Category: Director General

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called on international organizations working in the fields of education, science and culture to overcome the challenge of funding for their programs and projects through innovation and creativity in implementation in the most cost-effective manner by capitalizing on modern technology applications.

This statement was part of his address, delivered on Wednesday (March 8, 2023), in the first discussion panel of the Conference on the Future of Education, Culture and Science Organizations, which is being held by ALECSO and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, with the participation of UNESCO and ICESCO, in Riyadh, under the theme “Together towards change in the 21st Century,” in the presence of Mr. Youssef Bin Abdullah Al Bunyan, Saudi Minister of Education and Vice-Chairman of the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and a group of officials and experts from regional and international organizations and bodies concerned.

ICESCO Director-General explained the importance of creativity and innovation in the implementation of projects, activities and initiatives through science and modern technologies, reviewing ICESCO’s experience in organizing training sessions in the field of Arabic for non-Arabic speakers virtually from “Mishkat Hall,” which provides opportunities for the development of the skills of Arabic language teachers around the world, and benefits a large number of participants at the lowest cost.

Dr. AlMalik underlined the importance of complementarity between international organizations working in the fields of education, science and culture through joint programs and projects, periodic consultative meetings and coordination in international conferences, seminars and meetings, considering that such vision would provide unlimited opportunities to overcome future challenges facing these organizations to fulfill their lofty mission.

He added that ICESCO is keen to be a forward-looking organization striving to establish a regulatory framework for its Member States, in coordination with the National Commissions, to implement programs and projects that meet with their priorities and aspirations to develop the fields of education, science and culture.

It is noteworthy that the agenda of the two-day Conference features the organization of more than 20 sessions and panel discussions on four main axes exploring the future of these organizations. The conference also discusses cooperation and promotion of partnership opportunities between international organizations, academia, experts, companies and financial institutions.

ICESCO is participating in the conference with a high-level delegation, headed by Dr. Al-Malik, and a number of its officials, who will take part in the Conference sessions to review the development within ICESCO as well as the great cooperation with other regional and international organizations and bodies.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Eng. Omar Najjar, Chief Program Officer at the Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Foundation “Misk Foundation” in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held a meeting to discuss ways to promote cooperation between the Organization and the Foundation in developing leadership skills among young people, and implementing joint programs in the fields of education, science and culture.

The meeting was held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the Foundation’s headquarters in Riyadh and brought together several of ICESCO’s heads of sectors and departments, and Misk Foundation’s officials. During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik commended the Foundation’s pioneering roles in encouraging young people to develop their leadership skills and contributing to building knowledge-based societies, stressing the importance of transferring the experiences and expertise of the Misk Foundation to the countries of the Islamic world.

The Director-General also reaffirmed that the Organization, within the framework of its vision and strategic orientations, attaches special importance to young people, and implements a number of ambitious programs and projects aimed at building their capacities, developing their knowledge, guiding them through the field of entrepreneurship, and training them on leadership for peace and security, in coordination and cooperation with the competent authorities in the Member States.

For his part, Eng. Omar Najjar welcomed the visit of the Director-General and his accompanying delegation and commended the Organization’s efforts to support its Member States in its areas of competence, praising the strategic partnership between ICESCO and the Misk Foundation.

Eng. Najjar gave an overview of the key projects, initiatives and strategic programs that the Misk Foundation is implementing, intending to support youth in the fields of education, entrepreneurship, science and modern technologies. He stated that the Foundation strives to provide the necessary resources and a healthy environment to support young talented and creative people and promote fruitful partnerships with local and international organizations.

Afterward, some ICESCO’s heads of sectors and departments highlighted the key initiatives, programs and projects currently implemented by the Organization, including those related to building the capacities of youth and women, promoting the use of technology in the educational process, working to reduce the digital and knowledge divide, and encouraging scientific research.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to strengthen cooperation and partnership and sustain coordination to sign an agreement to provide for the joint implementation of specific programs and projects; to be agreed upon soon.

Following the meeting, Eng. Najjar accompanied Dr. Al-Malik and his delegation on a tour of the various departments of the Misk Foundation, where they listened to detailed explanations about the future vision of the Foundation, which draws on the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030. He also talked about the Foundation’s various paths, notably transparent communication, youth support, initiative implementation, perseverance and determination.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre signed a cooperation agreement for implementing the Education Catch-up Program for girls, who have dropped out of school in the Republic of Yemen, by providing educational support and a second educational opportunity for girls, developing their capabilities, and equipping educational institutions to improve academic fulfillment.

The agreement was signed, on Tuesday (March 7, 2023), at the Centre’s headquarters, in Riyadh, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court, Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, in the presence of several officials from ICESCO and Centre.

The agreement sets forth the implementation of a number of activities, most notably equipping a group of girls’ schools in specific areas, providing school bags and supplies for girls, developing the capacities of hundreds of workers in the field of girls’ education, providing alternative classrooms for displaced girls, providing professional support for the families of orphaned girls, and conducting awareness campaigns to encourage girls’ education.

Prior to the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Al Rabeeah chaired an expanded meeting in the presence of some leaders of the Organization and the Centre, and a representative of the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and partnership between ICESCO and the Centre in areas of common interest.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the salient activities and projects implemented by ICESCO in the field of developing educational, social and humanitarian programs in the neediest countries in the Islamic world, stressing the Organization’s willingness to develop cooperation with the Centre, calling on the Centre to rely on its partnership with ICESCO to implement humanitarian projects in Muslim countries.

For his part, Dr. Al Rabeeah gave an overview of the Centre’s objectives and working system with governments, international organizations and civil society institutions, the major sub-offices of the Centre, and its key humanitarian projects in Yemen, Somalia, Palestine and other countries, in addition to its major areas of action such as education, health, child care, and women’s rights.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented Dr. Al Rabeeah with an ICESCO shield in appreciation of his continuous efforts in the field of humanitarian action and relief.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with H.R.H Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Al Saud, Founder and Chairman of Alwaleed Philanthropies, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company, to discuss cooperation development between ICESCO and Al-Waleed Philanthropies in several areas.

During the meeting, which took place on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the headquarters of the Kingdom Holding Company in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in the presence of several ICESCO’s Heads of Sectors and Directors of departments, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the Organization’s efforts as part of its vision and strategic orientations to contribute to the development of the fields of education, science, culture and health, through the implementation of several programmes and projects for the benefit of its Member States in these fields, noting the Organization’s eagerness to deepen cooperation and strategic partnership with the Foundation during the coming period.

ICESCO DG reiterated his thanks and gratitude to H.R.H Prince Alwaleed bin Talal for Alwaleed Philanthropies’ generous support to implement the joint initiative with ICESCO to assist 10 African countries in addressing the negative repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic and to support the private sector and women and youth entrepreneurs in these countries.

For his part, H.R.H Prince Alwaleed bin Talal valued ICESCO’s efforts and roles in serving its Member States in the fields of education, science and culture, expressing his desire to deepen the partnership with the Organization.

Several ICESCO’s Heads of Sectors and Directors of departments reviewed the Organization’s key initiatives, programmes and projects in the areas of youth and women’s capacity building and developing their skills, promoting innovation, scientific research and space sciences, supporting and developing the educational process in the Member States, and supporting the management of water resources and health in the countries of the Islamic world.

During the meeting, the two parties agreed to develop partnerships and build constructive cooperation during the coming period, through the implementation of a set of initiatives, programmes and projects in areas of common interest, mainly in the health sector.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented the ICESCO shield to H.R.H Prince Alwaleed bin Talal in honor of his efforts in the field of humanitarian action.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in supporting the project of Arabic education in non-Arabic speaking countries by enhancing the performance of Arabic teachers, increasing investment in educational technologies and stimulating Arabic publications in non-Arab universities.

The MoU was signed on Monday, 6 March 2023, at the Foundation’s headquarters in Riyadh, by Dr. Salim AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and Mr. Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Director-General (DG) of the Foundation, in the presence of a host of officials from both Organizations.
Dr. AlMalik then expressed his delight at signing the MoU which marks the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at spreading the Arabic language and promoting its global prominence. Mr. Al-Khulaifi praised the MoU, underscoring the Foundation’s keenness to promote cooperation with ICESCO across all areas of the Organization’s competence.

Prior to the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik and Mr. Alkhulaifi chaired an expanded meeting that brought together several officials from both Organizations to explore ways for promoting cooperation between the two Organizations in areas of common interest.

During the meeting, ICESCO DG reviewed the Organization’s efforts to further promote the Arabic language at the international level, namely through the establishment of the Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, the implementation of the “Mishkat” Programme for Professional Development and Continuous Training, in addition to supporting national projects and international initiatives geared towards teaching and spreading the Arabic language.

For his part, Mr. Al-Khulaifi commended ICESCO’s roles in promoting Arabic globally and reviewed the Foundation’s key activities, programmes and areas of work, noting the key achievements of the Foundation’s Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City (SBAHC).

At the close of the meeting, the two parties exchanged honorary shields in appreciation of the commendable efforts exerted by their respective Organizations to advance their areas of work.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Yousef Bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, Minister of Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, discussed ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry in supporting open education and contributing to the development of educational systems through modern technologies.

During the meeting, held on Monday (March 6, 2023), at the headquarters of the Ministry of Education, in Riyadh, in the presence of several ICESCO officials, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the mainlines of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations in the field of education, and its programs and projects for the benefit of Member States through coordination and cooperation with the National Commissions for Education, Science and Culture.

He also underscored the importance of coordination and cooperation between ICESCO and the Saudi Ministry of Education and implementing joint programs, especially in developing educational systems in Muslim countries through modern technology applications, stressing ICESCO’s endeavor to meet the needs of its Member States to contribute to achieving sustainable development in its areas of competence.

For his part, the Saudi Minister of Education welcomed the visit of ICESCO Director-General and his delegation, commending the cooperation between the Organization and the Ministry and the endeavor to develop their partnership.

He also stressed the importance of designing programs and projects to achieve sustainable development goals, ensure quality and excellence in education, use e-learning and open educational resources as well as modern educational technologies, enhance the skills of young teachers and build their leadership capacities, update teaching methods, integrate the culture of peace and civilizational dialogue in educational curricula, and publicize and promote the cultural heritage of Muslim countries.

Mr. Al-Benyan praised the organizational structure and governance of ICESCO, stressing the Ministry’s willingness to support ICESCO’s activities and projects.

During the meeting, ICESCO officials reviewed the major current initiatives, programs and projects of the Organization, including building the capacities of youth, women and vulnerable groups, and encouraging scientific research through the establishment of ICESCO academic chairs in prestigious universities, in addition to ensuring quality education for all.

The two parties agreed to sustain cooperation to implement future programs and projects, in coordination with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

In conclusion, the ICESCO Director-General and the Saudi Minister of Education exchanged honorary shields.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Bandar bin Asaad AlSajjan, Director-General of the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and together discussed the prospects of cooperation between the Organization and the Institute in the fields of youth and women’s capacity building and training and contributing to achieving gender balance in various fields of work.

During the meeting, which took place on Monday (March 6, 2023) at IPA headquarters in Riyadh, in the presence of several ICESCO heads of sectors and departments, and IPA officials, Dr. AlMalik reiterated his thanks and appreciation to the Institute and its Director General for the thorough study the Institute conducted, which was the reference for developing ICESCO’s organizational structure. He also commended the Institute’s delegation visit, which was headed by Dr. Sara AlOtaibi, Deputy Director-General of the Institute for Business Development and Partnerships, to ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat last November.

Moreover, the Director-General highlighted the main axes of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations and focused on the programs and projects currently implemented in the fields of building youth and women’s capacities, honing their skills to keep pace with tomorrow’s professions, promoting innovation and scientific research, capitalizing on modern technology to develop the fields of education, science and culture in the countries of the Islamic world, and promoting the presence of the Arabic language globally.

For his part, Dr. AlSajjan expressed his delight at the visit of the Director-General and his accompanying delegation to the IPA Headquarters and praised the efforts of the Organization in supporting its Member States in its areas of competence. He also commended the cooperation between the Organization and the Institute, stressing the importance of sustaining efforts to develop a strategic partnership and implement joint programs.

Afterward, heads of ICESCO’s sectors and departments talked about the key changes in ICESCO’s organizational structure and administrative governance, noting that the Organization received the ISO Certificate for Quality management systems (ISO 9001:2015), and the ISO Certificate for Information Security Management System (ISO 27001).

Officials from the Institute also gave a presentation on IPA’s efforts in the fields of training and research, promoting gender balance in employment in government agencies, management consulting for organizations and government agencies, in addition to the efforts of the National Observatory on measuring indicators on the key issues.

The meeting discussed proposals for cooperation between ICESCO and the Institute, especially in the fields of IPA scholarships, leadership training and staff qualification. It also focused on sharing the Institute’s sixty-year-long expertise with the countries of the Islamic world, setting up a special unit for gender balance in ICESCO, and exploring cooperation prospects between the Organization, the Institute and the World Bank Group in various fields. The two parties agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding providing for the programs and projects to be agreed upon and their implementation plans.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Mr. Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and discussed prospects for signing a partnership agreement to implement joint programs and projects for the benefit of the citizens of the Gulf countries and the Islamic world.

At the outset of the meeting, held on Sunday (March 5, 2023), at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat, in Riyadh, Dr. Al-Malik congratulated Mr. Albudaiwi on assuming his new position as the GCC Secretary-General, wishing him every more success in his career.

Moreover, ICESCO Director-General reviewed the mainlines of the Organization’s vision, strategic orientations, programs and projects, especially the projects on building the capacities of women and youth, developing their skills to keep up with the professions of tomorrow, promoting innovation and scientific research, capitalizing on modern technology applications to contribute to the development of education, science and culture in Muslim countries, and strengthening the presence of Arabic globally.

He also stressed that ICESCO is keen to build cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council as the two institutions share many common goals to contribute to achieving sustainable development in their respective Member States.

For his part, Mr. Albudaiwi welcomed the visit of the ICESCO Director-General and his delegation to the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat, commending the outstanding efforts made by ICESCO to encourage diversity, dialogue and understanding among different peoples to establish peace and security globally, stress the importance of building a strategic partnership between ICESCO and the GCC General Secretariat.

Afterward, the two parties held an expanded meeting, which brought together several senior officials from ICESCO and the Council, and discussed a set of proposed cooperation programs and projects, including support for Gulf women, building the capacities of young people in the Muslim countries. Such programs and projects, as well as their implementation plans, will be included in the agreement to be signed between ICESCO and GCC.

After the meeting, Dr. Al-Malik presented Mr. Albudaiwi with an ICESCO shield in appreciation of his great efforts throughout his career and his support for joint action.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Assimi, Director General of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS), chaired a meeting between the Organization and the Bureau to discuss cooperation developments and to develop a partnership, especially in educational fields, open education, publications, publishing and translation.

During the meeting, which took place on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at the Bureau’s headquarters in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in the presence of several ICESCO’s Heads of Sectors and Directors of Departments, as well as ABEGS officials, Dr. AlMalik valued the great cooperation between the Organization and the Bureau and the continuous coordination between them to achieve common goals, noting ICESCO’s eagerness to strengthen and develop this cooperation to keep pace with the major changes in the fields of modern technology and its applications.

ICESCO’s DG reviewed the main aspects of the Organization’s vision and its strategic orientations in the field of education, to contribute to the development of educational systems in its Member States, especially in the areas of educational technologies and the use of artificial intelligence to achieve quality and excellence in education, following the fourth goal of sustainable development, represented in ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

For his part, Dr. Al-Assmi commended ICESCO’s efforts in supporting its Member States in the fields of education, noting the cooperation between the Organization and Bureau, and the importance of sustaining coordination and communication to define the priorities of Member States and implementing joint programs that meet the needs of these states.

During the meeting, ICESCO’s Heads of Sectors and Directors of Departments reviewed the key initiatives, programs and projects that the Organization is currently implementing, including those related to building youth capacities in the areas of innovation and applications of modern technology, supporting professionals in the educational field through training and awarding international professional certificates in teaching, contributing to the development of education systems, ensuring the right to education for all without gender discrimination and consolidating the concept of lifelong learning.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to maintain coordination and set schedules for implementing joint future programs, projects and activities. A joint work team was formed from ICESCO and ABEGS to review and examine these programs and projects to sign a cooperation agreement in this regard during the next meeting between the Organization and the Bureau in Rabat to be determined at a later date.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Sheikha Bodour bin Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qassimi, President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS), to discuss prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and the University, particularly in the fields of youth capacity-building and setting up an ICESCO chair to support women in literature and publishing.

During the meeting, held Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the AUS headquarters in Sharjah, Dr. AlMalik stated that ICESCO adopts an open-door approach and has built numerous partnerships and cooperation with universities in the Islamic world and beyond. He added that the Organization has created several chairs to promote scientific research in the fields of education, science and culture, support excellence and innovation and diversify knowledge sources.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s numerous initiatives, programs and training sessions, geared towards building the capacities of women and young people, particularly in the fields of AI applications, space science and skills for the jobs of the future. He explained that through these chairs, ICESCO aims to promote these groups’ roles in achieving sustainable development.

The meeting discussed cooperation proposals between the two institutions, notably the creation of an ICESCO chair to support women in literature and publishing to contribute to encouraging women’s participation in the cultural field.

For her part, the AUS President commended ICESCO’s roles to support development in the fields of education, science and culture in the Islamic world and the positive change scored over the last three years, stressing the University’s keenness to build fruitful cooperation with ICESCO. The President also welcomed the creation of the academic chair.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented Sheikha Bodour bin Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qassimi with an ICESCO Medal, in recognition of her contributions and sustained efforts in the field of writing and publishing, seizing the opportunity to invite her to visit ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Obaid Saif Al-Hajiri, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Sharjah, Mr. Najib Rhiati, Cultural Advisor to ICESCO Director-General, and Ms. Sally Mabrook, Head of the Director-General’s Office.