that Libya is fully prepared to host international conferences and seminars of ICESCO.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Libyan Ministry of Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding aiming at enhancing and facilitating cooperation in areas of e-learning, curriculum development, remedial education, combating school dropout, promoting values of tolerance and citizenship, developing education strategies during crises and disasters, training teachers, and supporting and operationalizing affiliated school networks and scientific chairs at the national level.

Mr. Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, attended the signing of the agreement, on May 7, 2024, in Tripoli, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and Dr. Musa Muhammad Al-Maqrif, Libyan Minister of Education, President of the Libyan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture.

The agreement’s areas of cooperation include curriculum development, digital transformation, e-learning, remedial education, combating school dropout and failure, training teachers, supporting educational rehabilitation centers and institutions, and developing a framework for academic certificate and degree equivalency. It also features the exchange of information and experiences in preparing, qualifying, and developing educational, administrative and technical staff, as well as integrating information and communication technology, in addition to preserving the diverse forms of cultural heritage, and encouraging national participation of students in scientific, sports, and cultural events and competitions.

Prior to signing the Memorandum, Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Al-Maqrif held a meeting to review the progress of the partnership between ICESCO and Libya in education, science, and culture, expressing their keenness to strengthen such cooperation by implementing several programs, projects, and initiatives in areas that align with Libya’s priorities and meet its needs within the Organization’s areas of competence.

During the meeting, attended by Mr. Mohamed El Amari Zaid, Libya’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO, the two parties reviewed the results of the key ongoing cooperation programs and projects between ICESCO and Libya, and considered joint project and activity proposal, particularly under the celebration of Benghazi as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Libyan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture announced the initiation of the Celebration of Benghazi as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2024 during a press conference attended by Mr. Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity of the State of Libya and Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), Dr. Musa Muhammad Al-Maqrif, Libyan Minister of Education, President of the Libyan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, as well as several ministers and senior officials.

In his address at the press conference, held in the Libyan capital of Tripoli, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, Mr. Dbeibah stated that the celebration of Benghazi as the capital of culture in the Islamic world attests to its esteemed status and rich heritage as a beacon of knowledge, and home to the first university in Libya. Moreover, Mr. Dbeibah commended the initiatives of ICESCO aimed at enhancing the identity and culture of the Islamic world, expressing his full support for all the activities of the Celebration.

At the outset of his speech, Dr. AlMalik praised Benghazi’s illustrious history and its great figures who impacted the fields of arts, thought, and science throughout the ages. Dr. AlMalik highlighted the prominent landmarks of the city that reflect its unique civilizational heritage, including the Sanabel Theatre, Al Manar Palace, the tomb of Omar Mukhtar, and Benghazi Lighthouse.

ICESCO DG affirmed that the Organization will spare no effort in ensuring the success of the programs and activities of the Celebration and that it will continue its commitment to support Libya in its areas of competence. Dr. AlMalik concluded his speech by delivering a poem he wrote for this occasion titled “The Virtuous Benghazi.”

For his part, Dr. Al-Maqrif stated that Benghazi is deserving of its selection as part of ICESCO’s Culture Capitals Program, given its historical significance and notable contributions to science, thought and culture. Dr. Al-Maqrif noted that this year-round Celebration will include organizing several cultural, heritage, scientific, educational, and sporting activities in various Libyan cities.

Moreover, Mr. Ibrahim Hadiya Al-Majbari, Chairman of the Higher Committee for Celebrating Benghazi as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, stated that Culture unifies the people of Libya and that this Celebration is an occasion to promote the Heritage of Benghazi.

At the end of the press conference, Dr. AlMalik and Mr. Dbeibah exchanged honorary shields.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, to explore prospects to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Senegal in education, science and culture.

The two parties met on the sidelines of the 15th Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul, capital of the Republic of The Gambia.

At the outset of the meeting, held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, Dr. AlMalik congratulated H.E. President Faye on his election as President of the Republic of Senegal and wished him every success in serving his country and realizing his people’s aspirations.
During the meeting, which was attended by a number of ministers and staff of the President, ICESCO DG reviewed the main lines of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations and its practical initiatives in its areas of competence, which have a particular focus on supporting Member States in modernizing their educational systems, developing scientific research, preserving and valuing heritage, building the capacities of youth and women and training them on leadership for peace and security as well as equipping them with the skills needed for tomorrow’s professions.

Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the notable programs and projects between ICESCO and Senegal, implemented in coordination with the Senegalese National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, stressing the Organization’s commitment to communicating with its Member States to identify their priorities and needs and design tailored programs for each of them.

For his part, the Senegalese President lauded ICESCO’s roles and efforts in supporting its Member States in its areas of competence, stressing his keenness to maintain Senegal’s partnership with the Organization.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah Abah and Dr. Alioune Sall, Advisors to the Organization’s General Directorate.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with H.E. Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, to explore prospects to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Tatarstan in areas of common interest.

During the meeting, which took place on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Banjul, the capital of the Republic of Gambia, on the sidelines of the 15th Islamic Summit Conference, Dr. AlMalik stressed ICESCO’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with Tatarstan in capacity building for youth and women and teaching Arabic language, as part of the Organisation’s vision and strategic orientations.

Furthermore, the meeting discussed the “Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group” Forum, to be hosted in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, from May 16 to 19, and ICESCO’s participation with a special pavilion at the Forum’s exhibition and its contribution to the Forum’s panel discussions.

For his part, H.E. President Rustam Minnikhanov welcomed ICESCO’s participation in these major events and the cooperation between the two sides, praising the Organization’s outstanding roles and initiatives in education, science and culture.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco, represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, have signed an annex to amend the Organization’s Headquarters Agreement for the first time in 36 years since it was signed in 1988. Under this agreement, the Kingdom of Morocco grants ICESCO and its staff a set of privileges.

The Agreement was signed on Saturday, May 4, 2024, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of ICESCO, and Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, on the sidelines of the 15th Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul, capital of the Republic of The Gambia.

On this occasion, Dr. AlMalik expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the people and government of the Kingdom of Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, for the continued support to ICESCO and the hospitality granted to its staff in the seat country. These have always been of great help to the Organization in fulfilling its civilizational mission.
The Annex to the Headquarters Agreement accounted for the modification of ICESCO’s name, which was approved in 2020 by its Executive Council which enjoyed the powers of its General Conference.

The Annex also provides several fiscal privileges to the Organization, mainly exemption from all registration taxes, facilitating the issuance of entry visas to Morocco for guests and participants in its activities and for the families of non-national staff and experts, as well as facilitating the conditions for issuing residency permits and replacing diplomatic cars for them.

Moreover, the Annex stipulated the facilitation of issuing entry visas to Morocco and residency permits for ICESCO trainees, selected to participate in its professional training programs for the youth of the Islamic world, during their stay.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), headed a delegation from the Organization to the 15th Islamic Summit Conference, which was held in Banjul, capital of the Republic of Gambia, from May 4 to 5, 2024, in the presence of heads of states and governments from Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The Summit, held under the theme “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development,” discusses the political, economic, social and cultural issues of the Islamic world as well as the causes of youth, women, family, science, technology and media, and Muslim communities in non-OIC Member States. The Summit also features discussions on the brutal Israeli war on Gaza, repudiation of hate speech, promotion of dialogue, consolidation of peace and coexistence, climate change and food security.

ICESCO seeks through its participation to inform the leaders of the Islamic world about the Organization’s efforts in education, science and culture as part of its new vision and strategic orientations based on openness, innovation and creativity aimed at serving its Member States.

ICESCO delegation to the Summit included Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah Abah and Dr. Alioune Sall, Advisors to the Organization’s General Directorate.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), emphasized the urgent need to respect cultural diversity as a cornerstone for fostering harmony and cooperation among societies. Dr. AlMalik called for strengthening cultural dynamics through “soft power,” given its pivotal role in establishing the values of coexistence and peace. Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the historical role of dialogue in bridging the gap between different cultures and promoting tolerance in a world plagued by conflicts resulting from a lack of respect for cultural differences.

Dr. AlMalik delivered his speech during the closing session of the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, held on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, by ICESCO in collaboration with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and several international organizations in Baku.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik began his speech by expressing pride in the Organization’s participation in this major event, which provides an opportunity to discuss and follow up on the international commitment to shared development to ensure “lasting peace and global security.” Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, his government and people for their generous hospitality and excellent organization of the Forum.

Furthermore, ICESCO DG reiterated the necessity for taking responsibility and doubling commitment in today’s globalized world to turn the proposals and recommendations of the Forum into an approach aimed at achieving lasting peace and security. Dr. AlMalik noted the role of international organizations in promoting intercultural dialogue and consolidating coexistence and peace, emphasizing the need to transcend differences and stereotypes to reverse disparities among communities and foster closeness.

Following, Dr. AlMalik pointed out that ICESCO places education, science and culture at the heart of its concerns as they are solid foundations for establishing global peace and security. Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to continue coordinating and building constructive partnerships with its Member States and international organizations to explore ways to enhance collective awareness of the importance of cultural dialogue.

ICESCO DG emphasized the importance of youth’s ideas and actions in advancing the nations, thus the need to involve them. Convinced of the role of youth as peacemakers and the backbone of the future, Dr. AlMalik proposed theming the next edition of the Forum “Youth and Dialogue for the Achievement of Peace, Solidarity and Unity.”