Category: Director General

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Ali Al-Mudhaf, Kuwaiti Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chairman of the Kuwaiti National Commission for Education, Science and Culture. During the meeting, the two parties discussed means for sustaining the outstanding partnership between ICESCO and the State of Kuwait and enhancing their effective cooperation in the Organization’s areas of competence.

The meeting was held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, within the framework of ICESCO DG’s official visit to the State of Kuwait. Dr. AlMalik began the meeting by emphasizing the deep, long-standing relations between ICESCO and Kuwait as one of the Organization’s founding countries. He also commended the State’s notable humanitarian initiatives and considerable assistance to countries in need, calling for cooperation between ICESCO and Kuwait in this area.
ICESCO DG also reviewed the Organization’s new vision, its achievements in recent years, and its strategic orientations presented during ICESCO’s Executive Council, hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt in December 2021.

During the meeting, the two parties discussed proposals for cooperation in the fields of education, science, scientific research, culture and communication. The proposals for cooperation laid particular focus on preparing strategic and field studies on education and organizing training sessions to build teacher capacity in light of the challenges and education trends that have emerged amidst COVID-19. Proposals also included drawing on the experience of Kuwait and the Gulf countries in education, as they have successfully maintained learning continuity during the pandemic.

The two parties also explored avenues of cooperation in providing scholarships, to be granted by Kuwait in its universities to students from the Islamic world, and by ICESCO to Kuwaiti researchers and scholars in prestigious universities across the globe.

For his part, Dr. Al-Mudhaf praised ICESCO’s developed and modernized working mechanisms, as well as its new far-sighted vision, stressing Kuwait’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with the Organization.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ali Al Yaqoub, Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education.

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, the headquarters of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education hosted a working meeting with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) on the aspects of cooperation and partnership between the Kuwaiti National Committee for Education, Science and Culture and ICESCO.

The meeting brought together Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO DG, Dr. Ali Al-Yaqoub, Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education, the Ministry’s undersecretaries, heads of central departments and counselors, as well as Dr. Ahmed Said Bah, Supervisor of ICESCO’s Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his thanks and appreciation to the competent Kuwaiti authorities and the Ministry of Education’s invitation for an official visit to the State of Kuwait, commending its pioneering initiatives, generosity and joint humanitarian work.

ICESCO DG also called for developing and sharing areas of cooperation and experiences between the Organization and the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education. His visit aims at capitalizing on the Kuwaiti expertise and competencies and building partnerships and cooperation with relevant Kuwaiti institutions to develop joint action for the benefit of Muslim peoples.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Said Bah indicated that this visit represents a pivotal milestone in the history of relations between the State of Kuwait and ICESCO. “The visit will achieve strategic results by strengthening cooperation with the competent authorities and the ministries operating in ICESCO’s areas of competence or the cooperating partners in the State of Kuwait,” he added.

Dr. Al-Yaqoub commended the roles and achievements of ICESCO underlined in the reports and documents submitted to the Executive Council and General Conference, held in Cairo, last December, under the patronage of the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

In appreciation of ICESCO DG’s visit to Kuwait and his keenness to strengthen the partnership between the Organization and the State of Kuwait, Dr. Al-Yaqoub, for himself and on behalf of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education, paid tribute to Dr. AlMalik as well as the Supervisor of the Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences of ICESCO for his efforts to support cooperation between the two parties.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting with Mr. Badr Al-Sumait, Director-General of the International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO), to explore cooperation between the two Organizations in the humanitarian field and moving forward to new horizons, especially in educational and cultural programs as well as promoting the correct image of Islamic culture and civilization to the world.

During the meeting, held today, Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at the IICO’s headquarters in Kuwait, the two parties reviewed the key ongoing initiatives, programs, projects and proposals to develop cooperation and partnership between ICESCO and IICO in areas of common interest.

The two parties agreed to cooperate in the educational field, especially in educational technology, strengthening smart educational facilities and supporting online education to address the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on educational performance and school drop-out in particular, as well as implementing training and rehabilitation programs for young people, girls and women in the field of productive and income-generating entrepreneurship projects.

The two Organizations also agreed to cooperate in the field of granting university scholarships to distinguished scientific research projects, in prestigious universities in the Member States and abroad, as well as supporting programs to promote a culture of peace and consolidate the values of dialogue, understanding and moderation through conducting training and qualification programs and organizing intellectual conferences and scientific seminars.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Al-Sumait reaffirmed their eagerness to turn these projects into executable programs, as they will be included in a new cooperation agreement between ICESCO and IICO that will be signed shortly.

The meeting was also attended by Dr. Ahmed Said Bah, Advisor to ICESCO DG for Partnerships and International Cooperation, and Mr. Yousef Al-Najjar, Assistant Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education for Financial Affairs.

For the record, IICO is one of the major institutions operating in the humanitarian field in the Islamic world. It is an independent charitable organization with multiple activities providing humanitarian services to vulnerable people around the world without discrimination or fanaticism. It also empowers human beings in educational, cultural, and economic aspects to be able to create a positive impact on their communities through high-quality programs and effective partnerships.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Abdullah Yousef Al-Ghunaim, President of the Center for Research and Studies on Kuwait, discussed ways to build fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and the Center in implementing joint programs and activities, and conducting historical, social and heritage studies and research works.

During this meeting, held on Monday, January 10, 2022, at the Center headquarters, in Kuwait, Dr. Al-Malik reviewed the main cores of ICESCO’s new vision and action strategy, which attaches special importance to the preservation and valorization of tangible and intangible heritage in the Islamic world, including Kuwait, as a founding Member and supporter of the Organization. “ICESCO has made significant efforts to inscribe the largest number possible of historical sites and cultural elements on the Islamic World Heritage List,” he underscored.

For his part, Dr. Al-Ghunaim gave a presentation on the Center’s programs, projects, and publications documenting the history of the State of Kuwait and introducing the various stations of the country’s development process. He also reviewed the salient documents in the Center’s archive and the efforts of the Center in establishing links with foreign researchers interested in the history, heritage and antiquities of Kuwait.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to cooperate in holding intellectual seminars and specialized meetings between researchers and experts in fields of common interest. The Center will provide the historical and scientific material on the archaeological sites and heritage monuments of the State of Kuwait. The Center will also share its electronic and knowledge resources on “ICESCO Digital House” and enrich ICESCO Library with its publications.

The meeting brought together several advisors and assistants of the Center’s President, Dr. Walid Al-Seif, Head of the Islamic World Heritage Committee, Dr. Ahmed Said Bah, Advisor to ICESCO DG for Partnerships and International Cooperation, and Mr. Yousef Al-Najjar, Assistant Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education for Financial Affairs.

After the meeting, ICESCO Director-General toured the exhibition hosted by the Center for Research and Studies on Kuwait, which includes publications of the Arab Center for Authorship and Translation of Health Sciences, which is an Arab organization affiliated with the Council of Arab Health Ministers. Dr. Marzuq Al-Ghunaim, Assistant Secretary-General of the Center, received ICESCO DG and made a presentation on the Center’s activities and publications. The two parties agreed on coordination and consultation to identify the areas of cooperation in translation, Arabization and the dissemination of the Center’s publications among universities through the Federation of Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW).

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Kamil Sulaiman Al-Abduljalil, Secretary-General of the Kuwaiti National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), and together they explored cooperation prospects between ICESCO and the Council in areas of common interests, in coordination with the Kuwaiti National Commission for Education, Science and Culture.

The meeting was held today, Monday 10 January 2022, at the Council’s headquarters, as part of ICESCO DG’s official visit to the State of Kuwait. The meeting was an opportunity for the two parties to discuss their major ongoing initiatives, programs and activities, and highlight their respective working strategies, future prospects for various sectors, and the adopted mechanisms to achieve their goals.

The meeting discussed cooperation proposals between ICESCO and the Council in the fields of culture, arts, thought and heritage protection, notably cooperation in the organization of the Kuwait International Book Fair, and giving access to the digital references of the Kuwait National Library through ICESCO’s Digital Home. In the same vein, the two parties agreed to cooperate on a number of the Council’s art and heritage exhibitions and link these exhibitions with ICESCO’s Program of Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World, to enable the Council to take part in the Program’s activities through these events.

In addition, the two parties welcomed the Council’s contributions in introducing and nominating Kuwaiti heritage sites and historic landmarks for inscription on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List, in its capacity as the competent party in charge of preserving and safeguarding heritage sites in Kuwait.

At the close of the meeting, ICESCO and the Council agreed to hold more meetings to lay down executive plans for their cooperation and coordination, and sign a joint action program.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Issa Al-Ansari, NCCAL Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Mohammad bin Redha, Supervisor of the NCCAL Department of Foreign Cultural Relations, in addition to several Council officials. Also in attendance were Dr. Ahmed Said Bah, Advisor to the DG for Partnerships and International Cooperation, and Mr. Youssef Al-Najjar, Assistant Undersecretary for Financial Affairs at the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Touhami Abdouli, Director General of Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain Cultural Foundation, discussed the prospects for cooperation between the Organization and the Foundation in fields of common interest, in coordination and consultation with the Kuwaiti National Commission for Education, Science and Culture.

During the meeting, held on January 9, 2022, as part of ICESCO DG’s official visit to the State of Kuwait, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main core of ICESCO’s new vision and action strategy, which foster openness and cooperation with civil society institutions working in the fields of education, science and culture for the benefit of the Member States and Muslim communities around the world.
ICESCO DG also stressed that the Organization pays special attention to enhancing the cultural heritage of Muslim countries, supporting cultural industries and digital culture, promoting cultural identity, and disseminating the true image of the Islamic civilization, which consolidates the values of peace, coexistence and civilizational dialogue among all.
For his part, Dr. Abdouli commended ICESCO’s role in preserving the cultural heritage of Muslim countries, stressing the Foundation’s interest in cooperating with the Organization.
The two parties agreed on cooperation in training young people on leadership for peace and security, and supporting the Young Ambassadors for Peace Programme through the use of scientific materials, training manuals and knowledge sources of the Foundation and ICESCO, as well as sharing the publications of Al-Babtain Digital Foundation on “ICESCO Digital Home.”
This cooperation will also cover the fields of Arabic language and poetry by publishing relevant research works and studies, contributing to the celebration of the World Poetry Day and the World Arabic Language Day, dedicating a part of Al-Babtain Encyclopedia of Arab Poets to publicize Arabic poets from outside the Arab world, and launching joint incentive prizes in the fields of poetry, Arabic language and Arab culture for candidates from non-Arab countries.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Ahmed Said Bah, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General for Partnerships and International Cooperation, and Mr. Yousef Al-Najjar, Assistant Undersecretary for Financial Affairs at the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), has started an official visit to the State of Kuwait, in response to the invitation of the Ministry of Education, which chairs the Kuwaiti National Commission for Education, Science and Culture. The visit aims at exploring the development of cooperation between ICESCO and the Kuwaiti ministries and authorities operating in the Organization’s areas of competence.

The visit, which lasts until Thursday, January 13, 2022, includes meetings with senior officials of several Kuwaiti ministries and institutions concerned with education, scientific research, innovation, culture and communication to discuss cooperation proposals, in coordination and consultation with the Kuwaiti National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, within the framework of the new vision of the Organization, which fosters further communication with Member States to identify their priorities and needs for developing cooperation programmes and activities.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Tamimi, Governor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) and CEO of the Saudi Space Commission (SSC). During the meeting, the two parties explored avenues of cooperation between the Organization and the Commission, in concert with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and discussed means for enhancing cooperation with space authorities in the Islamic world and beyond.

The meeting was held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at SSC’s headquarters in Riyadh, in the presence of Engineer Majed Alonazi, Chief Operating Officer at SSC, along with several sector heads in the Commission, and Mr. Hani bin Hamza Mansi, Advisor to the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. During the meeting, ICESCO DG emphasized that space science holds a special place in the Organization’s new vision and strategy given the prospects it offers for the future and the tremendous potential of its applications in helping humanity overcome challenges and achieve sustainable development. He also reviewed the upcoming space-related initiatives due to be launched by ICESCO.

Dr. AlMalik noted that the Organization signed a number of agreements to foster cooperation in the field of space science among its Member States, and between them and non-Member States that had made significant strides and remarkable achievements in the field. “ICESCO encourages the exchange of expertise and new research findings in the field of space science and applications and is keen to establish fruitful cooperation with SSC and other space bodies and institutions in the Member States and beyond to attain these objectives,” explained ICESCO DG.

For his part, Dr. Al-Tamimi commended the roles played by ICESCO and expressed the SSC’s willingness to cooperate with the Organization and with bodies and institutions specialized in the field of space in the Islamic world and beyond, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to supporting the upcoming space-related initiatives due to be launched by ICESCO.

At the close of the meeting, the parties agreed on the participation of SSC in ICESCO’s annual Global Space Science Forum, and that ICESCO will participate in the coming session of the International Space Conference due to be organized by the Commission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with HH Prince Sultan bin Saud bin Mohammed, Vice President of the International Camel Organization (ICO), to explore major cooperation programs to achieve the objectives of the signed partnership agreement between the two Organizations. They also discussed the key proposed programs and activities for future cooperation between ICESCO and ICO, mainly King Abdulaziz International Camel Festival and the cultural heritage pertaining to the desert.

The meeting was held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, as part of partnership and cooperation between ICESCO and the ICO with the presence of Dr. Mubarak Al-Suwailem, ICO Secretary-General, and several officials from the Organization,  Mr. Humaid Ali Al Zara’e, Director-General of the Royal Camels Corps in the Sultanate of Oman, as well as Dr. Said Bah, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General for Partnerships and International Cooperation.

The meeting touched upon the inscription of both King Abdulaziz International Camel Festival in Riyadh on ICESCO’s Lists of Intangible Heritage in the Islamic World and the heritage relating to camels and desert culture, through preparing files and submitting them to the Heritage Committee in the Islamic World, to valorize this cultural heritage and promote industries traditionally related to camels.

The meeting also discussed the establishment of scientific and research chairs specialized in camel issues, from scientific, historical, environmental and economic perspectives, as well as the preparation of a comprehensive encyclopedia on camels and cooperation to hold the International Camel Conference in 2024.

After the meeting, Dr. AlMalik participated in a TV show entitled  “Majlis al-Sayahi,” where he commended ICO success, highlighting the importance of strengthening cooperation between ICESCO, ICO, and camel clubs in holding scientific seminars to introduce the cultural, social and economic activities related to camels and to invest in modern technology to protect camel breeds.