Category: Director General

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Muslim World League (MWL), and the Mohammedia League of Scholars held a major international celebration to launch the “International Day of Mercy” initiative at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, and via video videoconference, on Thursday, April 21, 2022.

The celebration, which witnessed the attendance of high-level participants, began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by introductory remarks by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, in which he indicated that this initiative was recommended in the declaration of the International Conference on the Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah, held by ICESCO in cooperation with MWL and the Mohammedia League of Scholars in May 27, 2021, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him.

Participants in this conference urged the incorporation of the system of civilizational values into the international action mechanisms in the fields of education, culture, environment and public-interest issues, and called on the international community and bodies, as well as all peace-loving people, to proclaim the 21st of April as the International Day of Mercy.

He added that ICESCO submitted this initiative to the 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held last March in Islamabad, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which issued a decision to adopt the initiative and called for its implementation in the rest of the international community.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, DG of ICESCO, began his address by noting that mercy is a divine matter that is embedded in all divine religions. “The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) scattered mercy upon the world like rain drops upon arid lands” added ICESCO DG.

He pointed out that the Organization has proudly taken the initiative to proclaim 21st of April as the International Day of Mercy, an endeavor that has come to fruition thanks to the joint efforts between ICESCO, MWL and the Mohammedia League of Scholars, to disseminate values of tolerance, concord and compassion.

In conclusion of his address, ICESCO DG called on all people to ponder upon the signification that the International Day of Mercy bears, and to cultivate mercy in younger generations, before reciting a poem entitled “The Gifted Mercy” that he composed in praise of the Prophet (PBUH).

In a video-recorded address, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of MWL, underlined that this initiative deserves our utmost praise and appreciation as it stems from our constant need for more mercy among people of all races and religions.

He pointed out that before being a human emotion that sparks a sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress, mercy is a divine attribute and command that has been glorified by the wise and the moralists. Dr. Al-Issa noted that MWL’s Charter of Makkah, that is grounded upon mercy, among other principles of Islam, is a historical document bearing messages of awareness and enlightened Islamic thought.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammedia League of Scholars, emphasized that this is an exceptional celebration that translates the thought-out initiative to proclaim the 21st of April as the International Day of Mercy, following a recommendation by the participants in the International Conference on the Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah.

He added that mercy is a value and an outcome at the same time that is entrenched in the Prophet’s message, noting that mercy is a multi-dimensional system that follows a certain pattern and ultimately seeks Allah’s satisfaction.

His address was followed by the screening of a video summarizing the proceedings of the International Conference on the Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah, another ICESCO video on the Prophet’s lineage, and then a discussion.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), noted that the establishment of the National Day of Workers of Culture and Art in the Republic of Uzbekistan represents a milestone in the fields of literature, arts, thought and culture of this generous country. He added that Uzbekistan, which is regarded as one of the pillars of Islamic civilization, has long been associated with science and culture and has brought significant contributions to these fields throughout its long history.

The statement came in a video-recorded address for the celebration held in Tashkent on Friday, April 15, 2022, in observance of the National Day of Workers of Culture and Art in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The celebration saw the presence of Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Uzbek Minister of Culture, along with various members of the Uzbek government and representatives of different cultural and artistic bodies in the country.

Dr. AlMalik began his speech by extending his congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of Ramadan, the month of love and peace, noting that the celebration will have a positive impact, particularly on the preservation of the Uzbek cultural identity and all forms of literary and artistic expression in the country. “ICESCO hopes that its Member States will valorize culture and arts and give them their rightful place and due recognition for their pivotal role in the Islamic world’s social development” added ICESCO DG.

He concluded his address by reaffirming ICESCO’s support for Uzbekistan’s initiative to celebrate the National Day of Workers of Culture and Art, and its full readiness to contribute with all its capacity to the organization of all future activities to be held in observance of this day.

The event featured a tribute to a group of young artists and creative people from all Uzbek cities, along with various performances of songs from the Uzbek musical heritage as well as modern music.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the Ordinary Session of the General Assembly of the Moroccan National Commission for the Education, Science and Culture, held on Friday, April 15, 2022, at the headquarters of the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco (BNRM), in Rabat, under the chairmanship of Dr. Chakib Benmoussa, Moroccan Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, President of the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture.

The meeting brought together Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication; Mr. Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills; Ms. Aawatif Hayar, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family; Mr. Ahmed Réda Chami, President of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council; Mr. Karim Hendili, Director of UNESCO Maghreb Office in Rabat, as well as the members of the General Assembly of the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, ALECSO Director-General, also participated in the meeting via videoconference.

In his address during this meeting, ICESCO Director-General expressed his thanks to the President of the Moroccan National Commission and his appreciation for its achievements. He also commended the cooperation relations between ICESCO, since its inception, and the Commission, which has resulted in the implementation of many programs and projects in the fields of education, science and culture.

Dr. AlMalik seized this opportunity to call on the Moroccan ministries, government institutions and civil society institutions to schedule their cultural activities and initiatives within the framework of the Celebration of Rabat, Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022, which is part of ICESCO’s Programme for Culture Capitals in the Islamic World. This celebration includes a large number of programs and activities to be implemented in Rabat and other cities of the Kingdom of Morocco to highlight the cultural status and the rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Rabat, the City of Lights.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Egyptian Minister of Environment, explored prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and the Arab Republic of Egypt in the fields of environment protection and promotion of the climate culture. The two parties also discussed ICESCO’s participation in the UN Climate Change Conference, COP27, which will be hosted by Egypt in November 2022, in Sharm El-Sheikh.

At the beginning of the meeting, held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at the Environmental Cultural and Educational Center, “Cairo House,” Dr. AlMalik congratulated the Egyptian Minister on the selection of Egypt as the organizer of COP27, stating that this selection reflects the great appreciation of the Egyptian efforts to protect the environment and address climate change. He also stressed ICESCO’s keenness to take part in COP27 and cooperate with the Egyptian Ministry of Environment in areas of common interest.

In the same vein, the Director-General highlighted the Organization’s key programs in the field of environment, noting that ICESCO seeks to promote a positive climate action plan in the Member States to build a green future and promote innovative solutions and concepts to protect the environment through supporting the creation of smart, sustainable and resilient cities. He added that ICESCO also works towards building capacities in the field of environmental technologies, fostering the use of green technology to address the impact of climate change on various sectors and promoting scientific research and international cooperation in environmental fields.

For her part, the Egyptian Minister commended ICESCO’s roles and reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to cooperate with the Organization in the field of environment protection, extending the invitation to ICESCO to set up a pavilion in the Green Zone at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh.

The meeting discussed proposals for cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry in several fields, including the inscription of Egyptian natural heritage on the Islamic World Heritage List and the integration of the youth in awareness-raising programs and activities on the importance of environment protection. The two parties also agreed to hold expert meetings to develop joint programs and activities.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo, Egypt, which is one of the largest Islamic museums in the world. He was received by Dr. Mamdouh Hassan Othman, DG of the Museum.

During his tour of the Museum’s exhibition halls, Dr. AlMalik listened to a presentation on the Museum’s collections, which include about 100,000 Islamic artifacts from different eras and regions.

The visit, made on Tuesday (April 12, 2022), is part of Dr. Al-Malik’s visit to Cairo to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Celebration of Cairo, Culture Capital in the Islamic World. Dr. Al-Malik was impressed by the Museum’s collection of artifacts from Egypt and other regions inside and outside the Islamic world, such as China, India and many other countries.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of the Arab States (LAS), today Wednesday 13 April 2022, at the headquarters of the League’s General Secretariat in Cairo.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s keenness to promote cooperation with the League as well as with its various bodies, notably the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). The Director-General noted that ICESCO and ALECSO enjoy great cooperation, stating that they hold an annual meeting to coordinate joint visions and plans and follow up on the implementation of the trilateral cooperation program between ICESCO and ALECSO and the Arab Bureau of Education of the Gulf States (ABEGS).

For his part, the Secretary-General expressed his delight to hold this meeting, commending ICESCO’s roles in service of the Islamic world.

At the close of the meeting, Mr. Aboul Gheit presented his two books, “Shahadati”, and “Shahidun Ala Al-Harbi wa Salam” to Dr. Al-Malik, who in turn presented the Secretary-General with ICESCO’s Shield.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Enas Abdel Dayem, Egyptian Culture Minister, and Major General Ahmed Rashid, Governor of Giza, launched on Tuesday evening, April 12, 2022, the 10th edition of Faisal Book Fair and the cultural and artistic activities accompanying the Fair within the framework of the celebration of Cairo as Culture Capital in the Islamic world.

The Fair, organized by the Egyptian General Book Authority, headed by Dr. Haitham Al-Hajj Ali, head of the authority, is held on an area of 3,000 square meters on King Faisal Street in Giza Governorate, with the participation of 33 publishing houses, including sectors of the Ministry of Culture, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Ministry of Endowments and Dar Al Maaref. The Azbakeya Wall also participates with two libraries and several private publishing houses. The Fair includes a pavilion for the “Your Culture Is Your Book” initiative, which offers books at cheap prices starting from one Egyptian pound to twenty pounds, as well as all the magazines and series issued by the Egyptian Book Authority.

After the tour of the Book Fair pavilions, ICESCO DG, the Minister of Culture and the Governor of Giza attended a performance by the children of the El Shams Band for persons with special needs, led by the artist Wafaa Al-Hakim affiliated with the Theater House of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. The band succeeded in attracting the attention of the audience, who interacted with its songs.

They also inspected an exhibition of rare historical documents that narrate part of the biography of the ancient city of Cairo, on the occasion of the celebration of Cairo as Culture Capital in the Islamic world, by the General Authority for National Library and Archives headed by Dr. Nevin Moussa along with several drawing and traditional crafts workshops and a special corner for VR glasses to display children’s stories. They also attended a performance of the traditional skirt by the little girl, Toqa, with special needs from the National Center for Child Culture.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and together they explored cooperation prospects between the Organization and the Ministry in coordination with the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture in areas related to youth and sports for sustainable development.

The meeting was held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Cairo, and brought together ICESCO delegation accompanying the DG along with officials and heads of various sectors at the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports. During the meeting, the two parties reaffirmed their keenness to build effective cooperation through the implementation of programmes with a tangible impact in areas of common interest. These include building youth capacity and empowering them to overcome future challenges and supporting entrepreneurship in the fields of innovation, artificial intelligence and new technologies.

The two parties then reviewed, respectively, the key thrusts of their action strategy as well as the major programmes they are implementing and the objectives thereof.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed on sustaining communication and establishing a task team in charge of proposing programmes and activities that will be jointly implemented by ICESCO and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Ines Abdel-Dayem, Egyptian Minister of Culture, inaugurated the exhibition of Egypt’s Khedivial mosques. The event is organized by the General Authority for National Library and Archives in cooperation with the Ministry’s Cultural Production Affairs Sector as part of the year-long celebration of Cairo as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World, which kicked off on April 10, 2022.

The exhibition, which took place in the Adam Hanin Hall in El-Hanager Arts Center at the Cairo Opera House, showcases photographs and paintings of major historical Egyptian mosques picturing the most prominent architectural features distinguishing Khedivial Cairo by monitoring the development in the construction of mosques, minarets and all related arts in different eras.

ICESCO DG and the Egyptian Minister of Culture also attended the 10th of Ramadan celebration held by the Ministry’s Cultural Production Affairs Sector, headed by director Khaled Galal, on the evening of Monday, April 11, 2022, at El-Hanager Arts Center’s square in the Cairo Opera House, during which they paid tribute to a group of veterans on the occasion of the anniversary of the 10th of Ramadan victory.

They also honored the artists Mostafa Shaban, Nahed Roshdy, Bushra, Laila Ezz Elarab, the poet Amir Teima, the fashion designer Malak Zoulfikar, the director of photography Ayman Abu El Makarem, and the name of veteran actor Ahmed Halawa, with certificates of appreciation and commemorative medals for their participation in national artworks that have achieved a resounding success and contributed to the preservation of the Egyptian national identity.

The celebration concluded with a performance of various patriotic songs by the “Rouh al-Sharq” choir, which consists of students from Ain Shams University in Egypt.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Egyptian Ain Shams University, and the German Marburg University signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of safeguarding cultural and natural heritage in the Islamic world through the promotion of scientific and technological research in the fields of heritage preservation and management. The parties also agreed on preparing and implementing joint academic projects in this field, including a master’s program on the preservation and digitization of archival heritage; preparing and implementing courses and offering grants in the field of heritage; and building the capacities of heritage professionals.

The MoU was signed during the visit of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and his accompanying delegation to the headquarters of Ain Shams University in Cairo, where they were received by its President, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Matini, at the University Presidency in the historic Al-Zaafaran Palace, in the presence of several vice-presidents and faculty deans.

At the beginning of the visit, the two parties held a meeting to explore cooperation prospects between ICESCO and Ain Shams University in many fields of common interest such as space sciences and its applications, academic chairs, and youth training in the field of heritage preservation and protection. During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the main axes of ICESCO’s new vision and strategic orientations by 2025, while Dr. Al-Matini gave an overview of the University and talked about its key faculties, noting that more than 200,000 students are enrolled in the University, which has a teaching staff of 14,000 members. At the close of the meeting, both parties expressed their keenness to build fruitful cooperation.

Afterward, the signing ceremony of the MoU, as well as its annex to the MA program, was held, with the attendance of representatives from Universität Marburg and the participation of Dr. Albercht Fuess, President of the Center of Islamic Studies at the University, from Germany via videoconference.

In his address, the President of Ain Shams University reiterated his thanks to ICESCO DG for his visit to the University, commending the Organization’s new open-door policy and its constructive cooperation with universities in its Member States and beyond. Dr. Al-Matini noted that there are numerous areas of common interest between ICESCO and the University, especially about building young people’s capacities and training them to face the challenges of the future.

Dr. Mamdouh Al-Damati, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Archeology at Ain Shams University, gave a presentation on the MoU and cooperation in the fields of training, capacity-building and scholarships, explaining that the MA program includes two years of study, the first year at Ain Shams University and the second at Philipps-Universität Marburg. For his part, Dr. Albrecht Fuess expressed his delight to take part in this signing ceremony, noting that his University and Ain Shams University have completed 10 years of cooperation, with eight other German universities planning to join this cooperation.

Dr. Ayman Saleh, Vice President of Ain Shams University for Graduate Studies and Research, commended ICESCO’s efforts to cooperate with universities and research centers, and encourage investment in space sciences, explaining that the MA program will provide scholarships for researchers from inside and outside the Islamic world for the preservation and management of heritage.

In his address, Dr. AlMalik stressed that ICESCO’s vision accords great importance to heritage preservation. “The Organization has established the Center of Heritage in the Islamic World as an effective tool for implementing its strategy for safeguarding heritage and sustaining its development role for the benefit of all Member States’ peoples. ICESCO has also launched the academic programs for teaching and linking heritage with modern technologies with a view to training qualified staff capable of managing and safeguarding heritage”, underlined ICESCO DG.

At the close of his address, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s sustained keenness to cooperate with all international and academic parties operating in the fields of heritage and AI to optimize its use in all the components and patterns of heritage, calling for holding an international scientific conference on the use of AI applications and technologies and digitization in the fields of heritage.

After that, Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Al-Matini signed the MoU, and then ICESCO DG and his delegation visited the collection of heritage manuscripts at Ain Shams University and the restoration of the manuscript lab, where the officials explained the stages of the restoration process and highlighted the lab’s mechanism.