Category: Director General

Dr. Salim AlMalik: Culture remains the cornerstone and enabler of sustainable development.

The 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and hosted by the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on 12-13 February 2025, concluded its proceedings with the issuance of the Jeddah Declaration on the Impact of Culture on Social and Economic Development.

The Jeddah Declaration reaffirmed that culture is a fundamental pillar in building societies, strengthening national identity, and driving economic and social growth. It underscored culture’s central role in addressing contemporary issues and emphasized the need for greater awareness and recognition of cultural rights. The Declaration called for broad efforts to promote access to culture, including training programs, support for high-quality cultural production, and initiatives to enhance public understanding of cultural rights.

Moreover, the Declaration urged intensified efforts to protect the Islamic world’s cultural heritage, particularly in Palestine, given the ongoing attacks on its heritage by occupation forces. The Declaration stressed that safeguarding heritage is a global responsibility.

The Declaration emphasized the vital role of cultural institutions in addressing climate change, stressing the need to empower them to mitigate its effects, manage and protect cultural properties against environmental risks, and ensure their long-term sustainability.

Regarding cultural policies, the Declaration reaffirmed the commitment of Member States to strengthening social cohesion through culture and advancing efforts to integrate culture into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Declaration concluded by endorsing Saudi Arabia’s bid to host MONDIACULT 2029 and commending its Initiative to Enhance the Restitution of Cultural Properties in the Islamic World.

In addition to the designation of Baghdad and Kazan as cultural capitals in the Islamic world for 2026, the final day of the Conference saw the adoption of key documents and initiatives presented by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and ICESCO’s General Directorate. These included:

• ICESCO’s Report on Cultural Achievements
• The Report of the Islamic World Heritage Committee
• The Report of the 19th Meeting of the Consultative Council for Cultural Development
• ICESCO’s Programme on Cultural Rights and the Right to Culture in Islamic World Countries
• Saudi Arabia’s Initiative to Enhance the Restitution of Cultural Properties in the Islamic World
• The Report on Heritage Sites in Danger in the Islamic World
• The Report on the Digitization of Bilingual Dictionaries
• The Report on the Historical Illustrated Dictionary of Arabic Calligraphy

While chairing the closing session, Mr. Rakan bin Ibrahim Al-Touq, Assistant Minister of Culture of Saudi Arabia, delivered a speech on behalf of Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture. Mr. Al-Touq thanked ICESCO for its valuable cooperation and successful organization of the Conference, which was marked by key decisions and initiatives highlighting the significant role of culture in development.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, delivered a closing address in which he praised the Conference’s insightful discussions and contributions. Dr. AlMalik highlighted how these exchanges reflected the attendees’ strong commitment to partnership, cooperation, and consensus—values deeply rooted in the Islamic world’s civilizational heritage. This spirit, he noted, was evident in the Conference’s resolutions and outcomes, which are designed to shape a forward-looking future. Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed that culture remains the cornerstone and enabler of sustainable development.

In conclusion, the Ministers of Culture in the Islamic world extended their deepest gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may Allah protect them, for Saudi Arabia’s generous hospitality and for hosting the Conference.

Dr. AlMalik Holds Talks with the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Six Ministers

During the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, held on 12–13 February in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), led a series of meetings with ministers of culture and senior cultural officials on the conference’s opening day.

First, Dr. AlMalik met with Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. He praised Mr. Moratinos for his active participation in the conference and his insightful opening address. The two explored collaborative projects—such as jointly organizing conferences and events—and stressed the importance of reinforcing efforts toward peace, mutual respect, and the promotion of coexistence, as well as interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

Next, Dr. AlMalik engaged with Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. They focused on celebrating contemporary Islamic art and representing Islam through a modern cultural framework. Both leaders agreed on the need for joint initiatives, especially those aimed at youth, aligning with ICESCO’s new vision.

Following that, Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, to advance efforts to inscribe Egypt’s diverse historical sites and cultural elements on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating on future projects and activities.

Dr. AlMalik also discussed the establishment of a committee with Mr. Nazarbekov Ozodbek Akhmedovich, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The committee will oversee arrangements for celebrating Samarkand as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2025, as part of ICESCO’s Program for Capitals of Culture. They explored practical avenues for collaboration to ensure the success of this initiative, which aims to showcase Samarkand’s rich cultural heritage.

Then, Dr. AlMalik met with Mr. Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, where both stressed their shared commitment to expanding cooperation and executing cultural programs that advance sustainable development.

Additionally, Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Henry Ori, Minister of Education, Science, and Culture of the Republic of Suriname, to explore ways to strengthen the capacities of professionals in culture and heritage preservation through specialized training programs. He also invited Dr. Ori to send a delegation to ICESCO’s headquarters to gain deeper insights into the organization’s operations, thereby fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Later, in his meeting with Mr. Khalid Ali Aleisir, Sudanese Minister of Culture and Information, Dr. AlMalik commended the strong cooperation between ICESCO and Sudan. They discussed strategies to mitigate the war’s impact on Sudan’s cultural sector—focusing on restituting cultural property and preserving national identity—while emphasizing the importance of exchanging expertise to support these initiatives.

Finally, Dr. AlMalik concluded the day by meeting with Mr. Ahmed Karim Aleyawi, Director-General of the House of Iraqi Manuscripts. They explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation in heritage preservation and valorization, and discussed the potential nomination of Baghdad as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World. Dr. AlMalik reiterated ICESCO’s support, highlighting the rich and diverse heritage of Iraqi civilization.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance cultural cooperation and preserve heritage, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has signed three executive agreements with the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Heritage Commission of Saudi Arabia.

These agreements focus on documenting the art of Arabic calligraphy, supporting the inscription of cultural heritage, and developing the creative capacities of individuals across the Islamic world.

The signing took place alongside the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, held in Jeddah.

The first executive agreement, signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Mr. Rakan bin Ibrahim Al-Touq, Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture, aims to document the evolution of Arabic calligraphy across different historical periods with contributions from experts and specialists in the field. This initiative will also involve collecting manuscripts, inscriptions, and artistic works, while a joint task force from ICESCO and the Saudi Ministry of Culture will oversee its implementation.

The second executive agreement, also signed by both parties, seeks to support intellectuals, writers, and artists across the Islamic world. Under this initiative, ICESCO and the Saudi Ministry of Culture will provide specialized training to enhance creative skills, offer opportunities for participation in regional and international cultural and artistic events, and establish platforms for cultural and intellectual exchange.

Regarding the third executive agreement, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik signed the agreement with H.E. Hamid bin Mohammed Fayez, Saudi Deputy Minister of Culture. This program, to be implemented over three years, aims to build capacity for nominating and inscribing historic sites on ICESCO’s cultural heritage lists.

Under this agreement, both parties will coordinate with ICESCO Member States to nominate specialists for participation in training programs, develop training materials, provide experts, and establish mechanisms for selecting trainees and speakers. Additionally, an awareness campaign will be launched to promote the programs and highlight its outcomes.

It is worth noting that the signing of these three executive agreements is part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between ICESCO and the Saudi Ministry of Culture in 2022, which aims to strengthen cultural cooperation, preserve heritage, and support creativity across the Islamic world.

With the esteemed presence of His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan AlSaud, Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World kicked off on Wednesday, 12 February 2025. The event, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), is hosted by Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Culture, under the theme “The Impact of Culture on Socio-Economic Development.” The Conference brings together broad participation by ministers of culture and delegations from ICESCO Member States, alongside heads of several regional and international cultural organizations.

The opening session began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an address from His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan AlSaud, expressing Saudi Arabia’s pride in presiding over the 13th Conference of the Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, which aims to enhance joint cultural efforts and promote culture as a fundamental pillar in achieving socio-economic development.

The Saudi Minister of Culture reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for ICESCO’s efforts in empowering intellectuals and writers from Islamic countries by enhancing their presence in various cultural events and research projects. He also expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the Member States in ensuring the success of this session and the projects and initiatives that will emerge from it, emphasizing the importance of continuing efforts to strengthen joint cultural work.

Dr. Ghanim bin Mubarak Al-Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Qatari Ministry of Culture and Chair of the previous Conference session, reviewed Qatar’s dedicated efforts during its presidency of the Conference to achieve the cornerstones of the Doha Declaration on the Renewal of Cultural Action in the Islamic World, which formed a fundamental reference in protecting, preserving, valuing, and digitizing heritage. He further stressed that cooperation is the best way to achieve success and the key to ensuring a strong and sustainable role for culture in our societies and global civilization.

In his remarks, His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, emphasized his commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Islamic world to contribute to cultural and sustainable development. He praised ICESCO’s endeavors in preserving and promoting Islamic heritage through its various programs and initiatives, particularly in inscribing tangible and intangible heritage sites on heritage lists and assisting Member States in obtaining global heritage recognition. He also highlighted Tatarstan’s keen interest in ICESCO’s Capitals of Culture Program.

For his part, Mr. Hissein Ibrahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), commended the Conference’s theme, which underscores the importance of culture as a driving force for comprehensive development in the Islamic world and its effective role as a soft power that bridges cultures and showcases human values. He pointed out that culture today extends beyond self-expression and national identity to influence the economic identity of countries, which makes it imperative to support cultural and creative industries and be part of the broader vision to promote the culture of the Islamic world and renew its content.

Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, stressed the need to focus on the role that culture can play in achieving sustainable development across economic and social domains and in fostering peace and civilizational dialogue, emphasizing that diversity and plurality are essential elements in achieving global peace. He also outlined the efforts and initiatives undertaken by the Organization to promote lasting peace.

The opening session concluded with remarks by Dr. Salim AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, in which he expressed the Organization’s honor in holding this historic gathering in Saudi Arabia, stating that the Kingdom has “raised high the banner of culture, and by the hands of its youth, charted a course that commands admiration.” He further extended his deep gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its efforts to successfully arrange the hosting of the Conference.

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, Russian Federation, to discuss prospects for strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and Tatarstan in areas of shared interest. The meeting also explored the possibility of designating Kazan as a Capital of Culture in the Islamic World.

The meeting took place on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the 13th Conference of the Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, which is being held on February 12–13. Discussions focused on ICESCO’s support for Tatarstan’s nomination of Kazan as a Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, the establishment of a committee to oversee the meticulous organization of this designation, and joint efforts to ensure the success of activities and programs celebrating this historic city in 2026.

President Minnikhanov expressed his pleasure in attending the Conference, stressing the strong historical, cultural, and heritage-based ties between Tatarstan and the Islamic world. Furthermore, he welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with ICESCO in celebrating Kazan as a Culture Capital. Additionally, President Minnikhanov extended an invitation to Dr. AlMalik and a delegation from the Organization to attend the upcoming edition of the “Russia–Islamic World” KazanForum.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep appreciation for President Minnikhanov’s acceptance of ICESCO’s invitation to attend the Conference in Jeddah, and praised the President’s address during the opening session, which underscored Tatarstan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Islamic world and contributing to cultural development and sustainable growth. Dr. AlMalik also highlighted the exemplary partnership between ICESCO and Tatarstan, which serves as a distinguished model contributing to the Islamic world’s cultural heritage.

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

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in capacity development and skills enhancement to support entrepreneurship and start-ups.

The agreement also includes implementing joint initiatives in agriculture and environmental sustainability, as well as promoting the employment of science and technology to address social and economic challenges. Additionally, it focuses on knowledge transfer and the exchange of experiences among Member States.

The MoU was signed on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, at ITFC’s headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Mr. Nazeem Noordali, Chief Operating Officer at ITFC, in the presence of several officials from both sides.

In his remarks, Dr. AlMalik welcomed the signing and emphasized ICESCO’s rapid progress over the past five years. He highlighted the Organization’s key programs and initiatives, including the development of the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence and its extensive efforts in preserving Islamic heritage and safeguarding cultural identity. He reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to transparency in working with Member States to address their needs effectively.

For his part, Mr. Nazeem Noordali welcomed Dr. AlMalik and the ICESCO delegation to ITFC’s headquarters, commending their visit. He emphasized ITFC’s significant role in financing projects that drive economic development across the Islamic world and highlighted its commitment to effective collaboration with ICESCO in areas of mutual interest to achieve shared objectives.

Under the terms of the MoU, the agreement seeks to establish a framework for cooperation in implementing joint initiatives and programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and start-ups, particularly those targeting youth and women. It also aims to bridge the skills gap in the labor market, especially for vulnerable groups, while leveraging scientific and technological solutions in agriculture, food security, and food waste management as mechanisms for sustainable economic growth.

Additionally, the MoU focuses on enhancing the capacities of Member States to address climate change and promote environmental sustainability through education, innovation, and green technologies, while encouraging knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices between the Member States of both parties.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a delegation from the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science on Monday, February 3, 2025. The meeting marked the beginning of the delegation’s four-day visit to ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, aimed at exploring the Organization’s various sectors, centers, and departments, as well as its working methods and key programs benefiting its Member States.

At the start of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik praised the strong partnership between ICESCO and the Sultanate of Oman, which has led to the successful organization of numerous international programs, workshops, and symposia in the fields of heritage conservation and cultural sustainability. He also expressed gratitude to Oman for hosting the Third ICESCO Conference of Ministers of Education in October 2024 and for its contribution to drafting the Riyadh Charter on AI Ethics for the Islamic World.

Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the Organization’s approach, which is based on communication with National Commissions in order to better identify the priorities of its Member States and implement projects that meet their needs. He also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts to integrate modern AI technologies into its various programs, pointing out that the Organization has recently obtained several prestigious international certifications in the fields of governance, innovation, creativity, and management, thus consolidating its role as an expertise hub that can serve its Member States.

For their part, the members of the delegation praised ICESCO’s efforts to develop the fields of education, science, and culture in the Islamic world. They also expressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation in the fields of scientific research and university chairs in order to make a tangible and lasting impact in the scientific fields.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Director of ICESCO’s General Secretariat for National Commissions and Conferences.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Mondher Belaid, Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, discussed cooperation between their institutions to enhance the university education system and strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and research centers.

During the meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Tunis on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main thrusts of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations, as well as the programs and projects it is implementing, particularly in the areas of capacity building for youth and women, promotion of scientific research and innovation, and investment in technology and AI.

ICESCO Director-General underlined the Organization’s great interest in cooperating with universities as centers of cultural and civilizational influence, stressing the need to work towards the inclusion of Islamic world universities in international rankings that serve as criteria for facilitating cooperation between universities and research institutions, and expressed his keenness to cooperate with Tunisian universities in research fields that fall within ICESCO’s areas of competence and to establish several research chairs within these universities.

For his part, Mr. Belaid presented key indicators of the quality of Tunisian university education, noting that Tunisia is the only Arab and African partner country participating in “Horizon Europe,” the European Union’s primary program for research and innovation. He also expressed Tunisia’s commitment to attracting international students.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat for National Commissions and Conferences; Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of ICESCO’s Foresight and Artificial Intelligence Centre; and Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Director of the Legal Affairs and International Standards Department.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), to discuss prospects for strengthening cooperation and partnership between the two organizations, particularly in education and scientific research.

The meeting took place on Tuesday, 28 January 2025, at ALECSO headquarters in Tunis. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar welcomed Dr. AlMalik and his accompanying delegation during their official visit to Tunisia.
Dr. AlMalik expressed his pleasure at visiting ALECSO headquarters, describing it as a hub of expertise for the Arab world. He highlighted the synergy between the missions of the two organizations in the Islamic world.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to collaborating with ALECSO, emphasizing the importance of fostering trust-based cooperation to achieve shared objectives. He also stressed the need for both organizations to exchange expertise and knowledge in their respective fields.
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar underscored the strong ties between ALECSO and ICESCO, which enable them to tackle common challenges in pursuit of their shared goals. These include advancing education, enhancing scientific research, building high-quality educational systems, and improving curricula. He also highlighted broader efforts to promote culture, science, and education across the Arab and Islamic worlds.

At the end of the meeting, ALECSO presented Dr. AlMalik with its Shield of Excellence in recognition of his contributions to education, culture, and science, as well as his efforts in strengthening the bond between the two organizations.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), has reaffirmed the Organization’s full support for the International Center for Calligraphy Arts’ “Iqraa” project. This initiative was generously launched by H.E. Kaïs Saïed, President of the Republic of Tunisia. Dr. AlMalik highlighted that ICESCO places significant emphasis on manuscripts and is working to establish its own specialized center for calligraphy and manuscripts.

The Statement followed a meeting on Tuesday 28 January 2025, between the ICESCO delegation, led by Dr. AlMalik, and Ms. Amina Srarfi, Tunisia’s Minister of Cultural Affairs. Discussions centered on potential cooperation for securing international funding for the “Iqraa” project, registering Tunisian archaeological sites on ICESCO’s heritage lists, and expanding partnerships in literature and the arts.

For her part, the Minister praised ICESCO’s role in advancing cultural development among its Member States and preserving Islamic heritage by inscribing it on heritage lists and training professionals in the Field. She also reviewed her ministry’s efforts and projects, especially the “Iqraa” project, which involves building an integrated educational heritage city to highlight the cultural and historical significance of the Arabic language and raise awareness of various styles of Arabic calligraphy. Additionally, she emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding Tunisia’s heritage, restituting its cultural assets and heritage elements, and digitizing historical documents and manuscripts for future generations.

The ICESCO delegation included Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of the Culture Sector; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences; Dr. Kais Hammami, Director of the Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence; and Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards.