Category: Director General

In a enthusiastic, joyful and optimistic graduation ceremony, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) celebrated the first cohort of the Young Professionals Program (2022-2024), at its headquarters, in Rabat, at the close of the first edition of the Program, which was supported and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Graduates from 10 of ICESCO’s Member States received their graduation certificates and shields in the high-level presence of several officials, ambassadors and representatives of international missions accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco.

The ceremony, held on Tuesday (October 29, 2024), kicked off with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the screening of a video documenting the professional journey of the graduates, who received vocational training over 24 months in ICESCO’s specialized sectors, departments and centers.

In his address, Ambassador Nazim Samadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Morocco, said that the program has prepared specialized young professionals qualified to serve the Islamic world in various fields, which is a source of pride for ICESCO in these young people, who will contribute to the efforts geared towards developing their countries and the world at large, noting that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan was keen to meet these young people during his visit to ICESCO headquarters in November 2023.

Afterwards, Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, presented the Organization’s shield to Ambassador Samadov in appreciation of Azerbaijan’s support for this program and many of ICESCO’s initiatives, programs and activities at the level of the Islamic world.

In his address, the DG of ICESCO stressed that youth are the pillar of development and progress, their visions are renaissance projects, and their dreams are nations’ future given the enormous human wealth they represent today; pointing out that grasping this fact is the way to own the present and the future. “ICESCO has made great strides in this context. It is now referred to as a young Organization, with youth representing 42% of its work force,” he added.
He also indicated that this program, which was meticulously organized by ICESCO and supported by the generous sponsorship of Azerbaijan, has become a successful example to be followed, with more than 100 training activities organized through the program’s period, addressing several pieces of advice to the young professionals, and concluding his address by announcing the launch of the second edition of ICESCO’s Young Professionals Program.

For her part, Kenza Abourmane, Director of Youth at the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, stressed that the program demonstrates ICESCO’s commitment to building the capacities of young people in its Member States, noting that the Ministry implements several activities and programs in cooperation with the Organization to empower youth and inspire them to be leaders of positive change.

Then, Alaa Mawla Al-Duwaila and Masrané Reoukadji Dior, members of the Young Professionals Program, delivered speeches in which they emphasized their pride in receiving professional training in ICESCO’s sectors, centers and departments, noting that the training has paved their way to professional excellence and success.

Speaking on behalf of the program team, Ms. Rana Ezzeddine, expert at the Legal Affairs and International Standards Department of ICESCO, stressed that the program provided a unique experience for the young professionals and equipped them to build a unique professional future.

At the end of the ceremony, ICESCO DG along with a number of ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco presented the young professionals with the graduation certificates and honorary shields.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a Palestinian delegation from the Popular National Conference of Jerusalem and the Higher Islamic-Christian Authority for Al-Quds and Holy Sites. The meeting included discussions on ICESCO’s prominent efforts to support the development of education, science, and culture in Palestine, as well as specific programs and projects for Al-Quds, particularly in education and heritage preservation.

The Palestinian delegation was led by Mr. Bilal Al-Natsheh, Secretary General of the Popular National Conference of Jerusalem, and Mr. Hatem Muhammad Abdel Qader Eid, Secretary General of the Higher Islamic-Christian Authority for Al-Quds and Holy Sites, along with other officials from both organizations.

During the meeting held on Friday 25 October 2024, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, and attended by Mr. Mohamed Salem Echarkaoui, Director of the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency, Dr. AlMalik emphasized ICESCO’s support for Palestine, especially Al-Quds, through the implementation of various programs and projects in its specialized fields.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted several initiatives launched by ICESCO to support Palestinian students studying at universities in Morocco and Egypt, offering assistance amid the difficult circumstances faced by their families in Palestine.

The delegation expressed appreciation for ICESCO’s efforts to support Palestine across its areas of expertise, noting that ICESCO consistently leads among international organizations in supporting the Palestinian people.

They also shared hopes that ICESCO would consider adopting several proposals aimed at bolstering resilience among Jerusalem residents in educational and cultural fields and encouraging Islamic nations worldwide to back these initiatives.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), emphasized that terrorism and violent extremism represent some of the most dangerous threats to global peace and security, affecting countries and communities across all cultures and religions indiscriminately. He noted that addressing the issue of terrorism requires a global commitment to cooperation, strategic knowledge exchange, and the development of specialized skills that adapt to continuously evolving threats.

This statement was part of Dr. AlMalik’s address today, Friday, October 25, 2024, during the graduation ceremony the 2024 Specialised Counter-Terrorism Investigations Training Programme (STOCTI). The Program was held at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat and organized by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and Training in Africa, in collaboration with Al Akhawayn University in Morocco. The event was attended by senior United Nations officials, ambassadors, and experts in the field. Certificates of graduation were awarded to 22 trainees from seven African countries.

Dr. AlMalik also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts over the years to counter violent extremism through a variety of initiatives, programs, and activities, including the International Conference on Combating Violent Extremism, which ICESCO headquarters hosted in its third edition in November 2023, as well as the launch of the “Encyclopedia on Deconstructing Extremist Discourse” in partnership with the Mohammadia League of Scholars in Morocco. The Publication aims to dismantle the ideological framework that underpins extremist rhetoric, foster values of moderation and tolerance, and bolster community resilience against extremism.

He further highlighted ICESCO’s work in promoting intercultural dialogue and the significant role that educational, religious, and intellectual institutions play in establishing an ethical value system based on a forward-looking scientific approach. Moreover, he warned that the increasing use of communication technologies, especially artificial intelligence applications, by extremist groups facilitates their future recruitment of children.

Dr. AlMalik concluded by reaffirming ICESCO’s continued commitment to combating violent extremism and eradicating radical ideologies at the root. He also commended the efforts of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism in Rabat, with the cooperation and support of Moroccan authorities.

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Shahabudeen Adam Shah, Ambassador of Malaysia to Morocco, and Dr. Mohd Farid Ravi, President of Selangor Islamic University (UIS). The meeting discussed ways to develop cooperation between ICESCO and Malaysia in the fields of education, science and culture, and tackled the proposal to establish ICESCO’s center for teaching Arabic language at the University’s headquarters.

At the outset of the meeting, held on Thursday (24 October 2024), at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, Dr. Al-Malik affirmed that the Organization, as part of its new vision and strategic orientations, is open to cooperation with all parties to benefit its Member States and Muslim communities around the world, expressing his aspiration to enhance cooperation with Malaysia.

He also reviewed ICESCO’s programs and projects on building women and youth capacities, promoting the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue, encouraging investment in technology, innovation, artificial intelligence and space science, disseminating the foresight culture, and promoting the status of Arabic language globally.

For his part, the Malaysian Ambassador commended ICESCO’s roles in contributing to the advancement of its areas of competence in the Islamic world, and invited Dr. Al-Malik to pay an official visit to Malaysia to meet the country’s senior officials and discuss developing cooperation in areas of common interest; an invitation that ICESCO Director General welcomed and affirmed that he would respond to it at the earliest convenience.

Dr. Ravi expressed his thanks to ICESCO for its continuous cooperation with UIS, reviewing the major areas of cooperation between the two parties, particularly in teaching Arabic language and harnessing the latest digital applications in this field, highlighting the training sessions organized by ICESCO Educational Center in Malaysia, in cooperation with UIS, for the benefit of hundreds of Arabic language teachers.

Moreover, the meeting tackled a number of proposals for future cooperation between ICESCO and the University, including the establishment of ICESCO’s center for teaching Arabic language at the University’s headquarters, and the provision of a number of scholarships by the Organization for Malaysian students in a number of prestigious universities in the Islamic world.

After the meeting, Dr. Al-Malik took Ambassador Adam Shah, Dr. Ravi and the accompanying delegation on a tour of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, which is currently housed at ICESCO’s headquarters.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, State of the United Arab Emirates, and together they discussed ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and Sharjah in areas of common interest.

At the beginning of the meeting, held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reiterated his thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, for his sustained support to ICESCO’s efforts as well as to its Regional Office in Sharjah, whose new headquarters will be inaugurated soon to serve as a house of knowledge, thought and culture.

For his part, Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi conveyed the greetings of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah to ICESCO DG, stressing that this visit to ICESCO headquarters is made based on His Highness’s directives to ensure the promotion of the Emirate’s cooperation relations with ICESCO through the implementation of a number of initiatives and programs that bring together ICESCO’s vision and Sharjah’s strategy in the fields of education, science and culture.

In addition, the DG highlighted the key axes of ICESCO’s new vision and strategic orientations, through which the Organization seeks to become a global beacon of civilizational and knowledge outreach within its areas of competence. He added that ICESCO adopts openness to the Member States to take stock of their priorities and needs to design projects and programs tailored to each country.

Following the bilateral meeting, Dr. AlMalik and Sheikh Al Qasimi attended an extended meeting with ICESCO officials including Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy DG, and several heads of sectors, departments and centers. The ICESCO officials put forth proposals for cooperation programs between ICESCO and Sharjah for the upcoming period.

Afterwards, Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi held a series of meetings with heads of ICESCO’s sectors and centers, where he was briefed about each sector and center’s action strategy, major initiatives, programs and activities implemented, and prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and Sharjah regarding some of these initiatives and programs.

At the end of the visit, the Chairman took a tour of the various sections and pavilions of the International Museum and Exhibition of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO, which is the outcome of a trilateral partnership among ICESCO, the Muslim World League and the Mohammadia League of Scholars.

The participants of the International Seminar: “Civilizational Insights in the Thought of Abu Hayyan al-Tawhidi”, organized by the Islamic World Organization for Education, Science and Culture (ICESCO), commended the choice of this theme to highlight the rich legacy of this great writer and philosopher and his advocacy of the values of dialogue, debate and tolerance, and emphasized the importance of revisiting the civilizational dimensions in Al-Tawhidi’s thought. As several of his works provide a theoretical framework for dialogue between individuals, communities and cultures, his thought can be instrumental today in addressing the root causes of cultural conflict.

The seminar, which was held at the ICESCO headquarters in Rabat and was attended by high-level participants, began on Monday, October 21, 2024, with some verses from the Holy Quran. Then Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of the ICESCO Center for Civilizational Dialogue, gave a general introduction in which he presented the most remarkable philosophical and critical features of the thought of Abu Hayyan al-Tawhidi and his famous works.

In his opening speech, Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), affirmed that the celebration by every nation of its great scholars is an obligation dictated by a sense of loyalty, responsibility, and pride, pointing out that Abu Hayyan al-Tawhidi deserves this tribute and recognition for what he has done in restoring the thought of nations and civilizations, a thing that has earned him to be at the forefront of those who call for upholding multiculturalism, which confirms the pioneering call of Islamic thought for the rejection of bigotry and racism.

He then reviewed the most prominent thoughts and sayings of Abu Hayyan al-Tawhidi, who founded wise convictions based on his belief that man is the problem and the solution at the same time. Dr. AlMalik also pointed out that al-Tawhidi called for the avoidance of comparing nations in incomparable things and established the concept of adapting to the environment, drawing attention to the need to make renewal a vital method.

Praising al-Tawhidi’s book “Enjoyment and Sociability” for its emphasis on human partnership in building civilization and for being a reference for all advocates of dialogue among cultures and civilizations, ICESCO Director General concluded his speech by saying that the Organization’s celebration of al-Tawhidi is part of its commitment to linking the past with the future in such a way as to avoid fanatical attachment to the past and embracing the future to the detriment of inherited foundations and legacies.

The first session of the seminar, moderated by Dr. Saber Moulay Ahmed, a Moroccan writer and researcher, featured rich working papers and discussions by a number of researchers from Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Italy. The papers all agreed that al-Tawhidi was at the forefront of touching on the relationship with the other, excelled in mixing philosophy and literature, and was a pioneer of modernity. His thought also contributed to understanding the deeper meanings of human differences.

The second session, moderated by Dr. Mohammed Al-Masaoudi, professor at the Faculty of Humanities of the Mohammed V University in Rabat, featured presentations by a number of researchers and academics on the dialogue of civilizations in al-Tawhidi’s thought and the humanistic tendency in his Sufism, as highlighted in his art of debate and his encyclopedic thought, which showed the central place of humanism in his thought, as he focused on the spiritual dimension of the human being in his book “The Divine Signs”.

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received the third cohort of young interns from Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) in Saudi Arabia, on Friday (18 October 2024), at the Organization headquarters, in Rabat. The interns spend a 10-week professional training at ICESCO’s departments, sectors and centers, within the framework of cooperation and partnership between ICESCO and the Foundation, in coordination with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Malik commended the outstanding cooperation between ICESCO and Misk Foundation, which has provided opportunities for young talents from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to receive professional training at ICESCO, and lauded Saudi Arabia’s continuous support for the Organization through the joint implementation of a number of initiatives, programs and activities, the Kingdom’s hosting and sponsorship of a number of ICESCO’s conferences, and the warm welcome shown to ICESCO delegations to participate in several events in Saudi Arabia.

ICESCO DG stressed that the training provided to Misk Foundation’s interns is part of the modernization of ICESCO and its strategic vision, and the great importance it attaches to building the capacities of youth, enhancing their skills, equipping them for tomorrow’s professions, and learning how to benefit from the technological revolution and modern technologies to achieve their goals.

ICESCO DG also gave several tips to the interns to succeed in their professional lives, emphasizing the need to set their goals, work diligently and perseveringly to achieve these goals, demonstrate steadfastness towards difficulties and crises, always seek knowledge, be creative and innovative, and use modern technologies to bring positive change to their societies.

The meeting saw an open discussion between the ICESCO DG and the young interns about the roles of the Organization, its working mechanisms and ways to benefit from training in its various sectors, departments and centers.

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), stressed that the current global challenges necessitate rethinking the way to strengthen the human rights system, given the failure to enforce these rights effectively and the recurrent flagrant violations of ratified international laws and treaties, especially during armed conflicts, including war crimes, forced displacement and attacks on civilians, which undermine the international system aimed at protecting human rights.

This statement was made in the video address he delivered on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the opening session of the 10th Glion Human Rights Dialogue, organized by the Ministerial Delegation in charge of Human Rights, the Ministry of Justice of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Moroccan National Council for Human Rights and the Global Rights Group, with the support of ICESCO and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in Marrakech over two days.

He also highlighted the pivotal role of international cooperation in improving the efficiency of the UN human rights system, stressing the importance of national mechanisms in translating international instruments into tangible reality at the local level in such a way as to transform international commitments to human rights into concrete policies and programs that promote human dignity and protect human rights.

Moreover, ICESCO DG reviewed the Organization’s initiatives and programs to support the efforts of its Member States in promoting inherent rights, including the right to education, cultural, health and digital rights, developing sustainable environmental policies, ensuring women’s rights, as well as issuing the Charter on Artificial Intelligence for the Islamic World, which includes upholding rights and enriching human values emanating from our noble religion.

Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Director of ICESCO’s Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards, participated in the discussion session on National Implementation, Reporting and Tracking Mechanisms – Key Characteristics, Best Practices and Challenges: Participation/consultation with judicial authorities, civil society, national human rights institutions, UN groups, and local governments.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, a subsidiary organ of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Koutoub discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two parties in areas of shared interest.

During the meeting, which took place on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik expressed his pride in being selected as a member of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, a prestigious global institution that brings together distinguished jurists, scholars and thinkers from various fields of Islamic jurisprudence, culture, science, and economics across the Islamic world.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to promoting the civilization of Islam worldwide through a series of initiatives that enrich civilization dialogue. These initiatives included hosting the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization at ICESCO’s headquarters, as well as the “Read it to Understand it” initiative, aimed at countering the desperate attempts disrespecting the Holy Quran, and bringing to light western stances that provide positive views of the Quran.

For his part, Dr. Koutoub commended ICESCO’s roles and its efforts in supporting its Member States across its areas of expertise. He also reiterated his invitation to Dr. AlMalik to attend the 26th Session of the Academy, which will be hosted in Doha, in the State of Qatar next November.

The meeting also discussed proposals for cooperation between ICESCO and IIFA, which was established in 1981 and includes the 57 Member States of the OIC.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO’s Deputy DG, and Dr. Hani Al Balawi, Expert at the Organization’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue.

Dr. Salim. M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) received Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the Republic of Azerbaijan, who visited ICESCO headquarters on Monday, October 14, 2024, accompanied by Mr. Anar Alakbarov, Executive Director of the Foundation, and Amb. Nazim Samadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Morocco.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik welcomed Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, stressing that her visit reaffirms the special partnership relations between ICESCO and Azerbaijan in the fields of education, science and culture. The Director-General also commended the sustained support for ICESCO’s initiatives, programs and projects extended by H.E. President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and H.E. Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva, Azerbaijan’s First Lady, First Vice-President of the Republic, ICESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik stated that these special cooperation relations between ICESCO and Azerbaijan are reflected in the projects and activities being implemented to promote joint action in the Organization’s areas of competence, particularly those implemented as part of the celebration of Shusha as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024.

The DG also highlighted ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, stating that these new instruments adopt openness, strategic foresight and support for the Member States to address future challenges, through capitalizing on modern technology and AI applications, promoting innovation, and building the capacities and developing the skills of women and youth to keep up with the demands of the professions of the future.

For her part, Ms. Aliyeva commended ICESCO’s roles and efforts to support its Member States in its areas of competence, and conveyed Azerbaijan’s great appreciation for the Organization’s work, stressing the Foundation’s keenness to promote cooperation with ICESCO.

Following the meeting, the two parties signed an agreement providing for the Foundation’s sponsorship of ICESCO’s project, “Educational and Social Support for Internally Displaced and Girls and Boarders in Burkina Faso”. The Director-General then took Ms. Aliyeva and her accompanying delegation on a tour to the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO.