Category: Director General

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), affirmed that the Organization is proud of the remarkable development in its relations with the Kingdom of Morocco over the past five years. This is clearly reflected in the activities, initiatives, and programs carried out in cooperation with relevant Moroccan bodies, totaling around 370, some of which received the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah protect him.

Dr. AlMalik made these remarks during his address at the regular session of the General Assembly of the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, held on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, at the Centre des Formations et des Rencontres Nationales. The session was chaired by Mr. Mohamed Saad Berrada, Moroccan Minister of National Education, Pre-School and Sports, President of the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture.

Moreover, the ICESCO Director-General presented an overview of the key activities implemented in partnership with Moroccan bodies, covering the fields of education, science, environment, culture, humanities, civilizational dialogue, and foresight. He noted that ICESCO’s hosting of numerous regional and international conferences in Morocco has contributed to establishing the Kingdom as a leading destination for global events and activities.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted that ICESCO established five academic chairs at several prestigious Moroccan universities and signed over 20 cooperation agreements with ministries and institutions involved in education, science, and culture. He also expressed pride in the growing presence of Moroccan professionals at ICESCO, which has significantly increased since 2019.

On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a virtual meeting with Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), to discuss arrangements for organizing a preparatory meeting aimed at coordinating the visions of ICESCO Member States ahead of the Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations, scheduled to be held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia later this year.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep appreciation for the ongoing partnership between ICESCO and the UNAOC, emphasizing the importance of joint cooperation in implementing programs and initiatives that foster dialogue and intercultural coexistence, especially in light of growing global challenges.

The meeting addressed the necessary arrangements for holding the preparatory meeting, which will be hosted by the Republic of Tunisia in partnership with ICESCO and the UNAOC. The goal is to formulate a unified vision for the Islamic world on fundamental issues such as promoting peaceful coexistence, combating extremism, and supporting international peace and security, in preparation for presenting it at the Global Forum.

The two sides also discussed the most suitable timing for holding the meeting and the formation of a joint committee to handle financial and logistical aspects, in addition to ways to enhance the participation of Member States, thereby contributing to intensified efforts aimed at consolidating the values of peace, coexistence, and dialogue among civilizations.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Arab Towns Organization (ATO) signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, to cooperate in areas of shared interest, primarily artificial intelligence and strategic foresight for future cities.

The agreement was signed via videoconference by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Eng. Abdulrahman Hisham Al-Asfour, Secretary-General of the Arab Towns Organization, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik said that cooperation with the Arab Towns Organization is an important step toward developing urban policies focused on heritage protection, building resilient and smart cities, and enhancing community partnerships. Dr. AlMalik noted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to more sustainable and human-centered cities.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed data and insights on global urban growth, stressing the need to build sustainable smart cities that prioritize quality of life and human well-being. Moreover, he highlighted ICESCO’s ongoing initiatives to protect cultural and urban heritage and build local capacities in artificial intelligence and urban planning.

For his part, Eng. Abdulrahman Al Asfour welcomed the signing of the MoU, describing it as a sign of both sides’ commitment to cooperation in support of cities and communities in the Arab and Islamic worlds. He noted that this partnership is grounded in ICESCO’s strong international reputation and leading role in education, science, and culture, and that it will help create new opportunities for impactful initiatives that enhance cities’ resilience to present and future challenges.

Founded on 15 March 1967 and headquartered in Kuwait, ATO is a regional, non-governmental, and independent body that specializes in the affairs of cities and municipalities in the Arab world. It seeks to design future cities with contemporary architecture while preserving Arab-Islamic identity and heritage, and works to strengthen the role of modern cities as attractive places to live and work.

In a major ceremony held on Monday, June 23, 2025, on the sidelines of the Sixth Session of the Vice Chancellors’ Forum of Universities in the Islamic World, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) released an academic book titled “Al-Farabi and His Contributions Throughout Human History”.

The book features several themes addressing Al-Farabi’s influence on human philosophy, his concept of the utopian state, and modern interpretations of his thought, along with his unique ability to unite the arts and sciences. It was authored by 25 researchers from various countries of the Islamic world.

In his address at the ceremony, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, emphasized that the book serves as an invitation to revive encyclopedic thought and reclaim Islamic philosophy, which has contributed significantly to the development of human civilization and paved the way for the advancement of knowledge in both the East and West. He noted that Al-Farabi left behind a timeless scientific legacy that combined philosophy, logic, music, and politics.

Dr. AlMalik also explained that the book’s four themes aim to highlight the diverse intellectual dimensions of Al-Farabi, including his contributions to the development of a comprehensive philosophical vision, his theories in political and scientific philosophy, and his work in the philosophy of music and the harmonization of art and science.

The Director-General further stressed that this publication marks the first phase of an ambitious project through which ICESCO seeks to revive the legacy of leading thinkers and scientists of the Islamic world, through a series of conferences and academic publications designed to bring their contributions to life.

For her part, Ms. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Morocco and Kazakhstan’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO, stated that the book is the result of tireless efforts to honor the legacy of a great thinker who profoundly impacted the spiritual heritage of humanity. She congratulated ICESCO on this outstanding publication, which coincides with the anniversary of Al-Farabi’s birth, and described it as a valuable addition to the intellectual and cultural repositories of the Islamic world’s libraries.

Speaking next, Dr. Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Chairman of the Board of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, highlighted the university’s commitment to reviving Al-Farabi’s legacy on the global intellectual and cultural stage. He noted that the book is the product of international academic collaboration and stands as clear evidence of the growing interest in Al-Farabi’s enduring intellectual contributions.

This publication is a key outcome of the International Conference on Islamic Scholars, organized by ICESCO in October 2023, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, represented by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Rabat, and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty. The Conference recommended the promotion of Al-Farabi’s rich intellectual legacy across various scientific fields.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Vice Chancellors’ Forum of Universities in the Islamic World, organized by ICESCO in cooperation with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan on June 23–24, 2025, under the theme: “Reimagining Higher Education in the Islamic World: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Impact.”

The meeting, held on Monday, 23 June 2025, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, focused on exploring ways to strengthen cooperation between ICESCO and Pakistan in the fields of education, capacity-building for youth, and developing bilateral partnerships in the upcoming phase.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed the key programs and projects ICESCO is implementing in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, chief among them being the program for building and developing small-scale projects in technology and innovation, and the program for improving water and sanitation services in several rural schools. The discussion also addressed initiatives aimed at developing educational systems in Member States and the importance of providing the necessary support tailored to each country’s specific needs.

For his part, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal stressed the importance of launching joint initiatives to promote reading among children and youth, with particular focus on learning the Holy Quran. He also highlighted the distinguished status of Islamic civilization and the remarkable achievements of Muslim scholars in fields such as astronomy and space sciences, whose knowledge was inspired by the Qur’an.

Both sides also discussed unifying efforts among Islamic countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring a dignified life for individuals, and enhancing strategic communication through the exchange of expertise.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a coordination meeting via videoconference with Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov , Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The two parties reviewed the final preparations for the organization of the International Academic Conference: “Jami’ al-Musnad as-Sahih by Imam Bukhari: A Book of an Ummah – Scientific Embodiment of a Civilization of Chain of Narration and Documentation”, which will be held late August in Tashkent, under the high patronage of H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The two sides agreed on the organizational arrangements for the Conference, including the reception of guests and participants, amid expectations of the participation of a host of scholars, researchers and representatives of religious institutions from 45 countries. It was also agreed to give a prize for the best three research papers on Imam al-Bukhari and his book Al-Sahih which will be presented during the Conference. The winning papers will later be collected in a documented scientific publication, highlighting the knowledge and civilizational values associated with the heritage of Imam al-Bukhari.

Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov announced that the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent will be officially inaugurated on the National Independence Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan, coinciding with the International Academic Conference on Imam al-Bukhari. The inauguration ceremony will be attended by H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Dr. Salim AlMalik, and a number of prominent figures from the Islamic world. Dr. Abdukhalikov also revealed that ICESCO will have a permanent office within the Center, as a platform for continuous cultural and scientific cooperation between the two sides in the field of manuscripts and documentation.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik stressed that the Conference will be a valuable opportunity to highlight the scientific and civilizational role of Imam al-Bukhari, and to reflect the importance of chain of narration and documentation in the Islamic heritage stressing the importance of cooperation with Uzbekistan in strengthening common cognitive, cultural and civilizational values.
For his part, Dr. Abdukhalikov appreciated the partnership with ICESCO, emphasizing that the organization of this international Conference, along with the upcoming opening of the Center of Islamic Civilization, will be a milestone in the process of promoting Islamic cultural identity at the regional and international levels.
Dr. Abdelilah Benarfa, ICESCO Deputy Director General, and Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector, participated in the meeting from ICESCO’s side.

Discussions focused on heritage preservation, green education, and climate change action

On the sidelines of the International Conference on Glacier Preservation, held in Dushanbe from 29 to 31 May 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a series of bilateral meetings with Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture, Minister of Education and Science, and Chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee, to explore avenues for strengthened cooperation in cultural heritage protection, environmental education, and sustainability.

The first meeting, held with Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture, Ms. Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, discussed ways to further strengthen the existing cooperation in the field of preserving and documenting Tajik heritage. The two parties agreed to implement joint programs and initiatives in the fields of environmental culture, arts and literature, and supporting Tajik traditional industries, in continuation of the recent achievements made by the two parties, including the inscription of about 20 sites on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Lists and the holding of several national workshops for workers in the field of heritage preservation.

The ICESCO Director-General also met with Mr. Rakhim Hamro Saidzoda, Tajikistan’s Minister of Education and Science, discussing support for ICESCO’s “Greening Education” initiative, cooperation in teacher training, integration of artificial intelligence technologies in the educational process, and youth skills development to prepare them for tomorrow’s professions through joint programs and projects. Dr. AlMalik appreciated Tajikistan’s efforts aimed at strengthening its educational system and expressed ICESCO’s support for expanding cooperation in the fields of scientific research and innovation.

In the bilateral meeting with Mr. Sheralizoda Bahodur, Chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee, the two parties agreed to prepare a document on the protection of glaciers and submit it to the upcoming Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World, given that these rivers are located in nine ICESCO Member States and have a direct impact on food and water security. They also stressed the importance of integrating topics related to climate change into school curricula, training teachers and enhancing their competencies, involving youth in environmental issues, and promoting community awareness of climate issues.
Dr. AlMalik expressed ICESCO’s willingness to support Tajikistan’s environmental goals. Mr. Bahodur commended the Organization’s efforts geared towards confronting climate change in the Islamic world.

The meetings were attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku.