Category: Director General

Following two days of brainstorming and exchange of views and ideas on foresight mechanisms in order to lay down the most effective scenarios to face future challenges, the International Conference on the State of Foresight Studies in the World, held by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Policy Center for the New South and Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University (PMU), concluded its proceedings on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, with several recommendations to promote the culture of strategic foresight.

The Conference, which saw high-level participation including prominent international foresight experts, issued many recommendations stressing the need to increase investment in scientific research in the field of foresight, promote socio-economic development through foresight, and encourage the launch of an international platform to spread its culture. The Conference also recommended promoting strategic cooperation and international partnerships in the field of foresight studies, exchanging experiences among countries, and preparing a foresight guidebook for the benefit of the countries of the Islamic world.

The second day of the conference saw a discussion session on translating visions of the future into action plans, in which speakers stressed the need to build individual and institutional capacities, establish fruitful partnerships in the field of foresight, and embrace modern technology and artificial intelligence applications while being cautious about its risks.

The second session focused on the role of think tanks in achieving strategic diplomacy. Participants pointed to the importance of these entities in training young generations on foresight tools to achieve this goal and to carry out forward-looking studies. In the third session, speakers discussed the concept of artificial intelligence and its history, contributions to the field of foresight, and ways to capitalize on its applications to anticipate future events and develop scenarios to meet challenges.

The sessions featured discussions, in which the attendees asked some questions and expressed their visions, transforming these sessions into brainstorming activities on the importance of foresight studies and their role in decision-making.

In his statement at the closing session, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stressed the importance of integrating strategic foresight in school curricula, holding more workshops on this key field for the benefit of young people, and training them on the importance of resilience and having a positive attitude towards modern technology and artificial intelligence.

At the close of the Conference, Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, read out the recommendations of the Conference, which the participants contributed to drafting, commending the rich discussions that took place in the sessions.

Afterward, the participants set out to ICESCO Headquarters, where they visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at the Organization’s headquarters, where they listened to detailed explanations about the pavilions and sections of the Exhibition and the Museum, which adopt modern display techniques to narrate and document in detail the Seerah of our Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

The “Mishkat Arabic Hall at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted a training session on “Renewing Strategies of Teaching Arabic Rhetoric to Non-Arabic Speaking Students,” benefiting 165 educational staff working in the field of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers in 11 countries, namely Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Guinea, Cameroon, Malaysia, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Bashkortostan, Vietnam and Morocco.

The two-day training session, held on 24-25 May 2023, was moderated by Dr. Habib Maghraoui, an educational training expert specializing in criticism and rhetoric. It aimed to simplify concepts related to Arabic rhetoric, highlight the importance of the functional rhetorical lesson in building communication capacities for the non-Arabic speaking learner, and renew the strategies of teaching rhetoric by linking them to daily communication situations and contemporary issues.

This session is the ninth in a series of training sessions organized by ICESCO’s International Program “Mishkat” for Continuous Educational Training and Professional Development in the Field of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers”, which is implemented by the Organization in cooperation with the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Benevolence Coalition for Humanitarian Relief (BCHR) signed an agreement to implement the project of girl dropouts’ school integration in Yemen. The project is part of the cooperation framework between ICESCO and King Salman Humanitarian and Relief Centre (KSRelief) to provide educational support and the necessary teaching tools to give girl dropouts in Yemen a second chance to continue their education.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, attended the signing ceremony held in person and via videoconference, on Thursday, May 25, 2023. The agreement was signed on behalf of ICESCO by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at the Organization, and on behalf of BCHR by Eng. Fahmi bin Mansour, Executive Director of the Coalition.

According to the agreement, the Coalition will implement the project with funding from KSRelief, while ICESCO will oversee the management of the project and follow up on all its implementation stages. The Organization will also provide KSRelief with periodic reports on the implementation progress of the project, in coordination with BCHR.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Al-Malik expressed his thanks and appreciation to KSRelief for its generous donation to finance this key project, and to the Yemeni authorities for their assistance and facilitations, notably the Ministry of Education and the Yemeni National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, commending the efforts of the Coalition and its commitment to implementing the project in the best conditions.

For his part, Eng. Bin Mansour expressed the Coalition’s keenness to cooperate with ICESCO in the implementation of this major project, through which various parties aim to reduce the rates of school dropout among girls in the Republic of Yemen and build their capacities to assume their roles in achieving sustainable development.

According to the terms of the agreement, the project will equip 21 schools to educate girls in the beneficiary areas, provide school bags and supplies for 19,000 girls and organize training programs to build the capacities of 350 workers in the field of girls’ education. The agreement also provides for equipping 100 alternative classrooms to accommodate girl dropouts and in displacement camps, providing professional support to their parents, facilitating the procedures for displaced girls’ school admission, and producing awareness programs that encourage girls’ education.

On behalf of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and together discussed the solid ties between ICESCO and Oman and explored avenues to further strengthen cooperation in the fields of education, culture, as well as human and social sciences.

ICESCO DG started the meeting, held on Tuesday, 23 May 2023, at the Prime Minister’s office in Muscat, by expressing his delight at visiting Oman and the opportunity it presented to discuss cooperation between the Organization and the Sultanate.

The Omani Prime Minister warmly welcomed ICESCO DG and his accompanying delegation and expressed Oman’s appreciation for ICESCO’s efforts in promoting international cooperation in the fields of education, culture, and social sciences. He also commended ICESCO’s significant role in fostering coordination among Islamic countries, noting Oman’s unwavering support for the Organization in fulfilling its missions and objectives.

HH Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said provided an overview of the sustainable development progress in Oman, particularly in the fields of education, science and technology, which are regarded as crucial pillars receiving particular attention from the government.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik hailed Oman’s remarkable progress across all regions of the country and the pivotal role it plays in supporting ICESCO to effectively fulfill its mission. He also lauded Oman’s significant contribution, particularly through the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, in promoting dialogue among civilizations and bringing the world’s cultures together.

The meeting saw the attendance of officials from the Prime Minister’s cabinet as well as Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shibaniyah, Minister of Education, Chair of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, Mr. Hamad bin Khalfan Al-Rashdi, Advisor to the Minister for Administrative Affairs, Ms. Amna Al Balushi, Secretary-General of the Omani National Commission, Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Civilizational Dialogue Center, and Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Program Manager at ICESCO’s General Secretariat for National Commissions and Conferences.

As part of his official visit to the Sultanate of Oman, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) visited the Royal Opera House and the Omani Youth Center in Muscat on Monday, 22 May 2023, where he was briefed in the respective histories of the institutions and their role in promoting culture and supporting youth.

During their visit to the Royal Opera House, in the presence of Ms. Amna Al Balushi, Secretary-General of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, ICESCO DG and his accompanying delegation received a comprehensive overview of the institution’s history, the main events and activities it hosts, and its significant contribution to refining artistic taste and preferences, and promoting cultural exchange between Oman and the global community through the fine art it provides, which forms an integral part of our cultural heritage.

During the visit to the Omani Youth Center in Muscat, an engaging visual presentation reviewed the center’s areas of focus and highlighted its wide range of activities and programs. The presentation also covered the center’s plans for the current year, emphasizing its role as a hub supporting young individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different interests, talents and creative abilities.

During the discussions on potential cooperation between ICESCO and the Center, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s recent announcement of its Year for Youth, under the patronage of His Excellency the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, which encompasses a series of programs and activities aimed at empowering youth in the Islamic world’s countries throughout the year. ICESCO DG extended an invitation to Oman and the Youth Center to take part in this endeavor and enhance their youth-oriented initiatives, underlining ICESCO’s willingness to provide support and assistance in this respect.

ICESCO’s delegation comprised Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Civilizational Dialogue Center, and Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Program Manager at the Organization’s General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences.

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Bassel bin Ahmed Al-Rawas, Undersecretary of the Omani Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth, and together discussed ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and the Sultanate of Oman in the fields of building youth’s capacities, preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow, and capitalizing on sports to anchor the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue.

At the beginning of the meeting, held on Monday, May 22, 2023, at the headquarters of the Omani Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in the capital Muscat, Dr. Al-Malik highlighted ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, and shed light on the programs and projects implemented in its areas of competence. He added that the Organization adopts an open-door policy with all parties in service of its Member States and Muslim communities around the world, and focuses on building and supporting the capacities of youth and women.
Moreover, the DG stated that the Organization attaches special importance to sports, and takes the initiative to organize several sports activities and cooperate with international bodies to capitalize on sports to develop educational and cultural fields. Dr. AlMalik seized the opportunity to invite Omani athletes to participate in the activities organized by ICESCO.

For his part, Mr. Al-Rawas highlighted the Ministry’s working mechanisms and the cultural contests it organizes in cooperation with sports clubs to encourage young people and involve them in the cultural movement in the Sultanate of Oman. He added that the Ministry also works on training young people in the cultural fields including poetry, drawing and music, stressing the Ministry’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with ICESCO.

The two parties discussed cooperation proposals for the next period and agreed to continue coordination to sign a cooperation agreement between ICESCO and the Ministry based on specific programs and projects to be implemented jointly.

The meeting was attended by Amb. Khaled Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO Center for Civilizational Dialogue, and Dr. Salim Al-Habsi, Director of Programs at the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences at the Organization.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited the Sultan Qaboos Higher Center for Culture and Science (SQHCCS) in the Omani capital Muscat, where he was received by Mr. Daoud Al-Kayoumi, the Center’s Assistant Secretary-General to discuss cooperation prospects between ICESCO and the Center in the fields of thought, culture, Arabic teaching for non-Arabic speakers and civilizational dialogue.

During the meeting, which took place on Sunday, May 21, 2023, in the presence of several officials and consultants at the Center, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s vision and strategic objectives as well as its key programs, projects, activities and priority areas that correspond with SQHCCS fields of competence, mainly teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers, noting the establishment of ICESCO Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, Mishkat Al-Arabiya platform and the Organization’s program for professional development and continuing educational training.

For his part, SQHCCS Assistant Secretary-General reviewed the history of the Center, the stages of its development, and the most important affiliated institutions, including the Sultan Qaboos Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers and the Oman Center for Traditional Music. He also reviewed the fields of competence of the Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature, stressing the Center’s eagerness to build fruitful cooperation with ICESCO.

During the meeting, the parties agreed to launch cooperation between ICESCO and SQHCCS, mainly ICESCO’s organization of two training sessions to teach Arabic to non-Arabic speakers annually through the support of the Center, and the continuation of coordination for further cooperation, especially in the introduction of the Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature.

The meeting also brought together Ms. Amna Al Baloushi, Secretary General of the Omani National Commission, Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, and Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Programs Manager at the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences.

On the other hand, ICESCO DG and his accompanying delegation visited the Oman National Museum, which is teeming with ancient collections that document the Sultanate’s ancient and modern civilizational history. The delegation was briefed on the various halls of the Museum that represent the importance of Civilizational Communication that the Omanis have done throughout history, their maritime and commercial superiority, and their exploitation of Oman’s strategic location to communicate with other civilizations.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation of the Sultanate of Oman, and together explored means for promoting cooperation between ICESCO and Oman in encouraging scientific research in universities and research centers, developing youth capacities and supporting them in the areas of entrepreneurship, modern technology, innovation, and space science and providing scholarships and training.

During the meeting, held on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Muscat, in the presence of Ms. Amna Al Balushi, Secretary-General of the Omani National Commission, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the major initiatives and programs implemented by ICESCO in collaboration with its Member States aimed at supporting and empowering the Islamic world’s youth and women, enhancing their competences in the fields of modern technology and innovation, establishing university chairs and providing scholarships and training opportunities, calling on Omani universities to join ICESCO’s Federation of Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW) to promote the exchange of experiences and knowledge.

ICESCO DG added that the Organization has established various specialized centers, each dedicated to a specific area of focus, notably civilizational dialogue, strategic foresight, and teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers, as well as the preservation and valorization of the Islamic world’s heritage. He noted that these centers, along with ICESCO’s sectors and departments, play a pivotal role in implementing the Organization’s vision and its strategic orientations.

For her part, Dr. Al Mahrooqi provided an overview of Oman’s dedicated efforts and highlighted the key aspects of the Ministry’s strategic plan regarding the Fourth Industrial Revolution and forward-looking perspectives. She also underscored the importance of supporting entrepreneurship and enhancing cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry in establishing scientific chairs within Omani universities, as well as fostering joint scientific studies and research endeavors.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed on developing a set of joint programs between ICESCO and the Ministry, namely the scientific Omani Encyclopedia project in East Africa, ICESCO’s CanSat design workshop for researchers and students at Omani universities, and ICESCO’s Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS) for women and youth.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Civilizational Dialogue Center, and Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Program Manager at the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences.