Category: Director General

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held an international symposium in observance of World Theater Day, with the participation of eminent writers, play directors and academicians. The event aimed at casting light on the importance of theater in achieving sustainable development and cultivating harmonious coexistence, discussing its history and culture and reviewing the developments it has witnessed over the years.

Participants in the symposium, held on Monday, March 28, 2022, via videoconference, emphasized the importance of cultural policies and the need to elaborate strategies aimed at the development of creative capacities to advance the cultural field in the Islamic world.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), delivered the opening remarks in which he noted that this celebration highlights the profound significance of fine art and culture, awakens the civilizational awareness of societies, and underlines the need for sustainable development and human prosperity, which lay at the core of theatrical art.

He added that one of ICESCO’s main missions is supporting theatre through a forward-looking vision promoting initiatives that are geared towards the development of theatrical art as an intangible cultural heritage reflecting a sense of belonging and civic engagement, and mirroring a culture of integration, teamwork, dialogue and openness.

ICESCO DG stressed that the Organization, in cooperation with its Member States, endeavors to strengthen human competencies and creative talents in fine theatrical art. “ICESCO recommends logistic and financial support for theater and artists, the preservation of their rights and intellectual property, the reconciliation of theatrical art with education, the integration of people with disabilities into theatrical work, the use of theater in the promotion of social cohesion, and the safeguarding of theatrical heritage through the latest archival technologies,” added Dr. AlMalik.

In his address, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture and Communication Sector, noted that ICESCO’s observance of World Theater Day is part of its new vision based on openness to all cultural fields. “This celebration is an appreciation of the role of culture in defining the essence of societies, a recognition of its importance and a promotion of cultural luminaries,” added the ICESCO official.

Dr. Dima Hamdan, Supervisor of the ICESCO Chair at the Lebanese University, emphasized that theater has historically been used as a shield against crises. She added that theater is an art that translates suffering into fine cathartic works that speak to the soul, and that it is a means of communication that anchors development, social cohesion and coexistence.

Dr. Dima Hamdan then moderated the symposium’s sessions, yielding the floor to Dr. Messaoud Driss, Professor at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Art at Tunis University, whose address touched upon the history of Tunisian theater and the stages of its evolution as well as the characteristics of Tunisian cultural practices. For his part, Dr. Sulayman Al-Bassam, playwright and director, reviewed his theatrical scripts and performances and explained how he drew inspiration from reality in selecting the themes of his works.

Dr. Omar Fertat, Lecturer at Bordeaux Montaigne University in France, reviewed the general trends of the Moroccan theater, which witnessed a prominent female presence in recent years. In the same vein, Ms. Nidal Al-Achkar, Lebanese actress and director, noted that theater is a binding link between all members of society, regardless of differences in classes and ideas.

In his address, Dr. Machhour Mustapha, Professor in the Department of Theatre, Cinema and Television at the Doctoral School of the Lebanese University, discussed the various methods of teaching play directing, underlining that it is imperative for directing instructors to be knowledgeable about acting. He also underscored the need to support artists, provide spaces for cultural activities and develop a sense of objective criticism to attain cultural prosperity.

The 3rd International Conference on Space 2022, co-organized by the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the Islamic World Organization for Science, Education and Culture (ICESCO), Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) and Inter-Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET), kicked off on Monday, March 28, 2022, in Islamabad, Pakistan, under the theme “Role of Space Technology and Applications in Socio-economic Development.”

The opening session of the Conference witnessed the participation of high-level officials and experts in the field of space sciences, who will share, over three days, knowledge and experiences, and explore the latest developments and state-of-the-art space innovations.

In his prerecorded speech, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), called for capitalizing on the applications and mechanisms of space science and technology to enhance the capacities of youth and women in Muslim countries in the areas of innovation and modern technology to achieve socio-economic development, rationalize the use of natural resources, promote peace values and address the challenges facing humanity.

ICESCO DG also stressed that the Organization, in its new vision and action strategy, strongly encourages its Member States to invest in the field of space sciences and its applications.

In his intervention, Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at Science and Technology Sector at ICESCO, highlighted the Organization’s efforts to raise awareness of the importance of integrating space sciences into Muslim countries’ development policies and disseminate knowledge on space technologies and prospects.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), at the Kasbah of the Udayas, one of most emblematic monuments of Rabat, a city celebrated as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022, with a rich, year-long program featuring various activities. The celebration of Rabat, which officially kicked off on March 24, 2022, is granted the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him.

During the meeting, held today, Friday, March 25, 2022, the two parties reaffirmed the keenness of their respective Organizations to sustain cooperation within the framework of the agreement concluded between ICESCO and UNESCO in November 2019 on capacity building, development and technical assistance, along with other areas of common interest.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented Ms. Azoulay with a copy of ICESCO’s recently-issued book “Peace 360: Exploring the Dimensions of Peace.”

ICESCO DG reviewed the main focuses of the Organization’s strategic orientations by 2025, its executive plans and priority programs that represent potential avenues of cooperation between ICESCO and UNESCO. These include training youth on peace-building, anchoring the values of coexistence and civilizational dialogue, promoting investment in space science and artificial intelligence applications, mitigating the adverse impact of climate change and conducting foresight studies on the future of the Islamic world and the African continent as well as the future of artificial intelligence in education.

This meeting took place on the sidelines of the celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the inscription of Rabat on the World Heritage List. The event was held at the Kasbah of the Udayas by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, a major ceremony was held to mark the inauguration of the Celebration of Rabat as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022. Held by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in the Kingdom of Morocco and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), today, Thursday 24 March 2022, at the Mohammed V Theatre, the ceremony witnessed high-level participation including officials from the Moroccan Government, public figures, authors, intellectuals and artists in addition to a large audience.

The year-long celebration of Rabat as the 2022 Culture Capital in the Islamic World is organized as part of the ICESCO Programme for Culture Capitals in the Islamic World and will feature a large selection of programs and activities both in Rabat and other Moroccan cities. The celebration aims to highlight the civilizational status of Rabat and cast light on its abundant tangible and intangible heritage.

The ceremony was opened by an address by Mr. Mohamed Al-Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, who stated that the selection of Rabat as Culture capital in the Islamic World for 2022, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, reaffirms the special attention His Majesty accord to the Kingdom’s capital. He added that this selection also reflects Rabat’s special position in the African, Arab, Islamic and International levels as a model for cultural coexistence, a symbol of both authenticity and modernity, and a hub of several key developmental projects.

The Moroccan Minister also expressed his thanks to ICESCO and all the cooperating parties and media outlets for their efforts to ensure the success of this event and highlight the cultural image of the Kingdom as a land of respect, coexistence and tolerance.

Taking the floor next, was Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), who talked about Rabat’s long-standing landmarks, ten-century-long glorious history and diverse heritage sites including Udayas Castle, Hassan Tower, Challah, and Bouregreg River, noting that Rabat is the city of the past, present and future.

The DG expressed his deepest thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, may Allah assist him, for the royal attention ICESCO has been receiving since its inception by the late King Hassan II, may Allah rest his soul in peace.

In addition, Dr. AlMalik noted that the Rabat celebration will feature a large number of activities, cultural, literary and art exhibitions, most notably the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, in its first destination outside of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. The Director-General concluded his address with a poem he wrote hailing the history and glory of Rabat.

For her part, Ms. Asmaa Rhlalou, Mayor of Rabat, stated in her address that the cultural projects implemented in Rabat will contribute to its cultural outreach, in an embodiment of the royal keenness to render the Kingdom’s capital an international civilizational and cultural hub. She added that this celebration is a re-discovery of the Capital of Lights from various cultural and artistic dimensions, which would eventually promote the image of Morocco as a land of tolerance and diversity and contribute to highlighting its openness to various cultures nations.

Following the opening remark, a short video on the City of Rabat was screened, which was prepared by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, followed by Dr. AlMalik handing over the celebration flag to the Mayor of Rabat.

The inaugural celebration featured a music show by the Orchestra of Tetouan headed by Mr. Amine El-Akrami with the participation of the eminent Munshids Marouane Hajji from Fez, Abdeslam Sefiani from Sale, and Fouad Taibi from Rabat, in addition to the distinguished artist Samira Kadiri and her orchestra.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Mamadou Talla, Minister of National Education, President of the Senegalese National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, and together they explored prospects of cooperation and partnership between ICESCO and Senegal in the Organization’s areas of competence.

During the meeting, held on Tuesday, 22 March 2022, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dakar, the two parties reaffirmed their keenness to maintain the fruitful cooperation relations between ICESCO the competent Senegalese authorities as part of ICESCO’s fields of action. The two parties also highlighted the role of the Senegalese National Commission in coordinating cooperation, within the framework of ICESCO’s vision and action strategy, which both rely on communication with Member States in order to identify their priorities and needs in order to design appropriate programs and activities.

Held on the sidelines of ICESCO DG’s participation in the 9th World Water Forum (Dakar-2022), the meeting discussed proposals for cooperation between the Organization and Senegal during the next phase. In this regard, the two parties agreed to support the development of Quranic schools, and provide Senegal with more opportunities to benefit from ICESCO’s Leadership Training for Peace and Security Program as well as its Program to Improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services in 1000 Rural Schools in the Islamic World.

For his part, the Senegalese Minister expressed his thanks to ICESCO and its Director-General for the support for Senegal receives, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Talla also commended ICESCO’s practical and innovative initiatives and its great support for its Member States.

At the close of the meeting, the DG presented the Senegalese Minister with a copy of the book, “Peace 360°: Exploring the peace dimensions”, published by ICESCO, with a foreword by the President of Senegal, H.E. Mr. Macky Sall. Dr. AlMalik stated that the book features a number of messages from prominent international figures.

The DG extended an invitation to the Senegalese Minister of National Education to visit ICESCO headquarters in Rabat to take stock of ICESCO’s ambitious projects and programs for the next for years.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), presented to His Excellency Mr. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, a copy of the book “Peace 360: Exploring the Dimensions of Peace,” which was recently issued by ICESCO. The book includes an introduction written by President Sall, in which he stressed that achieving peace is the task of humanity as a whole.

This came during the visit of the Senegalese president to the exhibition held on the sidelines of the 9th World Water Forum Dakar 2022, which kicked off on Monday, March 21, 2022, under the theme “Water Security for Peace and Development,” in the presence of the high-level head of states and governments, and international organizations and institutions.

The book “Peace 360: Exploring the Dimensions of Peace” features a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to peacebuilding, that ICESCO wants to strengthen through utilizing multiple experiences within the framework of the Organization’s programs and activities for establishing a dialogue between the various stakeholders to understand the trends that contribute to peacemaking.

The book, which consists of six chapters, includes messages from His Excellency Ali Bongo, President of the Gabonese Republic, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, First Lady of Nigeria, Mr. Tun Musa bin Hitam, former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, as well as messages of ICESCO Young Ambassadors for Peace, who graduated from ICESCO Program for Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS) for women and youth. The book also includes letters from several eminent international personalities, who participated in ICESCO’s LTIPS programme.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Loïc Fauchon, President of the World Water Council, on the sidelines of their participation in the Ninth World Water Forum, being held in Dakar, Senegal throughout March 21-26, 2022. The two parties explored ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and the Council in areas of common interest.

During the meeting, held on March 21, 2022, the DG highlighted the key programs and initiatives that the Organization launched in the field of raising awareness of the importance of preserving water and supporting the use of modern technology to protect the environment and build smart and environmentally friendly cities. The Director-General also talked about the major success of ICESCO’s Program to Improve Water and Sanitation Services in 1000 Rural Schools, which benefited several Islamic world countries and contributed to the achievement of sustainable development.

Likewise, Dr. AlMalik presented Mr. Fauchon with the book, “Peace 360°: Exploring the peace dimensions,” published by ICESCO, with a foreword by the President of Senegal, H.E. Mr. Macky Sall. The book is an initiative aiming at promoting the adoption of a comprehensive approach to addressing peace issues, taking into consideration that water is a key dimension.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed that cooperation in organizing the Ninth World Water Forum in Dakar is a promising start to greater partnership opportunities between the two institutions, within the framework of ICESCO’s new vision and action strategy which is based on the implementation of programs and activities that meet the needs and priorities of each Member State.

The opening of the 9th World Water Forum Dakar 2022, which kicked off in Dakar, Senegal, on Monday (March 21, 2022), under the theme “Water Security for Peace and Development,” saw the presence of heads of state and government, multilateral institutions and international organizations, and the participation of Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), for cooperation on water and sustainable development issues, most notably water and climate change.

The Forum, which is organized by the World Water Council and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation of Senegal, in cooperation with ICESCO, the Islamic Development Bank, the League of Arab States, and several international organizations and bodies, brings together international experts, who will discuss the best ways to preserve water resources and protect the environment in light of the global climate change.

In the session on climate change adaptation and mitigation for water security in the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Foued El-Ayni, Expert at ICESCO Science and Technology Sector, reviewed the efforts and initiatives of the Organization to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources in its Member States, highlighting ICESCO’s program for water and sanitation services improvement in 1000 rural schools as well as environmental awareness-raising workshops.

The session also discussed the need to consolidate the efforts of countries and the international and regional organizations, institutions and research centers to develop and implement policies, programs and projects. This provides benefit from modern technology, innovation and the use of renewable energies in addressing environmental challenges and water poverty.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called for rendering more attention to green and circular economy, green leadership positions for women, sustainable agriculture, and nature-based solutions to adapt to climate change in women-led projects. He reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to work and cooperate with its Member States to meet the expectations of the Islamic world’s women and girls for a more equal future where they can assume leadership positions in different fields.

Dr. AlMalik made this statement at an event held by the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family in the Kingdom of Morocco, on the sidelines of the 66th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The Ministry held the event via videoconference from New York, with support from the United Nations Women Agency in Morocco and partnership with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), ICESCO, and the Arab Women Organization, under the theme, “Green job opportunities to promote women’s economic partnership as agents of sustainable development and counter climate change.” The event saw the participation of Ms. Awatif Hayyar, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family in the Kingdom of Morocco, several ministers in charge of women issues from different countries, and several representatives of UN specialized agencies and regional Arab, African and European organizations, in addition to a host of experts and researchers.

Dr. AlMalik stated that women have always embodied the values of stability, sacrifice, dedication and altruism, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that in recognition of their work during the pandemic, ICESCO paid tribute to women by proclaiming 2021 as the Year of Women, under the theme, “ Women and the Future,” which was accorded the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Moreover, the Director-General stressed ICESCO’s commitment to implement its new vision in the fields of building women’s capacities and embracing gender equality, both internally in terms of managing the Organization’s human resources and externally in its programs and initiatives. He underscored that ICESCO’s document on its Strategic Orientations by 2025 stresses that ensuring a greener future and supporting a positive climate action plan are two of its major strategic orientations in the fields of science and technology.

Likewise, the Director-General highlighted the major initiatives ICESCO implemented as part of its celebration of the Year of Women. These included ICESCO’s International Forum on Women Leadership and Empowerment, exhibitions at ICESCO headquarters promoting rural women cooperatives’ products, the launch of the International Platform, “Women Pioneers across the Globe,” the Leadership Training in Peace and Security Program, and the Project for Countering the COVID-19 Pandemic through supporting Women and Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Participants in the Expert Group Meeting on Artificial Intelligence News, that the Center of Strategic Foresight at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held, stressed the need to promote the concept of Artificial intelligence. The goal is to build a better future, encourage the adoption of AI during crises, raise awareness of AI’s promising opportunities, and shed light on the dangers and threats AI may pose, especially about ethics and privacy.

The meeting was held on Thursday, March 17, 2021, via videoconference, and brought together several prominent AI experts, academics, researchers and representatives of international organizations. The meeting is part of the efforts of the Center of Strategic Foresight to anticipate future trends and explore the future of Artificial Intelligence.

In his opening remark, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), stated that according to global forecasts, AI could help achieve 79 % of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He stated that ICESCO considers AI as an element of its anticipatory strategy as an organization interested in modern technology and innovation in service of its Member States and support of their capacity-building efforts in the fields of education, science and culture.

The DG also stated that we are all concerned with building a sustainable future through a variety of means including laying down and planning for possible future scenarios and helping decisions makers anticipate the future by capitalizing on modern technology, including the Metaverse, space science, and AI to address future challenges in all fields.

At the close of his address, the DG warned against the threats related to AI, especially concerning ethics and privacy, reaffirming ICESCO’s commitment to promoting the culture of foresight in the Islamic world.

In his address to the meeting, Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of the ICESCO Center for Strategic Foresight, referred to the significance of such a meeting in casting light on the various dimensions of AI applications and discussing the relevant challenges in the Islamic world. He also noted that the meeting is an opportunity to understand the concept and highlight the features of modern technology as a rapidly growing phenomenon.

Following the opening remarks, the meeting’s session discussed the future of AI, where participants highlighted the latest advancements in AI technology across the globe. They also gave presentations on AI’s pros and cons and addressed the issue of ethics in using AI as one of the major technological revolutions in human history. Participants also stated that this technology can ensure quality education, access to knowledge and offer opportunities to upgrade vital fields such as health and agriculture and address key challenges such as climate change.