Category: Director General

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a series of meetings with a host of officials, experts and astronauts taking part in the International Symposium on Space Sciences which kicked off on Monday, July 18, 2022, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat under the theme: “Building Tomorrow’s Global Workforce.”

The meetings touched upon ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and the institutions the guests represent within the framework of ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations. During these meetings, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main thrusts and objectives of the vision which are aimed to support the efforts of ICESCO’s Member States to achieve sustainable development, especially in the fields of education, science and culture.

ICESCO DG first met Mr. Frederic Ouattara, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of the Republic of Burkina Faso, who praised ICESCO’s efforts to encourage its Member States to localize modern technology and benefit from the potential it offers.

Dr. AlMalik also met Cheick Modibo Diarra, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Mali, who previously served as President of Microsoft Africa and also worked as a mechanical engineering expert at NASA.

He also received Ms. Christina Korp, Director of Space for a Better World and astronaut wrangler, and Dr. Sian Proctor, astronaut, and professor of space sciences, who impressed the participants in the symposium by telling her story about space science and her space flights.

Finally, ICESCO DG received a Libyan delegation that included Dr. Abul-Qasim Muhammad Shallouf, President of the Libyan Open University, and Dr. Jamal Al-Saghir Fardagh, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in the presence of Dr. Saeed Mohammad Al-Dabaib, Libya’s permanent delegate to ICESCO.

During the launch of ICESCO’s International Aerospace Symposium, the participants explored future prospects and investigated ways to meet its challenges by examining the latest developments in space science and applications. The Forum is held by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the International University of Rabat (UIR) and Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, the Kingdom of Morocco, under the theme “Building Tomorrow’s Global Workforce,” with the participation of a high-caliber host of officials, international experts, astronauts, researchers, professors and students from the Islamic world and beyond.

The Forum, which kicked off on Monday, July 18, 2022, at ICESCO Headquarters and via videoconference, opened with an international seminar aimed at exploring the latest developments in space science. The seminar began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the remarks of Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of ICESCO’s Science & Technology Sector, in which he expressed his delight at this event that highlights the Organization’s efforts toward encouraging exchanges of expertise in space science among researchers and scientists.

In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), noted the technological and economic revolution achieved by humanity in the area of space science, emphasizing that the ensuing transformations compel us to seize the opportunities presented by this field, promote skills, build capacities, and disseminate knowledge on all phases of space industries.

ICESCO DG also reviewed a set of solutions offered by space science to develop information systems for controlling and monitoring areas that are likely to be affected by natural disasters, floods, wildfires, drought and desertification, stressing that this motivates the Organization to contribute to the design and launch of satellites and cooperate with regional and international specialized authorities to enhance the Islamic world’s competitive capabilities in space industries.

Mr. Youness Sekkouri, Minister of Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills in the Kingdom of Morocco, commended the Forum, which he described as unique, noting that space science has become a fundamental element of entrepreneurship and public policies.

In his address, Dr. Abdellatif Miraoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation in the Kingdom of Morocco, highlighted the importance of space science and applications in monitoring natural disasters, managing climate change and fostering security and peace, noting Morocco’s efforts to enhance scientific research in this area.

For her part, Ms. Aawatif Hayar, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family in the Kingdom of Morocco, underscored that all segments of society should be involved in space industries, particularly women, girls and people with special needs, adding that space science must be integrated into educational systems.

Dr. Frédéric Ouattara, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in Burkina Faso, stated that strengthening human resources is crucial for the success of any sustainable space project, underlining the importance of the expertise that universities in the African countries should provide.

For his part, Dr. Modibo Diarra, Chairman of Microsoft Africa and Former NASA Expert, praised ICESCO’s efforts and its continuing cooperation with the Member States, institutions and universities, to equip the new generation with basic knowledge of space science.

Dr. Sian Proctor, an Astronaut, shared her exceptional experience in this field and recounted how she realized her dream of exploring space, pointing out that space science should be accessible to all to serve humanity at large.

Following the inaugural session, Ms. Shelli Brunswick, Chief Operating Officer at Space Foundation, moderated the first session on “Advancing Space Innovation with Global Partners,” which featured interventions by Dr. Shinichi Nakasuka, Professor in the Department of Aeronautics and Aerospace at the University of Tokyo, Dr. Moulay Lhassan Hbib, President of Cadi Ayyad University, Dr. Abdelaziz Benjouad, Vice President of UIR, Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of ICESCO’s Science and Technology Sector, Dr. Elchin Babayev, Rector of Baku State University, Ms. Christina Korp, Director of Space for a Better World, and Dr. Alim Rustem Aslan, Professor in the Department of Astronautical Engineering at Istanbul Technical University.

The Headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat hosted a major international celebration, on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, to distribute the certificates of inscription of heritage sites and elements on the Islamic World Heritage List to several ICESCO Member States’ ambassadors and representatives. The first-of-its-kind ceremony also witnessed the Presentation of the Heritage Sign Board of the Islamic World and a tribute to the members of the Islamic World Heritage Committee.

The ceremony, which saw high-caliber participation, opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an address by Dr. Mohamed Zinealabidine, Head of ICESCO Sector of Culture and Communication, who welcomed the attendees and expressed his delight at the organization of this event which commemorates the joint efforts of ICESCO and its Heritage Center and Islamic World Heritage Committee to inscribe the heritage sites and cultural elements of the Islamic world.

In his welcoming address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), stated that this historic moment highlights the essence of ICESCO’s new vision and its special journey in according due attention to the heritage of the Islamic world and promoting its civilizational landmarks which stand witness to the diversity and richness of Member States’ cultural heritage.

The DG added that the Organization accords special attention to heritage as a component of nations’ culture and memory. “ICESCO worked toward reviving the Islamic World Heritage Committee, setting out clear standards and criteria for the inscription of heritage sites and cultural elements and selecting experts with extensive expertise in the field of human heritage”, the Director-General stated.

Dr. AlMalik also called on the Member States to support the Islamic World Heritage Fund to support the Organization’s efforts to safeguard and preserve heritage in the Islamic world.

In his address, Mr. Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication in the Kingdom of Morocco, congratulated the Member States for having inscribed their heritage on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List, highlighting the Organization’s efforts to safeguard heritage, commending the key role of civil society institutions and bodies in supporting these efforts.

Dr. Walid Al-Seif, Chairman of the Islamic World Heritage Committee, lauded the organization of this ceremony, which is considered a first in the history of the Organization since its inception. The Chairman also thanked the ICESCO Director-General for his support of the Committee’s work, calling on the Member States to inscribe more of their heritage sites and cultural elements to reach 1000 sites and elements by 2025.

In a bid to promote the role of the civil society institutions in promoting and protecting cultural heritage, exchanging expertise in this field, and addressing its issues from a global standpoint, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Rabat Salé Mémoire Association organized a colloquium on “Role of Civil Society in Cultural Heritage Policy.” The event saw high-caliber participation including heritage officials and experts and a large number of heritage protection associations in the Kingdom of Morocco and other Arab and African countries.

This symposium was held at ICESCO Headquarters, today, Tuesday, July 5, 2022, as part of the Programme of the celebration of Rabat as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022. The Colloquium reflects ICESCO’s vision and working strategy in the field of safeguarding and promoting the heritage of the Islamic world through opening up and cooperating with the competent parties in the Member States and the civil society institutions concerned with protecting tangible and intangible heritage.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), addressed the participants at the opening session and noted that civil society is a key element in the effective planning and implementation of heritage protection activities, given its functional abilities to support government authorities in this field. He added that guided by international standards, ICESCO accords special attention to building the capacities of professionals working in the various fields of cultural heritage.

In addition, the DG announced that ICESCO will soon publish a collection of textbooks and guidebooks on the various forms of heritage and ways to deal with them, stating that ICESCO works on developing university heritage curricula and training programs, in cooperation with civil society institutions active in the field of heritage.

In his address, Mr. Mohammed Fikri Benabdallah, President of Rabat Salé Mémoire Association, expressed his delight at the fruitful partnership between the Association and ICESCO, noting that urban heritage is key in light of the rapidly changing international context. He also highlighted the efforts of the Kingdom of Morocco to promote heritage.

For his part, Mr. Mohamed Mahdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, highlighted the event’s importance, reaffirming the status of Rabat as a city of coexistence between various cultures.

Taking the floor next, Mr. Abdelkrim Bennani, President of Ribat Al-Fath Association, talked about the role of the civil society in casting light on shortcomings in dealing with historical and civilizational landmarks and intellectual productions, stressing the need to adopt a participatory vision that engages all stakeholders in heritage protection.

As for Mr. Noureddine Chemaou, President of Bouregreg Association, he highlighted the roles of the civil society in promoting cultural heritage and talked about his association’s efforts to safeguard heritage and promote its cultural components, stressing the importance of fostering cultural heritage industries.

At the close of the opening session, a framework agreement was signed between ICESCO and the Rabat Salé Mémoire Association for cooperation in the field of heritage.

The first session of the colloquium discussed the role of civil society in the Kingdom of Morocco in promoting cultural heritage, while the second focused on leading experiences in cultural heritage promotion in the Islamic world.

The Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC), during the final report of its 10th meeting, held at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, on Monday, July 4, 2022, decided to inscribe 141 historical sites and cultural elements on the Final and Tentative Islamic World Heritage Lists (IWHL). The total number of inscriptions on ICESCO’s IWHL has reached 473 historical sites and cultural elements from 34 countries.

After examining the files submitted for inscription on ICESCO’s IWHL, IWHC decided to inscribe 49 historical sites and cultural elements on the Final List, including 21 historical sites (tangible heritage) and 28 cultural elements (intangible heritage), from 10 ICESCO Member States, and 80 files on the Tentative List, including 61 historical sites (tangible heritage) and 19 cultural elements (intangible heritage) from 8 countries.

The decisions issued by the Committee at its 10th meeting also included the establishment of a new list under the name: “List of Best Practices for Safeguarding the Elements of Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage,” the adoption of an IWHC achievements report between the two sessions of 2019 and 2022 and the adoption of the vision of the Islamic world Heritage Center (IWHC) for the valorization of heritage within the 2022-2023 action plan. The Committee also adopted the “ICESCO Young Ambassadors Program for the Islamic World Heritage” and decided that the duration of the first cycle of the Program would be two years, aiming to train 3000 young men and women and selecting 30 ambassadors from among them, provided that they will represent the three geographical regions of the Organization’s Member States.

The Committee’s Members authorized the IWHC Head to review the book “Heritage of the Islamic World”, the first part of which was prepared by the Committee’s General Secretariat based on a previous decision, and to make the necessary amendments to it, with the help of the expert of the Scientific Assistance Committee and to prepare the final version for printing and distributing to the Member States.

The IWHC’s 10th Meeting brought together representatives of the following Member States: The State of Kuwait, the Republic of Iraq, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Cameroon, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of the Scientific Committee from the Kingdom of Moroccan). Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia and the Federal Republic of Nigeria did not attend the Meeting.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), presided over, on Monday 4th July 2022, the closing ceremony of the training session on project management, held by ICESCO in partnership with the Institut des Hautes Études de Management (HEM) in Casablanca, for the benefit of the experts and staff of the Organization’s Departments and Centers, with a view to developing their skills and strengthening their capacities in preparing and proposing projects.

The DG presented to the participants the certificates of completion of the five-day session that included training on the basics of project management, scheduling action plans for their implementation, identification of ways to create an appropriate environment for their success, and the necessary financial and human resources, preparation of reports and evaluation and follow-up documents, and allocation of the project budget, determining stakeholders, as well as identification of potential risks and challenges.

In his speech at the ceremony which was attended by the heads of ICESCO’s Sectors and Departments, Dr. AlMalik expressed his appreciation of the efforts made by the experts of HEM and the participants in the session aimed at enhancing the skills of the Organization’s human resources.

For her part, Mrs. Amira El Fadil, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, stressed the importance of the training session to enhance the skills of ICESCO staff to train them to submit project proposals that the Organization could adopt as future projects, indicating that the session is the first in a series of upcoming training sessions.

In his turn, Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of ICESCO’s Strategic Foresight Center, welcomed the partnership initiative between the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, the Strategic Foresight Center, ICESCO’s Department of Administrative Affairs and HEM, pointing out that there is a need to continue the training sessions that combine theory and practice.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. El-Mansour Veten, Executive Secretary of the Issoufou Mohamedou Foundation (IMF) in the Republic of Niger, to explore ways of strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and the Foundation, headed by His Excellency the former President of Niger Mohamedou Issoufou.

During the meeting, held on Monday, July 4, 2022, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s eagerness to cooperate with civil society institutions in the Member States to contribute to social development, build the capacities of women and youth, consolidate the values of coexistence, tolerance, peace, civilizational dialogue and respect cultural diversity, reviewing ICESCO’s activities and programs in these fields.

For his part, Mr. Veten valued ICESCO’s role in contributing to the development and promoting forward-looking visions in the countries of the Islamic world, highlighting the diversity and richness of prospects for ICESCO and IMF cooperation in the future, whether in terms of holding seminars and workshops or through fieldwork to contribute to achieving sustainable development.

The meeting brought together Ms. Amira El-Fadil, Head of ICESCO Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Ahmed Said Bah, Advisor to the Director-General for Partnerships and International Cooperation and Supervisor of the Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences.

On Monday (July 4, 2022), the 10th meeting of the Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC), which will continue over two days, kicked off yesterday. The agenda of the meeting includes a review of a number of reports on the achievements of the Committee between the 2019 and 2022 sessions and the vision of the ICESCO Center of Islamic World Heritage, and an examination of nomination files of sites, heritage monuments and cultural elements submitted for inscription on the Islamic World Heritage List.

During the reception of the members of the Committee before the start of the meeting, Dr. Salim AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stressed that the valorization and protection of the Islamic world heritage rank high among the priorities of the ICESCO’s new vision and strategic orientations, focusing on the special attention the Organization gives to training, capacity building of heritage professionals and cooperating with the Member States in this field.

Dr. AlMalik praised the work the Committee has done over the past three years, and its inscription of more than 350 historical sites and cultural elements on the Islamic World Heritage List, wishing it success in its current meeting.

For his part, Dr. Walid Alseif, IWHC Chairman, thanked ICESCO DG for the care and support the Committee receives from him and the General Directorate of the Organization, stressing that the committee will play its full role in promoting ICESCO’s new vision by documenting and recording the Islamic world heritage.

Thereafter, the Committee meeting started with an opening speech by Dr. Mohamad Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, in which he welcomed the attendees, stressing ICESCO’s keenness to ensure the success of the Committee’s action, and reviewed the procedures undertaken by the Organization in the field of heritage preservation under its new vision.

Before the first session of the meeting, Dr. Alseif reviewed the agenda of the 10th meeting, which features the presentation of a report on the achievements of the Committee between the two sessions of 2019-2022, and reviewing the inscription of heritage sites and monuments and cultural elements of Member States on the Islamic World Heritage List, and discussion of the proposal to adopt the list prepared by the scientific committee assisting the Islamic World Heritage Committee, and the proposal to adopt an amendment to the Committee’s rules of procedure.