Category: Director General

The Center for Strategic Foresight at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a roundtable meeting to present the outlines and preliminary findings of its study, prepared by a host of international experts and specialists on the “Possible Futures of the African Continent.” The meeting aimed to identify the best practices considering the new global trends and their consistency with the African reality and better understand the necessary factors to achieve the desired progress in the African continent.

At the outset of the meeting, held on Thursday, 10 February 2022, via videoconference, Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, ICESCO Director-General, gave an address wherein he indicated that ICESCO includes 26 African countries in its membership, adding that it strives to meet their needs through various programs for the benefit of different groups, especially women and youth.

He added that ICESCO Center for Strategic Foresight’s Study on the “Possible Futures of the African Continent” represents an opportunity to examine the current scenario, consider opportunities at the continental level and clarify ways to develop Africa. “ICESCO is committed to contributing to the efforts geared towards providing an innovative solution to the major challenges facing Africa towards 2050. It also plays its pivotal role in promoting the culture of foresight to build a better African future,” stressed ICESCO DG.

Afterward, the participants in the meeting, which was moderated by Dr. Kais Hammami, Director of ICESCO Center for Strategic Foresight, and his team, reviewed the findings of the study. Dr. Alioune Sall, Executive Director of the African Futures Institute, South Africa, stressed the importance of analyzing the current situation in Africa to understand the process of change in the continent and identify its future prospects. Dr. Jacy Karoy Sibena, Assistant Professor at the School of Governance at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, indicated that innovation and technological development are still below the required level in Africa, particularly with the Covid-19 pandemic that has affected the economy.

For his part, Dr. Mohammed Tariq, Professor at the Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences, Hassan II University of Mohammedia, Kingdom of Morocco, gave a presentation on the future of youth in Africa after the Covid-19 pandemic, wherein he stressed that the continent’s youth face many challenges related to health care, education, unemployment and terrorism, adding that youth are at the forefront of digital transformation.

Dr. Karim Benkahla, Professor at the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Tunis, Tunisian Republic, reviewed the social, climatic, economic and security risks facing Africa, the factors of change, namely education and human capital, and the possible scenarios for the future of the continent. Ms. Sandra Coulibaly Leroy, Programming and Evaluation Department at the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF), touched on the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on cultural action and creative industries in Africa.

In his closing speech, ICESCO DG reaffirmed that Africa has a great and prosperous future, pointing out the importance of the expected recommendations of the study in contributing to the development of African countries to be at the forefront of developed countries. Afterward, the floor was open for the participants to exchange remarks and ideas.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Anar Karimov, Azerbaijani Minister of Culture. The two parties discussed developments in cooperation between ICESCO and Azerbaijan in the cultural field and reviewed the implementation plans of their future joint programmes and activities.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, via videoconference, saw the participation of officials from ICESCO and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture and the National Commission for Education, Science and Culture. During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his satisfaction in ICESCO’s distinguished partnership with the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Organization’s areas of competence.

“This partnership is part of ICESCO’s new vision and action strategy which are based on sustained communication with the Member States, identification of their priorities and needs, and coordination with their competent authorities to devise joint programmes accordingly,” explained ICESCO DG.

For his part, Mr. Karimov emphasized that Azerbaijan is keen to foster partnership with ICESCO, commending the Organization’s role in advancing the cultural field through the inscription and preservation of the Islamic world’s heritage and the promotion of peace, coexistence and dialogue among civilizations.

The meeting touched upon future joint programmes and activities between ICESCO and the Ministry. The two parties agreed to hold further meetings between experts from both sides to follow up on the implementation plans of the discussed programs and activities.

The meeting brought together Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of ICESCO Culture and Communication Sector, and Dr. Ahmed Said Bah, Advisor to ICESCO DG for Partnerships and International Cooperation, as well as Mr. Ajil Gunashov, Secretary-General of the Azerbaijani National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, and Mr. Murad Aliyev, Head Advisor of the Division for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Culture.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Muammar Al-Eryani, Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, and together they discussed means to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and the Republic of Yemen in the Organization’s areas of competence.
During the meeting, which took place on Sunday, January 30, 2022, in Riyadh, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s vision, action strategy and strategic orientations by 2025. He also emphasized the great importance that ICESCO attaches to safeguarding, protecting and inscribing tangible and intangible heritage in countries of the Islamic world.

The meeting touched upon proposals for cooperation between ICESCO and Yemen’s Ministry of Culture in various areas, namely training Yemeni archeology personnel on the preparation of nomination files for the inscription of historical sites and cultural elements on heritage lists as well as on heritage restoration and protection lists. Areas for cooperation also included encouraging Yemen’s heritage industries, valorizing the country’s cultural heritage, particularly traditional music and songs, and coordinating its participation in the celebration programs of ICESCO’s Programme for Culture Capitals in the Islamic World. ICESCO also lays particular focus on the educational field and seeks to provide programs aimed at reducing school dropout among girls.

At the close of the meeting, ICESCO DG affirmed that the Organization will launch a set of programs and projects in concert with the competent Yemeni authorities. These programs will be geared towards the preservation of Yemeni heritage and the promotion of its authenticity and richness, as well as the adoption of a poetry encyclopedia of Yemen’s regional dialects.

Further to the meeting held on December 22, 2021, between Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), during which they discussed the organization of the International Exhibition and Museum on the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik and Sheikh Dr. Nasser bin Misfir Al-Zahrani, head of the Exhibitions and Museums Department of the MWL, held a meeting on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, to discuss arrangements for the organization of the International Exhibition and Museum on the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization in Rabat, Morocco, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

During the meeting, which was held in Riyadh, the two parties reviewed the preparations for organizing the Exhibition and Museum under the supervision of Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa. They also reviewed the arrangements for the visit of a delegation of the League’s officials and supervisors of the International Exhibition and Museum on the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization in Medina, to the site designated for the establishment of the Exhibition, which is of particular importance in the light of the celebration of Rabat as Culture Capital in the Islamic World in 2022, and the cooperation that binds ICESCO and the MWL and their desire to hold it in several Member States of the Organization in the future.

Dr. Al-Malik and Dr. Al-Zahrani affirmed the commitment of ICESCO and the League to strengthen the existing partnership between them and to continue working on the implementation of civilizational programs and projects, which aim at promoting Islam and its noble values and principles, highlighting its true image in its civilizational dimensions, and correcting misconceptions about it.

The International Exhibition and Museum on the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization receives the attention and guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Muhammad bin Salman. The Exhibition and Museum are dedicated to the promotion of the values of Islam, namely justice, peace, mercy, tolerance and moderation, based on the Holy Quran, the Seerah of the Prophet, and the glorious Islamic history. The institution is equipped with the latest technologies allowing the visitor to discover the Prophet’s Seerah and the historical scenes and monuments. It includes 150 pieces of evidence of the greatness of Islam and the preservation of the rights of non-Muslims, in addition to more than 500 artifacts from the Prophetic era.

His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, in his office at the Ministry headquarters, in Riyadh, received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The two parties discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Organization’s areas of action.

During the meeting, held on Monday (January 24, 2022), Dr. Al-Malik reviewed the central cores of ICESCO’s new vision and strategic orientations for 2025 as well as its efforts to support its Member States in the fields of education, science and culture, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. He also reviewed the key programs and activities that ICESCO will implement in 2022.

The meeting touched upon Saudi Arabia’s efforts in supporting culture and science at the regional and international levels to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals as part of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision. His Highness the Minister commended the achievements that ICESCO has made since Dr. Al-Malik assumed his post as its DG. He also stressed the keenness of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince to support the Organization in its areas of action to serve the Islamic world, enhance cooperation and exchange expertise and successful experiences among the Member States.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General  (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Haifa Najjar, Jordanian Minister of Culture. The meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the field of culture and heritage preservation.
During this meeting, held on Friday (January 21, 2022) in Doha, Qatar, Dr. Al-Malik reviewed the central core of ICESCO’s vision, working mechanisms, and strategic orientations as well as its major programmes, initiatives and activities implemented in cooperation with Member States’ competent authorities, especially on the promotion of cultural industries, digital culture and the inscription of tangible and intangible heritage on the Islamic World Heritage List.

ICESCO DG stressed the Organization’s keenness to build the capacities of young people in various areas, including entrepreneurship and leadership for peace and security, a program that trained last year 30 young peace ambassadors from more than 24 Muslim countries and beyond, to spread the culture of peace, coexistence and dialogue.
For her part, the Jordanian Minister of Culture praised the roles that ICESCO fulfills in its fields of competence and its support to the Member States, stressing the keenness of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to cooperate with the Organization.

The meeting discussed the prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and the Jordanian Ministry of Culture in renewing and modernizing the cultural policies of Muslim countries, coordinating the efforts geared towards the protection of Al-Quds Al-Sharif’s heritage, cooperating in the establishment of ICESCO Chair for Tangible Heritage, and holding training sessions and workshops to train Jordanian archeological staff on the preservation of heritage and the preparation of the inscription files of historical sites and cultural elements. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has two sites inscribed on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List and 10 sites on the Tentative List.

The two parties also agreed to cooperate in co-organizing, participating in and sponsoring several fora and cultural festivals.
At the end of the meeting, the Jordanian Minister of Culture invited ICESCO Director-General to visit the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in coordination with the Minister of Education, Chairman of the Jordanian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Youssef bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, CEO of Qatar Charity, and together they discussed means of enhancing cooperation and developing the existing partnership between the Organization and the Charity in several areas. These include social development, teaching the Arabic language, ensuring quality education for all, ensuring equal access to opportunities for both genders, building the capacities of girls and women, and fighting school dropout among girls. 

During the meeting, held on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Qatar Charity’s headquarters in Doha, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main thrusts of ICESCO’s vision and its strategic orientations. He also reviewed the Organization’s roles in its areas of competence, particularly in providing educational training for teachers of Arabic to non-Arabic speakers through ICESCO’s educational centers, namely ICESCO’s Regional Educational Center in Chad. Qatar Charity provided financial support for the establishment of this Center along with other humanitarian and social projects for the benefit of countries of the Islamic world.

ICESCO DG also commended the joint work between the Organization and the Charity, where their objectives converge in the humanitarian field. 

“ICESCO, in cooperation with several donors, provided assistance to a number of countries in need to support their efforts in countering the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We helped provide mobile health services for vulnerable groups, particularly in remote and rural areas, and helped countries in reforming their educational systems and reaping the maximum benefits from projects and activities,” noted Dr. AlMalik.

The meeting touched upon the proposed areas for enhancing cooperation between ICESCO and Qatar Charity, notably education, culture, and medical caravans. The two parties reiterated their keenness to build constructive cooperation within the framework of a new partnership agreement based on practical implementation programs and projects with tangible outcomes.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik invited Mr. Al-Kuwari to visit ICESCO’s Headquarters in the Kingdom of Morocco to get acquainted with the projects, initiatives and ongoing activities implemented by the Organization for the benefit of its Member States.

In appreciation of his efforts in leading ICESCO in carrying out its remarkable roles, Qatar Charity’s CEO presented Charity’s Shield to ICESCO DG.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Ms. Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Qatari Minister of Education and Higher Education, explored ways to develop cooperation and partnership and exchange experiences in the field of educational and scientific research among the countries of the Islamic world.

During the meeting, held on Thursday, January 20, 2022, in Doha, within the framework of ICESCO DG’s visit to the State of Qatar to attend the closing ceremony of the celebration of Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the strong relations between ICESCO and the State of Qatar,  expressing his appreciation for the fruitful cooperation between the Organization and many Qatari institutions and authorities, and calling for the development of cooperation and partnership based on practical executive programs and projects between the two parties in this field.

ICESCO DG reviewed the Organization’s new vision and achievements in recent years, which have enhanced its position at the regional and international levels in the fields of education, science and culture, highlighting future plans and strategic orientations of the Organization to ensure the fulfillment of its role optimally to support its Member States.

He also reviewed the Organization’s key assistance programs in the field of education implemented in cooperation with several donors for the benefit of the neediest Member States to ensure the continuity of the educational process during the Covid-19 pandemic and reduce dropping out of school in these countries.

The meeting touched upon exploring cooperation proposals between ICESCO and the Qatari Ministry of Education and Higher Education in the fields of education, science and scientific research and the possibility to establish scientific chairs with the support of Qatari higher education institutions as part of ICESCO’s program in several prestigious universities inside and outside the Islamic world.

For her part, the Qatari Minister of Education and Higher Education commended ICESCO’s efforts in supporting its Member States within the Organization’s areas of competence and presented the shield of the Ministry to ICESCO DG.

Following the closing ceremony of the Celebration of Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) met Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Culture of Qatar. The meeting discussed ways to develop cooperation between ICESCO and the State of Qatar in the cultural fields.

During this meeting, held on Thursday (January 20, 2022), in Doha, ICESCO DG reviewed the Organization’s new vision and its recent achievements and strategic orientations presented during the Executive Council, in Egypt, last December.

The meeting considered cooperation proposals between the two parties through the adoption of various initiatives that ICESCO will launch in 2022, in the various areas of culture to contribute to its development in the Islamic world. The proposals also include training sessions on appraising, protecting and preserving heritage as well as inscribing heritage sites on the Islamic World Heritage List of ICESCO.

For his part, Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Thani commended the development and modernization of ICESCO’s working mechanisms and its new and forward-looking vision, praising ICESCO’s proclamation of Doha as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021, and the activities and initiatives of this celebration despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the close of the meeting, ICESCO DG invited Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Thani to visit ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat. The Minister promised to plan the visit at the earliest convenience.

ICESCO DG also toured the Doha International Book Fair, which is held under the slogan “Science is Light,” with the participation of more than 430 publishing houses from 37 countries, presenting their latest intellectual, literary and scientific productions marking the great international development in all fields.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), noted that the Organization has redesigned its Programme for Culture Capitals in the Islamic World to modernize the concept of ​​culture capitals. He emphasized ICESCO’s determination to make every capital’s celebration a cultural work that is consistent with the requirements of the cultural industry and capable of making a cultural difference through intelligent harmony between authenticity and modernization.

This statement was part of his address on the closing ceremony of the celebration of Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021, which took place on Thursday, January 20, 2022, during the 31st Doha International Book Fair, in the presence of Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatari Minister of Culture, along with several representatives of the ministries of culture in the Islamic worlds and the participating parties in the celebration’s activities, which lasted throughout 2021, under the theme “Our Culture is Light.”

Dr. AlMalik began his address by noting that the ceremony closes an entire year of bright and creative activities, in which Doha was well received and welcomed as a culture capital. He thanked His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, for placing the celebration under his high patronage and for his interest, diligence and guidance.

He added that the celebration’s theme (Our Culture is Light) indicates the Islamic world’s substantive contribution to civilization and that the celebration’s activities reflect high-quality planning and implementation and translate the values ​​of partnership, cooperation and synergy among several institutions, congratulating all who have contributed to the success of the celebration.

ICESCO DG stressed that the programs of the celebration of Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021, succeeded in promoting Doha as a long-standing civilizational and cultural landmark and emphasizing the uniqueness of the Islamic civilization. “The celebration programs fostered cultural cooperation among the units of the Islamic world, encouraged us to pursue the approach of great human openness, and expanded our concept of culture to include fields relating to youth, women, children and persons with special needs,” added ICESCO DG.

In his address during the ceremony, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatari Minister of Culture, noted that the diversified activities of the celebration were well attended despite the COVID-19 pandemic. He also emphasized the pivotal role of culture in achieving economic development and prosperity.

“The programs and activities that were organized throughout the year reflected the richness of the State of Qatar. They contributed to promoting positive interaction among creative thinkers and intellectuals, strengthening cultural identity and building bridges of closeness and communication with the cultures of the Islamic world,” added the Qatari Minister.

The celebration included the screening of a video highlighting the major activities and programs organized as part of the celebration of Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021, followed by a singing performance, then a musical show.

In conclusion, the Qatari Minister of Culture honored the ICESCO DG in appreciation of the Organization’s efforts and contribution to the success of the celebration of Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021. The participating entities, bodies and sponsors were also honored.