Category: Director General

On Wednesday (June 8, 2022), the Headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) witnessed the opening of the Second International Conference on Countering Violent Extremism, under the theme “Collective Intelligence in Facing Terrorism and Building CVE/PVE Strategies,” being held by the Moroccan Observatory on Extremism and violence, in partnership with ICESCO, The General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR) of Morocco, Mohammadia League of Scholars, and the Policy Center for the New South, with the participation of several experts, researchers and representatives of international and regional organizations and institutions, and centers of thought and strategy.

The three-day conference began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, then Ambassador Khaled Fathalrahman, Director of ICESCO Center for Civilizational Dialogue, presented the work of the sessions.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, gave an address wherein he stressed that the collective intelligence in combating terrorism and violent extremism is not only a means that inquires, anticipates, expands and absorbs, but also an end that underlines the importance of the inspiring human partnership, which is a desired civilizational demand.

“The goals of collective intelligence are imposed by the urgent need to build common policies and mechanisms among the various stakeholders. In this regard, ICESCO draws on a very clear vision that turns its fields of competence into vital platforms to develop ideas and solid plans for confronting the currents of extremism through awareness-raising. As part of this vision, the Center for Civilization Dialogue published the Encyclopedia of Deconstructing the Discourse of Extremism, in partnership with the Muslim World League and the Muhammadiyah League of Scholars.

For his part, Mr. El Mostafa Rezrazi, President of the Moroccan Observatory on Extremism and Violence, tackled the rationale behind the theme of the conference. “There are still imbalances in international cooperation in the field of combating terrorism, which we are trying to overcome with social intelligence,” he stressed.

In a video speech, Mr. Waixeung Chen, Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate, underscored that terrorist groups are spreading in a large number of conflict areas and that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the scale of social problems that lead to violence, calling for continued collective efforts to face violence.

Mr. Abdelouahed Jamali El Idrissi, Coordinator of Mohammed VI Foundation for the Reintegration of Prisoners, noted the importance of rehabilitating perpetrators of violent and terrorist crimes, reviewing the institution’s reintegration programmes for inmates within society, and building mutual trust.

Mr. Haboub Cherkaoui, Director of the Bureau of Legal Investigations of the Kingdom of Morocco, stated that resolutely confronting terrorism requires the adoption of a comprehensive vision, social intelligence and optimal formulas to unify visions, proposals and solutions to eradicate extremism.

Mr. Abderahim Hanine, Presidency of Public Prosecution, pointed out that terrorist groups have developed their mechanisms through the Internet given its openness to a wide audience.

Mr. Mohammed Loulichki, Former UN Ambassador and Researcher at the Policy Center for the New South, underlined that eliminating the phenomenon of terrorism is a major challenge for the international community, which is making great efforts in this field.

Mr. Carlos Monteiro Reis, Head of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and Training (UNOCT) in Africa, stressed that through its support for the Office, Morocco is contributing to the UN orientations and training countries to obtain knowledge and address the various dimensions of the phenomenon of terrorism.

Mr. Mohammed Belekbir, Head of the Center for Research and Studies on Values at Mohammadia League of Scholars, stated that violent extremism is manufactured as people are not born extremists, stressing that this behavior is incited by extremist groups and it is possible to manufacture the opposite of extremism.

The first session then began on the topic “Extremism and Religious Discourses: Narratives of Extremism and Counter-Narratives.”

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), stressed the importance of promoting and developing investment given its instrumental role in generating employment opportunities, noting that innovation and creativity are paramount to keep pace with the skills of the future and sustain the growth of businesses and institutions.

This statement came in his address during the regional conference on “The Future of Labor and the Role of Entrepreneurship and MSMES in a Post-Covid-19 world,” organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills. The event is held in Rabat, capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, and via videoconference, on June 7-8, 2022, in partnership with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), and several international institutions.

During the session on the future of employment after the pandemic, ICESCO DG reviewed the Organization’s initiatives geared toward enhancing employment in the fields of education, science and culture, emphasizing that ICESCO’s new vision supports the efforts of Member States to remain in sync with the changing global landscape by upgrading educational systems, strengthening infrastructure, promoting green, sustainable economy, and investing in future professions.

Dr. AlMalik also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts towards boosting employment, mainly through supporting innovation and entrepreneurship among women and girls during the pandemic and turning the repercussions into income-generating opportunities for them by encouraging the local production of sanitary and protective equipment. He also referred to ICESCO’s programme for training youth in creating and developing small projects in the field of technology and innovation, and the leadership incubators aimed at equipping the Islamic world’s youth with the requisite skills in education, science and culture.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Nasreddine Nsibi, Minister of Employment and Vocational Training of the Republic of Tunisia, where they discussed ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Tunisia, especially in the field of youth training and capacity-building.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of a group of heads of sector, department and center at the Organization, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the mainline of ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations to anticipate the future and serve the Islamic world.

The meeting touched upon ICESCO’s key programmes on youth training and capacity-building to keep pace with tomorrow’s professions and future labor market challenges, including the Leadership Training in Peace and Security Programme; the Youth Training Programme on how to create and develop small projects in the field of technology and innovation; ICESCO incubators to support youth and the Young Professionals Programme; as well as the possibility of cooperation between the Organization and the Republic of Tunisia in these leading programmes.

For his part, the Tunisian Minister commended ICESCO’s qualitative leap, openness and innovative thinking, which helped the Organization succeed in its great achievements for the benefit of Member States.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Culture and Communication of the Republic of Senegal, and together they explored avenues for enhancing cooperation between the Organization and Senegal in the cultural field.

During the meeting, which was held on Friday, June 3, 2022, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, the two parties emphasized their keenness to maintain the distinguished relations between ICESCO and Senegal, in light of the Organization’s vision and action strategy, which rests upon greater communication with Member States to identify their needs and priorities and devise programmes and activities accordingly.

The meeting touched upon the major programmes and activities that were implemented in cooperation between ICESCO and the competent authorities in Senegal. The two parties also discussed mechanisms for enhancing cooperation on heritage preservation, mainly through the inscription of Senegalese sites and cultural elements on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List, as well as youth capacity-building and leadership training for peace and security.

For his part, the Senegalese Minister hailed the development and modernization that ICESCO has witnessed, and commended the support it provides to Member States in its areas of competence, underscoring Senegal’s keenness to sustain its fruitful cooperation with the Organization.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Government of the Lebanese Republic signed an agreement on humanitarian assistance to secure the return of Lebanese students who were pursuing their studies in Ukraine and were stranded in neighboring countries.

The agreement was signed at ICESCO Headquarters on Friday, June 3, 2022, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and Mr. Ziad Atallah, the Lebanese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco.

During the signing, Dr. Al-Malik reaffirmed ICESCO’s eagerness to enhance cooperation with the Lebanese Republic in the fields of education, science and culture, as part of its new vision based on an open-door approach to all stakeholders to establish partnerships to support youth capacity-building in the Islamic world.

For his part, Ambassador Ziad Atallah expressed the gratitude and appreciation by government and people of Lebanon to ICESCO for its support, especially during the difficult circumstances the country is going through, noting that this humanitarian assistance from ICESCO will contribute to solving a major problem facing some Lebanese families of the currently stranded students.

The Lebanese ambassador valued ICESCO efforts in promoting regional cooperation and exchanging expertise and experiences, noting the high-quality activities that the Organization held to address important issues for the youths in the Islamic world and contribute to strengthening their sense of belonging.

Dr. Abdelilah Benarfa, Deputy DG, Ambassador Khaled Fath Al-Rahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, and Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards, attended the signing of the agreement.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), stated that the International Book and Publishing Fair in Rabat, which opened as part of the Celebration of Rabat as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, is a unique festival of cultural, intellectual and civilizational exchange, which embodies the spirit of renewal and reflects the significance of books in nurturing thought and knowledge.

Dr. AlMalik made this statement in an address he gave during the ceremony that the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication organized on the occasion of the Fair opening, in the presence of the Moroccan Minister of Culture, Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid; Mr. Rachid El-Abdi, President of the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra Region, in addition to a large number of authors, officials and members of the diplomatic corps in Rabat.

“We are an Ummah that celebrates reading and writing, an Ummah that has created the largest multidisciplinary library a thousand years ago”, the ICESCO DG stated, noting that this Fair promotes the outreach of Rabat as the Capital of Lights and highlights the strong links of our civilizational legacy to books”.

He added that through its participation in this major international event, ICESCO reaffirms the importance it accords to promoting the values of reading in its activities and programs, in a bid to rekindle ties of the Islamic world to its glorious history which paved the way for such activities.

At the close of his address, Dr. AlMalik expressed his thanks to the Moroccan Minister of Culture, the Fair organizers, publishers, intellects and authors.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Younes Skouri, Minister of Economic Integration, Small Enterprises, Employment and Competencies in the Kingdom of Morocco, and together they discussed cooperation prospects between the Organization and the Ministry in the fields of youth capacity-building, training and empowerment, as well as the promotion of an entrepreneurial culture in technology and innovation.

During the meeting, which was held today, Thursday, June 2, 2022, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the major thrusts of ICESCO’s new vision and action strategy, which lays particular emphasis on building youth capacity and supporting youth entrepreneurship, mentioning the programme for training youth in creating and developing small-scale projects in the field of technology and innovation, which is implemented by ICESCO in a number of its Member States.

The meeting touched upon cooperation proposals through the joint implementation of initiatives that are geared towards supporting small businesses, training youth as part of ICESCO’s “Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS)” Programme, forging partnerships with institutions concerned with these areas, and jointly organizing relevant conferences and activities.

For his part, Mr. Skouri commended ICESCO’s support for its Member States’ efforts in distinct fields.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed on holding other meetings between their respective experts to establish a list of the practical programmes to be jointly implemented under a cooperation agreement.

The meeting was attended by Mrs. Sally Mabrouk, Director of ICESCO DG’s Cabinet, and Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at ICESCO’s Science and Technology Sector.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Muslim World League and the Mohammadia League of Scholars in the Kingdom of Morocco announced that Monday, 25 July 2022, will mark the opening of the Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, as part of the Celebration of Rabat as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, may Allah assist him.

The three organizations made this statement in a press conference, held at ICESCO Headquarters, on Wednesday, 1 June 2022. The press conference featured remarks by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG); Sheikh Dr. Muhammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League; and Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammadia League of Scholars, who gave detailed presentations on all aspects about the Exhibition and Museum.

The press conference was opened with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an address by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy DG, who welcomed the attendees and highlighted the importance of this major civilizational project and the significance of hosting it at ICESCO in 2022, the year of celebration of Rabat as Culture Capital in the Islamic World.

In his address, Dr. AlMalik commended the strategic partnership between ICESCO, the Muslim World League, and the Mohammadia League of Scholars, which led to the organization of the Exhibition and Museum in its first sojourn outside of Al-Madinah AL-Munawarra, where it was first established under the generous patronage of the Kingdom Saudi Arabia, under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, may Allah preserve him, and the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, may Allah preserve him.

ICESCO DG added that the selection of the Kingdom of Morocco to be the first destination of the Exhibition and Museum outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reflects the special relations between the two countries, seizing the opportunity to express profound thanks to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, for his royal patronage of this project.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammadia League of Scholars, stated that the institutions that assume the responsibility of the publicizing and raising awareness of the Prophet’s Seerah have to keep up with technological advancements such as virtual reality and metaverse to be able to reach the targeted audience and promote younger generations’ interaction with this subject, especially that younger people spent the longest time following digital contents.

In addition, Dr. Abbadi commended the tremendous efforts that the Muslim World League exerted to create and ensure the continuity of the Exhibition and Museum, and announced the organization of a presentation on monitoring mercy manifestations across the globe as part of the activities of the Exhibition.

In his address, Sheikh Dr. Muhammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, expressed his delight with the preparations to host the Exhibition and Museum, noting that the latter arrives from the holy land of Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah to its first destination outside of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Rabat, Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022.

Dr. Al-Issa also stated that the Exhibition capitalizes on modern technology to document and highlight the life of our Prophet (PBUH), which is the result of the collective efforts of a team of Seerah scholars. He added that the exhibition relies on an appealing style and approach to bring the Prophet’s Seerah closer to the public, and presents key information, civilizational values, and messages to redress misconceptions through soft power and refute unsupported claims through solid evidence.

Afterward, a video was screened in the sections and collections of the Exhibition and Museum and featured the testimonies of several leaders and senior scholars in the Islamic world. The discussion was then opened where journalists and media outlets addressed their questions to the panel on the Exhibition’s goals and Rabat’s expectations from hosting this project.

The Headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in Rabat, hosted an intellectual meeting on the book “Hadi Al-Oshaq,” written by Dr. Al-Tohamy Al-Harraq, to introduce the mystical and artistic experience of his mentor, Sheikh Abdellatif Benmansour, one of the masters of Sufi Samaa and music in the Kingdom of Morocco, with the participation of a host of researchers, writers and music composers.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, falls within the activities of the celebration of Rabat, Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022, and within the framework of ICESCO’s efforts to introduce and promote the rich intangible heritage of Muslim countries, where the arts of Madih and Samaa are part of this unique authentic heritage.

The meeting began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, then a general presentation by Dr. Saber Moulay Ahmed, Expert at ICESCO Center for Civilizational Dialogue, wherein he indicated that the book “Hadi Al-Oshaq” highlights a great figure and mentor in the fields of Madih, Samaa and authentic culture. Afterward, Dr. Al-Tohamy Al-Harraq, writer and researcher in Sufi thought and music, emphasized that his book is an expression of gratitude to his mentor, Sheikh Abdellatif Benmansour, praising his talent and strong memory, his memorization of the Qur’an, and his rare knowledge of its verses, which contributed to his unique achievements in the field of Sufi art and music.

Dr. Al-Harraq added that Benmansour had a unique musical and literary knowledge base, as he composed more than a thousand tunes and presided over several Madih performances.

Dr. Nabil ben Abdeljalil, researcher and music composer, presented scientific and academic insights into the theoretical concepts of the book, which adopted an approach that analyzes the personality of the late Benmansour and explained the concepts related to Sufi music, the method of performance, rhythm, Madih, Samaa and Mizan a’Durj.

Dr. Abdelaziz Baya, researcher in Moroccan literature and Sufism, highlighted that the book “Hadi Al-Oshaq” is an opportunity to introduce and remind the world of the originality of the Moroccan civilization.

In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), thanked Dr. Al-Harraq and welcomed the participants to discuss an outstanding book in the field of music and art. “We celebrate and review the key ideas and values depicted in the book, particularly loyalty, which is very valuable because it recognizes the fulfilments of Sheikh Benmansour in the arts of Madih and Samaa.

Dr. AlMalik presented a shield to Dr. Al-Harraq in appreciation of his efforts to preserve the heritage of the art of Samaa, while Dr. Al-Harraq presented a collection of his books to ICESCO DG.

Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy DG of ICESCO, indicated that the Organization holds this meeting as a house of expertise, which strives to protect and document the tangible and intangible cultural heritage, adding that Benmansour had composed over a thousand tunes.

After that, the floor was open for discussion and questions before Dr. Al-Harraq and his group presented a musical interlude from the musical heritage of the late Sheikh Benmansour.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Naam Miyara, Speaker of the House of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco, and together they explored prospects of cooperation between the two institutions in areas of common interest.

At the beginning of the meeting, held on, Tuesday, May 31, at the headquarters of the House of Councillors in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik expressed his appreciation for the sustained support of the Kingdom of Morocco to ICESCO, under the wise leadership of King Mohammed VI, may Allah preserve him. He added that this meeting is part of ICESCO’s open-door policy.

The DG highlighted ICESCO’s efforts within the realm of its competence and the programs and activities it implements in cooperation with its Member States’ competent authorities, stressing that the Organization is keen to promote cooperation with the Moroccan House of Councillors.
For his part, Mr. Naam Miyara commented on the key role ICESCO plays in promoting cooperation in the Islamic world, stating his keenness to support its initiatives in the fields of education, culture, and heritage preservation.

In addition, the House Speaker reaffirmed that the current strategy aims to render the House of Councillors a platform for public dialogue and plural societal discussion addressing issues that concern citizens, notably education and training.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to set out an institutional mechanism for cooperation between ICESCO and the House in areas of common interest.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy DG, and Ms. Amira Fadel, Head of the Sector of Partnerships and International Cooperation.