Category: Director General

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the annual meeting of the Strategic Vision Group « Russia – Islamic World,» held on Friday, 16 May 2025, in Kazan. The meeting was attended by H.E. President Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, along with a group of high-level officials and decision-makers from the Russian Federation and several Islamic countries, in addition to presidents and representatives of relevant international and regional organizations.

In his address during the meeting, which was held under the theme « The Experience of Russia and the Islamic World in the Field of Youth Policy, » Dr. AlMalik emphasized that over the past five years, ICESCO has implemented a range of innovative initiatives and activities reflecting the Organization’s keen interest in youth, convinced of their crucial role in shaping the present and building the future. He also noted that youth constitute 45% of ICESCO’s staff, which reflects the Organization’s strategic vision regarding the importance of youth participation.

Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s initiatives and programs targeting youth in the Islamic world, notably the ICESCO Year of Youth. He stated that the Organization’s investment in youth is not limited to leveraging their capacities, but also aims to elevate their visions in projects related to AI, the green economy, and the digital transformation of education, with the goal of shaping a generation equipped to meet the challenges of its time and grounded in civilizational values.

Dr. AlMalik announced the launch of four initiatives aimed at strengthening youth cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world: the organization of a youth forum simulating the current Strategic Vision Group meeting; the establishment of a permanent platform dedicated to youth policies to develop joint strategies on entrepreneurship and innovative education; the launch of cultural and diplomatic exchange programs for youth; the implementation of forward-looking research projects by young people to identify major transformations and contribute to building the world of tomorrow.

At the conclusion of his address, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to H.E. President Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and H.E. the President of Tatarstan for their continuous support in promoting cultural dialogue and for their enlightened vision, which has enabled Kazan to play a leading role in fostering understanding among civilizations and to become a beacon of tolerance.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the international ministerial congress held in Kazan on Thursday 15 May 2025, under the theme: “Cultural Dialogue as a Foundation for Maintaining Identity and Diversity in a Multipolar World.” The Congress was attended by ministers of culture from Russia, Indonesia, Somalia, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau and Pakistan, along with representatives from 37 countries.

The congress was held on the sidelines of the 2025 Kazan International Economic Forum, “Russia – Islamic World” and featured opening remarks by Ms. Olga Lyubimova, Culture Minister of Russia; Ms. Leyla Fazleeva, Deputy Prime Minister of Tatarstan; Dr. Walid Hamed Shiltag, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to Russia; Ambassador Turko Daudov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the OIC; and Mr. Al-Hussein Al-Ghazawi, Director of Cultural Affairs at the OIC.

In his address, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that the congress aimed to discuss the evolving cultural landscape, defend and empower culture, and mobilize it as a driving force for peace, dignity, and sustainable development. He highlighted the deep belief of ICESCO in the central role of culture in the development process within its Member States.

Dr. AlMalik explained that this belief is embodied in several pioneering initiatives launched by the Organization, starting with the introduction of the multidimensional “360° Approach to Peace,” aimed to instill the values of peace in societies and public policies. He also mentioned the Leadership Training for Peace and Security Program (LTIPS), which has so far graduated 180 young men and women as peace ambassadors representing 68 countries. Additionally, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s launch of its innovative concept of “civilizational diplomacy.”

Dr. AlMalik noted that ICESCO has become a frontline advocate for the shared heritage of its Member States, as reflected in the establishment of ICESCO Heritage Center in the Islamic World, which has inscribed more than 730 heritage sites on its Islamic World heritage List. He also noted ongoing efforts to update national legislation in the field and support Member States in the removal of properties from the List of World Heritage in Danger. Dr. AlMalik concluded his speech by calling for support for ICESCO’s efforts and initiatives in heritage preservation.

The congress also featured interventions from representatives of ICESCO Member States, who focused on national efforts to support culture as a driver of development, strengthen its role in preserving identity, maintain cultural diversity, and promote coexistence among different cultures. Participating delegations also extended their congratulations to Tatarstan on the designation of Kazan as the 2026 Culture Capital in Islamic World.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Fazli Zon, Indonesian Minister of Culture, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan. The two officials discussed ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Indonesia in the fields of education, science, culture, and heritage preservation and promotion, and examined the programs and initiatives proposed for joint implementation in the coming period.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main pillars of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations, as well as its programs and projects on youth and women capacity building, consolidating the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue, countering extremist ideas, encouraging investment in technology, innovation, artificial intelligence and space sciences, spreading the culture of foresight, and enhancing the status of the Arabic language globally.

ICESCO Director General expressed his aspiration to expand the scope of cooperation with Indonesia in the coming period, especially in the field of heritage preservation and promotion, calling for increasing the number of inscribed Indonesian tangible and intangible heritage sites on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List.

For his part, Mr. Fazli Zon stressed his keenness to enhance cooperation with ICESCO given its esteemed status in the Islamic world, pointing out that the Ministry, as part of its new orientations, seeks to protect and promote all forms of heritage, which provides room for enhancing cooperation and joint work with the Organization.

His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan (Russian Federation), affirmed the enhancement of cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). This came during a meeting held on Thursday 15 May 2025, with Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, alongside a number of Ministers of Culture and heads of delegations participating in the Congress of the Minister of Culture of Islamic World Countries, held under the theme:“ Cultural Dialogue As A Foundation For Maintaining Identity And Diversity In The Multipolar World”, convened in Kazan with the participation of 37 countries, as part of the international economic forum Russia – Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2025.

President Minnikhanov expressed his delight at the designation of Kazan as a Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2026, under ICESCO’s Capitals of Culture Program. He emphasized that hosting the Congress of the Minister of Culture of Islamic World Countries is part of the broader efforts to strengthen ties between Russia and ICESCO Member States. He also praised ICESCO’s initiatives in this context and the close and fruitful cooperation between his country and the Organization.

President Minnikhanov further noted that the celebration will include a year-long series of major cultural events and activities. He extended an open invitation for wide participation in these events, which aim to highlight and celebrate the rich civilizational and cultural heritage of the Tatar capital.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to President Minnikhanov for the warm reception and generous hospitality. He commended the important role Tatarstan plays in the strategic relations between the Islamic world and the Russian Federation. He also reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to ensuring the success of the Kazan Capital of Culture celebration, which recognizes the City’s longstanding legacy of coexistence, cultural vitality, and steadfast dedication to building bridges between peoples and cultures.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the scientific session dedicated to AI technology ethics, under the title “Artificial Intelligence: Rulings, Controls, and Ethics.” Dr. AlMalik served as Rapporteur of the session and Chair of its Decisions Drafting Committee. The session was held on Monday, 5 May 2025, as part of the 26th Session of the Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, which operates under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The Conference kicked off on Sunday in Doha, Qatar, and will continue over five days, under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In his address, Dr. AlMalik, who has been a member of the Islamic Fiqh Academy since 2020, reviewed the key principles and content of the Riyadh Charter on AI Ethics in the Islamic World – ICESCO, highlighting that it represents a comprehensive ethical and strategic compass for AI software and technologies, grounded in the unifying values of the Islamic world.

The Charter received significant acclaim from senior scholars in attendance, with calls for it to be included in the final recommendations of the 26th Session of the Council and circulated to all 57 Member States.

Dr. AlMalik explained that ICESCO undertook the responsibility of drafting and issuing the Charter due to the failure of existing international charters to take into account the values of the Islamic world. He noted that through this initiative, the Organization aims to harness the transformative power of AI in a way that aligns with the values and priorities of the Islamic world and the teachings of our noble religion.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education, on Sunday 4 May 2025, to discuss the latest developments in cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry in the fields of education.

The meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Doha in the presence of Mr. Ali Abdul Razzaq Marafie, Secretary-General of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, explored opportunities for cooperation on innovative programmes under ICESCO’s initiatives in green education and early childhood care.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik outlined the core pillars of ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, highlighting its ongoing programmes focused on youth and women’s capacity-building, fostering the values of coexistence, peace, and civilizational dialogue, promoting investment in technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, and space sciences, advancing futures and foresight literacy, and enhancing the global standing of the Arabic language.

Dr. AlMalik commended Qatar’s exceptional educational system, noting the potential to leverage Qatari expertise and share it with other countries. He also invited the Qatari Ministry of Education and Higher Education to send its staff to ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat for a series of training courses.

For her part, Ms. Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater praised ICESCO’s efforts in advancing education, science and culture in its Member States, and expressed her interest in deepening cooperation with the Organization.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participates in the 26th session of the Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), a subsidiary organ of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in Doha from 4 to 8 May 2025, under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, in the presence of leading scholars and jurists from across the globe.

A member of IIFA since 2020, Dr. AlMalik will serve as Rapporteur for the Conference’s third scientific session titled “Artificial Intelligence: Rulings, Controls, and Ethics,” to be held on Monday 5 May 2025. During the session, which will review 33 research papers on AI technologies, Dr. AlMalik will highlight ICESCO’s key efforts in this field, including the “Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World” and the establishment of ICESCO’s Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence.

The scientific sessions of the Conference will address a range of contemporary jurisprudential, economic, and medical issues, including: Emerging Issues in Child Care; the Principle of Istishab (Presumption of Continuity) and its Application to Contemporary Issues; Artificial Intelligence:

Rulings, Controls, and Ethics; Sharia Ruling on Third-Party Payment of Loan Excess and Fees for Letters of Guarantee and Credit; Electronic Games: Rulings and Controls; the Impact of Mental Illnesses on Legal Competence in Sharia; Sharia Governance in Modern Islamic Financial Institutions; Review and Discussion of Recommendations on Stunning Birds and Animals before Slaughter and its Implications on Halal Slaughtering; and Review and Discussion of the recommendations of the Symposium on Breastfeeding Premature Babies with the Milk of Known and Unknown Mothers

The International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) is a trusted scholarly institution for collective ijtihad, convening its members and representatives annually to examine emerging incidents and contemporary issues, and to develop shariah-based solutions through collective ijtihad.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is pleased to announce the launch of applications for the 4th edition of its Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS) Program, to be held in 2025 under the theme: “Sowing the Seeds of Peace by Mobilizing Youth and Women.”

The Organization calls on young women and men from Member States and beyond to submit their applications. A specialized jury will select a group of applicants, who will receive intensive training sessions in the fields of peace and security, aiming to qualify them to become ICESCO’s peace ambassadors.

Building on the success of previous editions, which trained 180 young leaders from 68 countries, the 2025 LTIPS Program is anchored in ICESCO’s 360° Peace Approach. This multidisciplinary model aims to equip and mobilize emerging leaders to shape a more peaceful and inclusive future.

LTIPS includes ten specialized training modules that focus on various dimensions of peacebuilding and peace promotion at the strategic, academic and community levels. The modules also provide the participants with the opportunity to interact with inspiring leaders from around the world, and benefit from intensive workshops.

The training will conclude with a competition to honor the best innovative projects submitted by young leaders and provide the necessary financial and technical support for their implementation. LTIPS particularly encourages applications from young women given the pivotal role of women in achieving peace and security.

The young peace ambassadors will have the opportunity to participate in international youth-related activities and enjoy an inspiring journey that brings together diverse cultures, faiths and civilizations to celebrate the beauty of diversity and peaceful coexistence.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be aged between 18 and 35 years as of December 31, 2025.
• Demonstrate commitment to issues of peace and security, and the rehabilitation of youth and women by providing a portfolio of their relevant work or research, whether at the academic level or as part of their work with associations and civil society organizations.
• Be proficient in one of the Organization’s three official languages (Arabic, English or French) to ensure effective participation in all training sessions.

Deadline to apply: May 31, 2025 at 23:59 GMT

For more information and to apply:
https://icesco.org/en/get-engaged/leadership-training-in-peace-and-security/

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) inaugurated its new Regional Office in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, marking a strategic step toward strengthening cooperation with the Member States of Central Asia.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by high-level dignitaries, notably Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Ms. Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Center, along with a host of senior officials, ministers, ambassadors, and intellectuals.

Other distinguished guests included Mr. Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan; Mr. Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture and President of the National Commission for Education, Science and Culture; Mr. Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Science and Education; Mr. Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports; as well as the Governors of the Old City of Baku and Shusha.

In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, stated that the inauguration of the Regional Office in Baku—a city of deep-rooted history and a cradle of peace and culture—ushers in a new beacon of education, science, culture, and communication.

He emphasized that the Office will not only serve Azerbaijan but also meet the needs of the Member States of Central Asia, highlighting that this achievement is the result of the clear vision and wise leadership of H.E. President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and his steadfast support for ICESCO’s mission in the Islamic world. Dr. AlMalik also expressed his gratitude to Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Lady, First Vice President, and ICESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

Speaking on the Office’s mission, Dr. AlMalik noted that it will work to advance ICESCO’s strategic priorities, particularly in areas such as environmental protection, the use of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity, youth empowerment, and heritage preservation.

At the close of the ceremony, the Director-General presented ICESCO Shields to Ms. Leyla Aliyeva and Ms. Arzu Aliyeva, in recognition of their presence and the strong support that Azerbaijan’s leadership continues to show for ICESCO.

ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku serves as a strategic platform for enhancing cooperation in education, science, and culture between ICESCO and countries including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. It seeks to build fruitful partnerships with government institutions, academic and cultural bodies, as well as regional and international organizations, ensuring that ICESCO’s programs are aligned with the region’s specific context and development goals.