Category: Director General

As part of its celebration of the World Arabic Language Day, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and cultural Organization (ICESCO) held the International Conference, Diplomatic Outlook on the Arabic Language, on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at its headquarters in Rabat. The Conference brought together high-caliber participation including officials, ambassadors and members of foreign diplomatic missions in a number of countries, for whom Arabic has played a key role in advancing their careers. The Conference discussed the importance of developing programs for teaching Arabic for diplomatic purposes and raising awareness of this language’s civilizational significance and great impact in the political and diplomatic scene.

The Conference opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an address by Dr. Majdi Hajji Ibrahim, Head of the Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, who welcomed the participants, commending their efforts to promote and disseminate the Arabic language.

In his address, Dr. Salim. M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stated that the Conference is held at the end of a year full of achievements and initiatives, including the leading initiative to coin the concept of civilizational diplomacy, stating that language communication is one of the pillars of the civilizational diplomacy ICESCO seeks to anchor.

Dr. AlMalik added that the creative contributions of the Arabic language in computer and digital applications remain scarce, noting that foresight studies indicate that Arabic can score more outreach on the global linguistic scene, which calls for according more attention to strategic linguistic planning to disseminate Arabic and consolidate its global status.

Afterwards, Amb. Dr. Abdulaziz Ahmad, Ambassador of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, talked about his journey learning Arabic, which started with memorizing the Holy Quran, calling for providing modern Arabic dictionaries. Speaking next, Amb. Mohammad Sami Rahman, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Morocco, stated that language is one of the key tools to reflect nations’ cultures, noting that a language’s beauty is manifested through its strong expressive abilities and rich vocabulary.

For his part, Dr. Rachid Lahlou, Former Moroccan Ambassador to the UN, highlighted the history of adopting and using Arabic in international diplomacy, starting with its first use in the United Nations in 1955, up to its adoption as an official UN language as the General Assembly held in 1973.

The Conference featured a video screening on ICESCO’s series, Diplomatic Outlook on the Arabic Language, which included meetings with a number of foreign ambassadors who talked about their experiences and interesting journeys learning the Arabic language.

Following the opening session, the first working session was held under the theme, “Challenges to learning Arabic in the international diplomatic and political sphere”, with the participation of a number of diplomats from Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Chad and Spain.

Afterwards, the names of the winners of ICESCO Youth Contest for Digital Arabic Content were announced. The ICESCO Director-General presented the prizes to the three winners, namely, “International Open Arabic Platform” from Türkiye (first prize winner), Shuruq Library App from Kuwait (second prize winner) and the Arabic Garden App from Morocco (third prize winner).

The second working session discussed the theme, “Prospects of the Arabic language in the fields of politics and diplomacy”, which saw the participation of a host of experts from Morocco, Japan, Jordan and Türkiye. The Conference concluded its proceedings by holding a specialized training session on modern methods to teach Arabic for diplomatic purposes, moderated by the international expert, Dr. Mohamed Alaoui from Sultan Moulay Slimane in the Kingdom of Morocco.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded its program aimed at training youth on creating and developing small-scale projects in technology and innovation in Mali. The announcement highlighted the three winning national-level teams out of 63 participating in the program carried out by ICESCO’s Science and Technology Sector in Mali, in collaboration with the business incubators “New Innovation Space” and “DoniLab.”

During the final phase of the event held in Bamako on Friday, 22 December 2023, participants presented their technological project ideas before a jury comprising local experts and representatives of the “New Innovation Space” business incubator. During his address via video conferencing at the opening session, Dr. Mohamed Sharif, advisor in ICESCO’s Science and Technology Sector, commended the efforts of Islamic world youth in the fields of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing their role in contributing to sustainable development in their respective countries.

The first-place winner was the “Jibo Services” team, presenting a project aimed at improving living conditions for rural residents by developing climate change adaptation mechanisms. The second-place winner, “Speak Mali”, proposed a project to convert waste into organic fertilizers through a specialized biodigester system. The third-place winner was the “Bololo Bop” team, introducing a digital advertisement platform which serves their ads through cultural shows.

It’s worth noting that ICESCO’s program for training youth on creating and developing small-scale technology and innovation projects was implemented in 10 Member States during its first edition in 2022, while the second edition will include 10 more countries by the end of 2023. This program is part of ICESCO’s strategy aimed at supporting startups in the field of innovation and technology within its Member States.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a meeting with Mr. Ahmed Sayed Ahmed Agg, Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports and Relations with Parliament, President of the Mauritanian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, to discuss developments in the partnership between ICESCO and Mauritania in cultural fields.

The meeting, which was held at the Ministry’s headquarters, came as part of ICESCO’s Director-General visit to Mauritania to attend the International Conference on the Role of Women Leaderships in Empowering Women in the Digital Field, the closing of Nouakchott Celebration as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2023, and the appointment of Her Excellency Dr. Maryam Mohamed Fadel Al-Dah, First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, as the Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the results of the reception of His Excellency Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to Dr. AlMalik, the developments in the partnership between the Organization and Mauritania in the fields of education, science and culture, and ways of consolidating the outcomes of the celebration of Nouakchott, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2023.

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the proposals and mechanisms for developing a strategic plan to develop and promote the Mauritanian Mahdara, thus continuing its enlightenment role as the pillar of original education system in Mauritania and a beacon of its cultural identity throughout history.

The meeting saw the attendance of Mr. Mohamed Ould Sidi Abdallah, Secretary-General of the Mauritanian National Commission, while ICESCO was represented by Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of ICESCO Culture and Communication Sector, Dr. Ahmed Saeed Abah, Advisor to the Director-General in charge of partnerships and international Cooperation Communication Sector and Dr. Nami Salehi, Supervisor of ICESCO Centre of Heritage in the Islamic World.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) met with Ms. Fatimetou Abdel Malick, President of Nouakchott Region in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

At the beginning of the meeting, held at the Region’s headquarters, Dr. AlMalik expressed his thanks and appreciation for the Region’s tireless efforts to contribute to the success of the Celebration of Nouakchott as Culture Capital in the Islamic World  for 2023, a year-long festivity that showcased the city’s diverse and unique cultural heritage.

For her part, Ms. Fatimetou Mint Abdel Malick commended ICESCO’s roles in ensuring the success of the celebration and taking part in the implementation of its activities throughout the year. She also commended the participation  of ICESCO’s delegation in the closing ceremony.

The two parties reaffirmed their keenness to sustain coordination and cooperation to consolidate the cultural gains scored during the celebration year.

At the end of the meeting, the Director-General and Region President exchanged commemorative shields.

Prior to the meeting, the two parties visited the Permanent Cultural Diplomacy Exhibition, which was inaugurated at the Place de la Liberté in front of the Mauritanian Parliament, during the Celebration of Nouakchott as Culture Capital in the Islamic World. The Exhibition features photos of Mauritanian figures across a variety of fields, in addition to information on the country’s institutions.

They also visited the plaque placed in the same square bearing the poem, “Flower of Culture Capitals”, which Dr. AlMalik wrote and read out at the opening of the Celebration.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) announced the appointment of Her Excellency Dr. Maryam Mohamed Fadel Al-Dah, First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, as the Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador, in recognition of her leading humanitarian roles, constructive social efforts and initiatives at the national and international levels.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, presented Her Excellency the First Lady with the certificate and medal of accreditation at the close of the celebration of Nouakchott, Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2023, held on Friday (December 22, 2023), in the presence of high-level ministers, senior officials, and a number of ambassadors accredited to Mauritania.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that the appointment of the First Lady of Mauritania as ICESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador culminates her outstanding career in the fields of social, humanitarian and cultural action aimed at enhancing the status of women and achieving equality and social cohesion with her firm and belief that the progress and prosperity of societies is closely tied to the opportunities provided to women to fulfil leading role.

He added that Her Excellency Dr. Mariem Mohamed Fadel Dah has been supporting ICESCO’s initiatives, highlighting that the Organization is endeavoring to implement many activities and programs for the benefit of women and youth in Muslim countries, with Her Excellency’s generous participation. “Dr. Mariem Mohamed Fadel Dah will give new impetus to ICESCO’s Goodwill Ambassadors Program to disseminate the Organization’s goals and highlight its new vision towards educational, scientific and cultural development in the Islamic world,” stressed Dr. AlMalik.

The ceremony also featured a video produced by ICESCO on the First Lady’s sustained efforts in launching initiatives and programs as well as participation in international fora.

Following the accreditation ceremony, Her Excellency Dr. Mariem Mohamed Fadel Dah expressed her happiness to be honored by ICESCO, stressing that it is an honor for Mauritanian women and an incentive for their creative efforts, conjunctly with the close of the Celebration of Nouakchott, Culture Capital in the Islamic World, which makes it even better, concluding her address by expressing her thanks to ICESCO.

It is noteworthy that within the framework of its new vision and strategic orientations, ICESCO has adopted a new framework for its Goodwill Ambassadors Program that takes into consideration the geographical distribution of ICESCO’s Member States and seeks to ensure the appointment of pioneering and influential women leaders, in their countries and abroad, and diversify the specialties these figures.

The activities of the celebration of Nouakchott as Culture Capital in the Islamic world for 2023 have officially concluded under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. This celebration was organized as part of the program of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) to honor the cities of the Islamic world. Over the course of the entire year, more than a hundred cultural activities were implemented, including exhibitions, intellectual forums, as well as a considerable number of training sessions and workshops.

The closing ceremony, held on Friday 22 December 2023, was attended by Dr. Mariem Mohamed Fadel Dah, First Lady of Mauritania, along with several ministers and senior officials. The event began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a film showcasing the key moments of Nouakchott’s celebration as Culture Capital in the Islamic world for 2023.

Subsequently, a poem was presented to introduce the treasures of embedded within Mauritania’s cultural heritage and its rich components, which have fused together to give rise to a unique culture that incorporates all its diverse elements. Furthermore, a film was presented, offering a glimpse into the proceedings of the International Conference on the Role of Women’s Leadership in Empowering Women in the Digital Field, organized by ICESCO and its Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW) in Nouakchott.

In his remarks, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, commended the remarkable success of the celebration of Nouakchott as Culture Capital. The event exemplified sophistication, beauty, diversity, and richness in activities and programs, emphasizing authenticity, literature, poetry, sports, and the development of the capabilities of children, youth, and women. Moreover, the celebration aimed at professional and digital training, and foresight.

Dr. AlMalik underscored that the conclusion of the celebration symbolizes the perpetuation of the global cultural journey, expressing gratitude to the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and all entities that contributed to the celebration. Dr. Al-Malik also shared a poem titled « Sun of Chinguetti », which he specifically composed for this occasion.

In her speech, Mrs. Fatima bint Abdelmalik, President of the Nouakchott Regional Council, affirmed that the designation of Nouakchott as Culture Capital in the Islamic world for 2023 was a source of great pride for all. This recognition served as a valuable opportunity to spotlight Mauritania’s cultural heritage and the intellectual richness of the country, embodying what Mauritania represents as a convergence point for various African cultures.

Mr. Mohamed Sidi Abdallah, Secretary-General of the Mauritanian National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, praised the fruitful collaboration with all entities that contributed to the success of the celebration. He noted that this collaboration marked a significant milestone in valuing culture and cultural economy at the national level.

In the closing remarks, Mr. Ahmed Sid’Ahmed Dié, Mauritanian Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Relations with Parliament, extended gratitude to ICESCO for its commendable efforts, starting from the designation of Nouakchott as Culture Capital to the continuous support throughout the year-long festivities. Mr. Agg pointed out that Mauritanian authorities gained valuable experience in organizing diverse activities during the celebration.

Following this, Dr. Mariem Mohamed Fadel Dah, First Lady of Mauritania, was declared ICESCO Goodwill Ambassador. For this, Dr. AlMalik presented her with a medal and an accreditation certificate.

The International Conference on the Role of Women Leaderships in Empowering Women in the Digital Field issued a set of recommendations, at the close of its proceedings, on Thursday, December 21, 2023, in Nouakchott, capital of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, following rich discussions and constructive interactions. The Conference was held by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and its Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), and saw high-caliber women participation and experts in the field of digital transformation from ten countries.

The Conference, held under the patronage and in the presence of Dr. Maryam Fadel Al-Dah, the First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, recommended focusing on digital governance, organizing intensive training sessions for girl dropouts, and promoting digital entrepreneurship. It also recommended bridging the gap between rural and urban areas in terms of Internet services, training children and young people in the fields of digitalization and AI ethics, and setting up digital networks for women and digital university centers.

Following the opening session, the Conference held its first panel, which focused on digitalization and gender, where Dr. Youssra Al-Jazairi, Associate Professor at the College of Dentistry at King Saud University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stressed the importance of empowering women in the digital field, especially in the health sector, and providing opportunities to benefit from mobile technologies in service of remote areas.

Speaking next was Dr. Zeinebou Abdel Jelil, President of the National Youth Council in Mauritania, who highlighted her country’s efforts to bridge the gender gap in the field of technology and digital transformation, followed by Dr. Amal El-Fellah Seghrouchni, Executive President of the International Artificial Intelligence Center in the Kingdom of Morocco, who talked about the role of AI applications in promoting women’s presence in the digital field.

Moreover, Dr. Sonia M’Barek Assistant Professor and former Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tunisia, called on the developing countries to exert joint efforts to support women’s presence in the field of technology, while Dr. Khadijetou Mint Mohamed Salem, Deputy Director of Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Digital Transformation in Mauritania, addressed her Ministry’s strategy and mechanisms to achieve digital transformation.

The first session was moderated by Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Expert in Institutional Development, who commended the quality of the discussion and the ideas and proposals put forth to contribute to bridging the gender gap in the digital field.

During the second panel on, “Digitalization: Challenges and Opportunities,” participants stressed the importance of access to information and Internet services. As for the last panel, the participants reviewed key success stories of women leadership in the digital field, major initiatives and successful experiences to promote the presence of women in the digital field, and mechanisms to address the challenges through building digitalization capacities.

At the close of the Conference, Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, expressed his thanks to all participants for the rich discussions and constructive ideas to address the challenges facing women in the digital field, stating that the Federation will work towards implementing the Conference recommendation on building a digital network of women working in the field.