Category: Director General

In cooperation with the Ministry of Haboos and Islamic Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Library of Al-Qarawiyyin University, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is hosting, at its headquarters in Rabat, a first of its kind exhibition of rare historical manuscripts spanning various fields of knowledge and featuring a treasure trove of Al-Qarawiyyin University Library’s most prized possessions.

The exhibition, which opens today, Wednesday 7 July 2021, features more than 20 rare manuscripts including a copy of the Holy Quran in the Kufi Script without dots or diacritical marks, which dates back to the third century A.H.; an Arabic version of the Gospel of Luke from the fifth century A.H.; and Kitab Az-Zohd by Abu Daoud As-Sejestani. The exhibition also displays Al-Hidaya Fi Tawhid by Al-Qadi Al-Baqalani; Al-Muwattaa by Yahya bin Mohamed bin Abbad Al-Lakhmi, which dates back to the sixth century A.H.; Al-Mukhtassar Al-Fiqhi by Abu Musaab Al-Zahri; Al-Jamiaa Al-Sahih by Muhammad bin Ibrahim; Al-Bayan Wa Tahssil by Ibn Rushd Al-Jadd, a copy made for the Sultan; Jarru Ath-Thayl Fi Ilm Al-Khayl by Jalal Dine As-Sayuti; and the Book of Ethics by Aristotle. Likewise, the exhibition includes a manuscript on astronomy that was written by Ptolemy and translated by Al-Farabi, in addition to a selection of knowledge treasures in various fields including religious sciences, astronomy, medicine, philosophy, and history authored by prominent science and intellect figures from the Islamic world and abroad.

The exhibition is open to visitors, concurrently with the ICESCO Scientific Symposium on the release of the First Volume of the Encyclopedia of Deconstructing Extremist Discourse. The Symposium was held in cooperation with the Mohammadia League of Scholars of the Kingdom of Morocco, as part of the Framework Partnership Agreement between ICESCO and the League aiming to intellectually shield the Muslim youth against the different forms of extremist and hate discourse in the Islamic world and beyond.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, a team specializing in manuscript restoration from the Manuscript Restoration Lab at Al-Qarawiyyin University will give a practical demonstration to visitors on the latest trends in manuscript restoration using advanced technology.

Al-Qarawiyyin Library in Fez is one of the oldest heritage libraries in Morocco. It was established in 750 A.H. and has been subject to numerous restoration and repair operations. The library has maintained its key role in the fields of science and knowledge, making it a reliable destination for researchers and students. Its collection has been enriched by Sultans, princes, and scholars who donated rare and invaluable books.

With high-level participation of officials, diplomats, intellectuals, scholars and specialists in combating extremist ideology, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Mohammadia League of Scholars, on Wednesday (7 July 2021), launched the first volume of the Encyclopedia on Deconstructing the Discourse of Extremism, entitled “Deconstructing the intellectual backgrounds of the discourses of extremism,” which is part of the partnership agreement between ICESCO and the League, for protecting Muslim youth from the various forms of the discourse of extremism and hatred inside and outside the Islamic world.

ICESCO presented the first volume during a major scientific symposium, at its headquarters, in Rabat, which began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an; then Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, gave a welcome address wherein he reaffirmed that terrorism has become a worrisome phenomenon that obscures the major goals of our existence, which consist in peacebuilding, calling for strengthening this value to become a source of inspiration by spreading peace to become a central concept.

Besides, Dr. AlMalik noted that the Organization and the League issued this encyclopedia to invest in all the scientific efforts made in addressing the misinterpretations of religious texts to serve as a reference for researchers, scholars, university institutions, research centers, specialized observatories and international organizations to address the effects of extremism around the world.

Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of Mohammadia League of Scholars, gave the main lecture, wherein he stated that the encyclopedia aims to protect young people from the discourse of extremism as well as other related concepts. “The encyclopedia is based on the idea that religion aims to develop secure societies. The first volume of this encyclopedia is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of the complex phenomenon of extremism, while the second volume deals with the tools for deconstructing the discourse of extremism. The third volume takes into account the nature of the current reality. Moreover, there is a conflict between the real and the digital world. Thus, it is essential to have an expert in the digital field for countering the extremist ideology because its promoters are strongly active in the digital space,” he underscored.

Afterward, the participants and attendees expressed their views during which Dr. Driss Fassi Fihri, Al-Qarawiyyin University Vice-President, stated that deconstructing extremist discourse entails identifying the components under which radical ideas are being disseminated.

Mr. Mohammed Ben Ayed, Ambassador of Tunisia to Morocco, noted that Islam, a religion of moderation and middle stance, urges people to use reason. “Extremism is an extremely complex and dangerous phenomenon that can severely impact humanity. The encyclopedia touches upon the different aspects of such phenomenon,” added Mr. Ben Ayed.

For his part, Dr. Ahmad Sennouni, Assistant Secretary-General of Mohammadia League of Scholars, praised the encyclopedia as it provides a detailed description of the changes Muslim communities have undergone and has a clear vision for deconstructing extremist discourse. While Dr. Farida Zoumroud, a Member of the Executive Board of Mohammadia League of Scholars, explained that criticism is one of the most important means to countering extremism since extremists usually seek religious pretexts for their acts through misinterpretation of texts. She also added that the encyclopedia strives to correct some misconceptions for deconstructing extremist discourse while analyzing its psychological dimension.

Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, moderator of the Symposium, noted that Islamic civilization is the source of science and knowledge. “Understanding Arabic language and the connotations of the word “terrorism” is a key element to deconstructing extremist discourse; Al-Munjid dictionary was one of the first dictionaries to include the word terrorism back in 1960,” he added.

At the close of the symposium, Dr. AlMalik delivered a closing address wherein he praised all the efforts that contributed to bringing the encyclopedia into existence and thanked all the attendees and participants. He also noted that the Organization works toward incorporating the concept of peace into the primary level educational curriculum, which will be part of its recommendations during conferences and meetings with Member States’ education ministers.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Farhan Nizami, Director of the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies, explored the prospects of wider cooperation between the Organization and the Center, especially in the fields of building youth’s capacities, scholarships, scientific research and ICESCO Academic Chairs.

During the meeting, held today, Tuesday 6 July 2021, via videoconference, the two parties expressed their keenness to promote partnership between ICESCO and the Center, reaffirming the importance of developing cooperation in the field of conducting specialized studies and implementing practical and goal-oriented programs and activities within the two institutions’ shared areas of interest.

Dr. AlMalik noted that ICESCO’s new vision and action strategy positions peace at the forefront of its priorities, highlighting the Organization’s numerous programs in this regard including the Program of Training Young Leadership for Peace and Security. He added that ICESCO opened up to world countries, regional and international organizations, and bodies and civil society institutions by capitalizing on its Academic Chairs Program. He further explained that in addition to chairs at universities and research centers within the Islamic world, the Program provides for setting up chairs in prominent universities outside the Islamic world in countries such as Germany and Brazil.

Dr. Nizami expressed his delight to explore cooperation prospects with a major organization such as ICESCO, which enjoys great presence and outreach within the Islamic world, conveying his honor to take part in ICESCO Conference on the Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah, held on 27 May 2021. He also reaffirmed that cooperation between ICESCO and the Center must keep up with the current changes and consider the values of quality and continuity in view of achieving the set goals, noting that joint action is the way to making a difference.

The meeting saw the participation of senior ICESCO officials, namely Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, and Dr. Said Bah, Advisor to the Director-General for Partnerships and International Cooperation.

The Oxford Center for Islamic Studies is an Oxford University-affiliated research center. It was created in 1985 under the patronage of H.R.H. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. The Center aims to encourage Islamic studies and it is the first center in British history to specialize in this kind of study under the patronage of a member of the British Royal Family.

the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Foundation, today (5 July 2021), held a meeting to explore the joint programs and activities, especially in the field of artificial intelligence, scientific research, digital education and strategic foresight.

The meeting, held via videoconferencing, brought together Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, President of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Foundation, as well as Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of ICESCO Center for Strategic Foresight, Dr. Mushira Eneizat, International Cooperation and External relations Executive Director at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Foundation, and Ms. Rim Jalloul from ICESCO Strategic Foresight Center.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main axes of ICESCO’s vision and action strategy, which are based on renewal, modernization and openness for the benefit of the Member States and Muslim communities around the world, stressing that ICESCO is keen to cooperate with Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Foundation.

Dr. AlMalik also stated that there are many potential areas of cooperation, including strategic foresight, artificial intelligence, digital education, scientific research, and ICESCO scientific chairs, which are vital areas for Muslim countries.

For his part, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh emphasized the importance of renewing education methods in the Islamic world to develop scientific research and encourage creativity and invention to contribute to building a creative nation. He also underlined the urgent need to establish ethical oversight on artificial intelligence, underlining his willingness to cooperate on issuing a dictionary of artificial intelligence terms.

Besides, he stressed Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Foundation’s keenness to cooperate with ICESCO, stating: “We are proud to be your partner.”

Moreover, the two parties agreed to nominate two coordinators to ensure effective communication and follow up to the expert meetings in the areas of cooperation to develop operational plans for practical initiatives, programs and activities that achieve a tangible impact.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) have approved funding for a set of projects for the benefit of the State of Palestine, which will be implemented in the second half of 2021, in partnership with the Palestinian National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science. The 9 projects covering the Organization’s action areas in education, science and culture will benefit all Palestinian geographical locations in northern and southern governorates as well as rural communities while prioritizing and paying special attention to Al-Quds Al-Sharif, which is being subjected to all forms of systematic violations and attacks by Israeli Occupation.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, underscored the Organization’s commitment to supporting the sectors of education, culture and science in Palestine, noting that ICESCO’s contribution to such projects is in support of the Palestinian cause in light of the fierce violations committed against Palestinians, especially the recurrent violations targeting Al-Quds Al-Sharif, including Al-Aqsa Mosque, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, as well as the forced expulsion of Palestinians from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah as in other regions of Al-Quds.

Dr. Ali Zeidan Abu Zuhri, Head of the Palestinian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, thanked ICESCO Director-General for the Organization’s prompt approval of the Palestinian project proposals for 2021, which were the product of joint efforts and coordination with official partners, including ministries, government institutions, and competent civil society institutions.

Besides, Dr. Abu Zuhri underlined the importance of working in coordination with competent partners for the project and program implementation, which focus on ICESCO’s main areas of action, catering to people with special needs, media development, women empowerment, artificial intelligence and technical education, music therapy and supporting rural communities. He also praised ICESCO’s initiative for increasing the number of scholarships awarded to Palestinian university students.

Dr. Abu Zuhri stated that operating under the umbrella of ICESCO provides Palestine with a valuable opportunity to develop programs and projects in line with the Organization’s priorities, orientations, and national priorities in light of the current challenging circumstances.  He added that obtaining the maximum funding that the Organization may allocate to its State Members bears witness to the high level of professionalism, partnership, and coordination in preparing program and project files, which was carried out through National Commission teams, in cooperation with relevant national partner institutions, including government and civil society organizations.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received at ICESCO headquarters, today, Friday 2 July 2021, a delegation of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO). The delegation was comprised of Captain Haitham Mesto, Chairman of the ACAO Executive council, Eng. Abdennebi Manar, ACAO Director General, in addition to a number of the Executive council members. Dr. Abdelilah Benafara, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, and several Organization advisers and heads of sectors and departments also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik gives an overview of ICESCO, highlighting the key axes of its strategic vision and action plans and the modernization its working mechanisms have seen over the last two years.

Dr. AlMalik also noted that the Organization is dedicated to building cooperation and partnership relations with regional and international organizations and bodies for the benefit of the Member States and Muslim communities across the globe.

Captain Mesto expressed his and the Council’s delight to meet with ICESCO Director-General and leadership, commending the role the Organization assumes in its areas of competence and its sustained efforts to reflect the true image of the Islamic civilization and culture to the world.

He added that civil aviation is no longer a simple means of transportation, but rather a lever for achieving development, as there can be no tourism or international trade exchange without aviation, stating that he is looking forward to developing cooperation relations between the two organizations.

Heads of ICESCO sectors highlighted the key initiatives, programs and activities the Organization is currently implementing in partnership with the Member States’ competent parties and suggested areas of cooperation between ICESCO and the ACAO.

The delegation concluded their visit by a tour inside ICESCO headquarters, including a stop at ICESCO Art Gallery, currently hosting the exhibition “In the Footsteps of Fatima Al-Fihria,” which features a large number of paintings by Moroccan artists.

The Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC), during its 9^th ordinary meeting, that the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) convened, decided to inscribe 97 new historical sites and cultural elements, including 58 historical sites and cultural elements on the Final Islamic World Heritage List (IWHL) and 39 sites and elements on the Tentative List. The Committee also deferred six sites and stressed contacting the countries concerned to complete the relevant nominations files. The total number of inscriptions on the IWHL has reached about 320 historical sites and cultural elements.

The meeting held on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, brought together the representatives of the following Member States: Kuwait, Iraq, Mauritania, Pakistan, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Cameroon, Côté d’Ivoire, and Nigeria.

In his address, Dr. Mohammed Zine El Abidine, Head of Culture and Communication sector at ICESCO, highlighted the IWHC’s key role in safeguarding the historic, civilizational, and natural monuments and the cultural elements in the Islamic World. Dr. Zine El Abidine also underscored the keenness of Dr. Salim M. Al Malik, ICESCO DG, to safeguard and promote the Islamic world heritage, and enhance its presence on the regional and international scene, as well as his diligent efforts in following up the Sector’s action in this regard.

The Committee decided to adopt the General Secretariat’s report on the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the third extraordinary meeting, held on December 10, 2020. It also decided to form two commissions of experts accredited to the Islamic World Heritage Committee and under the supervision of ICESCO Heritage Center to examine the development of the forms and criteria of the inscription on ICESCO’s Lists of Tangible and Intangible Heritage. The IWHC General Secretariat will select the members of the two commissions from the Scientific Commission.

At the close of its proceedings, the Committee issued a set of recommendations, where it called on the Member States to provide the Islamic World Heritage Center with data on the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on heritage sites and museums, and their staff, support the center and provide technical and scientific assistance for the completion of the Encyclopedia of the Tangible Heritage of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The recommendations commended the efforts of the Islamic World Heritage Center to preserve heritage through activities, training courses, programs, and international agreements with specialized parties interested in various fields of world heritage. The Committee also called on the Member States to submit further nomination files for the inscription of heritage sites and intangible heritage elements on the Islamic World Heritage List and urged international organizations, and all countries to join the call of ICESCO and the Islamic World Heritage Committee to avoid intentional and unintentional damage to heritage sites and museums in situations of armed conflict, given that heritage belongs to all humanity.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, received Ms. Fatma Samoura, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). The meeting explored ways to develop cooperation between ICESCO and FIFA in areas of common interest, particularly physical education, and consolidate the values ​​of coexistence and peace through sport and culture.

At the outset of the meeting, which also brought together Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy DG, and some of the heads of sector and advisors at ICESCO, Dr. Al-Malik welcomed Ms. Samoura and reaffirmed the Organization’s keenness to establish fruitful and productive cooperation with FIFA, adding that the planned agreement will achieve many results as it focuses on areas of mutual interest.

ICESCO DG noted that the partnership with FIFA is in line with the Organization’s new vision, which adopts an open-door policy for the benefit of its Member States, foresight, innovative thinking, and strengthening the roles of youth and women to contribute to the sustainable development of their countries.

The meeting reviewed ICESCO’s salient programs, including the Year of Women 2021, youth training programs on leadership for peace and security, leadership incubators, and support for innovation and investment in technology development in the fields of education and culture.

Ms. Samoura expressed her happiness at visiting ICESCO and meeting its DG and leaders, stressing that the presentation of the Organization’s efforts to support youth and women and leadership training is fully consistent with FIFA’s new vision, which is based on using the power of football to send positive messages of peace and coexistence as football is a common language for all peoples of the world, in schools, refugee camps and everywhere.

At the close of the meeting, Ms. Samoura presented Dr. AlMalik with a copy of the official football of the upcoming Olympic Games, which will kick off in July 2021, in Tokyo, Japan.

ICESCO and FIFA had co-produced a video, wherein world football stars hail the work of health staff in appreciation of their heroic role in the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ICESCO International Forum on Women Entrepreneurship and Empowerment, held over three days by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) as part of ICESCO’s celebration of 2021 as Year of Women, concluded its proceedings by holding several training workshops for women entrepreneurs, within the framework of “Al Fihriya Academy.” These workshops focused on the mechanisms of creating and developing women’s small and medium enterprises, ways to secure the necessary funding, raising awareness of the role of business incubators in achieving sustainability, and financial management of projects, in addition to other issues.

Successful businesswomen, representatives of institutions and specialized companies, and ICESCO experts led the workshops, organized on the third day of the Forum held under the theme: “Women Entrepreneurship: A Future Key Lever for Sustainable Development.”

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, attended the launch of the training and learned about the theme of each workshop. He also spoke with the future female entrepreneurs and praised their ambition to succeed in the field of entrepreneurship, stressing the importance of promoting the culture of female entrepreneurship.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed that the Organization will not cease to support women and provide them with the necessary opportunities to play their leading role in achieving sustainable development, pointing out that the proclamation of 2021 as ICESCO Year of Women, under the theme “Women for the Future,” bears witness to the Organization’s commitment to empowering girls and women to contribute to creating a brighter future for the Islamic world.

The Forum was launched on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at the headquarters of the Organization in Rabat, with high-level participation of ministers, officials, ambassadors, experts and businesswomen. The event included several activities, including the exhibition “In the footsteps of Fatima Al-Fihria” at the ICESCO Gallery for Contemporary Art, which presents several works by Moroccan artists, in addition to a fair of the products of cooperatives and women’s businesses in Morocco. The second day of the forum (Thursday, 24 June 2021) was marked by rich discussions, creative ideas and practical proposals that will contribute to the success of women entrepreneurs’ projects, in addition to the exchange of inspiring experiences of women who have achieved great success in the field of entrepreneurship.

The second day of ICESCO International Forum on Women Entrepreneurship and Empowerment witnessed rich discussions, creative ideas and practical recommendations to contribute to the success of women entrepreneurs. The three-day event, held as part of the celebration of ICESCO’s Year of Women 2021, also included presentations of women’s inspiring success stories in the field of entrepreneurship.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), delivered an opening address during the second day of the Forum, held under the theme: “Women Entrepreneurship, A future Key Lever for Sustainable Development,” wherein he reiterated his thanks and gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for His high patronage for the celebration of ICESCO’s Year of Women.

Dr. AlMalik underscored that ICESCO believes that women empowerment is essential to overcoming challenges which is an integral part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development. This includes their basic rights that ensure equal ownership, employment and skills development.

Dr. AlMalik praised the remarkable progress most Islamic countries have made in recent years in eliminating gender discrimination and standing against women and girls’ marginalization and violations of their rights, calling for further action on this matter.

Afterward, Mrs. Hala bint Mohammed Jaber Al-Ansari, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Women, Bahrain, stated that entrepreneurship was the sector most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Al-Ansari also reviewed the efforts of Bahrain in promoting entrepreneurship.

During her presentation, Ms. Claudine Aoun, President of the National Commission for Lebanese Women, stressed that women’s participation is key to achieving 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Fadia Kiwan, DG of Arab Women Organization, stated that personal capacities development is the ultimate mechanism to adjust to the free market given the current change in women’s capacities and aspirations.

Dr. Aida Beji Kallel, a member of the Executive Board of the National Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs in Tunisia, highlighted the importance of women entrepreneurship as key to societies’ success while reviewing the Chamber’s efforts in promoting entrepreneurship.

Ms. Leila Doukkali, President of the Association of Moroccan Women Entrepreneurs, emphasized the key role of women in achieving sustainable development for future generations.

Thereafter, the first session of the Forum’s second day included a discussion on the role and the importance of teaching women the principles and foundations of entrepreneurship, with the participation of pioneering women entrepreneurs and research professors from universities from around the world. The second session tackled the role of women’s entrepreneurship in building a sustainable future.

The Forum, which kicked off on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at ICESCO headquarters, saw high-level participation of ministers, officials, ambassadors, experts and businesswomen. The event also included an Art exhibition “In the Footsteps of Fatmia Al-Fihriya,” hosted at ICESCO’s Contemporary Art Gallery, which features a large number of paintings of female Moroccan artists, as well as an exhibition of products of women cooperatives and several companies in Morocco.