Category: Director General

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.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited the Museum of the Future in the Emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to learn about the Museum’s exhibitions and elements that anticipate the future in all its dimensions and transport the visitor to broad horizons of contemplation of what tomorrow’s world could be like.

During his tour of the Museum, on Thursday, March 2, 2023, Dr. AlMalik, and his accompanying delegation, listened to explanations about the terminologies contained in the Museum’s sections and pavilions that simulate the future in the fields of technology, bioengineering and space.

Following the tour, ICESCO’s DG commended the Museum’s efforts, pointing out that it represents foresight culture, which the Organization accords great importance to promote in its Member States and enable them to be more capable of addressing the challenges of the present and preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

He noted that the Museum of the Future changes the concept of traditional museums, which display historical artifacts and collectibles, by using the latest innovative technologies to travel on a journey to the world of tomorrow, which makes it a source of inspiration for everyone.

The Museum of the Future in Dubai, which opened on February 22, 2022, includes several sections that focus on the potential future for the development of space resources, ecosystems, and bioengineering. It also displays near-future technologies to meet challenges in various fields such as health, water, food, transportation, and energy. The museum has won 10 awards from international institutions for the quality of museum content and future science.

Various exhibitions, seminars and activities at the Organization’s pavilion in Heritage area at “Heart of Sharjah”

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), attended the launch of the Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD) 2023, which kicked off on Wednesday, 1st March 2023 in the Heritage Area at the “Heart of Sharjah” under the theme ‘Heritage and Creativity.” The event, which will run until March 21st, 2023, was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, with the participation of 42 countries and 40 local entities.

The launch featured a tour of the pavilions of several countries and parties taking part in this “extraordinary” edition, as described by Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, President of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, as it will feature diversified folk performances with traditional costumes, local and international foods and competitions, as well as “Riwaq al-Kutubiyeen” (the booksellers’ aisle) for heritage books, and for the first time, the “Harat al-Khabbazin” (the bakers’ alley) for visitors to taste different kinds of bread.

The ICESCO pavilion displays a photographic collection themed: “Islamic World Heritage: Distinguished Contributions to Building the Islamic Civilization.” It will also host the inauguration of the emblem board of Heritage in the Islamic World and will display multiple heritage-related publications of the Organization.

Visitors to the pavilion will be able to watch videos created by the Organization on the Islamic World Heritage Portal and other major cultural initiatives, including training sessions on protecting and restoring heritage in the Islamic world.

The Organization’s pavilion will host various seminars and meetings which will bring together experts and specialists to reflect upon issues relating to the protection, safeguarding and valorization of the Islamic world’s heritage and its role in promoting human and civilizational values. It will also hold a coloring contest where children will color drawings of the most prominent historical sites.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the closing ceremony of the 25th edition of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Awards for Distinguished Academic Performance, which was organized by the Foundation under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The ceremony, which was organized on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Mohammed bin Rashid Library (MBRL) in Dubai, saw the presence of Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum, Supreme Chairman of Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance, officials of the Foundation and a group of decision-makers and experts in the field of education development, as well as several stakeholders interested in improving educational performance.

During the ceremony, 72 distinguished winners were honored in the field of education at the national, Arab and Gulf levels. The awards included five sections: Distinguished School, Distinguished Educator, Distinguished Teacher, Distinguished Undergraduate University Student, and Distinguished Student.

Dr. AlMalik expressed his happiness at attending the closing ceremony of the 25th edition of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Awards for Distinguished Academic Performance, lauding the Foundation’s role in supporting and promoting the development of education not only at the UAE national level but also at the regional and international levels.

ICESCO DG commended the strategic partnership between the Organization and the Foundation in the field of education, which is reflected in the implementation of many joint programs and projects, mainly the organization of ICESCO-Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Prize for Voluntary Development of Education Facilities in Islamic World to encourage distinguished, sustainable and comprehensive educational projects.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, President of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), discussed cooperation prospects between ICESCO and the Institute in the field of heritage preservation and valorization.

During his visit to SIH, on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, Dr. AlMalik stressed that preserving and valorizing the Islamic world heritage is among ICESCO’s top priorities, as part of its vision and strategic orientations, explaining that the Organization has taken many decisions in this regard, mainly the establishment of the Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC), which examines the nomination files of historical sites and cultural elements submitted for inscription on the Islamic World Heritage List, the establishment of the Center of Islamic World Heritage, as well as the organization of many training sessions and workshops for capacity building of heritage professionals in its Member States.

For his part, SIH’s President welcomed the visit of ICESCO’s DG to the Institute’s headquarters, where they toured the Institute’s facilities, and reviewed SIH’s key programs and projects to contribute to preserving the Emirati national identity, safeguarding and documenting heritage and protecting it from destruction.

At the end of the visit, the two parties agreed to sustain coordination during the coming period, to build fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and SIH, through the implementation of several joint programs and projects in the field of preserving and safeguarding heritage.

The visit was attended by Dr. Obaid Saif Al-Hajri, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Sharjah, Mr. Najib Rhiati, Cultural Advisor to ICESCO DG, and Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Director of ICESCO DG’s Cabinet.

SIH promotes and raises awareness about Emirati heritage and teaches its various elements according to the latest scientific curricula through organizing programs and activities throughout the year, as well as establishing partnerships with various international scientific and cultural bodies and institutions.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), presented His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah, with the certificate of inscription of the “Sharjah, the Gate to Trucial States” on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List during their meeting on Tuesday, 28 February 2023, at the headquarters of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his thanks to HH. Sheikh Dr. Al-Qasimi for his unwavering support to ICESCO and his commendable efforts to protect and safeguard heritage and promote culture through various initiatives and activities, namely the Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD) which will kick off on March 1st, 2023, explaining that the “Sharjah, Gate to Trucial States” file, which was inscribed by ICESCO on its Islamic World Heritage List, includes multiple historical buildings that testify to the long history of Sharjah and the region.
The two parties explored ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and Sharjah in areas of common interest, particularly in protecting, safeguarding and sustaining heritage, and discussed means to scale up the activities of the Organization’s regional office in Sharjah.

Upon presenting the Ruler with the inscription certificate, ICESCO DG hailed the creativity of the “Smile, you are in Sharjah” slogan which was cleverly coined by the Emirate four decades ago, using the smile to symbolize positive energy, peace and serenity which all spur progress and growth.

For his part, HH. Sheikh Dr. Al Qasimi lauded ICESCO’s role in protecting and preserving the Islamic world’s heritage, emphasizing that despite the significant urban and technological developments it has witnessed, Sharjah could successfully sustain its cultural and civilizational heritage and preserve its tangible and intangible authenticity reflected by many of its archaeological sites.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. Al Malik presented the Ruler with the ICESCO shield in appreciation of his efforts to support culture and offered him a number of the Organization’s latest publications in its areas of competence.

Dr. Al-Malik presented to His Highness a proposal for His Highness Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi Award for Best Heritage Practices in the Islamic World.

The meeting brought together a host of officials from the Government of Sharjah and the Sharjah Archeology Authority, Dr. Obaid Saif AlHajri, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Sharjah, Mr. Najib Rhiati, Cultural Advisor to ICESCO DG, and Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the DG Cabinet at ICESCO.