Category: Director General

Dr. Salim Al-Malik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Mr. George Kallas, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Lebanese Republic, and discussed ways to develop cooperation between ICESCO and Lebanon in the fields of building youth capacities and capitalizing on sports to entrench the values of coexistence and peace and support vulnerable groups.

During the meeting, which took place on 8 October 2023 in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, Dr. Al-Malik thanked Mr. Kallas for accepting the invitation to attend the launch of ICESCO’s Year of Youth, stating that the Organization places youth issues at the heart of its priorities given their key role in achieving development in their communities adding that ICESCO, through its programs and projects, seeks to harness the potentials offered by sport to enhance social cohesion and improve the lives of the neediest groups in its Member States.

For his part, the Lebanese Minister commended the roles played by ICESCO in supporting youth, stressing Lebanon’s keenness to build fruitful cooperation with the Organization in this area. Mr. Kallas invited ICESCO Director General to visit Lebanon, an invitation which Dr. Al-Malik accepted and promised to pay a visit to Lebanon as soon as possible.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides agreed to continue communication and coordination to agree on cooperation between ICESCO and the Lebanese Ministry of Youth and Sports in a number of programs and projects which cover areas of common interest.

Under the patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the ICESCO Year of Youth was officially launched in a major international ceremony held in the new administrative capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Egyptian Prime Minister, on behalf of the President, and saw the participation of members of the Egyptian Government, senior officials, ministers, ambassadors and youth delegations from the Member States of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).
The ceremony opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, during a mock conference simulating ICESCO’s General Conference, presented by young representatives of the Organization’s Member States, in the presence of the Egyptian Prime Minister; the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, President of the Egyptian National Commission, President of ICESCO’s General Conference, Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour; and ICESCO Director-General, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik.
The mock conference featured discussions on the major challenges facing the Islamic world in the fields of education, science, culture, communication and humanities, which was an opportunity for the young participants to present recommendations on the subject. The activity also focused on the outputs of the ICESCO Innovation Hubs for the youth of the Islamic world and beyond, which were hosted by the Creativity and Innovation Center at Ain Shams University, and yielded a set of ideas and proposals with the aim of contributing to developing strategies to improve educational and social conditions and safeguard and promote heritage in the countries of the Islamic world.
Following the youth mock conference, Dr. Madbouly gave an address where he conveyed the greetings of His Excellency President El-Sisi to the participants, wishing success for the ICESCO Year of Youth initiative. He also highlighted the great interest that the Egyptian President pays to youth issues as well as to training them to be action takers, stressing their pivotal role in the development movements the country is witnessing.
Moreover, the Egyptian Prime Minister announced the launch of a number of initiatives, to be implemented as part of the ICESCO Year of Youth, in coordination between the Member States to adopt youth ideas. He stated that these initiatives include setting up a youth council in the Islamic world to serve as a platform for creating promising leaderships, creating opportunities for partnership between talented people and funding bodies, and providing presidential grants to support young talents in the Islamic world, in addition to launching a fund to support talented and innovative people, sponsoring and financing projects to build young people’s capacities, and organizing a number of competitions.
In his address at the ceremony, Dr. Al-Malik, expressed his thanks to the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting the launch ceremony, and to His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for granting his patronage to the ICESCO Year of Youth, commending Egypt’s efforts to accord due attention to its youth and build their creative and innovative capacities.
The Director-General also expressed ICESCO’s pride to be named, “The Young Organization,” stating that the Organization spares no effort in creating programs to build the capacities of young people and holding conferences and seminars for them in the fields of tomorrow’s professions, artificial intelligence, space sciences, heritage preservation, among others.
In addition, Dr. Al-Malik explained that celebrating the Year of Youth stands witness to the Organization’s faith in the potential of youth, and its determination to design impactful projects and initiatives that support them and prepare them for the future. He added that the Islamic world counts on its youth to achieve progress, calling on the new generations to overcome differences and embrace growth and prosperity.
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, President of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, President of ICESCO’s General Conference, highlighted Egypt’s achievements since assuming the presidency of the Organization’s General Conference. He reviewed the key principles of the scholarship initiative in Egyptian universities, which His Excellency President El- Sisi offered to students from countries of the Islamic world.
The Minister stressed the need to promote scientific research and invest in youth, as they represent the majority of the population of the Islamic world, stating that hosting of ICESCO’s Year of Youth reflects Egypt’s keenness to support young people as builders of the future, who will lead the way for their countries to join the ranks of developed nations in the coming years.
During the ceremony, a number of videos were screened which focused on a variety of topics, notably ICESCO’s vision on youth issues, Egypt’s efforts to build young capacities and the opportunities it provides to young people across the world to study in Egyptian universities, in addition to the work carried by young people at the Innovation Hubs workshops, which were held prior to the launch of the ICESCO Year of Youth.
The ceremony concluded with an art performance by a choir of young people from the Islamic world in Arabic, English and French, which reflected pride in youth and their ability to defy difficulties in order to build a bright and prosperous future for all.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting with Mr. Emin Amrullayev, the Minister of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to explore ways to enhance the outstanding cooperation between ICESCO and Azerbaijan in the field of education and science.
The meeting occurred on Wednesday, 4 October 2023, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Baku, the Capital of Azerbaijan. Significantly, it aligned with the visit of the Director-General of ICESCO who was heading a delegation from the Organization to participate in the 74th International Astronautical Congress.
In the course of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik underlined the key pillars of ICESCO’s vision and its operational strategy, especially in advancing the education system by executing programs and projects that are closely attuned to the priorities and requirements of its Member States. Additionally, he emphasized the spheres of cooperation between the Organization and its international partners, along with its substantial contribution to supporting the endeavors of Member States in the realms of education, science, and culture.

The meeting also delved into the details of proposed collaborative programs and projects between both parties in education. This includes the joint organization of the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) test in partnership with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), specifically designed for Islamic World countries. The goal is to assess education systems in these countries, raise awareness among students about the importance of knowledge and basic skills, and elevate the overall quality of education systems.

The two parties agreed on the vital importance of collaborating to organize Olympiad competitions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as part of the activities to be held during the celebration of Shusha as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2024, within ICESCO’s Culture Capitals Programme. Furthermore, they discussed providing scholarships to students and implementing cultural exchange programs for young individuals across the Islamic World.
Mr. Amrullayev expressed Azerbaijan’s wish to host the forthcoming Conference of Ministers of Education in the Islamic World, stressing the roles played by ICESCO in serving its Member States in the fields of education, science, and culture.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Kapital Bank, and the New Space Innovation Foundation, launched the second edition of the youth training program on the development of small projects in the field of technology and innovation, in the Republic of Azerbaijan, intending to support the creative economy in the Islamic world and promote innovative technological startups.

At the outset of the launch ceremony, held on Wednesday (October 4, 2023), at Yarat Contemporary Art Centre, in Baku, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, gave an address, wherein he reviewed the objectives of the training program, most notably enhancing and ensuring the sustainability of startups in the Islamic world, and launching more than 150 startups by the end of 2025, as well as developing the capacities of more than 500 entrepreneurs.

Dr. AlMalik pointed out that the program seeks to focus on the fields of artificial intelligence, digital media, entertainment applications, virtual games, financial technology, and tourism, as well as agriculture and food-related technologies.

For his part, Mr. Farid Jafarov, Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, addressed the strong partnership between ICESCO and the Ministry and proposed to hold the closing ceremony of this program in Azerbaijan. Mr. Rashad Azizov, Head of the Department of Creative Industries and Digital Transformation at the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, stressed the importance of cooperation to advance creative industries in the Islamic world and enhance cultural and economic diversity.

Mr. Zakir Khanmammadov, Head of Kapital Bank, reviewed the Bank’s initiatives to improve the work environment for local startups. Ms. Leyla Taghizade, founder of the New Space Innovation Foundation, presented the Foundation’s programs to enhance youth capacities.

Fourteen (14) teams from the cities of Baku, Sumgait and Ganja were selected to spend a six-week intensive training to develop their innovative projects, and then compete at the national level before reaching the finals.

On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, in Baku, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a series of meetings with several ministers and officials in the Republic of Azerbaijan, to discuss strengthening the partnership between ICESCO and Azerbaijani institutions in areas of common interest.

These talks were held as part of the visit of ICESCO’s Director General to Baku at the head of an ICESCO delegation, to take part in the 74th International Astronautical Congress.

During the meetings, Dr. AlMalik presented ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations and the main programs, activities and initiatives it implements in cooperation with its partners. He also reviewed the Organization’s contributions to the efforts of its Member States in the fields of education, science and culture.

Dr. AlMalik first met with Mr. Djeyhoun Baïramov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, ICESCO’s Director General praised the level of cooperation between ICESCO and Azerbaijani institutions, indicating that the opening of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku will enhance bilateral relations between the two parties.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that the celebration of Shusha as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2024, within the framework of ICESCO’s Capitals of Culture Program, will be an opportunity to highlight the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city.

For his part, Mr. Baïramov praised ICESCO’s efforts to develop its fields of competence in Member States, reiterating Azerbaijan’s strong support for the Organization.

During the second meeting with Mr. Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, ICESCO Director-General emphasized that the Organization attaches great importance to capacity building for young people adding that the Organization had organized the participation of over 500 young men and women from various Islamic countries in the International Astronautical Congress, as part of ICESCO’s Year of Youth, which will be officially launched on Saturday October 7, 2023 in Cairo, under the patronage of H.E. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The two parties also affirmed their desire to strengthen their partnership in the fields of youth and sports and to collaborate in the implementation of joint activities and programs.

The third meeting was held with Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev, Rector of ADA University, and discussed the promotion of cooperation between ICESCO and the University, in the context of the former’s interest in collaborating with universities to encourage scientific research in education, science and culture, through the creation of university chairs.

On Tuesday, 3 October 2023, ADA University in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, hosted the launch of a series of meetings and lectures as part of the “Youth Dialogues” Program by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (ICESCO). The Program started with a dialogue session held by the Organization in collaboration with ADA University as part of ICESCO’s Year of Youth activities, as well as the participation of the ICESCO’s delegation in the 74th International Astronautical Congress in Baku.

At the outset of the “Youth Dialogues” Program Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General delivered a lecture, then Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev, the President of ADA University, presented the opening statement, acknowledging ICESCO’s efforts within its areas of competence and expressing pride in both the partnership with the Organization and hosting the Program’s launch at the University’s headquarters.

During the lecture, attended by Mr. Adil Gabil Karimli, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Dr. AlMalik emphasized the power of youth and their pivotal role, offering advice to the present young men and women from the Islamic World. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of youth taking initiative and developing their critical thinking skills in an era marked by the overwhelming flow of information, which necessitates analysis and discernment. Additionally, he highlighted the need for continuous education to further enhance their capabilities.

In response to a question about the role of youth in addressing climate change, Dr. AlMalik underscored the pivotal role of youth in environmental conservation and their contribution to creating a safe living space on Earth. He also shed light on the Organization’s activities and programs in this field.

On his part, Mr. Rashad Nabiyev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, provided advice to the attending youth on how to enhance their skills, particularly in the context of digital transformation and artificial intelligence mechanisms, and also stressed the importance of maintaining family ties.

Additionally, Mrs. Shelli Brunswick, Chief Operating Officer at the American Space Foundation, discussed the crucial role of space science applications in achieving development and underscored their ability to provide tangible solutions to human challenges. She also offered guidance to young individuals interested in pursuing space sciences and exploring the promising opportunities they present.

It is worth mentioning that ICESCO’s “Youth Dialogues” Program is designed to provide young individuals from Islamic and non-Islamic countries with the opportunity to engage in discussions on a wide range of issues of interest to them. The Program will feature a series of periodic lectures held in various countries throughout the Year of Youth celebration. These lectures are intended to create a knowledge-sharing space and provide a platform for the youth to propose innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.

On Tuesday, 3 October 2023, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Azercosmos Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This MoU is designed to establish collaborative efforts in exploring and utilizing satellite technology in the Republic of Azerbaijan and among ICESCO Member States. It also seeks to strengthen partnerships with scientific and research institutions, universities, experts, and researchers in space sciences to foster innovation, promote scientific exchange, and disseminate knowledge in this field.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Mr. Samaddin Asadov, Chairman of Azercosmos Board of, at the Baku Convention Center. The event was attended by a delegation from ICESCO, including several department heads, directors, and experts from the Organization. This event coincided with their participation in the 74th International Astronautical Congress held in Baku from 2 to 6 October 2023.

In his statement, Dr. Salim AlMalik underscored the importance of this MoU in promoting partnerships between ICESCO and Azercosmos. He placed significant emphasis on the collaboration between both parties in raising awareness about the future of space sciences and disseminating knowledge in this field across the Islamic World. Dr. AlMalik also affirmed ICESCO’s commitment to nurturing the potential of young individuals, exemplified by the attendance of over 500 participants from Islamic countries at the International Astronautical Congress hosted in Baku. This event served as a platform for exploring the latest advancements in space applications and gaining insights into the remarkable progress happening in this field.

Mr. Asadov, on his part, commended ICESCO’s efforts within its areas of competence, highlighting the strategic partnership and promising prospects that the MoU would offer in bolstering knowledge-sharing in the field of space sciences, both in Azerbaijan and among the Member States of the Organization.

The terms of the MoU outline the collaborative efforts between ICESCO and the Azercosmos in utilizing space technology to advance educational systems, foster scientific development, and promote innovation.

Additionally, it involves the exchange of ideas on how to leverage the capabilities offered by space technologies and their modern applications. This collaboration extends to integrating advanced satellite technologies into various fields such as tourism, agriculture, energy resources, oil and gas, innovative mapping, environmental protection, and infrastructure development.

Prior to the signing of the Memorandum, a meeting took place between both parties, during which a presentation on Azercosmos was delivered, detailed discussions on the signing process and the implementation mechanisms of the Memorandum were held, and the need to invest in similar constructive partnerships in Islamic countries to advance the space sciences industry and optimize the utilization of its technologies was tackled.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Rashad Nabiyev, the Minister of Transport and Digital Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to explore avenues for enhancing the distinguished partnership between ICESCO and Azerbaijan in the realm of modern science and technology.

This was part of the Organization’s Director-General visit to the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, to partake in the activities of the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC).
At the outset of the meeting, held on Monday, 2 October 2023, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Baku, Dr. AlMalik acknowledged the substantial cooperation between ICESCO and various institutions in Azerbaijan. He emphasized the key aspects of their fruitful partnership and the programs planned in celebration of Shusha as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2024.

The Director-General of ICESCO presented the Organization’s forward-looking vision and principal strategies. He underscored the significance of ongoing initiatives, programs, and projects, with a particular focus on building the capacities of youth in technology, creativity, and digital innovation. Notably, these efforts benefited more than 500 young men and women from various Member States of the Organization who attended the 74th International Astronautical Congress to explore the latest technologies in the field of space sciences.

Furthermore, he emphasized ICESCO’s commitment to contributing to the integration of modern technology and promoting the utilization of artificial intelligence applications to enhance and refresh the fields of education, science, and culture. Mr. Almalik also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Organization and Azerbaijan in organizing major specialized conferences and seminars on science and its technologies, aimed at adapting technology and harnessing its potential in the Islamic World.

On his part, Mr. Nabiyev reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing the partnership between both parties by collaborating on the implementation of more programs and projects in areas of mutual interest.

Present at the meeting from ICESCO were Mr. Anar Karimov, the Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Muhammad Sharif, a Consultant in the Science and Technology Sector.