Category: Director General

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ms. Camélia Ntoutoume Leclercq, Minister of National Education of the Republic of Gabon, and together they explored prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and Gabon in the fields of education and women empowerment.

At the beginning of the meeting, held Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik congratulated Ms. Leclercq on her appointment as Minister of National Education in Gabon, wishing her all success in assuming this great responsibility. Dr. AlMalik also thanked the Minister for accepting ICESCO’s invitation to attend ICESCO’s closing ceremony of the Year of Women 2021, which was granted the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

For her part, the Gabonese Minister expressed her delight to visit ICESCO Headquarters and conveyed the greetings of the Prime Minister of Gabon, who she represents in the ceremony. The Minister also noted that Gabon takes great pride in its special partnership with ICESCO, which first saw the light in October 2021, when the Director-General visited Libreville and met with senior Gabonese officials, most notably, H.E. President Ali Bongo.

The meeting addressed areas of ongoing cooperation between ICESCO and Gabon, the key programs and activities recently implemented in the country, and the visit of the ICESCO delegation to Libreville to take stock of the priorities and needs of Gabon in the fields of education, science and culture in the next period.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties reiterated their keenness to maintain the fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and Gabon, especially in the fields of education, women empowerment and youth capacity building.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Ms. Benita Diop, African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security. The meeting discussed the prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and the African Union for supporting and building women’s capacities and consolidating the values of coexistence and peace.

At the outset of the meeting, held at ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat, Ms. Diop thanked Dr. AlMalik for the invitation to attend the closing ceremony of ICESCO Year of Women 2021, commending the Organization’s programs and activities to support women and enhance their roles.
For his part, ICESCO DG stressed that supporting women is part of the priorities of the Organization’s new vision and action strategy. 2021 was proclaimed as the Year of Women in appreciation of the great roles that women play at all levels. The end of this celebration does not imply the discontinuation of the programs and activities implemented to support women in the Members States and encourage policies aimed at achieving gender equality.

The meeting touched on the prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and the African Union for supporting women and building their capacities.

In conclusion, the two parties agreed to hold expert meetings to agree on several programs and activities of cooperation.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Isatou Touray, Vice-president of the Republic of the Gambia, and together they explored prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and the Gambia in the fields of education, science and culture.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik expressed his thanks to Dr. Touray for accepting ICESCO’s invitation to attend the closing ceremony of ICESCO’s Year of Women 2021, which was granted the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco.
For her part, the Gambian Vice-president expressed her delight to take part in this ceremony in support of ICESCO’s determination to empower and build the capacities of the women in the Member States, commending the initiatives, programs and activities held as part of the Organization’s celebration of women.

The meeting was attended by several ICESCO’s leaderships and reviewed the main focuses of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations by 2025, which are based on extensive communication with the Member States to identify their priorities and needs in order to design the appropriate programs and activities for each country. The ICESCO officials also gave an overview of the many programs the Organization is implementing in cooperation with the competent authorities in the Member States.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to hold expert meetings between ICESCO and the Gambian competent authorities to identify programs and activities that can be the stepping stone for fruitful cooperation and partnership between the two parties.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Hayat Qatat Al-Qirmazi, Minister of Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia, explored ways to promote cooperation and partnership between ICESCO and Tunisia in the cultural fields.

During this meeting, held at ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik thanked Dr. Al-Qarmazi for accepting the invitation to attend the closing ceremony of ICESCO Year of Women 2021. For her part, the Tunisian Minister expressed her thanks for this invitation and her happiness to participate in the closing ceremony of the celebration that included an array of achievements to support women.

The meeting touched upon the cooperation relations between ICESCO and Tunisia in several cultural programs and activities, including the restoration of the House of Ibn Khaldoun, in Tunis. The two parties stressed the need to complete the restoration of this archaeological monument, which is part of the heritage of one of the major philosophers, historians and sociologists.

ICESCO DG and the Tunisian Minister of Culture also discussed cooperation in the project of the establishment of the International Center for Calligraphy and Ancient Languages in Tunis, which will be equipped with the latest documentation technologies, particularly in the field of Arabic calligraphy.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to strengthen cooperation and partnership between ICESCO and Tunisia in the cultural fields, particularly after the great success of the celebration of Tunis, the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2019.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the International University of Rabat (IUR) in the Kingdom of Morocco, launched on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, a program for Piloting the Introduction of ICESCO’S Peace 360º Approach in Academia, which aims to strengthen educational programs in the field of peacebuilding and security in ICESCO’s Member States, through an approach based on a comprehensive and multidisciplinary methodology. The program will be implemented within the framework of the IUR’s Master program in Conflict Resolution and Governance of Peace.

The Program opening ceremony, held at the IUR headquarters and via videoconference, saw the participation of several experts and researchers in the fields related to building security and peace.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), started the ceremony with a speech in which he highlighted the importance of the Programme, which was launched within the framework of the celebration of Rabat as the 2022 Culture Capital in the Islamic world in achieving peace and security, confirming that the concept of peace is not only related to the absence of war, but also to the establishment of institutions and policies to promote a culture of peace and security in societies.

He noted that this initiative represents ICESCO’s new vision, which seeks, through the promotion of peace, to contribute to the development of human capital in the Islamic world, stressing the role of universities in understanding new phenomena and overcoming the challenges facing our societies.

For his part, Dr. Abdelaziz Benjouad, IUR Vice President, highlighted the importance of cooperation and partnership between ICESCO and the University to achieve peace and security and strengthen sustainable development goals.

Ms. Ramata Almami Mbay, Director of ICESCO’s Human and Social Sciences Sector, stressed that the Organization aims, through this program, to train young leaders who can contribute constructively to building sustainable peace, reviewing ICESCO’s initiatives in cooperation with a number of parties in the field of civilizational dialogue and countering hate speech and extremism.

In a prerecorded message, Dr. Abdel Rahamane Baba-Moussa, Secretary-General of the Conference of Ministers of Education of French-Speaking Countries (CONFEMEN), stressed the need to invoke the educational aspects in developing policies and plans aimed at building peace and promoting coexistence, cultural dialogue and mutual respect.

In her speech, Ms. Amira Al-Fadil, Head of ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, emphasized that the Program constitutes the start of a strategic project for the Organization with the participation of many students at several levels of studies and in different countries.

Mr. Nebil DABUR, Director General of Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), congratulated ICESCO for launching the Program, stressing that the absence of peace is a real challenge facing the countries of the Islamic world.

During the ceremony, Dr. Alioune Sall, Executive Director of African Futures Institute delivered an introductory lecture on the topic of peace and human development, highlighting the importance of peace in achieving development, providing favorable conditions for development, fostering hope and confidence in the future and encouraging investment.

In conclusion, Prof. Julien DURAND DE SANCTIS, Director of IUR Master in Governance of Peace, expressed his happiness with the cooperation between ICESCO and the University, stressing the importance of studies related to conflict and peacebuilding begins with the ability to study and understand violence.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held an international symposium in observance of World Theater Day, with the participation of eminent writers, play directors and academicians. The event aimed at casting light on the importance of theater in achieving sustainable development and cultivating harmonious coexistence, discussing its history and culture and reviewing the developments it has witnessed over the years.

Participants in the symposium, held on Monday, March 28, 2022, via videoconference, emphasized the importance of cultural policies and the need to elaborate strategies aimed at the development of creative capacities to advance the cultural field in the Islamic world.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), delivered the opening remarks in which he noted that this celebration highlights the profound significance of fine art and culture, awakens the civilizational awareness of societies, and underlines the need for sustainable development and human prosperity, which lay at the core of theatrical art.

He added that one of ICESCO’s main missions is supporting theatre through a forward-looking vision promoting initiatives that are geared towards the development of theatrical art as an intangible cultural heritage reflecting a sense of belonging and civic engagement, and mirroring a culture of integration, teamwork, dialogue and openness.

ICESCO DG stressed that the Organization, in cooperation with its Member States, endeavors to strengthen human competencies and creative talents in fine theatrical art. “ICESCO recommends logistic and financial support for theater and artists, the preservation of their rights and intellectual property, the reconciliation of theatrical art with education, the integration of people with disabilities into theatrical work, the use of theater in the promotion of social cohesion, and the safeguarding of theatrical heritage through the latest archival technologies,” added Dr. AlMalik.

In his address, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture and Communication Sector, noted that ICESCO’s observance of World Theater Day is part of its new vision based on openness to all cultural fields. “This celebration is an appreciation of the role of culture in defining the essence of societies, a recognition of its importance and a promotion of cultural luminaries,” added the ICESCO official.

Dr. Dima Hamdan, Supervisor of the ICESCO Chair at the Lebanese University, emphasized that theater has historically been used as a shield against crises. She added that theater is an art that translates suffering into fine cathartic works that speak to the soul, and that it is a means of communication that anchors development, social cohesion and coexistence.

Dr. Dima Hamdan then moderated the symposium’s sessions, yielding the floor to Dr. Messaoud Driss, Professor at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Art at Tunis University, whose address touched upon the history of Tunisian theater and the stages of its evolution as well as the characteristics of Tunisian cultural practices. For his part, Dr. Sulayman Al-Bassam, playwright and director, reviewed his theatrical scripts and performances and explained how he drew inspiration from reality in selecting the themes of his works.

Dr. Omar Fertat, Lecturer at Bordeaux Montaigne University in France, reviewed the general trends of the Moroccan theater, which witnessed a prominent female presence in recent years. In the same vein, Ms. Nidal Al-Achkar, Lebanese actress and director, noted that theater is a binding link between all members of society, regardless of differences in classes and ideas.

In his address, Dr. Machhour Mustapha, Professor in the Department of Theatre, Cinema and Television at the Doctoral School of the Lebanese University, discussed the various methods of teaching play directing, underlining that it is imperative for directing instructors to be knowledgeable about acting. He also underscored the need to support artists, provide spaces for cultural activities and develop a sense of objective criticism to attain cultural prosperity.

The 3rd International Conference on Space 2022, co-organized by the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the Islamic World Organization for Science, Education and Culture (ICESCO), Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) and Inter-Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET), kicked off on Monday, March 28, 2022, in Islamabad, Pakistan, under the theme “Role of Space Technology and Applications in Socio-economic Development.”

The opening session of the Conference witnessed the participation of high-level officials and experts in the field of space sciences, who will share, over three days, knowledge and experiences, and explore the latest developments and state-of-the-art space innovations.

In his prerecorded speech, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), called for capitalizing on the applications and mechanisms of space science and technology to enhance the capacities of youth and women in Muslim countries in the areas of innovation and modern technology to achieve socio-economic development, rationalize the use of natural resources, promote peace values and address the challenges facing humanity.

ICESCO DG also stressed that the Organization, in its new vision and action strategy, strongly encourages its Member States to invest in the field of space sciences and its applications.

In his intervention, Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at Science and Technology Sector at ICESCO, highlighted the Organization’s efforts to raise awareness of the importance of integrating space sciences into Muslim countries’ development policies and disseminate knowledge on space technologies and prospects.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), at the Kasbah of the Udayas, one of most emblematic monuments of Rabat, a city celebrated as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022, with a rich, year-long program featuring various activities. The celebration of Rabat, which officially kicked off on March 24, 2022, is granted the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him.

During the meeting, held today, Friday, March 25, 2022, the two parties reaffirmed the keenness of their respective Organizations to sustain cooperation within the framework of the agreement concluded between ICESCO and UNESCO in November 2019 on capacity building, development and technical assistance, along with other areas of common interest.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented Ms. Azoulay with a copy of ICESCO’s recently-issued book “Peace 360: Exploring the Dimensions of Peace.”

ICESCO DG reviewed the main focuses of the Organization’s strategic orientations by 2025, its executive plans and priority programs that represent potential avenues of cooperation between ICESCO and UNESCO. These include training youth on peace-building, anchoring the values of coexistence and civilizational dialogue, promoting investment in space science and artificial intelligence applications, mitigating the adverse impact of climate change and conducting foresight studies on the future of the Islamic world and the African continent as well as the future of artificial intelligence in education.

This meeting took place on the sidelines of the celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the inscription of Rabat on the World Heritage List. The event was held at the Kasbah of the Udayas by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, a major ceremony was held to mark the inauguration of the Celebration of Rabat as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022. Held by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in the Kingdom of Morocco and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), today, Thursday 24 March 2022, at the Mohammed V Theatre, the ceremony witnessed high-level participation including officials from the Moroccan Government, public figures, authors, intellectuals and artists in addition to a large audience.

The year-long celebration of Rabat as the 2022 Culture Capital in the Islamic World is organized as part of the ICESCO Programme for Culture Capitals in the Islamic World and will feature a large selection of programs and activities both in Rabat and other Moroccan cities. The celebration aims to highlight the civilizational status of Rabat and cast light on its abundant tangible and intangible heritage.

The ceremony was opened by an address by Mr. Mohamed Al-Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, who stated that the selection of Rabat as Culture capital in the Islamic World for 2022, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, reaffirms the special attention His Majesty accord to the Kingdom’s capital. He added that this selection also reflects Rabat’s special position in the African, Arab, Islamic and International levels as a model for cultural coexistence, a symbol of both authenticity and modernity, and a hub of several key developmental projects.

The Moroccan Minister also expressed his thanks to ICESCO and all the cooperating parties and media outlets for their efforts to ensure the success of this event and highlight the cultural image of the Kingdom as a land of respect, coexistence and tolerance.

Taking the floor next, was Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), who talked about Rabat’s long-standing landmarks, ten-century-long glorious history and diverse heritage sites including Udayas Castle, Hassan Tower, Challah, and Bouregreg River, noting that Rabat is the city of the past, present and future.

The DG expressed his deepest thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, may Allah assist him, for the royal attention ICESCO has been receiving since its inception by the late King Hassan II, may Allah rest his soul in peace.

In addition, Dr. AlMalik noted that the Rabat celebration will feature a large number of activities, cultural, literary and art exhibitions, most notably the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, in its first destination outside of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. The Director-General concluded his address with a poem he wrote hailing the history and glory of Rabat.

For her part, Ms. Asmaa Rhlalou, Mayor of Rabat, stated in her address that the cultural projects implemented in Rabat will contribute to its cultural outreach, in an embodiment of the royal keenness to render the Kingdom’s capital an international civilizational and cultural hub. She added that this celebration is a re-discovery of the Capital of Lights from various cultural and artistic dimensions, which would eventually promote the image of Morocco as a land of tolerance and diversity and contribute to highlighting its openness to various cultures nations.

Following the opening remark, a short video on the City of Rabat was screened, which was prepared by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, followed by Dr. AlMalik handing over the celebration flag to the Mayor of Rabat.

The inaugural celebration featured a music show by the Orchestra of Tetouan headed by Mr. Amine El-Akrami with the participation of the eminent Munshids Marouane Hajji from Fez, Abdeslam Sefiani from Sale, and Fouad Taibi from Rabat, in addition to the distinguished artist Samira Kadiri and her orchestra.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Mamadou Talla, Minister of National Education, President of the Senegalese National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, and together they explored prospects of cooperation and partnership between ICESCO and Senegal in the Organization’s areas of competence.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, 22 March 2022, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dakar, the two parties reaffirmed their keenness to maintain the fruitful cooperation relations between ICESCO the competent Senegalese authorities as part of ICESCO’s fields of action. The two parties also highlighted the role of the Senegalese National Commission in coordinating cooperation, within the framework of ICESCO’s vision and action strategy, which both rely on communication with Member States in order to identify their priorities and needs in order to design appropriate programs and activities.

Held on the sidelines of ICESCO DG’s participation in the 9th World Water Forum (Dakar-2022), the meeting discussed proposals for cooperation between the Organization and Senegal during the next phase. In this regard, the two parties agreed to support the development of Quranic schools, and provide Senegal with more opportunities to benefit from ICESCO’s Leadership Training for Peace and Security Program as well as its Program to Improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services in 1000 Rural Schools in the Islamic World.

For his part, the Senegalese Minister expressed his thanks to ICESCO and its Director-General for the support for Senegal receives, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Talla also commended ICESCO’s practical and innovative initiatives and its great support for its Member States.

At the close of the meeting, the DG presented the Senegalese Minister with a copy of the book, “Peace 360°: Exploring the peace dimensions”, published by ICESCO, with a foreword by the President of Senegal, H.E. Mr. Macky Sall. Dr. AlMalik stated that the book features a number of messages from prominent international figures.

The DG extended an invitation to the Senegalese Minister of National Education to visit ICESCO headquarters in Rabat to take stock of ICESCO’s ambitious projects and programs for the next for years.