Category: Director General

Under the patronage and presence of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the ceremony celebrating the completion of the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. The event took place on Monday, December 22nd, 2025, in Doha, Qatar, with high-level attendance including ministers, representatives of regional and international organizations, heads of language academies, members of the Dictionary’s scientific council, and experts and researchers.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that ICESCO is fully committed to supporting the Dictionary, positioning itself as a gateway for this pioneering project to the Arab and Islamic world through a long-term strategic partnership. He noted that the Dictionary holds a unique distinction and excellence, meeting aspirations while anticipating future opportunities and challenges.

The ICESCO DG praised the patronage of H.H the Amir of Qatar for the dictionary project, which began 13 years ago and involved a select group of experts from across the Arab world. He stated: “The Doha Dictionary is the first of its kind to comprehensively document Arabic words and their meanings.”

Dr. AlMalik explained that the Dictionary, which includes more than 300,000 entries, represents a unique resource for scholars, students, and researchers. He affirmed that its completion is a milestone in the advancement of knowledge, and reflects the region’s ability to produce civilizational projects with global impact. He concluded his remarks by reciting a poem he composed for the occasion.

The ceremony also featured remarks by Ms. Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, Qatari Minister of Education and Higher Education; Dr. Azzeddine Bouchikhi, Executive Director of the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language; Dr. Azmi Bishara, DG of the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies; and Dr. Mahmoud Al-Sayed, Head of the Arabic Language Academy in Damascus.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, H.H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani honored the experts, researchers, and editors who worked on completing the Dictionary project across its various stages.

The Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language was launched in 2013 by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies in Qatar. The project includes a textual corpus of approximately one billion words. The Dictionary uniquely documents the evolution of Arabic words from their earliest appearances in inscriptions and texts, tracing changes in their forms and meanings within textual contexts and following the language’s chronological development.

The Financial Control Committee (FCC) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded its annual meeting on Friday, 19 December 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. During the meeting, the Committee approved the financial reports submitted by the General Directorate, as well as the closing accounts for the 2024 financial year, reaffirming in its final report the high level of professionalism and transparency demonstrated in the presentation of data and the management of resources.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, had instructed heads of sectors within the Organization to extend full cooperation to FCC members, expressing his appreciation for their efforts and their role in strengthening ICESCO’s financial management system.

He also reaffirmed the General Directorate’s commitment to sustain cooperation, guided by a financial and administrative vision grounded in efficiency, responsibility, and the consolidation of sound governance principles.

The ICESCO FCC is composed of Mr. Yussuf Ali Najar, Representative of the State of Kuwait as Chairman of the Committee and Mr. Abdulaziz bin Saad Adabbas, Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as Rapporteur.

The FCC is also comprised of three members, namely Mr. Heizrul bin Ali, Representative of Malaysia; Mr. Araz Baghirli, Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan; and Mr. El Hadji Habib Kébé, Representative of the Republic of Senegal.

Over the course of five days, the FCC held a series of meetings with officials from the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences, as well as the Departments of Legal Affairs and International Standards, Administrative Operations, Financial Operations, and the Financial Control Office. These meetings focused on reviewing detailed financial reports and examining various documents related to accounting matters and expenditure across the Organization’s programs and projects.

FCC members also visited several ICESCO sectors to gain first-hand insight into administrative and financial work mechanisms, as well as the monitoring and auditing systems in place.

At the close of the meeting, the Committee expressed its satisfaction with the level of financial discipline and the quality of the reports presented, noting that the consolidation of a culture of transparency and accountability within ICESCO enhances partners’ confidence and supports the Organization’s capacity to mobilize additional resources in service of the priorities of its Member States.

The FCC’s report is scheduled to be submitted to ICESCO’s Executive Council and General Conference in the coming months.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Khaled El-Enany, UNESCO Director-General, on Friday, 19 December 2025, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

During the meeting, the two parties agreed to further develop the partnership agreement signed between the two organizations, ushering in a new phase of cooperation and institutional synergy, and enhancing the impact of joint action in the fields of education, culture, and science at both the regional and international levels.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik extended his congratulations to Dr. El-Enany on assuming the position of UNESCO Director-General for the 2025–2029 term, expressing his aspiration to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two organizations in the coming period, in a manner that keeps pace with global transformations and serves the interests of the Member States.

Moreover, the Director-General underscored the importance of complementarity between ICESCO and UNESCO within their respective areas of expertise, and the key role of joint action in fulfilling the civilizational mission of international organizations, while enhancing their impact in supporting education, safeguarding culture, and advancing science.

The two parties agreed to update the partnership agreement to include new priority areas of cooperation, notably strategic foresight, artificial intelligence, and the preservation of endangered world heritage. The parties also agreed to organize joint programs and activities that reflect the complementary roles of both organizations.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector, and Ms. Somia Djakta, Head of the ICESCO Office to UNESCO.

Following the meeting, Dr. Khaled El-Enany hosted a luncheon in honor of the ICESCO Director-General and his accompanying delegation, marking their first visit to UNESCO Headquarters since he assumed his duties.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the International Forum on Peace and Trust, held on Friday, 12 December 2025, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The Forum was attended by heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international organizations and institutions, on the occasion of Turkmenistan’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of its status of permanent neutrality, the International Day of Neutrality, and the proclamation of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust.”

In his address to the Forum, Dr. AlMalik underscored the importance of trust as a fundamental moral value and a guiding force in an increasingly turbulent world, describing it as a “sacred trust” and a responsibility that links integrity to action, strengthens cooperation, and transforms intentions into lasting peace.

Furthermore, the Director-General reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to preparing a new generation of leaders in the Islamic world through its flagship programs in this field, including the Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS) program and the ICESCO Youth Peace Ambassadors Program, which aim to empower young leaders as the foundation of change for peace and for building the societies we aspire to.

The participation of the ICESCO Director-General in this international forum reflects the Organization’s steadfast approach to supporting and promoting the values of peace, coexistence, and civilizational dialogue, as well as encouraging international initiatives that seek to entrench a culture of dialogue and harmony among different peoples and societies.

The International Forum on Peace and Trust is increasingly cementing its standing as a prominent international platform for the exchange of views on ways to strengthen multilateral cooperation, consolidate mutual trust, and build effective partnerships that contribute to supporting regional and international security and stability.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the unveiling ceremony of the Neutrality Monument, which was erected in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on Friday, 12 December 2025, in celebration of the International Day of Neutrality, observed annually on December 12th.

The ceremony was attended by a number of heads of states, leaders of international organizations, ministers, and dignitaries, including H.E. President Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation; H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye; H.E. President Dr. Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, President of the Republic of Iraq; and H.E. President Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in addition to the heads of Central Asian states.

Participating leaders and officials laid wreaths at the monument as an expression of appreciation for the values of neutrality and peace, and for the promotion of mutual understanding among nations.

Dr. AlMalik took part in the ceremony by laying a wreath on behalf of ICESCO, reaffirming the Organization’s commitment to supporting the principles of peace, dialogue, and coexistence, and to strengthening trust among peoples.

Commemorative photographs were also taken prior to the launch of the International Forum on Trust and Peace, which was held later that day in the city of Ashgabat, in conjunction with the celebration of the International Day of Neutrality.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), began an official visit to Turkmenistan on Thursday, 11 December 2025, to participate in international activities marking Turkmenistan’s 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality, International Day of Neutrality, and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.

Dr. AlMalik commenced his visit to the capital, Ashgabat, by taking part in the flag-raising ceremony at the Neutrality Monument, in the presence of several heads of state and government, ministers, representatives of international organizations, and high-level guests.

Following that, Dr. AlMalik visited the Exhibition of Economic Achievements of Turkmenistan, which highlights the country’s economic and developmental progress, particularly in the sectors of transport, energy, and communications, and reflects its commitment to internationally recognized positive neutrality.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, to discuss ways of strengthening strategic cooperation between ICESCO and Azerbaijan. The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of the international conference held in Baku to launch ICESCO’s Artificial Intelligence Index for the Islamic world, organized in collaboration with the Ministry and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Baku, Dr. AlMalik commended Azerbaijan’s commitment to promoting technology, innovation, and knowledge dissemination, and reaffirmed ICESCO’s readiness to expand joint initiatives aimed at supporting digital education and scientific research in Member States.

For his part, Mr. Amrullayev stressed the Ministry’s keenness to deepen cooperation with ICESCO in developing artificial intelligence policies, training teachers, and building youth capacities across Member States.

The meeting featured in-depth discussions on programs and initiatives jointly implemented for the benefit of the Islamic world, particularly in artificial intelligence technologies, as well as an overview of future action plans between both parties in this regard.

Attending the meeting on behalf of ICESCO were Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah, Advisor to the Director-General; Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku; and Mr. Murad Aliyev, Expert at the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences signed an updated framework agreement regarding the “Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Fund to Support ICESCO.” This Agreement establishes a comprehensive reference framework regulating the strategic partnership between the two sides and enhancing institutional coordination for the development of education in Islamic world countries.

The Agreement was signed on Monday, 8 December 2025, in Baku, Azerbaijan, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, and Mr. Humaid Mohammad Al Qutami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation. It aims to support a range of educational and pedagogical programs implemented by ICESCO in its Member States, with particular emphasis on teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers through advanced technologies. The Agreement also intends to bolster programs of the “Mishkat” platform for distance training, launched jointly by the two parties.

Furthermore, the Agreement seeks to achieve a set of strategic objectives, most notably supporting the quality of education and advancing educational systems in Member States, strengthening pedagogical capacities, exchanging knowledge and expertise, in addition to promoting a culture of educational excellence.

It is noteworthy that the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Fund to Support ICESCO constitutes an effective and sustainable mechanism for financing joint programs and projects that align with ICESCO’s priorities and the Foundation’s directions in the fields of education, scientific research, and educational excellence.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in the fields of cultural heritage preservation and intercultural dialogue on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Foundation’s headquarters in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Ms. Aktoty Raimkulova, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, in the presence of Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku, and a group of the Foundation’s leaders.

Following the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik affirmed ICESCO’s interest in building international partnerships to foster cultural understanding, noting that cooperation between the two parties will open broad horizons for joint projects focusing on creativity and cultural exchange.

For her part, Ms. Raimkulova emphasized that the memorandum constitutes a strong framework for joint action to preserve the region’s rich cultural heritage, noting the Foundation’s commitment to cooperating with ICESCO to implement innovative programs that promote awareness of heritage and support scientific research.

The MoU provides for the launch of joint initiatives that contribute to the protection of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, the promotion of cultural education, and the strengthening of ties between ICESCO Member States and Turkic States.