Category: Director General

Dr. Salim Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Miguel Angel Moratinos, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), on the sidelines of their participation in the seventh session of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Nur-Sultan the capital of Kazakhstan. The two sides explored ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and the Alliance of Civilizations in the field of peacebuilding and the consolidation of the values of coexistence and civilized dialogue.

During the meeting, which took place today, Thursday (September 15, 2022), Dr. Al-Malik reviewed ICESCO’s comprehensive vision in the field of peacebuilding under which ICESCO implements several initiatives and programmes, including ICESCO’s program for training youth and women in leadership for peace and security, which aims at qualifying and mobilizing young people to become ambassadors of peace in their communities through equipping them with the tools of knowledge and leadership skills by exchanges with inspirational leaders and expert trainers.
The meeting reviewed ICESCO’s partnership in organizing the high-level conference to be held by the Alliance of Civilizations in Fez, Kingdom of Morocco, which will be attended by religious leaders.

For his part, Mr. Moratinos praised the roles played by ICESCO in building peace and promoting civilizational dialogue, stressing the keenness of the Alliance of Civilizations to cooperate with ICESCO.

The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, awarded Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Memorial Medal of Honor (30th independence anniversary of Kazakhstan), in appreciation of his efforts in developing ICESCO and its pioneering roles, and promoting relations between the Organization and Kazakhstan in the fields of education, science and culture.

Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, awarded the Medal of Honor to Dr. AlMalik, on Thursday (15 September 2022), during his current visit to Nur-Sultan to attend the 7th Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

The Minister pointed out that this medal is one of the key medals awarded by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to eminent international figures, in appreciation of their efforts in strengthening cooperation and international relations, and in commemoration of the 30th independence anniversary of Kazakhstan.

For his part, Dr. Al-Malik expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, stressing his pride in this medal, granted by one of ICESCO’s outstanding Member States, with which the Organization has a distinguished partnership.
Moreover, the Supreme Scientific Council of Eurasia National University decided to award an honorary doctorate to Dr. AlMalik, in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the fields of education, science, and culture since he assumed his position as ICESCO DG and his support for scientific research and academic chairs.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Khairat Abdulrahmanov, High Commissioner for National Minorities at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) discussed prospects for cooperation between the two Organizations in the areas of promoting civilizational dialogue, consolidating the values of peace and coexistence, building capacity of youth and women and contributing to the consolidation of relations between peoples and societies around the world.

The meeting, which took place on Thursday, September 15, 2022, in the city of Nur-Sultan, comes as part of the visit of the ICESCO DG to the Republic of Kazakhstan to participate in the activities of the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations and the Organization’s ongoing key programmes and activities, in cooperation with its Member States, in its fields of action. Mr. Abdurahmanov, in his turn, reviewed OSCE’s action areas and its objectives.

The two parties explored several areas of common interest between ICESCO and OSCE, as well as proposals for programmes and activities that the two Organizations could cooperate in implementing, mainly ICESCO Youth Leadership Training for Peace and Security Programme, and ICESCO’s Youth Training Programme on how to establish and develop small businesses in the field of technology. and innovation, which aims at supporting more than 150 start-ups in the field of innovation and technology in ICESCO Member States by 2025, in addition to cooperating in holding several conferences and seminars on issues that are consistent with the common priorities of the two Organizations.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to hold meetings at the level of experts between the two Organizations, to develop an implementation plan and mechanisms to build fruitful cooperation based on practical programmes and activities.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), reaffirmed that as we come closer to the end of the pandemic, we are more convinced of the need for more synergy and cooperation among individuals and groups regardless of their faith, skin color, language, and culture. “We are more aware of Allah’s wisdom behind the common origin of humanity despite their different paths in life. The leaders of world religions made great efforts during the pandemic. The Congress will surely outline new visions to develop a road map likely to address the pandemic’s repercussions,” he underscored.

This came in the DG’s address at the opening of the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which kicked off on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, in the Kazakh capital, Nur-Sultan, under the chairmanship of His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and in the presence of Pope Francis, Pope of the Vatican, and His Eminence The Grand Imam, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and high-ranking world religious leaders, to support spiritual and social development in the post-Covid 19 period, based on the role of religions in promoting the values ​​of tolerance and coexistence.

ICESCO DG stated that religious leaders made great efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, which infected and resulted in the death of millions around the world, through initiatives that responded to humanity’s aspirations. He added that all post-pandemic challenges should be addressed through wisdom, tolerance, calmness, moderation, and acceptance of differences.

He said that historical moments are rare in the span of every generation. Thus, it is imperative to fully and firmly take advantage of the opportunities that similar moments offer such as our current stage, which is rich in experiences, evidence, and approaches that we have accumulated over the two years of this severe pandemic. “This experience should give us the courage and credibility to seize the unique opportunity before us to provide answers and solutions to major issues and challenges to be ready to usher in the post-pandemic era, which places the health sector in the right position, build educational systems that are more resilient to crises, recognize the importance of the family system, which will remain the viable nucleus for the growth of the tree of life and the transcendence and civilization of nations and build the capacity of young people to keep pace with tomorrow’s sciences, artificial intelligence technology, and live languages,” he stressed.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik indicated that the Organization launched several promising initiatives, mainly the International Virtual Forum on the Role of Religious Leadership in the Face of Crises, which concluded with the adoption of a global document on moral solidarity in times of crisis.

At the close of his address, ICESCO DG noted the efforts made by the Republic of Kazakhstan to strengthen the values ​​of coexistence, manage cultural diversity and represent civilizational awareness.

Following ICESCO DG, Mr. Maulen Ashimbayev, Chair of the Senate of Kazakhstan and moderator of the session, commended ICESCO’s roles and its new vision.

Dr. Salim M. Al Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, discussed ways and mechanisms to enhance cooperation and partnership between ICESCO and the Ministry in the fields of science, technology, entrepreneurship and civilizational dialogue among other areas of common interest.

The meeting, held on Tuesday (September 13, 2022), at the Ministry’s headquarters, is part of the visit of the ICESCO Director-General to the Republic of Kazakhstan to participate in the 7th Congress on World and Traditional Religions, due to be held in Nur-Sultan, on 13-16 September 2022.

During the meeting, the two parties reviewed the cooperation developments between ICESCO and Kazakhstan in the fields of science, technology and scientific research, as well as the Organization’s key programmes and activities implemented in cooperation with several parties in Kazakhstan, most notably ICESCO’s youth training programme on small businesses in the field of technology and innovation, which aimed to support more than 150 start-ups in the field of innovation and technology in ICESCO Member States until 2025.

Besides, ICESCO and the Ministry agreed on strengthening this distinguished partnership and discussed a number of proposed cooperation programmes and activities, including an international conference, at ICESCO Headquarters, on al-Farabi, who is one of the major figures of the Islamic world, organizing an international symposium on al-Byruni at one of the universities in Kazakhstan, and enhancing experience-sharing and developing the skills of researchers in the fields of science and technology, strategic foresight and civilizational dialogue.

ICESCO Director-General invited the Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan to participate in one of the Organization’s scientific conferences; an invitation which was welcomed by the Minister.

At the close of the meeting, Mr. Nurbek presented Dr. Al-Malik with a commemorative gift in appreciation of his efforts in modernizing ICESCO and supporting the development of scientific research.

Dr. Salim Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited the Eurasia National University (ENU) in Nur-Sultan, capital of Kazakhstan, during which he held a meeting with Dr. Yerlan Sydykov, President of the University, to discuss joint cooperation between ICESCO and the University, and addressed the faculty and a large number of students of the University.

During the meeting with the President of ENU, which is one of the largest universities in Kazakhstan, held today, Tuesday (September 13, 2022), Dr. Al-Malik affirmed that ICESCO attaches great importance to cooperation with universities to assist them in discharging their vital missions. He praised the great role Eurasia National University plays given that it was officially accredited as a research university by the Government of Kazakhstan, and ranked among the top 300 universities in the world, according to the QS ranking.

He reviewed the main thrusts of ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, and the most important programs and activities it is implementing, in cooperation with the competent authorities of its Member States, to achieve the common goals and promote cooperation between the countries of the Islamic world and others in the fields of education, science and culture.

The meeting discussed the establishment of a research chair for ICESCO at the Eurasia National University, cooperation in providing scholarships for students from the Islamic world, and organizing international conferences and symposia in areas of common interest.

For his part, Dr. Yerlan Sydykov, President of Eurasia National University, expressed his happiness about the ICESCO Director General’s visit to the University, and revealed that the University’s Higher Academic Council has decided to grant the highest academic degree to Dr. Salim Al-Malik, in appreciation of his distinguished efforts in the fields of education, science and culture, since he assumed the position of ICESCO’s Director General and for his support for scientific research and academic chairs.

After the meeting, the President of Eurasia National University accompanied ICESCO Director General on a tour of the University premises and thereafter joined the faculty members and a large number of university students. Dr. Al-Malik, then, delivered a speech in which he talked about the university of tomorrow and what universities should look like in the present. He pointed out that universities should adopt foresight thought to train generations capable of keeping pace with technological developments and Artificial Intelligence transformations, and of building a society of self-sufficiency and social justice.

ICESCO’s Director General stated that this would only become a reality through adopting urgent responses to change modes of thinking and ways of building international relations and drawing strategic plans, noting that the Islamic world abounds in scientific competencies that are capable of making a difference and enabling it to catch up with development.

The Muslim World League (MWL), the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Mohammadia League of Scholars held a meeting, on Thursday (August 8, 2022), to ensure full readiness and finalize the preparations for the inauguration of the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, which is the first international branch of the Museum, headquartered in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, that is hosted by ICESCO at its headquarters, in Rabat, under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, may Allah assist him.

At the beginning of the meeting, the representatives of the three institutions expressed their sincere thanks and deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his generous patronage of this civilizational landmark, the lights of which come from Makkah, the qibla of Muslims, and al-Madinah, the city of the Last Messenger (PBUH), in Saudi Arabia, under the blessed government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah assist him, and the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may Allah protect him.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammadia League of Scholars, and Dr. Abdurrahman Bin Abdullah Al-Zaid, MWL Deputy Secretary-General, commissioned by Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, MWL Secretary-General, Chair of the Board of the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography, toured the various pavilions of the exhibition and commended the exerted efforts to ensure full readiness for the inauguration of the exhibition.

The exhibition, which will be inaugurated soon at ICESCO headquarters, includes two main components; namely the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, and the exhibition of Moroccans’ Connection to the Noble Prophet, the Beauty of Love and Loyalty, which is supervised by Mohammadia League of Scholars.

The International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, which is under the supervision of MWL, includes several sections, most notably the section of “Prophet (PBUH) as if you could see him”, and the Prophet’s food and drink, clothing and furniture, as well as the Prophet’s Sacred Chamber, which shows collectibles and utensils that are displayed using advanced virtual reality technologies. The museum also exhibits masterpieces of the Prophet’s Sunnah, Arabic Calligraphy Arts, and “the Prophet (PBUH) as if you were with him”, which focuses on dialogue and coexistence, forgiveness, mercy and tolerance in the Prophet’s biography, as well as a special section on the virtues and status of the Ahl al-Bayt. Other sections feature the publications, antiques and souvenirs, as well as sophisticated cinema hall for displaying creative films about the Prophet’s biography, and the efforts of Moroccan scholars to serve the Prophet’s biography.

The exhibition relies on modern technologies and interactive screens, most notably holographic imaging, 3D display screens, and educational panorama. The contents will be presented in a number of languages to the general public following its official inauguration.

The Sector of Partnerships and International Cooperation of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a virtual meeting with the United Nations Development Programme’s Regional Bureau for Africa, in Addis Ababa, intending to strengthen cooperation between the Organization and the Bureau in areas of common interest to contribute to sustainable development in Africa.

During this meeting, the representatives of the Sector reviewed ICESCO’s major programmes and projects implemented in the Member States, especially in African countries, and highlighted the great attention that the Organization attaches to building partnerships and cooperation with regional and international institutions to face the current global challenges. UNDP-Africa highlighted the areas of their activities and the programmes in Africa.

Besides, the two parties agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of education, science and technology, peace and security training, climate change, youth development, rehabilitation of women and girls, and the development of health and sanitation programmes, within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and the African Union Agenda 2063.

Dr. Salim M AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Ahmed Issa, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt, to explore the latest developments in joint cooperation between ICESCO and Egypt in the field of heritage.

Dr. AlMalik began the meeting, which was held on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Cairo, by congratulating Mr. Issa on his appointment as Minister of Tourism and Antiquities in the Arab Republic of Egypt, wishing him success in his new mission.

ICESCO DG reviewed the components of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientation in relation to heritage, and ICESCO’s efforts in the field of valorizing and safeguarding heritage, through the establishment of the Islamic World Heritage Center and the Islamic World Heritage Fund.

For his part, the Egyptian minister commended ICESCO’s roles in preserving heritage and fostering culture, stressing the ministry’s eagerness to strengthen and develop cooperation with the Organization, as a strategic partner.

The two parties examined the latest developments in preparation for holding the international conference on countering the illicit trafficking in cultural property and its restitution, which is scheduled to be held in the Arab Republic of Egypt, where the Minister expressed his keenness to cooperate closely with ICESCO to ensure the participation of the largest number of countries affected by this phenomenon around the world.

The meeting, which was attended by several leaders of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in the Arab Republic of Egypt, touched upon ICESCO’s financing of an initiative aimed at promoting the transformation toward green and renewable energies in some Egyptian historical sites. The two parties agreed to inscribe more Egyptian historical sites and cultural elements on ICESCO heritage lists of the Islamic world.

At the close of the meeting, ICESCO DG presented a shield bearing the ICESCO logo to the Minister, who presented a souvenir, in return, to ICESCO DG.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa, Minister of Awqaf of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and together they explored prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry in areas of common interest.

During the meeting, held on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the Ministry headquarters in Cairo, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the key elements in ICESCO’s vision and the programs and activities the Organization implements in its areas of competence. The Director-General stated that ICESCO focuses on encouraging the Member States to capitalize on the great potential of modern technology to develop their systems of education, scientific research and culture, noting that the Organization also accords great attention to promoting the presence of the Arabic language and supporting the efforts to increase the Arabic digital content on the internet.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik stated that ICESCO is implementing several programs that aim at incorporating the values of peace and tolerance in educational curricula to reflect the true image of the culture and civilization of the Islamic world and encourage the youth to uphold dialogue and accept differences to enrich human civilization.

The Director-General also invited the Egyptian Minister to visit ICESCO Headquarters and give a lecture during the Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, which will open on September 8.

For his part, Dr. Gomaa congratulated Dr. AlMalik on the signing of the MoU with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Saleh A. Kamel Humanitarian Foundation (SAKHF) on the Professional International Certification in Teaching in Egypt. He also reviewed the expertise of the Ministry in training preachers, stressing the importance of selecting trainees who must have a real desire to develop their skills and build their capacities.

The Minister also highlighted the expertise of the Ministry and its activities in promoting scientific research, and publishing, stating that Egyptian Waqfs generate large revenues that are then used in many social and humanitarian initiatives.
The two parties agreed to build cooperation between the two institutions, especially on preserving identity, increasing Arabic content online and publishing a number of the Ministry’s publications on ICESCO’s Digital Home.

At the close of the meeting, the DG presented the Minister with an ICESCO Shield, while Dr. Gomaa presented the Director-General and the ICESCO library with some of the Ministry’s publications.