Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Amal
Jalal, President of Al-Qarawiyyin University in Fez, Morocco, explored ways to
promote cooperation between the Organization and the University.
The meeting was part of the visit of ICESCO DG, along with a
delegation of the heads of the sector at the Organization, to the University. Dr.
Amal Jalal, president of the University, and Dr. Idriss Al Fassi, the
University’s Vice-President, received the delegation.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his happiness at
visiting Al-Qarawiyyin University, which he considers as the mother of all
universities, and meeting its leading scientific and intellectual figures.
The meeting also reviewed the University’s restoration project,
conducted under the high patronage of H.M. King Mohammed VI, as well as the
monarch’s constant support to give new impetus to the University’s prominent
role.
Dr. Jalal stressed that the University selects the most talented
students, who have memorized the Holy Quran by heart and have a good command of
Arabic, English, and French. “Prospective students should also sit for a test
organized by a specialized admission committee,” added Dr. Jalal.
The two parties agreed upon further cooperation between the
Organization and the University in the areas of common interest.
At the close of the meeting, the President of Al-Qarawiyyin University offered ICESCO DG a shield bearing the University’s logo, as well as a set of its most recent publications.
ICESCO DG and his delegation made a tour of the University’s
library “Khizanat al-Qarawiyyin,” during which they explored the library’s
treasures of over 4000 manuscripts, as well as the University’s manuscripts restoration
laboratory, which uses state-of-the-art restoration technologies. The delegation
then made a visit to Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque in the Old Medina of Fez.
The Islamic World Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Euro-Mediterranean
University of Fez (UEMF) in Morocco, signed an agreement on the creation of
ICESCO Chair for Arts, Science, and Civilizations. The Chair will be based at
the University and aims to develop scientific research works to benefit and
promote the fields of arts and thoughts, and build fruitful cooperation
relations among artists, researchers and students, especially the youth.
The Chair also aims to promote
knowledge-based economy and human development through scientific research and
cultural networking between the different educational institutions and universities
in the ICESCO Member States.
The parties signed the Agreement on
Thursday, June 17, 2021, during a ceremony held at the University headquarters
in Fez. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and Dr. Mostapha
Bousmina, UEMF President, signed the Agreement, in the presence of several heads
of ICESCO sectors and several University officials, including Dr. Abdelrahman
Tankoul, Official in charge of the Chair.
In his address at the signing
ceremony, ICESCO DG expressed his delight in signing the key document with the
University, noting that the visit ICESCO delegation made to the University’s
various facilities and labs provided insights into this institution’s capacities,
a source of pride to both its educators and students.
Dr. Bousmina also expressed his
delight in signing such an agreement and thanked ICESCO for its support for
scientific research, reaffirming his keenness to develop relations between the
University and the Organization.
Dr. Abdelhaq Azzouzi, a member of UEMF
Board of Directors, commended the signing of the Agreement, expressing his
confidence that the Chair will carry out outstanding work.
According to the Agreement clauses,
the Chair aims to set up a body for training and research in the Chair’s main
areas of specialty and seeks to involve researchers, authors and intellectuals
in its missions to publicize arts, science, and civilizations, promote
societies and preserve their cultures, heritage, and identities.
The headquarters of the Euro-Mediterranean
University of Fez (UEMF), in Morocco, saw the inauguration of the headquarters
of ICESCO Chair on “Women in Science: Artificial Intelligence and the Future,”
whose establishment agreement was signed on May 17, 2021, with the aim of
promoting scientific research on artificial intelligence, encouraging the
participation of girls and women in this field, and consolidating the foresight
culture.
In his address at the inauguration, Dr.
Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), expressed his happiness at the
start of the Chair’s activities at Euro-Mediterranean University, which is one
of the outstanding universities in the Islamic world despite its young age.
Dr. AlMalik added that the establishment of the Chair, which falls within the framework of ICESCO Year of Women 2021, will contribute to encouraging and supporting women and girls in the field of science, stressing that enhancing women’s opportunities to study and use artificial intelligence applications will contribute to achieving gender equality.
Dr. Bousmina Mostapha, UEMF President,
indicated that women represent 51 percent of the University’s staff. “UEMF has
also distinguished female students. ICESCO Academic Chair will contribute to
achieving gender equality by building the capacities of young women and
enhancing their presence and contribution in the field of artificial intelligence
and other new areas,” he underscored.
Abdelhak Azzouzi, a member of UEMF’s Board of
Directors, said that the Chair will be a great success as it aims at developing
international partnerships, providing training on research and innovation, and
attracting young researchers from the ICESCO Member States to develop
algorithms and artificial intelligence technologies for the benefit of society.
Dr. Maha Kamira, who is the charge of the Chair,
reviewed the key measures and steps that have been taken since the signing of
the establishment agreement, stressing that the University, in coordination
with ICESCO Center for Strategic Foresight, laid down the objectives of the Chair.
Among its goals is to provide opportunities and support girls and women in the
field of artificial intelligence. The measure includes organizing workshops,
summer school, expanding the scientific knowledge base, and developing
scholarship programs and student exchange programs over the next five years.
Following the inauguration, UEMF President
took ICESCO DG and his delegation on a tour of the various laboratories and
facilities of the University, during which many professors and students of
different nationalities reviewed their scientific research and experiments.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG)
of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(ICESCO), received Mr. Ibrahim Al Hammad, DG of Saudi Basic Industries
Corporation (SABIC) in Morocco and West Africa, who visited ICESCO headquarters,
in Rabat, on Wednesday (June 16, 2021).
The meeting also brought together Dr.
Mohamed Al-Samrani, Director of Saudia Airlines in Morocco; Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa,
ICESCO Deputy DG; and some of the heads of sector, department and center at the
Organization; as well as Ms. Kawthar Hammouchi, Director of Cooperation and
Social Responsibility in SABIC Morocco and West Africa.
Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main themes of
ICESCO’s vision and action strategy as well as the key initiatives, programs
and activities that the Organization implemented in many Member States, particularly
in Africa to support the efforts geared towards addressing the COVID-19
pandemic in the areas of health, education, and water.
The meeting also touched upon the major
current programs and projects of ICESCO, being implemented in cooperation with
the competent parties in the Member States, and the new ideas and initiatives that
ICESCO adopts to meet its Member States’ needs in its areas of action.
Mr. Al Hammad commended the efforts of
ICESCO to support its Member States, stressing his willingness to build
cooperation between SABIC Morocco and West Africa, which collaborates with 35 African
countries, and ICESCO. He explained that the office supports projects in the
fields of environment, water, education, and health in these countries, as part
of the company’s social responsibility.
The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic
World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M.
AlMalik, stated that the Islamic civilization encompasses all forms of
knowledge, including jurisprudence, literature, and natural sciences, and calls
for using reason to contemplate and reflect upon the universe that Allah
created.
“We need to follow such lofty teachings
which urge us to be bold in addressing every contemporary issue based on the
solid foundations of our faith,” Dr. AlMalik affirmed.
The statement came at the DG’s address during
the opening ceremony of Imam Maturidi International Scientific Research Center
in Uzbekistan Symposium on “The Maturidiyya Teachings and the Present.”
The event, which took place on Wednesday, June
16, 2021, via videoconferencing, witnessed the participation of Mr. Shah Azim
Minovarov Shahaslamovich, Advisor to the President of the Uzbekistan and
Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan; Ambassador Dr. Mahmud
Erol Kılıç, DG of the Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture
(IRCICA); the Grand mufti Osmankhun Alimov, Chairman of the Muslim Board of
Uzbekistan and President of the International Scientific Board of Imam Maturidi
Center; Dr. Davron Makhsudov Rustamovich, Director of Imam Maturidi International Scientific
Research Center and Dr. Muzaffar Komilov Muradovich, President of the
International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan.
In his address, ICESCO DG pointed out that Imam
Abu Mansour al-Maturidi’s thought is innovative, helps in combating heresies
and superstition, and combines both reasoning and the religious texts, highlighting
that humans had been endowed the gift of knowledge. Dr. AlMalik also
underscored that ICESCO and Imam Maturidi International Scientific Research
Center’s joint efforts aim at promoting knowledge and scientific trends that
the Islamic World is in urgent need.
ICESCO DG stated that the two parties share
the same areas of competence and praised the memorandum of understanding they signed.
He also reviewed ICESCO’s major activities and initiatives carried out to
promote coexistence and peace, including the Symposium on Space Sciences which
aimed at exploring the role of technology in promoting coexistence, the International
Conference on Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah, and the Conference
on “Role of Religious Leaderships in Face of Crises.”
At the close of his address, Dr. AlMalik
called for capitalizing on the unlimited potentials that modern technologies
offer, thus contributing to the development of the Islamic world.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International Camel Organization
(ICO) held, on Monday, June 14, 2021, a virtual working session to explore
areas of cooperation between the two parties.
The two parties examined ways to set up a
strategic plan of cooperation on several programs and activities pertaining to
promoting camels’ civilizational and cultural heritage, conducting scientific
studies on this subject, supporting the traditional and handicraft industry,
and promoting the desert cultural heritage.
H.H. Prince Sultan bin Saud bin Mohammed, ICO
Vice President, and Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG) chaired
the meeting. The session also witnessed the participation of H.R.H. Prince
Abdulrahman bin Khalid bin Musaad, Representative of Saudi Arabia to the ICO,
Dr. Mubarak Al-Suwailem, ICO Secretary-General, and Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa,
Deputy ICESCO DG, in addition to advisors and heads of sectors and departments
at the Organization.
At the beginning of the meeting, H.H.
Prince Sultan bin Saud conveyed to the participants the greetings and gratitude
of H.E. Sheikh Fahd bin Hathleen, Founder and Chairman of the ICO Board of
Directors.
During the meeting,
which was held as part of the implementation of the Partnership
Agreement signed between the two organizations in April 2021, the two parties
reviewed the broad lines of the proposed programs and cooperation activities as
well as implementation plans to achieve the expected outcomes of the programs.
The list includes programs on civilizational and cultural heritage relating to
camels and desert culture, the inscription of this heritage on the List of
Intangible Heritage of the Islamic World, and participation in King Abdulaziz
Festival of Camels and camel races, in addition to the organization of
conferences, symposia, festivals and fairs dedicated to camels.
The working session
also focused on the studies and scientific research that parties will jointly conduct
to protect camel breeds, improve their DNA through genetic research and
increase the production of camel milk and meat, to promote camel economy and investment
in the field.
The two parties
also agreed to issue several publications, such as the encyclopedia of camels,
and publicize camel heritage by employing various mediums such as
documentaries, digital content and children’s stories. The goal is to bring the
new generations of the Islamic world closer to this heritage, which is a source
of pride.
At the end of this
meeting, which was marked by rich discussions and practical ideas and
proposals, both parties reaffirmed that this cooperation will be fruitful,
given the two Organizations’ complementary visions and shared objectives,
especially in the field of heritage protection and identity promotion. The
participants also agreed to hold bilateral technical meetings, to launch the
implementation of the agreed-upon programs and activities.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik,
Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Sultan Bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of
the Saudi Fund for Development, who paid a visit to the Organization’s
headquarters, in Rabat, today, Friday, June 11, 2021.
During the meeting, which
also brought together some directors of ICESCO’s sector, Dr. AlMalik reviewed
the salient programs and projects that the Organization is implementing, in
cooperation with the competent authorities in several Member States. The DG
also reviewed the new vision and action strategy of ICESCO, which seek further
communication with the Member States to identify their priorities and needs,
develop programs and activities that meet these needs, open up to non-Member
States, international and donor organizations, bodies and institutions, and
build partnerships with them for the benefit of the countries of the Islamic
world and Muslim communities around the world.
ICESCO DG also highlighted
the key initiatives, programs, and projects that the Organization launched and
implemented to support the efforts geared towards addressing the COVID-19
pandemic and assisting many countries in facing the effects of the pandemic on
the fields of education, science, and culture.
For his part, the CEO of
the Saudi Fund for Development praised the roles of ICESCO in its areas of
competence and its support to its Member States during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Saudi Fund for
Development was established in 1974. Its objectives include financing development
projects by granting loans to developing countries and providing grants for
technical aid to finance studies and institutional support.
Innovative
ideas and rich discussions during the First International Symposium on Space
Science
The First International Symposium on “Space Science:
Importance, Challenges, and Emerging Opportunities in the Space Industry and
Islamic World” that the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (ICESCO) held, on Thursday, June 10, 2021, in partnership with the
American Space Foundation, under the theme: “Building tomorrow’s innovators.”
The Symposium brought together a powerhouse of high-level
space program officials and experts, scientists, and astronauts from around the
world, who exchanged innovative ideas, explored vital questions, and rich
discussions on the challenges and opportunities of space science and development
of space-related applications and industries.
The Symposium, organized both at ICESCO headquarters,
in Rabat, and on the Zoom platform, aimed at spreading awareness of the
importance of space science and technology, and the enormous potential of space
technology applications in achieving sustainable development and reinforcing the
drive of the countries of the Islamic world towards developing space programs
and using space technology in the fields of education, science, and innovation.
At the opening session, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO
Director-General (DG), gave an address, wherein he stressed that space science
and technology offer broad prospects that can help us overcome the challenges
facing our planet, which is why space science should be a major part of the
long-term plans and strategies of all countries.
Dr. AlMalik explained that data derived from space
science can help improve agriculture, increase crop productivity, discover new
sources of energy, contribute to safe waste recycling, and protect and monitor
the environment, and other vital areas of human activities.
ICESCO DG also considered that “the drive towards
space science in the 21st century heralds a new global industrial
revolution, which could be called “space industrial revolution” and constitute
in bringing about engineering and revolutionary changes able to create new
space markets, systems and technologies.”
In his address, Mr. Thomas E. Zelibor, Chief Executive
Officer of Space Foundation, called on all countries to direct their attention
towards space science, which should not be limited to certain countries, to
achieve a balance in this field, stressing that the world today hinges upon data
that space can provide.
On his part, Dr. Driss Ouaouicha, Minister Delegate in
charge of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Morocco, confirmed that 50
years of human activity in space enhanced life quality on Earth, noting that
Muslim scientists were pioneers in space sciences and planetary exploration,
including Al-Khwarizmi. He also reviewed Morocco’s projects in the field of
space science development.
Dr. Fawad Hussain Chaudhry, Federal Minister of Information and
Broadcasting, Pakistan, stated that stars and space have always been a source
of inspiration for humans through monitoring their motion and shifts and
developing telescopes. He also congratulated ICESCO for organizing such a key
event.
In his address, Dr. Modibo Diarra, Chairman of Africa Legal Network
(ALN), described space
exploration as an opportunity to bring together different civilizations,
cultures, and individuals. He added that space sciences should be accessible to everyone and that the Global South countries should work on
bridging the North-South gaps which prevent them from gaining access to the
space industry. Dr. Diarra also noted that space sciences could contribute to
the development of the African continent.
The Symposium’s first session, under the theme
“Space ecosystem awareness: the importance of space technology for humanity,”
saw the participation of Ms. Shelli Brunswick, COO of Space Foundation; Maj.
Gen. Jose Vagner Vital, Brazilian Air Force Executive Vice President; Maj. Gen.
Amer Nadem, Inter Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET),
Chairman at Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
(SUPARCO); and Dr. Farouk El-Baz, Director of Center for Remote Sensing at
Boston University, NASA Astronaut Trainer.
The second session tackled space commerce and
career opportunities in the space industry for young graduates. The
participants then took part in the first roundtable discussion on developing
leadership thinking in the fields of sciences and space among university
researchers, which witnessed the participation of several experts, including
Moroccan inventor Rachid Yazami. The second roundtable discussion touched upon
the importance of strategic relationships between the space industry and
academia in developing countries, while the last session explored ways of
creating the future space innovation workforce.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), underscored that
the Organization’s new vision, embodied in its renewed strategic documents,
accords great attention to the National Commissions for Education, Science and
Culture as a special strategic partner. The DG stated that National Commissions
shoulder the great responsibilities of outlining ICESCO’s future orientations
and identifying its programs and activities to meet Member States’ priorities.
Dr. AlMalik made the statement during the inauguration of the new
headquarters of the General Secretariat of the National Commission for
Education, Science and Culture of Morocco in Rabat, on Thursday, June 10, 2021.
The inauguration saw the participation of Dr. Saaïd Amzazi, Minister of
National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research,
President of the Moroccan National Commission; Mr. Jamal Eddine El-Aloua, Secretary-General
of the Commission; Mr. Abdeljalil Lahjomri, Permanent Secretary of the Academy
of Morocco; Mr. Alexander Scheschlik, Acting Director of the UNESCO Maghreb; Mr.
Abdelfattah Lahjomri, Representative of ALECSO, in addition to a host of the
National Commission’s officials and members.
Dr. AlMalik expressed his delight that ICESCO is part of such an event,
noting that the Organization takes great pride in having its permanent
headquarters in Rabat. He added that ICESCO greatly treasures the honor of the
high patronage of His Majesty King Mohamed VI. The Monarch granted his
patronage to ICESCO’s initiative to proclaim 2021 as the Year of Women, as well
as to the International Conference on the Civilizational Values in the
Prophet’s Seerah, held in partnership with the Mohammedan League of Scholars in
Morocco and the Muslim World League.
The DG stated that the Moroccan National Commission for Education,
Science and Culture is one of the major institutions that reflect the gains and
success Morocco scores in the sectors of education, science, technology, culture,
and communication, noting that cooperation between ICESCO and the Commission
took a major leap in 2020 and 2021 despite the impact of the pandemic.
At the close of his address, the DG reiterated the Organization’s
commitment towards the Seat country to provide through cooperation and
coordination with the National Commission to provide more venues for Moroccan
institutions and specialists to share expertise and leading initiatives in the
fields of education, science and culture with the rest of the world.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, the first session of its Leadership Training Program for Peace and Security, implemented in partnership with the UNESCO Office for the Maghreb, the Conference of the Ministers of Education of French Speaking Countries (CONFEMEN), and the Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sports of French Speaking Countries (CONFEJES).
The program aims to train young people on leadership for achieving peace and building the societies we want by providing them with knowledge tools through exchange with inspirational leaders and experts to become true ambassadors of peace in their societies.
At the outset of the opening session, held face-to-face at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat and on Zoom platform, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), gave a recorded speech, wherein he stressed the importance of training young people to build peace and contribute to the prosperity of their societies, noting that we should encourage our young people and instill in them the values of tolerance and coexistence.
In his address, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy DG of ICESCO, welcomed the participants in the training session and stressed that young people are better able to ensure civilizational mediation to achieve social cohesion, adding that leadership requires real peace. Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Director of Culture and Communication Sector at ICESCO, expressed his pleasure to take part in the training with young people, who represent hope for a better future, pointing out that Islam is a reference for the ethics and conditions for achieving and sustaining peace.
For his part, Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Senegal, Special Envoy of the International Organization of La Francophonie in Mali, stressed the need for peace and security to achieve development and prosperity. He also stressed the importance of the role of African women and youth, who are ready to lead the continent towards a secure and prosperous future thanks to their academic training and professional capabilities. In his address, Dr. Ahmed Senouni, Deputy Secretary-General of Mohammadia League of Scholars, stressed that faith in human brotherhood ensures further coexistence while stressing the need to find intellectual, value-based and cultural elements that strengthen the immunity of individuals and societies against all threats to peace.
Ms. Ramata Almami Mbaye, Director of Human and Social Sciences Sector at ICESCO, stressed that the Organization’s Leadership Training Program for Peace and Security constitutes an important opportunity to share expertise and experiences among experts, inspiring young leaders, adding that ICESCO attaches utmost importance to empowering and integrating women and youth in decision-making circles.
The training session began with the participation of 30 young ambassadors of peace representing 22 countries along with experts in the fields of education, peace, security, and strategic foresight. The event witnessed rich discussions and innovative ideas to achieve peace and promote the values of coexistence and dialogue.
ICESCO will continue the series of virtual training seminars between June and September 2021, which will focus on 10 modules related to peace issues. These young trainees will form the first cohort of ICESCO Youth and Women Network for Peace.
