Category: Director General

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), started his official visit to the Sultanate of Oman meeting with Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al-Shaibani, Minister of Education and Teaching, Chairperson of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

The two officials discussed the latest developments of cooperation between ICESCO and the Sultanate in areas of common interest and ways to strengthen the bilateral partnership through the implementation of several joint programs, projects and activities.During the meeting, which took place on Sunday, 21 May 2023, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Education, in Muscat, Dr. AlMalik commended the efforts of the Omani National Commission to coordinate and implement a number of ICESCO’s programmes, stressing that the Organization endeavors to strengthen cooperation with the Sultanate in the educational, scientific and cultural fields.

He also indicated that the Organization attaches great importance to young people, and stressed its keenness to build their capacities, train them on leadership in its areas of competence, develop their skills to keep up with the professions of tomorrow, and support them in entrepreneurship in technology, innovation, and AI and space science applications.

For her part, the Minister welcomed the leap that ICESCO has witnessed over the past three years, its anticipation of the future, and its useful initiatives, programs and projects, especially those related to the professions of tomorrow, AI and space sciences. She also emphasized the Sultanate’s willingness to strengthen fruitful cooperation with ICESCO through joint action in many areas.

The meeting discussed many program and project proposals for cooperation between ICESCO and the Sultanate in the coming period, particularly in the areas of heritage preservation in the Islamic world, the use of AI technologies in education, and youth capacity building. It also focused on ways to strengthen cooperation with the Organization’s specialized centers, in particular the Center for Civilizational Dialogue and the Center of Strategic Foresight.

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

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called for the advancement and promotion of scientific research to establish the foundations of the knowledge economy and the need for educational policies with well-defined objectives in the field of digital knowledge. He also underlined the importance of integrating foresight curricula as a mandatory subject in both the humanities and natural sciences, highlighting ICESCO’s unwavering support for its Member States’ endeavors in this regard.

These remarks were delivered by Dr. AlMalik, today, 18 May 2023, in his address during the 3rd annual meeting of the Academic Network for Development Dialogue (ANDD), organized by Qatar University (QU) at its headquarters in Doha, in cooperation with Al-Quds University (AQU) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA), under the theme: “Success Stories In integrating the goals of sustainable development in education, research and practice.” The event witnessed the attendance of distinguished officials and experts who shared their experiences and the role of their respective institutions in developing education and research and accelerating the pace of sustainable development.

Dr. AlMalik began his address by emphasizing the need to adopt an integrative approach when tackling challenges and changes. “Sustainable development remains a central goal. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid evolution of communication methods, along with the continuous advancements in artificial intelligence, the need to explore new avenues and seek innovative and progressive perspectives and methodologies to effectively achieve sustainable development has become evident,” stated ICESCO DG.

He noted that ICESCO calls for considering the adoption of the concept of “comprehensive development” by 2030 to effectively address emerging issues, indicating that ICESCO has drawn various recommendations from the UN Transforming Education Summit 2022 that highlight the importance of developing a regulatory framework encompassing classification indicators that accurately identify affected groups and their specific needs, and delineate time stages to facilitate a seamless transition from periodic planning to strategic planning, while also adopting an indicator to determine the necessary budgets.

In conclusion, Dr. AlMalik underscored the profound impact of artificial intelligence applications on the structure of science and employment, noting that ICESCO has been proactive in promoting creativity and innovation and encouraging talented people, particularly through the implementation of several training programs in space science and the establishment of a range of partnerships with renowned international institutions operating in this field. He further indicated that these endeavors are guided by a cohesive scientific vision, resulting in the establishment of twenty-five (25) distinguished scientific chairs across various domains of science, literature and arts in esteemed universities worldwide.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Ahmed Mujahid Hasna, President of Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), met on behalf of Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, QF Vice Chairperson and CEO, and discussed cooperation prospects between ICESCO, the Foundation and the University in several areas including education, higher education and the promotion of scientific research and civilizational dialogue.

At the start of the meeting, which was held on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, in the Qatari capital Doha, Dr. Hassan conveyed the greetings of Her Excellency Sheikha Hind to ICESCO DG and his accompanying delegation and confirmed her keenness to build fruitful cooperation with the Organization in its fields of competence, which go hand in hand with QF mission and goals.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s key programs and activities in the fields of Education, Higher Education, Science, Technology and innovation, as part of its vision and strategic orientations, noting the Organization’s eagerness to develop fruitful cooperation in these fields with the concerned prestigious institutions, to provide comprehensive and equitable education for all, support scientific research, build the capacities of the Islamic world youth, develop their skills and prepare them for tomorrow’s jobs.

He noted that the Organization seeks to keep pace with the latest developments in the fields of Education, Culture, Science and technology, to enhance scientific research and keep abreast of the developments the world witnesses. He also commends the efforts of the state of Qatar in supporting ICESCO initiatives and its programs for university and pre-university education in many Member States.

For his part, Dr. Hassane Commended ICESCO’s role in serving its Member States to develop the fields of Education, Science and culture.

The meeting touched upon the discussion of several projects and programs proposed for the partnership between ICESCO, QF and HBKU, especially in the fields of civilizational dialogue, scientific research, space science and its applications and artificial intelligence, where the parties agreed to sustain coordination and start practical cooperation in several programs and projects.

ICESCO Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of the Center of civilizational dialogue, and Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Director of Programs in the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conference attended the meeting.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Lolwah Al-Khater, Minister of State for International Cooperation in the State of Qatar, and together explored ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and Qatar and enhance their joint programs in the fields of education, science and culture.

At the outset of the meeting, held on Wednesday, 17 May 2023, at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Doha, Dr. AlMalik, commended Qatar’s unwavering support to several ICESCO initiatives and projects, notably the regional educational center in Chad and the Chair for the Alliance of Civilizations at the Qatar University, stressing the importance of capitalizing upon Qatar’s accomplishments in hosting the 2022 World Cup to foster educational and cultural progress.

ICESCO DG reviewed the Organization’s vision, strategic orientations and major ongoing programs, laying particular emphasis on those aimed at developing youth capacities, empowering women, advancing education, and promoting the role of sports in fostering development and peace, as well as anchoring principles of coexistence and civilizational dialogue.

The meeting touched upon cooperation between ICESCO and Qatar, particularly in the areas of supporting innovation, technology and girls’ education in Afghanistan, and the importance of inscribing Qatar’s historical sites and cultural elements on ICESCO’s lists of heritage in the Islamic world.

For her part, Ms. Al-Khater underlined Qatar’s keenness to foster cooperation with ICESCO through the joint implementation of a range of projects and initiatives.

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

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Lolwah Al-Khater, Minister of State for International Cooperation in the State of Qatar, and together explored ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and Qatar and enhance their joint programs in the fields of education, science and culture.

At the outset of the meeting, held on Wednesday, 17 May 2023, at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Doha, Dr. AlMalik, commended Qatar’s unwavering support to several ICESCO initiatives and projects, notably the regional educational center in Chad and the Chair for the Alliance of Civilizations at the Qatar University, stressing the importance of capitalizing upon Qatar’s accomplishments in hosting the 2022 World Cup to foster educational and cultural progress.

ICESCO DG reviewed the Organization’s vision, strategic orientations and major ongoing programs, laying particular emphasis on those aimed at developing youth capacities, empowering women, advancing education, and promoting the role of sports in fostering development and peace, as well as anchoring principles of coexistence and civilizational dialogue.

The meeting touched upon cooperation between ICESCO and Qatar, particularly in the areas of supporting innovation, technology and girls’ education in Afghanistan, and the importance of inscribing Qatar’s historical sites and cultural elements on ICESCO’s lists of heritage in the Islamic world.

For her part, Ms. Al-Khater underlined Qatar’s keenness to foster cooperation with ICESCO through the joint implementation of a range of projects and initiatives.

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

The Center of Strategic Foresight of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in a workshop on economic modeling in the Arab countries, held by the Institute of National Planning, headquartered in Cairo, in cooperation with the Arab Planning Institute, with the participation of experts, academics and specialists from various fields, to exchange experiences and knowledge in the field of economic modeling, foresight issues, decision-making and long-term development strategies in the Arab countries.

The two-day workshop, which concluded its proceedings on Sunday (May 14, 2023), aimed to provide an intellectual and knowledge platform to discuss development plans and strategies in several fields, particularly economics, public policy, social sciences and development studies. In his intervention, Dr. Kais Hammami, Director of ICESCO Center of Strategic Foresight, highlighted the relationship between the areas of economic modeling and foresight, long-term development strategies and the challenges associated with foresight, which hinder the resilience of societies in crisis.

The representative of ICESCO reviewed the ability of societies today to anticipate, adapt and develop flexible mechanisms for collective success, pointing to the potential offered by strategic foresight in the field of economic modeling to enhance the resilience of societies, achieve sustainable growth, and guide Muslim countries to take effective economic decisions and develop adequate policies in the future.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Mohsen Yahya Talib Abu Bakr, President of the Supreme Judicial Council of the Republic of Yemen, and his high-level delegation, as part of their visit to the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, at ICESCO’s headquarters, in Rabat.

At the outset of the meeting, held on Monday (May 8, 2023), in the presence of Ambassador Ezzedin Al-Asbahi, Ambassador of Yemen to Morocco, Dr. AlMalik stressed the great interest that ICESCO attaches to cooperation with the Republic of Yemen, especially in the fields related to youth capacity-building and enhancing their leadership and entrepreneurship skills, pointing out to the major programs that ICESCO intends to implement in Yemen, in cooperation with several donors and coordination with the Yemeni authorities concerned, most notably the project on countering girls’ school dropout and enhancing the educational system in Yemen.

For his part, Mr. Mohsen Yahya appreciated the partnership between ICESCO and Yemen, particularly amid the current situation in Yemen, commending the Organization’s great role in supporting its Member States in the fields of education, science and culture, in line with the priorities and needs of each country.

After the meeting, Dr. AlMalik took Mr. Abu Bakr and his delegation on a tour of the pavilions and sections of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, during which they listened to detailed explanations about the exhibition and the modern display technologies, which narrate and document in detail the biography of our Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him.

During the tour, the delegation learned about the initiative of ICESCO, the Muslim World League and the Mohammadia League of Scholars to organize the exhibition, in Rabat, as its first edition outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

On Thursday (May 4, 2023), the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted the second edition of the program “International Thinkers Guests of ICESCO,” through a large intellectual meeting organized by ICESCO International Think Tank for Thought, Literature, Heritage and Arts, and ICESCO Chair at the Euro-Mediterranean University, in Fez, Kingdom of Morocco. The event witnessed rich discussions about the relationship between culture and the development of societies and the relevant impact of technological developments.

The meeting, which saw the presence of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, included a lecture by Ms. Youma Fall, Minister Adviser to the President of the Republic of Senegal, in Charge of Culture, on the role of culture in achieving sustainable development and the efforts of African countries in this field. Dr. Caroline Moricot, Professor of Sociology at the University of Paris I – Pantheon-Sorbonne, gave the second lecture on the importance of integrating artificial intelligence in the cultural field to answer questions related to the future of generations.

In his intervention, Dr. Mohammed Zine El Abidine, Head of ICESCO Culture and Communication Sector, reaffirmed that the Organization seeks, in the context of the current global transformations, to promote culture and keep up with these transformations. He also reviewed the major programs and activities of ICESCO in the cultural field, most notably ICESCO Creative Portal, ICESCO Roads for the Future, and ICESCO International Chairs Network for Thought, Heritage, Literature and Arts.

In his introduction, Dr. Abderrahman Tenkoul, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the Euro-Mediterranean University, in Fez, highlighted the biographies of each speaker and their scientific achievements, noting the keenness of ICESCO to hold such intellectual meetings that discuss major issues and explore the future.

Ms. Youma Fall’s lecture focused on the centrality of the role of culture in contributing to the development of societies as part of human sciences that combine the creativity of society members, pointing to the need to promote diversity in order to valorize culture, artistic and creative innovations, and involve young people.

She also indicated that most African countries are striving to consolidate the values of cultural diversity, identity and coexistence given their role in solving differences and rejecting violence and intolerance, adding that thanks to cultural reform, countries can produce strong human capital and address many economic and social challenges.

For her part, Dr. Caroline Moricot highlighted in her lecture the emerging fields of social sciences in their relationship to the technological revolution, stressing that machines cannot be a substitute for humans and that the rapid development of artificial intelligence urges us to reconsider the concepts of creativity, culturally and socially.

She referred to some of her works and books in this field, which tackled the concept of robots, the development of space conquest, and the sciences and skills associated with the sociology of machines.

Afterward, a group of academics and researchers in the cultural field enriched the panel discussion.

At the end of the meeting, ICESCO Director-General presented a memorial shield to Ms. Youma Fall and Dr. Caroline Moricot in recognition of their efforts and contributions to the cultural field.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Ibrahim Adam El Dukhiri, Director-General of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, and together discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two organizations in areas of common interest and the terms of the cooperation agreement due to be signed between the two parties.

During the meeting, held on Wednesday (May 3, 2023), at ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s keenness, within the framework of its open vision and strategic orientations, to conclude smart partnerships with various parties for the benefit of its Member States and Muslim communities around the world, pointing to the importance of using modern technology to achieve agricultural development and address climate change challenges.

“The organization strives to contribute to the development of scientific research and innovation in many fields, including the agricultural sector and water resources management in the Member States,” he added.

For his part, the Director General of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development commended the roles played by ICESCO to serve its Member States, expressing his happiness with the fruitful cooperation between the two organizations, which has already begun through joint activities with several Member States of the two organizations.

The meeting also discussed the arrangements for signing the cooperation agreement, which experts from the two parties are currently finalizing.

Under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in the Kingdom of Morocco and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded the activities of Rabat Celebration as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022, in an outstanding ceremony held at the Mohammed V Theater in the Moroccan capital after a year of distinguished activities.

The ceremony took place on Monday, May 1, 2023, with the presence of high-profile Moroccan government officials, ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom, public figures, writers, thinkers, artists and the general public.

The ceremony, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, in coordination with ICESCO, kicked off with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem of the Kingdom of Morocco.

In his address, Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, stated that after a year of distinguished cultural and artistic activities, the closing of Rabat Celebration as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022, is an occasion to highlight the efforts aimed at making Rabat a metropolis at the international level.

He commended the great cooperation between the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and ICESCO, which resulted in the organization of several activities as part of the celebration of Rabat as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022, as well as the inscription of 27 Moroccan heritage elements on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Lists.

The Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication concluded his address by expressing his gratitude to all parties who contributed to the success of this celebration, congratulating the Islamic Republic of Mauritania on ICESCO’s declaring Nouakchott as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2023.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, began his address by commending the beautiful and calm city of Rabat, describing it as a cultivated city, where its history is a book, its present is a word and its future is sciences surpassing horizons as millions of radiant stars shining with tales of heritage and science.

He noted that Rabat did not only win the honor of the title of Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022, but also the hosting of the International Museum and Exhibition of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization at ICESCO Headquarters, which was inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay El Hassan, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Morocco, may God protect him, and was visited by nearly one-and-a-half million visitors in five months. As a result, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, approved the extension of this great scientific event for another six months.

ICESCO Director General reviewed several key activities held during the celebration of Rabat as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World, which amounted to 260 activities, and announced that the city of Marrakech will be the Culture Capital of the Islamic World for 2024.

He expressed his thanks and gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, may God assist him, and to His Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Moulay El Hassan, and to the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, and all Moroccan ministries, institutions, bodies, associations and individuals, who did not hesitate to contribute to this celebration.

After Dr. AlMalik concluded his address with some poetic verses that he composed in appreciation and honor of the peaceful city of Rabat, a documentary film was screened documenting the key stages of Rabat Celebration as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022, as well as the most important activities that were organized over the year.

After that, an art show entitled: The Journey of the Poet Abu Al-Hassan Al-Shushtari began with the participation of the artists Samira Al-Qadri, Said Belkadi, Karima Skalli, and Bahaa Ronda who performed some of his poems and muwashshahs, accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra conducted by the artist Samir Tamim, and the Andalusian Music Choir conducted by Mr. Amin Al-Dubbi, with the participation of the artist Rachid Zeroual, and the musician Mustafa Matar from Lebanon.