Category: Director General

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Aziz Alekberli, President of the Western Azerbaijan Community, and several senior leaders of the Community on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan. The meeting focused on strengthening joint cooperation in the preservation of cultural heritage, particularly in areas affected by crises.

At the outset of the meeting, held at the Community’s headquarters, Dr. Alekberli welcomed the Director-General of ICESCO and his accompanying delegation, commending the Organization’s efforts in safeguarding cultural heritage across the Islamic world. Dr. Alekberli emphasized the importance of protecting Islamic heritage in Azerbaijan and underscored the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation between ICESCO and the Western Azerbaijan Community to preserve endangered heritage.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, for his part, emphasized the efforts led by ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Center and called for the inscription of diverse heritage elements on the Organization’s official list as a critical measure for their protection. Dr. AlMalik pointed out that only 16% of Islamic heritage has been inscribed to date, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced cooperation and sustained commitment by Member States to bridge this considerable gap.

At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to hold an international conference in Rabat in the near future to examine mechanisms for protecting Islamic heritage and to enhance coordination between ICESCO and the Western Azerbaijan Community in this strategic domain.

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

In partnership with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Arab Republic of Egypt launched the second edition of the “Be Ready” initiative under the theme “One Million Qualified Innovators,” aiming to equip one million young men and women with future skills and connect them to the labor market. The launch took place during a grand ceremony held in Cairo on Monday 28 April 2025, with high-level attendance from several ministers, senior officials, representatives of international organizations, and youth.

ICESCO and the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education will implement this initiative in partnership with several international actors, foremost among them the Knowledge Project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Global Innovation Institute, and the Education Development Fund affiliated with the Egyptian Prime Minister’s Office.

In a recorded address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, stated that: “This initiative is an open invitation to every pure dream, every burning ambition, and every mind passionate about change. It will provide youth with the arsenal of the future, the keys to leadership, and the tools of the digital economy, serving them as a bridge toward a new world that recognizes only the creative.”

ICESCO DG also praised the fruitful partnership that led to the launch of this pioneering initiative, noting that it serves as a shining example of the integration of international and national efforts. He reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to supporting the initiative and dedicating all its expertise and capabilities to achieving this goal.

During his intervention at the Ceremony, Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and President of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, reviewed the main objectives and implementation stages of the initiative. He explained that it aligns with the goals of the presidential initiative “Alliance and Development,” and will include the launch of an integrated digital platform offering diverse pathways for professional and innovative qualification, as well as providing training and employment opportunities for youth.

For his part, Dr. Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, expressed his pleasure at participating in this initiative, emphasizing that investing in youth is an investment in the future. Meanwhile, Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States of the UNDP, highlighted the importance of the Initiative and the role of international cooperation in building youth capacities and preparing them for the future labor market.

Mr. Anthony Mills, Director of the Global Innovation Institute, emphasized in his speech, delivered via videoconference, the importance of developing students’ capabilities and enhancing their innovative and creative skills to open up new opportunities for them in the labor market.

Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the DG and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector, represented ICESCO at the Ceremony.

The poet Dr. Salim M. AlMalik launched his poetry collection, Khamissiyat (Cinquains), during a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco on Thursday 24 April 2025. The event formed part of the key activities of the 30th edition of Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL), held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, from 17 to 27 April 2025.

The ceremony, attended by a number of high-ranking officials, ambassadors, and prominent poets, opened with introductory remarks by Sudanese poet Ms. Rawda Al-Hajj and Moroccan poet and media figure Dr. Ahmed Lahrichi. This was followed by the screening of a recorded video highlighting Dr. AlMalik’s poetic career.

Next, Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, delivered an address in which he congratulated Dr. AlMalik on the release of his new poetry collection and commended the creative depth of his work. Dr. AlMalik then presented a copy of the collection to Mr. Bensaid.

In his remarks, Moroccan writer and author Dr Abdelilah Benarafa delivered a critical analysis highlighting the poetic features of Khamissiyat since its inception as a weekly publication every Thursday. He noted that Dr. AlMalik masterfully blended poetic elegance with philosophical depth, articulating through it his vision of the world.

Subsequently, Ambassador Khaled Fatah Al-Rahman, Sudanese poet, delivered an artistic reading entitled, Aesthetic Reflections on the Khamissiyat Poetry Experience, in which he examined the defining features of Dr. AlMalik’s poetic style. He noted that Dr. AlMalik writes within the tradition of reflective poetry, and that Khamissiyat reflects both his deep connection to his cultural environment and his upbringing in an educated household.

Following, Mourad Kadiri, President of the House of Poetry in Morocco, delivered an address in which he praised the poetry collection, highlighting its wisdom and emphasizing that it reflects Dr. AlMalik’s decade-long commitment to poetry.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. AlMalik highlighted that Khamissiyat (Cinquains), with its five-line structure, has consistently delved into themes of counsel, wisdom, love, longing, homeland, spirituality, and reflection. He emphasized that the collection has remained vibrant over the past ten years, delivering a weekly message grounded in wisdom.

The event concluded with a live reading of selected poems from the collection, accompanied by the soothing sounds of oud played by musician Mehdi El Ouaqouaqi.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday, April 11, 2025, to promote cooperation and pool efforts geared towards implementing pioneering initiatives in the fields of the knowledge economy, good governance, digital transformation, and analytical studies on sustainable development.

The MoU was signed at ICESCO headquarters by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Arab States, in the presence of Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Advisor and Director of the UNDP Knowledge Project, and Ms. Ilaria Carnevali, Resident Representative of UNDP in the Kingdom of Morocco.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik commended the distinguished partnership between ICESCO and UNDP, expressing his delight at signing this MoU. In this connection, Dr. AlMalik announced the launch of five ICESCO–UNDP initiatives, namely: the second phase of the ICESCO Skills Academy, “The Learning Sprint”; the joint preparation of a panel on the impact of emerging technologies on the skills of the future, to be held during the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly; a conference of higher education ministers on knowledge capacity-building strategies based on the outcomes of the Global Knowledge Index; a data capacity-building program in the Islamic world; and a joint program to support education in crisis-stricken countries.

For his part, Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari expressed his pleasure at visiting ICESCO and signing the MoU, conveying his keen interest in exploring new horizons for constructive cooperation, in light of the significant development of UNDP activities in the Kingdom of Morocco. This development, he noted, provides wider opportunities for cooperation with ICESCO, especially in the field of artificial intelligence. He also highlighted other areas of cooperation, including exchanging and disseminating experiences to Member States, promoting knowledge-based economies, and developing their competitive potential at the global level.

The MoU provides for building institutional and human capacities in the Islamic world through organizing and implementing training courses and workshops to enhance human capital; co-hosting specialized conferences and forums to discuss pressing global challenges; and preparing joint strategic reports on sustainable development. In addition, it provides for cooperation in data collection and impact assessment to support science-based policymaking and research publishing, including the findings of the Global Knowledge Index and strategic reports on education, science, cultural progress, and knowledge-based economies.

Following the signing ceremony, heads of ICESCO’s sectors and departments gave presentations on key initiatives and projects implemented by the Organization, especially in the areas of youth and women’s capacity-building and skill development, promoting innovation, scientific research, and knowledge dissemination, and investing in science and modern technologies to serve the countries of the Islamic world.

In celebration of World Poetry Day, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, a poetry event at its headquarters in Rabat, with the participation of several poets from ICESCO Member States, under the theme “Poetry, the Voice of Humanity, the Memory of the Earth.” The attendees actively engaged with the event, driven by their passion for poetry and their belief in the power of the word to embody beauty and convey deep meanings.

At the opening of the event, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, welcomed the participating poets, praising the status of poetry as one of the most prominent forms of human expression and as a means of self-cultivation and enrichment of the soul. He highlighted the role of poets as guardians of words that carry strong messages aimed at changing society. He also noted that poetry has a unique ability to influence souls and open horizons for thinking and change.

In a measure intended at strengthening the cultural scene in the Islamic world, ICESCO Director-General announced the establishment of ICESCO’s “Center for Poetry and Literature,” which aims to invigorate cultural engagement in the fields of poetry and literature. He explained that it will be a cultural beacon aimed at intellectual and creative enrichment in the Islamic world and will seek to make ICESCO a global hub for culture and poetry.

During the event, poet Rawda Al-Hajj, an expert at ICESCO’s Culture Sector, moderated the screening of The Bird of Ancient Tales, an ICESCO film showcasing poetry’s enduring presence across all aspects of life. The screening was followed by poetry readings from H.E. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik and Ambassador Khaled Fatah Al Rahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, alongside distinguished Moroccan poets, including Dr. Ahmed Lahrichi, Mr. Khalid Boudrif, and Mr. Othman Hichou. Poets from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, and Senegal also participated via videoconference, contributing inspiring verses that enriched the event.

In conclusion, Ms. Rawda Al-Hajj announced the winners of the Cities of Poems Award, launched by ICESCO to celebrate Marrakech, Shusha, and Benghazi as the 2024 Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World. All participants were honored for their exceptional contributions to the enrichment of Arabic and Islamic poetry and culture.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, Assistant Secretary-General for Media and Communication Sector at the Arab League. The two officials discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of media and communication, particularly ICESCO’s accession as Observer in the Council of Arab Information Ministers.

Held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, the meeting began with Dr. AlMalik expressing ICESCO’s appreciation for collaborating with the Arab League and its various bodies, given its significant role in its areas of expertise. He also highlighted the strong relationship between ICESCO and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), reflected in numerous joint activities and initiatives. He emphasized ICESCO’s belief in the importance of synergy among international organizations working in education, science, and culture.

Dr. AlMalik outlined the Organization’s vision, strategic orientations, and key initiatives across the Islamic world. He also noted the structural updates the Organization has undergone in recent years to align with global developments. Dr. AlMalik explained that ICESCO has adopted a communication-driven approach with its Member States to design programs and initiatives that meet their needs and aspirations.

For his part, Ambassador Khattabi affirmed the Arab League’s appreciation for ICESCO’s pioneering role in its areas of competence within the Islamic world. He praised the Organization’s qualitative updates and developments, which have been reflected in its innovative programs and initiatives. He also emphasized the complementary role between ICESCO and the Arab League within Arab countries.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO’s Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; and Mr. Mohamed Hedi Sehili, Head of the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted a Ramadan Iftar banquet on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, for ambassadors of its Member States accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, along with senior diplomats from the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was also attended by heads of sectors, directors of centers, and department heads at ICESCO.

In his welcoming address, ICESCO Director-General Dr. Salim M. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Islamic world countries in the fields of education, science, and culture. He also conveyed the greetings of ICESCO’s General Directorate and staff to all Member States, expressing his wishes for continued security and prosperity across the Islamic world.

The banquet, which gathered more than 40 diplomats, featured a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran in ten Qira’at (recitations) with well-established chains of transmission to the Prophet (peace be upon him). The evening also included religious chanting and a video presentation of Dr. AlMalik’s poem “Muntaha Amri”, performed by Mahmoud Al-Sayyad.