Category: Director General

Amid high-level presence, the International Scientific Forum on the Role of Culture and Arts in Combating Crime and Extremism kicked off today, Monday, July 17, 2023, at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The Forum is being held by ICESCO in partnership with Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region, aimed at highlighting the role of artistic and cultural work in combating crime, shedding light on the importance of cultural and artistic contents in supporting coexistence, and reviewing best Arab, regional and international practices and experiences in the field.

The opening session of the three-day forum saw the participation of senior officials and experts from the Ministries of Interior, Justice, Social Affairs, Information and Culture in the Arab countries, along with representatives of regional and international organizations, and researchers from universities and competent authorities.

The event opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the address of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, who stressed the key role of culture and art in human life, as they provide the best mediums to express human feelings, pointing out that crime and extremism are the product of harsh social conditions, devoid of societal role models.

The Director-General made five recommendations, which focused on the role of cultural and artistic policies as a tool for addressing the issues of crime and extremism, the role of intellectuals as an integral part of social and civilizational edification, the significance of creating interesting cultural and artistic training materials at the pre-university level, the need for cultural facilities in neighborhoods and regions to provide cultural and artistic services that meet residents’ needs, and the importance of according due attention to younger generations to face current challenges.

The session, moderated by Amb. Khaled Fathulrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Centre for Civilizational Dialogue, saw next the address of Mr. Abdellatif Wehbi, Minister of Justice of the Kingdom of Morocco, who stressed the importance of culture and arts in creating a cultural reference for humanity, noting that the Kingdom of Morocco has been keen to adopt an integrated national approach in the field of countering terrorism and extremism.

Speaking next was Dr. Mohammad bin Ali Koman, Secretary-General of the Secretary General of Arab Interior Ministers Council, who pointed out that the security approach cannot singlehandedly combat crime, which prompted the Council to enhance the role of culture and arts in combating terrorism and acts of extremism, through several programs and initiatives.

For his part, Mr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Alharfash, NAUSS Vice President for External Relations, stated that the Forum is organized as part of the partnership between the University and ICESCO, in reflection of both institutions’ awareness of the role of art as one of the paths to support coexistence, combat extremism and promote cultural rapprochement. The NAUSS official also highlighted the University’s efforts in the academic and security fields.

Afterward, the Director General and the NAUSS Vice President for External Relations exchanged commemorative shields.

The first session focused on the role of art and culture in community integration through rehabilitation programs, which was moderated by Dr. Ahmed Said Bah, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General for Partnerships and International Cooperation, Supervisor of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences. The session featured the respective addresses of Mr. Mohamed Dkhissi, Wali of National Security, Central Director of the Judicial Police; Dr. Angelo Miramonti, Expert at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; Dr. Samah Muhammad Lotfy Muhammad Abdul-Latif, Assistant Professor of Crime Sociology at Al-Arish University, Egypt, and Mr. Ahmed Jenidy, Expert at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

The second session of the first day will discuss ways to promote the role of culture and art in combating crime, while the third session will focus on the types of cultural and artistic works and their contribution to combating crime and extremism.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Amb. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Morocco, Kazakhstan’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO, and together they discussed the latest cooperation developments between the Organization and Kazakhstan in the fields of education, science and culture.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik stressed ICESCO’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan in areas of common interest through the implementation of a set of practical programs and projects.
For her part, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Morocco praised ICESCO’s roles in supporting the efforts of its Member States in the fields of education, science and culture, and in consolidating the values of coexistence and peace, stressing that she is keen to participate in all forums held by the Organization.

The meeting, which was attended by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, and Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, discussed preparations for the International Conference on Al-Farabi’s Intellectual Contributions, to be held at ICESCO Headquarters in October 2023. It also discussed the creation of an ICESCO chair at the Eurasian National University in Kazakhstan and discussed the proposal to sign the agreement on its creation in the presence of the President of the University during the Al-Farabi Conference.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to sustain coordination to develop cooperation.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Hicham El Habti, President of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), and together explored developing cooperation between ICESCO and the University.

During the meeting, held on Monday, July 3, 2023, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik commended the success of the Conference on the State of Foresight Studies in the World, held in cooperation between ICESCO and UM6P at the University’s headquarters last May. The Director-General also praised the set of recommendations the Conference issued on promoting the culture of strategic foresight and the remarkable participation it has attracted, including researchers and international experts in strategic foresight and sustainable development.

Moreover, the Director-General reaffirmed that the Organization accords great importance to launching and implementing programs and projects that aim to encourage the countries of the Islamic world to capitalize on modern technology and AI to invigorate the fields of education, science, culture and achieve sustainable development, through attaining a holistic understanding of technological applications to benefit from their opportunities and curb their dangers and negative impact on society.
For his part, Mr. El-Habti commended the roles ICESCO assumes in support of advancing scientific research, expressing the University’s keenness to develop cooperation with the Organization, particularly in providing study grants in modern specialties to the youth of the Islamic world and holding training sessions and workshops.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to sustain coordination to develop cooperation in areas of common interest, notably, data and information sciences and supporting entrepreneurship and strategic foresight.

At the closing ceremony of the celebration of Tetouan, capital of civil society in the Kingdom of Morocco for 2022, held on Sunday 25 June 2023 under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, tribute was paid to Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), by the International Civil Society Organization for the Values of Citizenship, Development and Dialogue and the Tétouan Asmir Association for Cultural, Social, Economic and Sports Development.

Dr. AlMalik received a certificate of recognition from Dr. Mustapha Zebakh, chairman of the Civil Society Organization, and the City of Tetouan trophy from Dr. Mustafa Adila, vice-chairman of the Tetouan Asmir Association.

The ceremony, which took place at the Cinéma Español, included a musical evening hosted by singer Fatima Zohra Qortobi, and composer Saloua Chaoudri, with the participation of the Arabesque musical group. Fatima Zohra Qortobi also sang the poem “Princess of the Doves”, written by Dr. Salim AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, and composed by the artist Mohammed Mustafa.

In his speech at the ceremony, Dr. AlMalik praised the rich heritage, ancient history and beauty of Tetouan, making it one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean, and thanked the city’s inhabitants for their hospitality and generosity.

ICESCO Director-General also thanked the International Civil Society Organization for the Values of Citizenship, Development and Dialogue, and the Tetouan Asmir Association for Cultural, Social, Economic and Sports Development, for organizing this distinguished event, which helped to enhance the influence of Tetouan, “the white dove,” and highlight its rich heritage and history.

The Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, received Mr. Adil Gabil Karimli, Minister of Culture, President of the Azerbaijani National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, and together discussed ways to promote the distinguished partnership between ICESCO and Azerbaijan in the fields of education, science and culture.
During the meeting, held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. Al-Malik commended the distinguished partnership relations between ICESCO and Azerbaijan and the sustained support of H.E. President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Moreover, the Director-General highlighted the main axes of the Organization’s forward-looking vision and strategic orientations, and the key initiatives, programs and projects currently being implemented, particularly those pertaining to building the capacities of young people in the fields of technology and innovation, supporting women, developing educational systems, and consolidating the values of coexistence and civilizational dialogue. Dr. AlMalik also reaffirmed that ICESCO adopts an open-door policy in service of its Member States and Muslim communities around the world.

For his part, Mr. Karimli stressed that ICESCO is a strategic partner of Azerbaijan in the fields of education, science and culture, stating that the relations between the two parties enjoy great support from President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva. He added that Azerbaijan is keen to develop partnerships through cooperation in the implementation of more programs and projects.

The meeting discussed several interests and ongoing activities, including arrangements for the opening of ICESCO’s regional office in Baku, proposals for new programs and projects for cooperation, developments in the partnership between the two parties in the cultural field, and the outcomes of a number of projects and programs implemented in cooperation between ICESCO and many of Azerbaijani bodies.

The meeting was attended by Amb. Nazim Samadov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Morocco and the delegation accompanying the Minister, along with several ICESCO officials, namely Dr. Mohamed Zain El Abidin, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the International Partnerships and Cooperation Sector, and Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of the Legal Affairs and International Standards Department.