Category: Director General

The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) saw the organization of a scientific and cultural event to explore the biography of the Mothers of the Believers, draw lessons from the Prophet Muhammad’s wives (PBUH) virtues and evoke the greatness of their roles in supporting the Prophet and conveying his message.

The Symposium, which witnessed distinguished attendance, started on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an address of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), in which he mentioned the virtues of the Mothers of the Believers, notably the role of Khadija bint Khuwaylid, in calming the fear of the Prophet, (PBUH), the generosity and altruism of Sawda bint Zama, the love of the Prophet for Aisha bint Al-Siddiq, the fluency of Hafsa bint Omar, the kindness of the mother of the needy, Zaynab bint Khuzayma, Umm Salama, the first woman who migrates for the sake of Allah, Zaynab bint Jahsh, whom Allah married His Messenger from above the seven heavens, Juwayriya bint Al-Harith, who is rich in praises, and Maria Al-Qibtiyya, the mother of Ibrahim.

He stressed that ICESCO honors women and takes pride in their roles through several initiatives and that the Symposium draws lessons from the biography of the Mothers of the Believers as a reminder of transcendence, sacrifice and redemption, considering the Mothers of the Believers as models for us and examples of civilizational virtues for educating younger generations.

After that, Dr. Hanan Benchekroun, Preacher at the Scientific Council of the city of Rabat, delivered an address entitled: “In Hospitality of the Mothers of the Believers,” where she introduced the Prophet’s wives’ virtues and reviewed their biography, noting that they were married to the Prophet (PBUH) for social, legislative or political reasons.

In her address on “The Best of Her Women, Khadija Bint Khuwaylid,” Dr. Karima Bouamri, Director of the Khadija Center for the Support of the Prophet (PBUH), in the Kingdom of Morocco, highlighted that mother Khadija, may God be pleased with her, was called the pure before Islam, and that she was distinguished by the precision of opinion, noting that she was the first believer in the Prophet’s message and supporter of Islam.

Dr. Nahla Al-Saeedi, Advisor to the Sheikh of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Head of Education Development Center for Al-Azhar International students in the Arab Republic of Egypt, confirmed in a recorded address on mother Aisha, that the daughter of Al-Siddiq, peace be upon them both, is a model of femininity and humanity and an eternal school distinguished by delicacy, beauty, knowledge, intelligence and eloquence.

For her part, Dr. Fadwa Sadiq Benkirane, Member of the Nour Foundation for Scientific Research and Studies in the Kingdom of Morocco, gave an address entitled: Our Mother Aisha, the Civilized Female Model, where she indicated that she is a narrator of many hadiths and a woman of faith with principles, who had a great position among the Prophet’s companions.

Dr. Nadia El Sharqawi, General Coordinator of Jusoor Foundation for Studies, Scientific Research and Training in the Kingdom of Morocco, discussed the biography of Umm Salama, the sixth wife of the Prophet (PBUH), who was one of the female fighters, and the first of the Muslims to migrate from Abyssinia to Medina. Being an example of a leading Muslim woman, she had great wisdom and intellect.

At the close of the Symposium, the floor was given to participants to present their comments and raise questions about the virtue of the Mothers of the Believers and their great roles during the Prophet’s life (PBUH) and after his death.

On Sunday (9 April 2023), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, Grand Mufti of Al-Quds and the Palestinian territories, Imam and Preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and his delegation, who visited ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat, and the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Civilization Islamic.

Dr. AlMalik started the meeting, which saw the presence of Mr. Jamal Choubaki, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Kingdom of Morocco, by welcoming His Eminence Sheikh Hussein and his delegation, highlighting the strong partnership and great cooperation between ICESCO and Palestine in the fields of education, science and culture, in coordination with the Palestinian National Commission.

He explained that ICESCO’s initiative to host the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Civilization Islamic is in partnership with the Muslim World League and the Mohammadia League of Scholars, in line with the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations to highlight the civilizational aspects of the Prophet’s biography and the moderation of Islam using the latest technologies.

After the meeting, Dr. AlMalik took Sheikh Hussein and his delegation on a tour of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Civilization Islamic, during which they received detailed explanations about its various pavilions and sections and the modern display means, which exhibit the biography of our Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him.

After the tour, His Eminence Sheikh Hussein commended the initiative of ICESCO, the Muslim World League and the Mohammadia League of Scholars to organize this great exhibition, stressing that it constitutes a virtual journey to the time of the Prophet, peace be upon him, and mirrors the true image of Islam.

A delegation of religious personalities, including scholars, imams and specialists in Islamic jurisprudence from the Sultanate of Oman, Jordan, Iraq, Mauritania, Senegal, Maldives, Nigeria, France, Germany and Indonesia, visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, which is currently hosted at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat.

While receiving the delegation today, Wednesday (April 5, 2023), Dr. Salem Al-Malik, ICESCO Director, pointed out that the initiative to hold a branch of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization in Rabat is the fruit of a strategic partnership between ICESCO, the Muslim World League and the Muhammadiyah League of Scholars in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Dr. AlMalik stated that the Exhibition has witnessed a high turnout of visitors since its inauguration, and Moroccan people from different age groups as well as residents and guests of Morocco from all parts of the Kingdom flock to it. Up to now, the number of its visitors has exceeded one million and three hundred thousand visitors since it opened to the public on November 28, 2022.

During the tour, the delegation listened to detailed explanations about the contents of the different pavilions and sections of the exhibition, and modern display technologies, which present and document in detail the biography of our Messenger, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, and accompany visitors virtually to the time of the Prophet.

After the visit, the members of the delegation praised this great scientific exhibition, and the initiative of ICESCO, the Muslim World League and the Muhammadiyah League of Scholars to establish it in Rabat.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) honored Ms. Amira El Fadil, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, at the end of her mandate at the Organization.

In his address during a ceremony held at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, on Thursday, March 30, 2023, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General (DG), expressed his thanks and gratitude to Ms. Amira El Fadil for the efforts she exerted during her mandate at ICESCO and for her role in consolidating cooperation relations between the Organization and many regional and international partners, lauding her recognized devotion and sincerity at work.

For her part, Ms. Amira El Fadil thanked ICESCO DG, the Organization’s leaders and all members of her work team, for their great cooperation, stressing that her mandate at ICESCO constitutes a valuable phase in her career, wishing the Organization further development and prosperity.

In conclusion, Dr. AlMalik handed over ICESCO’s commemorative shield to Ms. Amira El Fadil and a certificate of thanks, in appreciation of her efforts during her mandate at the Organization.

Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director General, and the Organization’s Heads of Sectors, Departments and Centers attended the honoring ceremony.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received His Eminence, Dr. Shawki Allam, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt, who visited ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat and the International Museum and Exhibition of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador Yasser Mustafa Othman, Ambassador of Egypt to Morocco, Dr. Abdelilah Benarfa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, and several heads of the Organization’s departments and centers. At the outset, Dr. AlMalik welcomed Dr. Allam, praising the strong partnership and cooperation relations between the Organization and Egypt in its areas of competence, and the patronage of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of ICESCO’s General Conference, which was held in the New Administrative Capital in December 2021, in cooperation with the Egyptian National Commission.

The Director-General also commended the year-long programs and activities the Egyptian Ministry of Culture implemented, in cooperation with ICESCO, as part of the celebration of Cairo as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World, which was concluded this month.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the axes of ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, and shed light on the initiatives, programs, and activities it implements in support of its Member States’ efforts to develop the fields of education, science and culture.

For his part, the Grand Mufti of Egypt expressed his delight at visiting ICESCO, commending the roles it plays in the fields of education, science and culture, and its endeavors to highlight the civilizational aspects of the Prophet’s Seerah and present the true image of Islam to the world.
The meeting discussed the prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and Egypt’s Dar al-Iftaa, through the organization of joint international conferences and activities, especially about family affairs, social cohesion in the Islamic world, and future challenges that may face the world.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied Dr. Allam on a tour of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO Headquarters, which is the fruit of a strategic partnership with the Muslim World League and the Muhammadia League of Scholars in the Kingdom of Morocco. Dr. Allam received a detailed presentation of the contents of the Exhibition’s various pavilions and sections, which all rely on modern display techniques.

At the end of the tour, the Grand Mufti of Egypt stressed the importance of the Exhibition and Museum in publicizing the details of the life of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, pointing out that it takes its visitors on a spiritual journey to the time of the Prophet, thanks to its simplified encyclopedic display using the latest technology and augmented reality techniques.

The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat hosted a major international celebration, which brought together eminent poets from various parts of the Islamic world to recite the “Poems of Light” in praise and honor of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Held by ICESCO on March 28, 2023, in commemoration of World Poetry Day, the event saw the presence of high-caliber officials, authors and poets, along with a large audience.

The evening began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the remarks of Ambassador Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, in which he underlined the Organization’s unwavering commitment to celebrating World Poetry Day every year, noting that this year’s celebration is particularly special as it features poems on the lofty values of the Prophet (PBUH).

In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), emphasized the importance of creativity and literature in reminding us of the magnificence, tolerance, justice, fairness and altruism embodied by our Prophet, highlighting the values of mercy and kindness, which are core teachings of Muhammad (PBUH). ICESCO DG underscored the Prophet’s timeless legacy, his inspiring purity, honesty, sincerity, pride, and originality, and his endeavor to anchor serenity, tranquility, and steadfastness, which have been a guiding light for humanity.

Dr. AlMalik expressed his genuine thanks and appreciation to the revered poets who graced the event with their presence, stating that this celebration bears a powerful message to the entire world and testifies to the great love and admiration we have for our Prophet.

ICESCO DG then announced the establishment of ICESCO’s “Islamic World Poetry Forum,” aimed at celebrating poetry, supporting poets and making World Poetry Day an annual occasion to be celebrated each year in a different capital of the Islamic world, concluding his address with a reading of his poem “Nur al-Qulub” composed in praise of Muhammad (PBUH).

An ICESCO video featuring poems from different eras by acclaimed poets, extolling the noble teachings and lofty virtues of the Prophet (PBUH) was then screened, followed by a poetry reading in Arabic, English and French by renowned poets, namely Anas Al-Daghim from Syria, Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al-Salem from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yusuf bin Abdul Qadir Al Kamali from Oman, Mohamed Lamine Joub from Senegal, Nabhani Ould Amghar from Mauritania, Amina Nina from the Maldives, Rawdat Al Hajj from Sudan, Rachid Yacouti from Morocco, Soumaya Yacoubi from Tunisia, Soliman Soliman from Cameroon, Wajdi Bahreesh from Yemen, Khalifa bin Arabi from Bahrain, Khadija Saidi from Morocco, Bechara Sebaaly from Morocco and Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman. The evening was hosted by the Moroccan poet and presenter Ahmed Lahrichi.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Vice-Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, held a meeting to explore avenues for enhancing cooperation between the Organization and the University in advancing scientific research, providing training to the Islamic world’s youth and offering scholarships to deserving students.

During the meeting, held on Wednesday, 22 March 2023, in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, Dr. AlMalik noted that the ICESCO Scientific Chair, whose establishment agreement was recently signed at Quaid-i-Azam University, will contribute to the promotion of scientific research and the importance of foresight, as well as the modernization of smart factories by utilizing machine science and advanced computing techniques. He added that the Chair will also play a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of specialists in data analysis, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

For his part, Dr. Akhtar praised ICESCO’s roles in the field of education and scientific research, expressing the University’s willingness to enable young people from Islamic countries to study at the University by offering them scholarships.

The two parties agreed on holding joint training sessions at the University in the areas of space science, technology, leadership, and big data analysis to equip the Islamic world’s youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to devise effective solutions to various challenges and keep up with the ever-evolving requirements of future jobs.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed an agreement to create an ICESCO Chair in the field of data science and business analytics at the University. The agreement is part of efforts to promote and support the partnership between the two parties to contribute to the development of programs and projects in the fields of data analysis, remote sensing and modern sciences, and facilitate cooperation and experience exchange among researchers and university professors in universities and higher education institutions in the ICESCO Member States.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at the University’s headquarters in Islamabad, Pakistan, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Mr. Javed Mahmood Bukhari, NUST Rector. The signing ceremony was attended by the ICESCO delegation accompanying the Director-General, and several deans and faculty members from the University.

The agreement provides for the promotion of scientific research to find practical solutions to challenges that face local business projects through capitalizing on data science and marketing technology and developing cooperation relations through partnering with specialized academics, government sectors and industrial entrepreneurs. It also aims to build the capacities of professionals working in the fields of AI and data science through organizing training sessions and applied work in the field, and mobilizing the necessary resources to develop scientific research and practical applications in business and data science.

In his address at the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik stressed that ICESCO’s new vision seeks to keep pace with the latest developments by establishing and supporting specialized scientific university chairs, especially in the fields of science, remote sensing, information systems and artificial intelligence, stressing the need for universities to keep up with developments in the labor market and tomorrow’s professions, and invest in the fields of knowledge to serve their Member States.

Afterward, the University Rector accompanied Dr. AlMalik on a tour of the University’s science and innovation incubators, which receives support from international partners, who sponsor entrepreneurs’ and innovators’ projects in the field of science and entrepreneurship.
At the end of the tour, the Director-General commended the work and efforts of the University, which is one of the top-ranked Pakistani universities, and praised the role of its research and innovation centers in developing the research system in Pakistan.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the award ceremony of Pakistan’s 2023 Imagine Cup competition, organized by Microsoft, in partnership with the Higher Education Commission in Pakistan. The competition aims to provide young people with training opportunities in entrepreneurship and to enhance their capabilities and technical skills, thereby preparing them for future professions.

During the closing ceremony of the competition held in Islamabad, Pakistan on March 21, 2023, Dr. AlMalik emphasized the importance of initiatives, training programs and competitions that encourage youth to explore their innovation potential in technology and harness it to drive positive change in their communities.

ICESCO DG also announced that the Organization offers a financial grant to the four winners of the Imagine Cup competition to encourage them to further their efforts in devising effective solutions to various issues in the technological field.

The Imagine Cup is a renowned competition seeking to discover young talents in technology, programming, and information technology. It is open to students who are sixteen (16) years and older and brings together teams from high schools, vocational institutes, and colleges to develop innovative software solutions to meet major challenges in the software industry.

Participants in the Forum “Women, Development and Peace,” held by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Mauritanian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, in Nouakchott, unanimously agreed on the importance of women’s participation in the economic process, the exchange of ideas and good practices to strengthen the role of Mauritanian women in entrepreneurship, as well as the preservation of cultural heritage and peacebuilding.

The Forum, held on Monday, March 20, 2023, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Relations with Parliament and the Regional Council of Nouakchott, as part of the celebration of Nouakchott as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2023, began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, followed by a video address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of ICESCO, wherein he stressed that the rehabilitation of women at the socio-economic level and investment in health and education contribute concretely to fighting poverty and building prosperous and advanced societies for future generations.

He stressed that this Forum as well as the programs and initiatives organized by ICESCO represent an important cornerstone, commending the efforts of Member States to improve the status of women, including the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, which has adopted a strategic orientation that has resulted in pioneering initiatives in this field.

The Director-General of ICESCO concluded his address by reaffirming the Organization’s willingness to move forward in the implementation of the strategy for the rehabilitation of women, through programmes and projects with tangible impact.
In his address, Mr. Mohamed Ould Sidi Abdallah, Secretary General of the Mauritanian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, stressed that the Forum celebrates Mauritanian women, who have proven their presence in the fields of science, heritage and peace.

Ms. Fatimetou Abdel Malick, Head of the Nouakchott Region, delivered an address in which she stressed that the Mauritanian government has launched several programs and initiatives to rehabilitate women and strengthen their presence in various fields. Ms. Al-Zeina Mohamed Al-Amine, advisor to the Mauritanian Ministry of Social Affairs, Childhood and Family, said that the achievement of development requires the complementarity of roles between all components of society.

In her address, Ms. Aminatou Mint Zeidan, member of the 2022 cohort of ICESCO’s Leadership Training for Peace and Security Programme, shared her experience in the program, stressing that it has enabled her to acquire a number of important skills.

In the session on “Women, Actors of Development and Peace,” Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of ICESCO Social and Human Sciences Sector, reviewed the main indicators and statistics related to the status of women in Africa, as well as ICESCO’s main programmes and initiatives aimed at strengthening the role of women.

At the close of the Forum, the participants watched a video produced by ICESCO on Women and Youth Leadership Training for Peace and Security Programme.