Category: Director General

Under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, a major ceremony was held to mark the inauguration of the Celebration of Rabat as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022. Held by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in the Kingdom of Morocco and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), today, Thursday 24 March 2022, at the Mohammed V Theatre, the ceremony witnessed high-level participation including officials from the Moroccan Government, public figures, authors, intellectuals and artists in addition to a large audience.

The year-long celebration of Rabat as the 2022 Culture Capital in the Islamic World is organized as part of the ICESCO Programme for Culture Capitals in the Islamic World and will feature a large selection of programs and activities both in Rabat and other Moroccan cities. The celebration aims to highlight the civilizational status of Rabat and cast light on its abundant tangible and intangible heritage.

The ceremony was opened by an address by Mr. Mohamed Al-Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, who stated that the selection of Rabat as Culture capital in the Islamic World for 2022, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, reaffirms the special attention His Majesty accord to the Kingdom’s capital. He added that this selection also reflects Rabat’s special position in the African, Arab, Islamic and International levels as a model for cultural coexistence, a symbol of both authenticity and modernity, and a hub of several key developmental projects.

The Moroccan Minister also expressed his thanks to ICESCO and all the cooperating parties and media outlets for their efforts to ensure the success of this event and highlight the cultural image of the Kingdom as a land of respect, coexistence and tolerance.

Taking the floor next, was Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), who talked about Rabat’s long-standing landmarks, ten-century-long glorious history and diverse heritage sites including Udayas Castle, Hassan Tower, Challah, and Bouregreg River, noting that Rabat is the city of the past, present and future.

The DG expressed his deepest thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, may Allah assist him, for the royal attention ICESCO has been receiving since its inception by the late King Hassan II, may Allah rest his soul in peace.

In addition, Dr. AlMalik noted that the Rabat celebration will feature a large number of activities, cultural, literary and art exhibitions, most notably the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, in its first destination outside of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. The Director-General concluded his address with a poem he wrote hailing the history and glory of Rabat.

For her part, Ms. Asmaa Rhlalou, Mayor of Rabat, stated in her address that the cultural projects implemented in Rabat will contribute to its cultural outreach, in an embodiment of the royal keenness to render the Kingdom’s capital an international civilizational and cultural hub. She added that this celebration is a re-discovery of the Capital of Lights from various cultural and artistic dimensions, which would eventually promote the image of Morocco as a land of tolerance and diversity and contribute to highlighting its openness to various cultures nations.

Following the opening remark, a short video on the City of Rabat was screened, which was prepared by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, followed by Dr. AlMalik handing over the celebration flag to the Mayor of Rabat.

The inaugural celebration featured a music show by the Orchestra of Tetouan headed by Mr. Amine El-Akrami with the participation of the eminent Munshids Marouane Hajji from Fez, Abdeslam Sefiani from Sale, and Fouad Taibi from Rabat, in addition to the distinguished artist Samira Kadiri and her orchestra.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Mamadou Talla, Minister of National Education, President of the Senegalese National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, and together they explored prospects of cooperation and partnership between ICESCO and Senegal in the Organization’s areas of competence.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, 22 March 2022, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dakar, the two parties reaffirmed their keenness to maintain the fruitful cooperation relations between ICESCO the competent Senegalese authorities as part of ICESCO’s fields of action. The two parties also highlighted the role of the Senegalese National Commission in coordinating cooperation, within the framework of ICESCO’s vision and action strategy, which both rely on communication with Member States in order to identify their priorities and needs in order to design appropriate programs and activities.

Held on the sidelines of ICESCO DG’s participation in the 9th World Water Forum (Dakar-2022), the meeting discussed proposals for cooperation between the Organization and Senegal during the next phase. In this regard, the two parties agreed to support the development of Quranic schools, and provide Senegal with more opportunities to benefit from ICESCO’s Leadership Training for Peace and Security Program as well as its Program to Improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services in 1000 Rural Schools in the Islamic World.

For his part, the Senegalese Minister expressed his thanks to ICESCO and its Director-General for the support for Senegal receives, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Talla also commended ICESCO’s practical and innovative initiatives and its great support for its Member States.

At the close of the meeting, the DG presented the Senegalese Minister with a copy of the book, “Peace 360°: Exploring the peace dimensions”, published by ICESCO, with a foreword by the President of Senegal, H.E. Mr. Macky Sall. Dr. AlMalik stated that the book features a number of messages from prominent international figures.

The DG extended an invitation to the Senegalese Minister of National Education to visit ICESCO headquarters in Rabat to take stock of ICESCO’s ambitious projects and programs for the next for years.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), presented to His Excellency Mr. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, a copy of the book “Peace 360: Exploring the Dimensions of Peace,” which was recently issued by ICESCO. The book includes an introduction written by President Sall, in which he stressed that achieving peace is the task of humanity as a whole.

This came during the visit of the Senegalese president to the exhibition held on the sidelines of the 9th World Water Forum Dakar 2022, which kicked off on Monday, March 21, 2022, under the theme “Water Security for Peace and Development,” in the presence of the high-level head of states and governments, and international organizations and institutions.

The book “Peace 360: Exploring the Dimensions of Peace” features a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to peacebuilding, that ICESCO wants to strengthen through utilizing multiple experiences within the framework of the Organization’s programs and activities for establishing a dialogue between the various stakeholders to understand the trends that contribute to peacemaking.

The book, which consists of six chapters, includes messages from His Excellency Ali Bongo, President of the Gabonese Republic, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, First Lady of Nigeria, Mr. Tun Musa bin Hitam, former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, as well as messages of ICESCO Young Ambassadors for Peace, who graduated from ICESCO Program for Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS) for women and youth. The book also includes letters from several eminent international personalities, who participated in ICESCO’s LTIPS programme.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Loïc Fauchon, President of the World Water Council, on the sidelines of their participation in the Ninth World Water Forum, being held in Dakar, Senegal throughout March 21-26, 2022. The two parties explored ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and the Council in areas of common interest.

During the meeting, held on March 21, 2022, the DG highlighted the key programs and initiatives that the Organization launched in the field of raising awareness of the importance of preserving water and supporting the use of modern technology to protect the environment and build smart and environmentally friendly cities. The Director-General also talked about the major success of ICESCO’s Program to Improve Water and Sanitation Services in 1000 Rural Schools, which benefited several Islamic world countries and contributed to the achievement of sustainable development.

Likewise, Dr. AlMalik presented Mr. Fauchon with the book, “Peace 360°: Exploring the peace dimensions,” published by ICESCO, with a foreword by the President of Senegal, H.E. Mr. Macky Sall. The book is an initiative aiming at promoting the adoption of a comprehensive approach to addressing peace issues, taking into consideration that water is a key dimension.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed that cooperation in organizing the Ninth World Water Forum in Dakar is a promising start to greater partnership opportunities between the two institutions, within the framework of ICESCO’s new vision and action strategy which is based on the implementation of programs and activities that meet the needs and priorities of each Member State.

The opening of the 9th World Water Forum Dakar 2022, which kicked off in Dakar, Senegal, on Monday (March 21, 2022), under the theme “Water Security for Peace and Development,” saw the presence of heads of state and government, multilateral institutions and international organizations, and the participation of Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), for cooperation on water and sustainable development issues, most notably water and climate change.

The Forum, which is organized by the World Water Council and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation of Senegal, in cooperation with ICESCO, the Islamic Development Bank, the League of Arab States, and several international organizations and bodies, brings together international experts, who will discuss the best ways to preserve water resources and protect the environment in light of the global climate change.

In the session on climate change adaptation and mitigation for water security in the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Foued El-Ayni, Expert at ICESCO Science and Technology Sector, reviewed the efforts and initiatives of the Organization to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources in its Member States, highlighting ICESCO’s program for water and sanitation services improvement in 1000 rural schools as well as environmental awareness-raising workshops.

The session also discussed the need to consolidate the efforts of countries and the international and regional organizations, institutions and research centers to develop and implement policies, programs and projects. This provides benefit from modern technology, innovation and the use of renewable energies in addressing environmental challenges and water poverty.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called for rendering more attention to green and circular economy, green leadership positions for women, sustainable agriculture, and nature-based solutions to adapt to climate change in women-led projects. He reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to work and cooperate with its Member States to meet the expectations of the Islamic world’s women and girls for a more equal future where they can assume leadership positions in different fields.

Dr. AlMalik made this statement at an event held by the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family in the Kingdom of Morocco, on the sidelines of the 66th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The Ministry held the event via videoconference from New York, with support from the United Nations Women Agency in Morocco and partnership with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), ICESCO, and the Arab Women Organization, under the theme, “Green job opportunities to promote women’s economic partnership as agents of sustainable development and counter climate change.” The event saw the participation of Ms. Awatif Hayyar, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family in the Kingdom of Morocco, several ministers in charge of women issues from different countries, and several representatives of UN specialized agencies and regional Arab, African and European organizations, in addition to a host of experts and researchers.

Dr. AlMalik stated that women have always embodied the values of stability, sacrifice, dedication and altruism, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that in recognition of their work during the pandemic, ICESCO paid tribute to women by proclaiming 2021 as the Year of Women, under the theme, “ Women and the Future,” which was accorded the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Moreover, the Director-General stressed ICESCO’s commitment to implement its new vision in the fields of building women’s capacities and embracing gender equality, both internally in terms of managing the Organization’s human resources and externally in its programs and initiatives. He underscored that ICESCO’s document on its Strategic Orientations by 2025 stresses that ensuring a greener future and supporting a positive climate action plan are two of its major strategic orientations in the fields of science and technology.

Likewise, the Director-General highlighted the major initiatives ICESCO implemented as part of its celebration of the Year of Women. These included ICESCO’s International Forum on Women Leadership and Empowerment, exhibitions at ICESCO headquarters promoting rural women cooperatives’ products, the launch of the International Platform, “Women Pioneers across the Globe,” the Leadership Training in Peace and Security Program, and the Project for Countering the COVID-19 Pandemic through supporting Women and Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Participants in the Expert Group Meeting on Artificial Intelligence News, that the Center of Strategic Foresight at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held, stressed the need to promote the concept of Artificial intelligence. The goal is to build a better future, encourage the adoption of AI during crises, raise awareness of AI’s promising opportunities, and shed light on the dangers and threats AI may pose, especially about ethics and privacy.

The meeting was held on Thursday, March 17, 2021, via videoconference, and brought together several prominent AI experts, academics, researchers and representatives of international organizations. The meeting is part of the efforts of the Center of Strategic Foresight to anticipate future trends and explore the future of Artificial Intelligence.

In his opening remark, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), stated that according to global forecasts, AI could help achieve 79 % of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He stated that ICESCO considers AI as an element of its anticipatory strategy as an organization interested in modern technology and innovation in service of its Member States and support of their capacity-building efforts in the fields of education, science and culture.

The DG also stated that we are all concerned with building a sustainable future through a variety of means including laying down and planning for possible future scenarios and helping decisions makers anticipate the future by capitalizing on modern technology, including the Metaverse, space science, and AI to address future challenges in all fields.

At the close of his address, the DG warned against the threats related to AI, especially concerning ethics and privacy, reaffirming ICESCO’s commitment to promoting the culture of foresight in the Islamic world.

In his address to the meeting, Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of the ICESCO Center for Strategic Foresight, referred to the significance of such a meeting in casting light on the various dimensions of AI applications and discussing the relevant challenges in the Islamic world. He also noted that the meeting is an opportunity to understand the concept and highlight the features of modern technology as a rapidly growing phenomenon.

Following the opening remarks, the meeting’s session discussed the future of AI, where participants highlighted the latest advancements in AI technology across the globe. They also gave presentations on AI’s pros and cons and addressed the issue of ethics in using AI as one of the major technological revolutions in human history. Participants also stated that this technology can ensure quality education, access to knowledge and offer opportunities to upgrade vital fields such as health and agriculture and address key challenges such as climate change.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Mr. Mazen Sanger, Chief Strategy Officer at Nabd platform to explore partnership and cooperation between ICESCO and Nabd, in the field of capacity-building and training of journalists and media professionals on how to utilize the potentials of Modern technology in new media and digital media.

During the meeting, held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s eagerness to cooperate with Nabd Platform, within the framework of ICESCO’s new vision and action strategy, based upon openness to all to serve the Member States and Muslim communities around the world. He also commended the existing partnership between the Organization and the Platform since the signing of the agreement in July 2020.

The meeting touched upon proposals for cooperation between ICESCO and Nabd, especially in the fields of new media, anticipating the future of media and training and qualifying journalists and media professionals to keep pace with media development, mainly in the fields of modern technology and artificial intelligence.

For his part, Mr. Mazen Sanger confirmed Nabd’s pride in cooperating with ICESCO, which plays remarkable roles in the fields of education, science and culture to serve the humanitarian community.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to launch a new partnership starting point between ICESCO and Nabd and to hold several meetings to agree on a package of practical programs and activities and to implement them jointly in the future.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Mohamed Douhour Hersi, Ambassador of Djibouti to Morocco, and together they explored ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and Djibouti in the fields of education, science and culture.
At the beginning of the meeting, held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik congratulated Mr. Mohamed Douhour Hersi on his appointment as Ambassador of Djibouti to Morocco and wished him success in his position, expressing ICESCO’s keenness to promote cooperation and partnership with the Republic of Djibouti.

The DG highlighted the key elements in the Organization’s vision and action strategy, which both accord great attention to building youth and women’s capacities and anchoring the values of coexistences, peace and civilizational dialogue. He added that these two key documents also aim at contributing to the advancement of scientific research in the Member States and encouraging them to invest in space science and capitalize on AI applications in the fields of education, science and culture.
ICESCO DG shed light on the programs and initiatives ICESCO launched and implemented to support the efforts of its Member States to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, science and culture.

For his part, Ambassador Hersi commended the roles ICESCO assumes to support its Member States in its areas of competence, stressing his country’s keenness to build fruitful cooperation with ICESCO through the implementation of a number of joint initiatives in the fields of education, science and culture.

The three-day Scientific Forum on Security Media during Crises and Disasters, held by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, kicked off on Wednesday, 16 March 2022, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat. The event saw the participation of selected experts, researchers and academicians and aims at discussing the role of security media and the importance of promoting the use of new technologies in preventing or mitigating the impact of disasters and crises.

After a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, the opening session began with an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), in which he emphasized the need to strengthen the role of the media as channels for factual information delivery in exceptional circumstances.
“The media contribute to the prevention and management of crises by anticipating their occurrence and helping competent authorities take the appropriate decisions to address them to then draw valuable lessons for the future,” added Dr. AlMalik.

ICESCO DG added that the Organization launched an ambitious programme for the years 2020-2024 geared towards disaster management through the strengthening of Member States’ capacities to address crises and mitigate their adverse impact on the educational, cultural and social fields. The programme consists of a series of lectures and is aimed at building the capacities of institutions, governments and decision-makers to anchor a culture of prevention in the Islamic world, integrating disaster risk management into educational curricula and promoting scientific research and artificial intelligence applications.

In his address, Dr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Harfash, Vice President for External Relations at NAUSS, noted that the university endeavors to translate the issue of security media into a tangible reality, implement strategies and promote the Media Plan for Security Awareness and Crime Prevention in the countries of the Islamic world.

He added that the university is working on the promotion of security media through the implementation of various initiatives and the preparation of scientific researches and studies, as well as the organization of regional and international conferences and lectures to further the efforts exerted to develop security media policies in and beyond the Islamic world.

The first session of the Forum touched upon new media and crisis/disaster management, followed by the second session on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis, and the third session on security media and the role of the security services. Multiple scientific papers were presented during each session, tackling various topics, namely the media as a source of soft power, the social effects of false information and the role of the new media and social networks in crisis communications.