Category: Director General

His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, in his office at the Ministry headquarters, in Riyadh, received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The two parties discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Organization’s areas of action.

During the meeting, held on Monday (January 24, 2022), Dr. Al-Malik reviewed the central cores of ICESCO’s new vision and strategic orientations for 2025 as well as its efforts to support its Member States in the fields of education, science and culture, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. He also reviewed the key programs and activities that ICESCO will implement in 2022.

The meeting touched upon Saudi Arabia’s efforts in supporting culture and science at the regional and international levels to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals as part of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision. His Highness the Minister commended the achievements that ICESCO has made since Dr. Al-Malik assumed his post as its DG. He also stressed the keenness of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince to support the Organization in its areas of action to serve the Islamic world, enhance cooperation and exchange expertise and successful experiences among the Member States.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General  (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Haifa Najjar, Jordanian Minister of Culture. The meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the field of culture and heritage preservation.
During this meeting, held on Friday (January 21, 2022) in Doha, Qatar, Dr. Al-Malik reviewed the central core of ICESCO’s vision, working mechanisms, and strategic orientations as well as its major programmes, initiatives and activities implemented in cooperation with Member States’ competent authorities, especially on the promotion of cultural industries, digital culture and the inscription of tangible and intangible heritage on the Islamic World Heritage List.

ICESCO DG stressed the Organization’s keenness to build the capacities of young people in various areas, including entrepreneurship and leadership for peace and security, a program that trained last year 30 young peace ambassadors from more than 24 Muslim countries and beyond, to spread the culture of peace, coexistence and dialogue.
For her part, the Jordanian Minister of Culture praised the roles that ICESCO fulfills in its fields of competence and its support to the Member States, stressing the keenness of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to cooperate with the Organization.

The meeting discussed the prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and the Jordanian Ministry of Culture in renewing and modernizing the cultural policies of Muslim countries, coordinating the efforts geared towards the protection of Al-Quds Al-Sharif’s heritage, cooperating in the establishment of ICESCO Chair for Tangible Heritage, and holding training sessions and workshops to train Jordanian archeological staff on the preservation of heritage and the preparation of the inscription files of historical sites and cultural elements. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has two sites inscribed on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List and 10 sites on the Tentative List.

The two parties also agreed to cooperate in co-organizing, participating in and sponsoring several fora and cultural festivals.
At the end of the meeting, the Jordanian Minister of Culture invited ICESCO Director-General to visit the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in coordination with the Minister of Education, Chairman of the Jordanian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Youssef bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, CEO of Qatar Charity, and together they discussed means of enhancing cooperation and developing the existing partnership between the Organization and the Charity in several areas. These include social development, teaching the Arabic language, ensuring quality education for all, ensuring equal access to opportunities for both genders, building the capacities of girls and women, and fighting school dropout among girls. 

During the meeting, held on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Qatar Charity’s headquarters in Doha, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main thrusts of ICESCO’s vision and its strategic orientations. He also reviewed the Organization’s roles in its areas of competence, particularly in providing educational training for teachers of Arabic to non-Arabic speakers through ICESCO’s educational centers, namely ICESCO’s Regional Educational Center in Chad. Qatar Charity provided financial support for the establishment of this Center along with other humanitarian and social projects for the benefit of countries of the Islamic world.

ICESCO DG also commended the joint work between the Organization and the Charity, where their objectives converge in the humanitarian field. 

“ICESCO, in cooperation with several donors, provided assistance to a number of countries in need to support their efforts in countering the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We helped provide mobile health services for vulnerable groups, particularly in remote and rural areas, and helped countries in reforming their educational systems and reaping the maximum benefits from projects and activities,” noted Dr. AlMalik.

The meeting touched upon the proposed areas for enhancing cooperation between ICESCO and Qatar Charity, notably education, culture, and medical caravans. The two parties reiterated their keenness to build constructive cooperation within the framework of a new partnership agreement based on practical implementation programs and projects with tangible outcomes.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik invited Mr. Al-Kuwari to visit ICESCO’s Headquarters in the Kingdom of Morocco to get acquainted with the projects, initiatives and ongoing activities implemented by the Organization for the benefit of its Member States.

In appreciation of his efforts in leading ICESCO in carrying out its remarkable roles, Qatar Charity’s CEO presented Charity’s Shield to ICESCO DG.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Ms. Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Qatari Minister of Education and Higher Education, explored ways to develop cooperation and partnership and exchange experiences in the field of educational and scientific research among the countries of the Islamic world.

During the meeting, held on Thursday, January 20, 2022, in Doha, within the framework of ICESCO DG’s visit to the State of Qatar to attend the closing ceremony of the celebration of Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the strong relations between ICESCO and the State of Qatar,  expressing his appreciation for the fruitful cooperation between the Organization and many Qatari institutions and authorities, and calling for the development of cooperation and partnership based on practical executive programs and projects between the two parties in this field.

ICESCO DG reviewed the Organization’s new vision and achievements in recent years, which have enhanced its position at the regional and international levels in the fields of education, science and culture, highlighting future plans and strategic orientations of the Organization to ensure the fulfillment of its role optimally to support its Member States.

He also reviewed the Organization’s key assistance programs in the field of education implemented in cooperation with several donors for the benefit of the neediest Member States to ensure the continuity of the educational process during the Covid-19 pandemic and reduce dropping out of school in these countries.

The meeting touched upon exploring cooperation proposals between ICESCO and the Qatari Ministry of Education and Higher Education in the fields of education, science and scientific research and the possibility to establish scientific chairs with the support of Qatari higher education institutions as part of ICESCO’s program in several prestigious universities inside and outside the Islamic world.

For her part, the Qatari Minister of Education and Higher Education commended ICESCO’s efforts in supporting its Member States within the Organization’s areas of competence and presented the shield of the Ministry to ICESCO DG.

Following the closing ceremony of the Celebration of Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) met Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Culture of Qatar. The meeting discussed ways to develop cooperation between ICESCO and the State of Qatar in the cultural fields.

During this meeting, held on Thursday (January 20, 2022), in Doha, ICESCO DG reviewed the Organization’s new vision and its recent achievements and strategic orientations presented during the Executive Council, in Egypt, last December.

The meeting considered cooperation proposals between the two parties through the adoption of various initiatives that ICESCO will launch in 2022, in the various areas of culture to contribute to its development in the Islamic world. The proposals also include training sessions on appraising, protecting and preserving heritage as well as inscribing heritage sites on the Islamic World Heritage List of ICESCO.

For his part, Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Thani commended the development and modernization of ICESCO’s working mechanisms and its new and forward-looking vision, praising ICESCO’s proclamation of Doha as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021, and the activities and initiatives of this celebration despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the close of the meeting, ICESCO DG invited Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Thani to visit ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat. The Minister promised to plan the visit at the earliest convenience.

ICESCO DG also toured the Doha International Book Fair, which is held under the slogan “Science is Light,” with the participation of more than 430 publishing houses from 37 countries, presenting their latest intellectual, literary and scientific productions marking the great international development in all fields.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), noted that the Organization has redesigned its Programme for Culture Capitals in the Islamic World to modernize the concept of ​​culture capitals. He emphasized ICESCO’s determination to make every capital’s celebration a cultural work that is consistent with the requirements of the cultural industry and capable of making a cultural difference through intelligent harmony between authenticity and modernization.

This statement was part of his address on the closing ceremony of the celebration of Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021, which took place on Thursday, January 20, 2022, during the 31st Doha International Book Fair, in the presence of Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatari Minister of Culture, along with several representatives of the ministries of culture in the Islamic worlds and the participating parties in the celebration’s activities, which lasted throughout 2021, under the theme “Our Culture is Light.”

Dr. AlMalik began his address by noting that the ceremony closes an entire year of bright and creative activities, in which Doha was well received and welcomed as a culture capital. He thanked His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, for placing the celebration under his high patronage and for his interest, diligence and guidance.

He added that the celebration’s theme (Our Culture is Light) indicates the Islamic world’s substantive contribution to civilization and that the celebration’s activities reflect high-quality planning and implementation and translate the values ​​of partnership, cooperation and synergy among several institutions, congratulating all who have contributed to the success of the celebration.

ICESCO DG stressed that the programs of the celebration of Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021, succeeded in promoting Doha as a long-standing civilizational and cultural landmark and emphasizing the uniqueness of the Islamic civilization. “The celebration programs fostered cultural cooperation among the units of the Islamic world, encouraged us to pursue the approach of great human openness, and expanded our concept of culture to include fields relating to youth, women, children and persons with special needs,” added ICESCO DG.

In his address during the ceremony, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatari Minister of Culture, noted that the diversified activities of the celebration were well attended despite the COVID-19 pandemic. He also emphasized the pivotal role of culture in achieving economic development and prosperity.

“The programs and activities that were organized throughout the year reflected the richness of the State of Qatar. They contributed to promoting positive interaction among creative thinkers and intellectuals, strengthening cultural identity and building bridges of closeness and communication with the cultures of the Islamic world,” added the Qatari Minister.

The celebration included the screening of a video highlighting the major activities and programs organized as part of the celebration of Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021, followed by a singing performance, then a musical show.

In conclusion, the Qatari Minister of Culture honored the ICESCO DG in appreciation of the Organization’s efforts and contribution to the success of the celebration of Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021. The participating entities, bodies and sponsors were also honored.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Culture of Qatar, will take part in the closing ceremony of the Celebration of Doha, Capital of Culture of the Islamic World for 2021, due to be held tomorrow (January 20, 2022) as part of the 31st Doha International Book Fair.

The celebration of Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2021, which comes within the framework of ICESCO’s Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World Program, held under the slogan “Our Culture is Light” and the high patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of The State of Qatar, implemented 238 cultural activities throughout 2021, under the supervision of the Qatari Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Qatari National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and partnership with several Qatari ministries, authorities and institutions.

The closing ceremony programme features the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, followed by the addresses of the Qatari Minister of Culture and ICESCO DG, respectively.
The ceremony also includes an artistic performance, and a video reviewing the activities of Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2021, as well as a session for honoring the participants.

ICESCO’s Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World Program aims to celebrate the cultural cities with a distinguished history to perpetuate their cultural and civilizational achievements, promote cultural and civilizational dialogue, and consolidate the values ​​of coexistence and understanding among peoples.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Khaled Ali Al-Fadhel, Director-General of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), explored avenues of cooperation between the Organization and the Foundation in the fields of scientific research, artificial intelligence applications, space science and research grants.

The meeting was held on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at KFAS’ headquarters in Kuwait, within the framework of ICESCO DG’s official visit to the State of Kuwait. During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the major thrusts of ICESCO’s new vision and action strategy that are based on openness to all, as well as the Organization’s main programs and activities.
Dr. Al-Fadhel delivered a presentation on KFAS, explaining that it is a non-profit organization that includes several scientific centers, and aims to promote a culture of science, technology and innovation. He also reviewed the major programs and activities implemented by the Foundation to achieve its objectives.

The two parties discussed proposals for cooperation between ICESCO and KFAS in areas of common interest. They agreed on joining efforts in the field of space science and applications by supporting the Islamic world’s access to this field and encouraging the establishment of relevant national institutions and research centers. They also agreed on supporting and providing research grants in distinguished universities and prestigious scientific research centers.

The meeting also concluded with an agreement to jointly establish research incubators, organize hackathons for the benefit of talented and creative young people, and support the use of artificial intelligence applications in the cultural and educational fields.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Al-Fadhel affirmed their keenness to translate all that was discussed and agreed upon during the meeting into a cooperation agreement to be signed between ICESCO and the KFAS. Coordinators were designated to follow up on the outcomes of the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Layla Al-Musawi, Program Manager of Publicizing and Dissemination of Science and Technology at KFAS, Dr. Ahmed Said Bah, Advisor to ICESCO DG for Partnerships and International Cooperation, and Mr. Youssef Al-Najjar, Assistant Undersecretary for Financial Affairs at the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Bader Al-Badawi, Acting Rector of Kuwait University, explored avenues for cooperation between the university, ICESCO and the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW) mainly in the field of supporting academic chairs and granting scholarships in coordination with Kuwaiti National Commission for Education, Science and Culture.

During the meeting, held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at the University’s headquarters in Kuwait, with the presence of Dr. Ali Al-Yaqoub, Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education, and Dr. Mardi Al-Ayyash, Secretary-General and the official spokesperson for Kuwait University, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the Organization’s new vision and action strategy, attributing great significance to promoting cooperation with universities to contribute to achieving sustainable development.

Dr. AlMalik referred to ICESCO’s scientific chairs in the fields of culture and arts that the Organization established in several universities inside and outside the Islamic world, underscoring the possibility of supporting the establishment of a research chair at Kuwait University and several other chairs in the universities in the Islamic world in partnership with the University.

The meeting touched upon proposals for cooperation between ICESCO and FUIW in the field of scholarships as the State of Kuwait grants scholarships to students of the Islamic world in its universities, as well as cooperation in holding training sessions within Kuwait University, and networking and connecting the universities of the Islamic world mainly in the field of scientific and academic research.

The two parties also explored proposal for cooperation in the field of enabling many universities in the Islamic world to occupy advanced positions in international rankings, cooperation in supporting young people and girls through entrepreneurship and the development of AI applications, which have unlimited capabilities to stimulate development as well as joint action to emphasize the importance of investing in space sciences and allowing universities to allocate important facilities for these sciences as they are the sciences of the future.

Dr. Al-Badawi commended ICESCO’s cooperation with universities, noting Kuwait University’s eagerness to build a fruitful partnership with the Organization and the Federation.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Ali Al-Mudhaf, Kuwaiti Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chairman of the Kuwaiti National Commission for Education, Science and Culture. During the meeting, the two parties discussed means for sustaining the outstanding partnership between ICESCO and the State of Kuwait and enhancing their effective cooperation in the Organization’s areas of competence.

The meeting was held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, within the framework of ICESCO DG’s official visit to the State of Kuwait. Dr. AlMalik began the meeting by emphasizing the deep, long-standing relations between ICESCO and Kuwait as one of the Organization’s founding countries. He also commended the State’s notable humanitarian initiatives and considerable assistance to countries in need, calling for cooperation between ICESCO and Kuwait in this area.
ICESCO DG also reviewed the Organization’s new vision, its achievements in recent years, and its strategic orientations presented during ICESCO’s Executive Council, hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt in December 2021.

During the meeting, the two parties discussed proposals for cooperation in the fields of education, science, scientific research, culture and communication. The proposals for cooperation laid particular focus on preparing strategic and field studies on education and organizing training sessions to build teacher capacity in light of the challenges and education trends that have emerged amidst COVID-19. Proposals also included drawing on the experience of Kuwait and the Gulf countries in education, as they have successfully maintained learning continuity during the pandemic.

The two parties also explored avenues of cooperation in providing scholarships, to be granted by Kuwait in its universities to students from the Islamic world, and by ICESCO to Kuwaiti researchers and scholars in prestigious universities across the globe.

For his part, Dr. Al-Mudhaf praised ICESCO’s developed and modernized working mechanisms, as well as its new far-sighted vision, stressing Kuwait’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with the Organization.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ali Al Yaqoub, Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education.