Category: Director General

The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat hosted today, Friday 15 March 2024, the second meeting of the scientific forum, “A Ramadan Journey into the Depths of the Human Soul.”

The Forum was organized by ICESCO in cooperation with the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco. During the event, Dr. Khadija Abouzid, Professor of Higher Education at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, delivered a lecture titled “Ramadan: a Month for the Healing and Purification of Souls.” The Lecture was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, a group of women ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, members of the Group of Spouses, and a large audience from the general public.

The Meeting kicked off with a general introduction by Dr. Yusra bint Hussain Al-Jazairy, member of the Group of Spouses, who emphasized that the second meeting of the Forum came after the outstanding success of the first meeting with Dr. Khadija Abouzid. She mentioned receiving numerous opinions, inquiries, and requests, most of which focused on the importance of shedding light on practical tools for checking the soul in all its aspects, as discussed in the previous meeting.

Dr. Al-Jazairy added that today’s lecture was chosen based on these requests, and that Dr. Khadija Abouzid would take the attendees on a journey into the depths of their souls and will share with them a set of practical tools applicable in this context. Moreover, she praised the creativity that imbued the lecture given in the previous meeting, especially when it mentioned that humans should always seek to strike a balance between the requirements of the body and the soul.

Dr. Yusra Al-Jazairy concluded her presentation by extending gratitude, on behalf of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, to ICESCO for its excellent organization and gracious hosting.

Following that, Dr. Khadija Abouzid started her lecture, during which she outlined the key steps for healing and purifying the soul. She affirmed that the blessed month of Ramadan is the ideal opportunity for soul purification, as “Shaitan” (Satan), the enemy of mankind, is chained during it, and Allah honors humans with the blessed “Laylat-ul-Qadr” (the Night of Power).

She pointed out that diagnosis is the first step towards rejuvenating and educating the soul by identifying its flaws and kick-starting the healing process. Furthermore, she highlighted that just as the body can be diseased, so can the soul, to which equal attention must be paid.

Dr. Abouzid elaborated on the sicknesses of the heart, as mentioned in the Holy Quran, including deceit, arrogance, and pretentiousness, highlighting that the sicknesses of the soul and heart, worldly attachment, and the whispers of “Satan”, are the obstacles that impede the purification of the soul.

Following the lecture, a discussion session was opened, and several questions and inquiries were addressed by Dr. Khadija Abouzid. Dr. Yusra Al-Jazairy thanked the lecturer for the spiritual journey that touched the hearts of the attendees and inspired them to purify their souls.

The Session concluded with a recitation of the poem “My Ultimate Destination” (Muntaha Amri) written by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, and performed by the Moroccan Nashidist Soumia Massine.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received an official letter from Mr. Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, expressing Brazil’s interest in joining ICESCO as an Observer.

This took place during the reception of Mr. Alexandre Guido Lopes Parola, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the Kingdom of Morocco. At the onset of the meeting, held on 14 March 2024 at the ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik warmly welcomed Brazil’s notable initiative, underscoring its significant importance, and viewed it as a tangible outcome of ICESCO’s adoption of a new vision and open policy in its strategic directions, aimed at benefiting the Islamic world and Muslim communities around the world.

Dr. AlMalik shed light on Brazil’s distinguished historical relations with many countries of the Islamic world, highlighting that its joining ICESCO as an observer would further strength these relations. Moreover, he pointed out that ICESCO’s General Directorate would diligently complete all necessary procedures related to Brazil’s membership.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted that this membership would enhance the existing cooperation between the Organization and Brazil in education, science, and culture, citing ICESCO’s establishment of a research chair on “Art and Nature” at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, as well as the upcoming session of ICESCO’s 4th training workshop for the design of the educational satellite (CanSat) to be held in Brazil.

Additionally, he noted the ongoing cooperation between the education sector in the Organization and Lula Institute, which focuses on social development and education issues. The Brazilian Ambassador to Morocco commended ICESCO’s efforts, affirming that Brazil’s decision to join ICESCO as an observer reflects its keenness to enhance cooperation with the Organization and with Islamic world countries in education, science, and culture.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a delegation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir. The meeting explored avenues of cooperation in supporting youth in technological entrepreneurship through the Explorer Innovation Program, jointly implemented by the Institute and the University. Additionally, discussions centered on enhancing training opportunities for youth in the Islamic world, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and data science.

The delegation included Ms. Jinane Abounadi, Executive Director of the MIT SandBox Innovation Fund Program; Dr. Munther Dahleh, Director of the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society at MIT; and Dr. Mohamed Benkamoun, Pedagogical Director at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.

During the meeting held at the ICESCO headquarters in Rabat on March 11, 2024, Dr. AlMalik stressed the Organization’s keenness to enhance the roles of youth in the Islamic world through the implementation of initiatives and programs aimed at supporting and building their capacities in various fields. These efforts are designed to prepare them to adapt to the rapid changed in the technology landscape and equip them with the necessary skills for future professions.

Heads of sector, experts, directors of departments and centers at ICESCO reviewed key programs and projects implemented by both sides to support youth in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and discussed cooperation prospects between ICESCO, MIT, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in these areas.

In conclusion, it was agreed to sustain coordination to develop executive plans for joint cooperation programs and projects.

Dr. Salim. M. AlMalik,  Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with the second cohort of trainees from Mohammed bin Salman ‘MiSK’ Foundation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the end of their ten-week training period at various sectors, departments and centers at the Organization. The training falls within the framework of cooperation and partnership between the Organization and the Foundation, in coordination with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

At the beginning of the meeting, held on Monday, March 11, 2024, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General and several heads of sectors, departments and centers, Dr. AlMalik commended the efforts of the Misk Foundation youth and their outstanding performance during their training period, stating that they have succeeded in representing their country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  The Director-General also commended the successful partnership among the Organization, the Saudi National Commission and Misk Foundation, manifested, among others, in this successful professional training. 

Moreover, the Director-General stated that the Organization implements a number of training programs both at its headquarters and in its Member States, notably the Young Professionals Program and the Leadership Training for Peace and Security Program, targeting young people and women from the Islamic world at large. 

The Director General also expressed his appreciation of the trainees’ views and ideas concerning ICESCO’s programs with the aim of developing the fields of education, science and culture in the Islamic world, stressing that the Organization will remain in contact with them and will examine the implementation of a number of these proposals in line with its future plans.

For their part, the Misk Foundation youth expressed their delight at receiving training within the sectors, departments and centers of ICESCO, praising the great cooperation of the Organization’s experts and the training in a distinctive and open work environment that encouraged them to express their ideas freely and develop their skills and leadership abilities.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented the trainees with commemorative shields, in recognition of their efforts throughout the training period.

The second cohort of trainees from Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (MiSK) concluded its 10-week training period spent at the various sectors, centers, and departments of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The training is part of the partnership between ICESCO and MiSK Foundation, in coordination with the Saudi National Commission.

During the closing ceremony, held on Thursday, 7 March 2024, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, in his speech via videoconferencing, lauded MiSK trainees for being role models for Saudi youth through their efforts and diligence during the training period, noting the programs and projects they proposed to develop the fields of education, science, and culture in the Islamic world.

Dr. AlMalik thanked MiSK Foundation and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science for their continuous cooperation and coordination with the Organization to implement a set of training programs for youth of the Islamic world, and expressed his keenness to receive the third cohort of MiSK trainees.

For his part, Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, highlighted the Organization’s efforts through its programs, projects and activities to keep up with the global knowledge and technological development, and build future leaders through training opportunities for youth to build their capacities and enhance their knowledge.

Moreover, Dr. Benarafa commended MiSK trainees for their enthusiasm, seriousness, and perseverance during their internship as well as their endeavor to learn from the experience of the Organization’s staff and experts, nationals of different countries.

The ceremony was an opportunity for MiSK trainees to submit their proposals on innovative programs, projects, and initiatives developed during their training period at ICESCO. These proposals were pertinent to culture, heritage preservation and valorization, protection of cultural property, promoting civilizational dialogue values, supporting girls and women, and promoting the Arabic language globally.

At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Benarafa and Mr. Ahmed bin Baz, Representative of the Saudi National Commission, handed MiSK trainees certificates and honorary shields for successfully passing the intensive training period at ICESCO.

His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, received Dr. Salim. M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), at the Presidential Office in Munyonyo Hotel, which hosted the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement Last January. This is the first meeting between the President of Uganda and the ICESCO Director-General since the country’s accession to the Organization.

During the meeting, held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, with the presence of a host of Ugandan ministers and officials and an ICESCO delegation, Dr. AlMalik commended the fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and Uganda, highlighting several programs and projects the Organization implemented in the Republic over the past four years, aimed at meeting the country’s needs in the fields of education, science and culture. These include supporting the creation of a production unit of hygiene products during the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraging innovation, building women and youth’s entrepreneurial capacities, and the initiative to create a scientific research chair on mental health at Kampala’s International University.

The Director-General added that the Organization works toward building young people’s capacities and developing their leadership skills in the field of peacebuilding, noting the success of ICESCO’s Leadership Training for Peace and Security, first launched in 2021.

For his part, the Ugandan President commended ICESCO’s efforts to support its Member States and the waves of development and renewal the Organization enjoys to promote the fields of education, science and culture in the Islamic world, stressing the role of cooperation in achieving social cohesion and spreading peace and security.

Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, attended the meeting.

Within the framework of its Year of Youth, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) announced the accreditation of 100 new young ambassadors for peace from 68 countries, on Tuesday (March 5, 2024), at Kampala University, in Kampala, Uganda, during the launch of the activities of the third cohort of its Leadership Training Programme for Peace and Security (LTIPS) for 2023, bringing the number of ICESCO Young Peace Ambassadors to 180 in total.

Young people will be qualified and mobilized to contribute to building peace, consolidating the values of coexistence and tolerance, and maintaining social cohesion in their countries through training sessions and workshops, facilitated by thinkers, specialized experts, and inspiring leaders from around the world.

During the accreditation ceremony of ICESCO’s Young Peace Ambassadors, which was attended by Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, Ugandan Minister of State for Higher Education, and Dr. Abbas Agaba, Secretary-General of the African-Arab Youth Council, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stressed that these young people will become peace ambassadors to serve as leaders of positive change in their societies amid the widespread conflicts and wars, indicating that the Organization aspires to reach 500 young peace ambassadors by 2025.

In his speech, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo congratulated the young men and women on their appointment as ICESCO Peace Ambassadors, commending their key role in consolidating coexistence in the countries of the Islamic world and beyond.

For her part, Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector at ICESCO, stressed that the Organization believes in the necessity of building inclusive societies, indicating that LTIPS has achieved great success since its launch in 2021, including its current edition, being held under the theme ‘Planting the seeds of peace by mobilizing women and young leaders’, which witnesses a wide participation of over two thousand candidates, from whom one hundred young men and women were selected.

Afterwards, Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Muyingo decorated the new ICESCO Peace Ambassadors.

It is noteworthy that ICESCO’s LTIPS aims to build the capacities of young people and develop their leadership skills, through 10 training modules, based on ICESCO 360° Peace Approach, focusing on the various dimensions of building and strengthening peace, and providing the opportunity for young people to exchange with inspiring leaders from different generations and countries, in addition to special workshops for the Youth Peace Incubator.