Category: Director General

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), reaffirmed that the Organization strives to promote investment in modern technology and artificial intelligence to safeguard and document heritage given the importance of tangible and intangible heritage in contributing to achieving sustainable development and highlighting the identities of nations and peoples.

This was part of Dr. AlMalik’s video address, delivered to the third international conference, held by the Faculty of Archeology at Fayoum University in the Arab Republic of Egypt, in cooperation with the University of Marburg in Germany, under the theme “Technology and Digitization for Safeguarding, Documenting and Conserving Antiquities.” The three-day conference kicked off on Monday, May 23, 2022, at Fayoum University headquarters, with the participation of many officials, professors and researchers in the field of heritage.

At the beginning of his address, Dr. AlMalik praised the city of Fayoum, where many civilizations coexisted side by side, and its rich heritage sites dating back to different eras, stressing that ICESCO has focused on heritage within its new vision through the establishment of the Center of Heritage in the Islamic World as an effective tool for implementing its strategy to protect, safeguard, conserve and benefit from heritage in achieving sustainable development goals in its Member States.

“ICESCO has established a unit within the Center of Heritage in the Islamic World to use artificial intelligence technologies and applications to uncover, document and protect heritage sites, and combat heritage-related crimes,” added ICESCO DG.

Besides, Dr. AlMalik underlined that the Organization has launched academic programmes for teaching heritage, particularly the international master’s degree program in preserving and digitizing archival heritage, in cooperation with Ain Shams University and Philips Marburg.

In conclusion, ICESCO DG noted that the Organization will hold an international conference on the use of artificial intelligence and digitization applications and technologies in heritage fields, in 2022, in cooperation with international and academic institutions operating in the field of heritage.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), noted that the publication of the first volume of the Encyclopedia of Occidentalism, which is elaborated by the ICESCO Chair for Civilizational Dialogue at Qatar University’s College of Sharia and Islamic Studies (QU-CSIS), introduces a new vision that accommodates the human and intellectual developments that have taken place after years of adopting a narrow approach to assessment and evaluation, indicating that the central Western culture is facing intense internal strife.

This statement came in the address he delivered, via videoconference, during the ceremony organized by Qatar University on May 23, 2022, in celebration of the publication of the first volume of the encyclopedia, which is the first scientific work in the Islamic world that studies the West. The encyclopedia was elaborated with the support of ICESCO’s Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), and the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The celebration saw the participation of high-level Qatari officials and prominent academics and scientific figures.

In his address, Dr. AlMalik expressed his delight at the encyclopedia that he denoted as authentic, bold, judicious and unique, being the first work in the Islamic world that analyses Occidentalism through a scientific prism and compiles its historical and cultural concepts into an encyclopedia.

He also expressed his pride in the fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and Qatar University, which testifies to the effectiveness of the division of labor despite geographic distances. He also commended ICESCO’s scientific and cultural chairs’ programme, noting that the Organization established forty scientific chairs over the past two years.

ICESCO DG conveyed his gratitude to Qatar University and its College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, and to ICESCO Chair for Civilizational Dialogue at the same University, as well as to all the researchers who brought this project to fruition.

In their interventions, the speakers emphasized the importance of promoting scientific research in the field of civilizational dialogue and exploring its intellectual, scientific, religious, social and historical aspects.

At the close of the celebration, Dr. Hassan Rashid Al-Derham, President of Qatar University, presented ICESCO DG with a special prize in recognition of his efforts toward developing and modernizing the Organization. Tribute was also paid to many of the researchers who contributed to the elaboration of the encyclopedia.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), stated that major challenges still face educators of Sharia and Islamic studies and modern universities specializing in Islamic jurisprudence in the Islamic world, preventing these institutions from assuming their roles in linking this Ummah’s glorious past with its present, anticipating a brighter future and overcoming the discord between a rich scientific and civilizational heritage and the ever-changing modern sciences to ensure humanity’s advancement and prosperity.

Dr. AlMalik made this statement in a recorded address to the opening session of the International Summit on “Islamic Education in a Modern World: Challenges, Trends and Prospects,” which is organized as part of the Fourth Session of the Bolgar International Forum on the Theological Heritage of the Muslims of Russia, which kicked off today, Saturday, May 21, 2022.

The ICESCO DG noted that reformists in various parts of the Islamic world have realized, at least two centuries ago, that achieving the cultural and scientific autonomy of the Muslim Ummah requires a religious reform that highlights and capitalizes on the Islamic scientific heritage through reforming educational curricula in the universities of the Islamic world and building Islamic universities that are on par with world-renowned institutions, following a comprehensive Islamic approach. He added that Russian Muslim reformists were the first to discuss the reality of education in their country, as documented in authentic pieces of evidence dating back to the early years of the 20th century.

Dr. AlMalik stated that before exploring ways to promote modern Islamic education, it is necessary to consider the desired outcomes of this type of education and reflect on its missions at this point in history, which include religious education and awareness, intellectual production and scientific research. He added that to allow Islamic education to carry out these missions, it is necessary to work on developing Arab Islamic culture and promote a modern culture based on dialogue and communication likely to contribute to the advancement of human thought through the valuable contributions of Muslim scientists. “The attainment of these goals hinges upon the reform of school curricula and teaching methods, giving utmost attention to teaching living foreign languages and integrating the various legal, human and social sciences,” Dr. AlMalik stressed.

At the close of his address, Dr. AlMalik expressed his wishes for the success of the Summit, hoping that it would be an opportunity to develop innovative visions and feasible proposals to promote the performance of religious education institutions, given their key significance.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, discussed strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry in several areas of common interest.

The meeting, which took place on Friday, May 20, 2022, in the presence of Mr. Tural Akhmetov, Director of International Cooperation of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Education, as part of the ICESCO DG visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, to attend the International Conference on “Advancing the Post-Conflict Humanitarian Agenda: Sustainable Development through Revitalizing the Cultural Environment,” which was held in Shusha on Thursday, May 19, 2022.

Mr. Emin Amrullayev expressed his happiness for the constructive cooperation between ICESCO and Azerbaijan in the field of education, lauding the signing of the agreement between ICESCO and Baku State University to establish the ICESCO Chair for Biomedical Materials at the university to promote scientific research. He also commended ICESCO’s program to train youth on how to establish and develop small projects in the field of technology and innovation, which was implemented in partnership with the government of Azerbaijan.

The meeting discussed the launch of a program on “Youth to Youth” in cooperation between the two parties, holding an international conference on youth and peace, and providing scholarships for students of the Islamic world in Azerbaijan’s universities, to promote the exchange of experiences and develop the skills of researchers in vital fields.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to meet regularly to consolidate cooperation between ICESCO and the Azerbaijani Ministry of Education, especially after signing the agreement of the ICESCO Regional Office in Baku.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Anar Karimov, Minister of Culture, Chairman of the National Commission for Education, Science and Culture of Azerbaijan, signed today Friday, May 20, 2022, an agreement to establish and inaugurate ICESCO Regional Office in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku.

After signing the agreement, at the headquarters of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture, Dr. AlMalik expressed his happiness with the establishment and inauguration of the ICESCO Regional Office in Baku, stressing the importance of the Office in implementing the Organization’s activities and programs in Azerbaijan and its neighboring countries, as part of ICESCO’s vision geared towards consolidating relations and strengthening cooperation among the Member States in educational, scientific and cultural fields.

ICESCO DG stated that the opening of the Office represents the strong relations of cooperation and partnership that unite the Organization and the Republic of Azerbaijan in ICESCO’s fields of competence and the Organization’s strategic orientations, which accords special importance to safeguarding and valorizing heritage, investing in modern technology in all fields, consolidating the values of peace and civilizational dialogue and youth and women capacity-building.

For his part, Mr. Karimov stressed that the opening of the ICESCO Office in Baku will constitute a new start for the partnership between the Organization and Azerbaijan, highlighting the eagerness of the Azerbaijani officials, led by President Ilham Aliyev, to support ICESCO’s initiatives and programs, participate in the Organization’s activities in the fields of education, science and culture and support the Organization in implementing its vision and strategy.

Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), today, Friday, May 20, 2022, at the Presidential Palace in Baku. The meeting brought together Mr. Anar Karimov, Minister of Culture, Chairman of the Azerbaijani National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, and Mr. Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the Azerbaijani President, Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration.

At the outset of the meeting, Mr. Aliyev praised the roles that ICESCO plays in light of its new vision and strategic orientations, noting that the Organization’s efforts and action place it among internationally renowned organizations, and reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for ICESCO.

The Azerbaijani President conveyed his gratitude to ICESCO and its DG for signing the agreement on the establishment and inauguration of the Organization’s regional office in Baku and forming a technical team comprising of internal and external experts who will visit Azerbaijan this month to assess the damage incurred by archaeological and historical sites in Nagorno-Karabakh. He also emphasized that Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to culture and heritage protection and safeguarding.

President Aliyev hailed ICESCO’s keenness to cooperate with the Republic of Azerbaijan in the implementation of various programmes and activities and commended Dr. AlMalik’s participation in the International Conference on “Advancing Post-Conflict Humanitarian Agenda: Sustainable Development through Revitalization of Cultural Environment,” held on Thursday, May 19, 2022, in Shusha.

For his part, ICESCO DG expressed his thanks to the Azerbaijani President and competent authorities for supporting the Organization’s programmes and activities, stressing that the distinguished relations between ICESCO and Azerbaijan serve as a model for effective cooperation with the Member States to bring ICESCO’s lofty objectives to fruition.

Dr. AlMalik also praised the Azerbaijani National Commission’s keenness to cooperate with ICESCO, particularly in the areas of building youth capacity, anchoring peace and civilizational dialogue, and preserving cultural heritage.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called for working toward the promotion of humanitarian agendas to build peaceful and sustainable societies through adopting a comprehensive approach based on effective methods that are resilient and adaptable to countries’ contexts and specificities. ICESCO DG stated that these methods should bear in mind the regional and international dimensions before thinking of solutions, adopt transparency in conflict resolution, and monitor the development plans for post-conflict phases to build prosperous societies.

ICESCO DG gave this statement in his address during the opening session of the International Conference on “Advancing the Post-Conflict Humanitarian Agenda: Sustainable Development through Revitalizing the Cultural Environment,” organized by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture. The Conference kicked off on Thursday, May 19, 2022, in Shusha, in the presence of Mr. Anar Karimov, Minister of Culture, President of the Azerbaijani National Commission for Education, Science and Culture; Mr. Aydin Karimov, Special Representative of President in the Shusha District, in addition to several officials and specialist active in the field of cultural and social development.

At the outset, Dr. AlMalik congratulated the Government of Azerbaijan on hosting this key event and commended its efforts for fostering the sustainable development agenda through the promotion of the cultural field, highlighting the unique diversity and cultural harmony of Azerbaijani cities, most notably Shusha.

He also stressed the importance of developing a post-conflict humanitarian agenda to ensure the change of circumstances that previously led to conflict outbreaks; work on fostering social cohesion and build peaceful and sustainable societies that are mindful of human needs by learning from past experiences; and consolidating partnerships with states and citizens.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the main components of ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations and the Organization’s main initiatives and programs to promote and disseminate the culture of peace through human and cultural development. ICESCO DG seized the opportunity to commend the special partnership between ICESCO and many specialized Azerbaijani parties in the implementation of a number of the Organization’s programs, notably the youth training program in the field of setting up and developing small projects in the field of technology and innovation.

At the close of his address, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s keenness to promote cooperation with all partners and institutions to build harmonious societies, calling on all stakeholders to develop this cultural link across the globe.

The Conference sessions focus on highlighting the role of culture in promoting dialogue and cooperation in post-conflict situations and promoting cultural heritage as a basis for sustainable peace. It also discusses past challenges and future prospects through the implementation of heritage management policies in the context of urbicide, and the protection of environmental systems through supporting sustainable lifestyles in local and regional societies.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Baku State University in the Republic of Azerbaijan signed an agreement to establish the ICESCO Chair for Biomedical Materials at the University, to promote scientific research and join the efforts of scientists, researchers, physicians and the representatives of biomedical industry sector to develop advanced antimicrobial materials for use in biomedicine.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and Dr. Elchin Babayev, President of Baku State University, signed the agreement, on Wednesday (18 May 2022), in the presence of several officials, deans of faculties and university students, as well as Dr. Foued Al-Ayni, Expert at ICESCO Science and Technology Sector, during the visit of Dr. AlMalik to Baku State University, as part of his visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, to attend the International Conference on “Advancing the Post-Conflict Humanitarian Agenda: Sustainable Development through Revitalization of the Cultural Environment.”

In his statement at the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik commended the partnership between ICESCO and the University and hoped that such step would be the start of constructive cooperation to establish similar chairs in other universities in the Islamic world to contribute to the development of scientific research, innovation and technology.

For his part, Dr. Babayev commended ICESCO’s efforts and support for scientific research, stressing the importance of the programmes implemented in cooperation between the Organization and the University, and his keenness to develop their partnership.

According to the terms of the agreement, the Chair aims to develop the initial design of the pre-clinical efficacy tests, conduct studies on pharmacokinetics to carry out clinical trials, manufacture new nanocomposites with antimicrobial properties, and study the physical and chemical properties of nanocomposites.

This Chair is part of ICESCO’s vision to engage scientists and intellects, enhance cooperation between experts and researchers from academia, international laboratories and educational institutions, and promote sustainable development within and outside the Member States.

At the close of the signing ceremony, the President of Baku University presented the University Shield to ICESCO DG in appreciation of his efforts in supporting the development of scientific research. Dr. Al-Malik also presented ICESCO Shield to Dr. Babayev in appreciation of the University’s contribution to the promotion of science and technology in Azerbaijan.

A delegation from the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) visited the Maroc Telecom Museum in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, on the occasion of the International Museum Day (IMD), celebrated this year under the theme “The Power of Museums.”

The delegation, which visited the Museum on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, comprised of Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General (DG), Dr. Mohamed Zine Labidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, along with several directors of ICESCO sectors and centres.

During the visit, Dr. Benarafa emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Organization and the Museum, and the need for close networking and enhanced connectivity among museums within the Kingdom of Morocco and beyond.

He added that ICESCO and the International Council of Museums (ICOM) are joining efforts to reinforce the role of museums in developing and supporting national economies, and promoting cultural identity and diversity.

It is worth noting that ICESCO held an international symposium on Monday, May 16, 2022, in observance of International Museum Day, under the theme: “The Power of Museums.” The event brought together experts and specialists in the field to highlight the role of museums in achieving sustainable development goals and preserving cultural heritage and identity, and discuss mechanisms for supporting museums’ recovery from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to discuss cooperation prospects between ICESCO and Azerbaijan on several areas of common interest.

During the meeting, which was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baku, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the key components of ICESCO’s vision and action strategy, which adopts an open-door approach to all countries, strengthens the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue to build a prosperous future and accords special priority to training youth in leadership in peace and security.

The meeting touched upon the opening of ICESCO’s regional office in the Azerbaijani capital Baku, and the signing of a relevant agreement between ICESCO and the Republic of Azerbaijan on Thursday, during the holding of the International Conference on “Advancing the Post-Conflict Humanitarian Agenda: Sustainable Development through Revitalizing the Cultural Environment” organized by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture.

ICESCO DG stated that this office will implement ICESCO’s activities and programs in Azerbaijan and its neighboring countries, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement and as part of ICESCO’s vision of strengthening relations and consolidating cooperation among its Member States.

ICESCO DG commended Azerbaijan’s support for the Organization’s initiatives and programs and the Azerbaijani officials’ eagerness to participate in the Organization’s activities. He added that ICESCO takes pride in considering Azerbaijan as one of the founding countries of the Organization.

For his part, the Azerbaijani Minister of Foreign Affairs valued ICESCO’s new vision and its roles in its fields of competence and commended the distinguished relations between ICESCO and Azerbaijan. He also commended Dr. AlMalik’s attendance at the aforementioned Conference, highlighting the keenness of Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to permanently support ICESCO.