Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between the two parties in the fields of education, science, and culture, within the framework of celebrating Samarkand as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2025.
Dr. AlMalik opened the meeting, held on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, by affirming ICESCO’s commitment to mobilizing all its expertise and capabilities to ensure that the celebration of Samarkand as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World reflects its historical stature and longstanding civilizational role. He further emphasized its legacy as a cradle for many leading scholars of the Islamic world throughout various historical eras.
Additionally, Dr. AlMalik explained that ICESCO has developed an exceptional program featuring the implementation and launch of numerous initiatives and activities aimed at enhancing Samarkand’s cultural capital and promoting its global standing as a cultural destination.
For his part, Mr. Nazarbekov expressed his delight with Samarkand’s selection as part of ICESCO’s Capitals of Culture program, noting that the Ministry will work to ensure the success of the celebration and leverage it to elevate the city’s international profile.
In attendance from ICESCO were Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Dr. Idham Hanash, Director of the Calligraphy and Manuscript Center; and Dr. Bilel Chebbi, Expert at the Heritage Center.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Uzbek Ministry of Culture, launched on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, the celebration of Samarkand as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, during an international conference held under the theme: Spiritual Heritage and Cultural Expressions in the Islamic World: Calligraphy, Music, Poetry, and Solidarity. The event took place in Samarkand in the presence of several Ministers of Culture from the Islamic world, representatives of relevant international organizations and institutions, the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and the UAE, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The celebration began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the screening of a documentary film produced by ICESCO to mark the occasion. In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stated that Samarkand’s history and rich heritage rightfully earn it the title of City of Scholarly Civilization, as its legacy reflects a synthesis of theoretical and applied sciences. From this city emerged both Sahih al-Bukhari and the Ulugh Beg Astronomical Observatory, as well as the creative legacies of Al-Biruni, Al-Khwarizmi, and Ibn Sina.
Dr. AlMalik praised the new headquarters of the Center of Islamic Civilization, currently under construction in the capital, Tashkent—an initiative led by His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He added that the Uzbek President’s vision to preserve identity and heritage aligns with ICESCO’s strategic orientations, resulting in numerous major initiatives and projects, including the celebration of Samarkand as Capital of Culture, the inscription of 19 cultural properties on ICESCO’s heritage list, and the organization of international conferences highlighting prominent figures of Islamic civilization.
Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, expressed his appreciation for ICESCO’s role in protecting human heritage and thanked the Director-General for including Samarkand in the Organization’s Capitals of Culture Program. He also announced the establishment of an ICESCO Chair at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan and the inauguration of the ICESCO Manuscripts Center in Samarkand.
Mr. Nazarbekov highlighted the importance of the arts, poetry, literature, and music in preserving heritage and defending identity and values, especially in the face of globalization and its negative impacts, affirming that the culture of the Islamic world offers a trusted path to save humanity from these dangers.
In a welcoming address, Mr. Adiz Boboev, Governor of Samarkand, affirmed that the city has always been—and continues to be—a hub of Islamic World thought and a destination for thinkers from around the world. He noted the upcoming reopening of the Imam Bukhari Center after its renovation, which has become an international platform for promoting Islamic world heritage.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. AlMalik presented a commemorative flag documenting the celebration of Samarkand as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World to the Uzbek Minister of Culture. This was followed by addresses from the heads of delegations from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Algeria, the UAE, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, and Russia, as well as the Ministers of Culture from Jordan, Pakistan, and Senegal. They addressed the conference themes and stressed national efforts to preserve tangible and intangible heritage, promote cultural identity, and uphold the values of solidarity and peace.
At the Launch of Its Celebration as Culture Capital in the Islamic World
Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited a number of heritage and scientific monuments in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, on Monday, 26 May 2025, together with Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, and a number of culture ministers and officials from ICESCO Member States.
This visit is part of Dr. AlMalik’s trip to the Republic of Uzbekistan, where he is leading a high-level ICESCO delegation to attend the launch ceremony of the celebration of Samarkand as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World, scheduled to be held on 27 May 2025, as part of ICESCO’s Culture Capitals Program.
ICESCO Director-General began his tour by visiting the Ulugh Beg Observatory, one of the major and most accurate observatories worldwide, built in the 15th century AD. Dr. AlMalik also visited the “Shah-i-Zinda” necropolis, which houses the remains of the noble companion Qutham ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, and a number of historical figures and leaders, including Prince Tamerlane, the conqueror and founder of the Timurid Empire, whose tomb is an architectural masterpiece attributed to the Timurid era.
The tour also included the ancient Bibi Khanum Mosque, which was the largest mosque in Central Asia at the time of its construction in 1399 AD, in addition to the central Registan Square, the heart of the old city of Samarkand and one of the major historical monuments in Uzbekistan.
At the end of his tour, Dr. AlMalik commended the great attention the Uzbek authorities give to heritage and archaeological sites, expressing ICESCO’s pride in these efforts, which have become a model to emulate in preserving and valorizing the Islamic world’s heritage.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), accompanied by his delegation, visited the new premises of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Sunday, 25 May 2025. He was received by Mr. Firdavs Abdulkhalikov, Director of the Center, which is currently nearing completion in preparation for its official opening at the end of the year.
The visit included discussions on enhancing cooperation between ICESCO and the Center, particularly regarding preparations for the inauguration of the ICESCO Manuscripts Center, which will be housed within the new Center.
The visit began with a tour of the facility, during which detailed presentations were provided on the project. The Center enjoys direct support from H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Dr. AlMalik expressed his admiration for the outstanding efforts made to ensure the Center reflects the grandeur of Islamic civilization and its contributions to humanity. He affirmed that it will serve as a distinguished academic institution and a beacon of cultural heritage.
Dr. AlMalik also held talks with the Center’s Director on the final arrangements for inaugurating the ICESCO Manuscripts Center, as well as the organization of the upcoming International Scientific Conference on “Al-Jami’ Al-Musnad As-Sahih by Imam Al-Bukhari,” which ICESCO will host at the Center’s headquarters. Both sides agreed to elevate the level of coordination over the coming period and to develop a joint action plan that will serve as a strategic framework for their collaboration.
At the end of the visit, commemorative shields and gifts were exchanged. Mr. Abdulkhalikov presented Dr. AlMalik with a copy of the Holy Qur’an, written in the Ottoman script.
The ICESCO delegation included Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. AbdulHakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) convened its Second High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Education in its Member States in London, United Kingdom, under the theme “Transforming Education for Sustainable Development and Knowledge Economies.” The Dialogue aimed to facilitate the exchange of perspectives and experiences concerning the opportunities and challenges of educational transformation, and to explore avenues for strengthening international partnerships in this context.
In his opening remarks on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, underscored the importance of harnessing rapid technological advancements—particularly in artificial intelligence and digital learning—to create new pathways for innovation, connectivity, and inclusive access to education. He emphasized that global disruptions have exposed the pitfalls in education systems and highlighted the urgent need to build more resilient and adaptive structures.
Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik noted that in recent years, ICESCO has worked on developing a robust network of active international partnerships to implement hundreds of projects and programs benefiting thousands of students, teachers, and experts. These initiatives have focused on empowering youth and women by equipping them with digital skills and essential knowledge in economics and entrepreneurship. He added that this ministerial gathering positions Member States to play a pivotal role in contributing comprehensive and diverse solutions to the global education agenda.
Following his remarks, Dr. Hady Jatou Sey, Head of the Education Sector at ICESCO, delivered a statement emphasizing the significance of this meeting as a key step toward educational transformation across the Islamic world. She also noted that the Dialogue would address mechanisms for implementing the outcomes of last year’s ICESCO Conference of Education Ministers, held in the Sultanate of Oman.
The proceedings included a series of brainstorming sessions focused on the challenges and opportunities in transforming education systems, best practices for knowledge exchange among countries, strategies for integrating social and cultural values into curricula, and effective mechanisms to empower Member States through enhanced public-private partnerships.
In his closing remarks, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to supporting its Member States in their efforts to reform and advance education and to helping them achieve their goals through innovative programs and initiatives.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Mohammed Abdulrahman Turko, Syrian Minister of Education, on the sidelines of the 21st edition of the Education World Forum (EWF), held in London, United Kingdom, from May 19 to 22, 2025.
The meeting delved into avenues for supporting the education sector in Syria and explored several proposed initiatives designed to enhance the quality of education and respond to the escalating demands imposed by the country’s complex and evolving challenges.
During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s programs and initiatives within its fields of competence, highlighting the Organization’s new vision rooted in openness and international cooperation, as well as its development strategy aimed at capacity building and fostering innovation in its Member States, including Syria. He also expressed his delight at Syria’s reinstated membership in the Organization.
Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to providing comprehensive support for education in Syria. This includes curriculum development, teacher training, modern technology transfer, as well as mobilizing resources in support of educational institutions, promoting the use of advanced technologies, and assisting in the training of Syrian educational personnel.
For his part, Minister Turko emphasized that schools are a fundamental pillar of societal reconstruction. He stressed the importance of Syria’s engagement with international educational organizations and expressed his country’s contentment with rejoining ICESCO, especially given the Organization’s prominent international standing and leading role in its fields of action. He conveyed Syria’s eagerness to benefit from ICESCO’s expertise to strengthen and rehabilitate the Syrian educational system.
He also revealed alarming statistics concerning the country’s current educational situation: approximately 4.2 million students are enrolled in schools across Syria, while an estimated 2.4 million remain out of school. Furthermore, 8,000 schools are either completely or partially destroyed, with only 103 having been restored so far.
The Minister addressed the key challenges facing the Ministry, particularly the severe shortage of school resources and the expected pressure due to the return of refugees from abroad. He also noted that many returning students, especially from Turkey, received their education in Turkish, necessitating specialized programs to linguistically requalify and integrate them into the Syrian educational system. He affirmed Syria’s willingness to cooperate with ICESCO and benefit from its capabilities and programs to overcome the crises affecting the country’s education system.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties stressed the need to resume joint efforts. Minister Turko extended an invitation to Dr. Salim AlMalik to visit Syria. Dr. AlMalik, in turn, confirmed the initiation of a plan to form an ICESCO delegation under his leadership to visit Syria at the earliest opportunity in order to assess educational and cultural needs on the ground and explore mechanisms for providing effective support.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the annual meeting of the Strategic Vision Group « Russia – Islamic World,» held on Friday, 16 May 2025, in Kazan. The meeting was attended by H.E. President Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, along with a group of high-level officials and decision-makers from the Russian Federation and several Islamic countries, in addition to presidents and representatives of relevant international and regional organizations.
In his address during the meeting, which was held under the theme « The Experience of Russia and the Islamic World in the Field of Youth Policy, » Dr. AlMalik emphasized that over the past five years, ICESCO has implemented a range of innovative initiatives and activities reflecting the Organization’s keen interest in youth, convinced of their crucial role in shaping the present and building the future. He also noted that youth constitute 45% of ICESCO’s staff, which reflects the Organization’s strategic vision regarding the importance of youth participation.
Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s initiatives and programs targeting youth in the Islamic world, notably the ICESCO Year of Youth. He stated that the Organization’s investment in youth is not limited to leveraging their capacities, but also aims to elevate their visions in projects related to AI, the green economy, and the digital transformation of education, with the goal of shaping a generation equipped to meet the challenges of its time and grounded in civilizational values.
Dr. AlMalik announced the launch of four initiatives aimed at strengthening youth cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world: the organization of a youth forum simulating the current Strategic Vision Group meeting; the establishment of a permanent platform dedicated to youth policies to develop joint strategies on entrepreneurship and innovative education; the launch of cultural and diplomatic exchange programs for youth; the implementation of forward-looking research projects by young people to identify major transformations and contribute to building the world of tomorrow.
At the conclusion of his address, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to H.E. President Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and H.E. the President of Tatarstan for their continuous support in promoting cultural dialogue and for their enlightened vision, which has enabled Kazan to play a leading role in fostering understanding among civilizations and to become a beacon of tolerance.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the international ministerial congress held in Kazan on Thursday 15 May 2025, under the theme: “Cultural Dialogue as a Foundation for Maintaining Identity and Diversity in a Multipolar World.” The Congress was attended by ministers of culture from Russia, Indonesia, Somalia, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau and Pakistan, along with representatives from 37 countries.
The congress was held on the sidelines of the 2025 Kazan International Economic Forum, “Russia – Islamic World” and featured opening remarks by Ms. Olga Lyubimova, Culture Minister of Russia; Ms. Leyla Fazleeva, Deputy Prime Minister of Tatarstan; Dr. Walid Hamed Shiltag, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to Russia; Ambassador Turko Daudov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the OIC; and Mr. Al-Hussein Al-Ghazawi, Director of Cultural Affairs at the OIC.
In his address, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that the congress aimed to discuss the evolving cultural landscape, defend and empower culture, and mobilize it as a driving force for peace, dignity, and sustainable development. He highlighted the deep belief of ICESCO in the central role of culture in the development process within its Member States.
Dr. AlMalik explained that this belief is embodied in several pioneering initiatives launched by the Organization, starting with the introduction of the multidimensional “360° Approach to Peace,” aimed to instill the values of peace in societies and public policies. He also mentioned the Leadership Training for Peace and Security Program (LTIPS), which has so far graduated 180 young men and women as peace ambassadors representing 68 countries. Additionally, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s launch of its innovative concept of “civilizational diplomacy.”
Dr. AlMalik noted that ICESCO has become a frontline advocate for the shared heritage of its Member States, as reflected in the establishment of ICESCO Heritage Center in the Islamic World, which has inscribed more than 730 heritage sites on its Islamic World heritage List. He also noted ongoing efforts to update national legislation in the field and support Member States in the removal of properties from the List of World Heritage in Danger. Dr. AlMalik concluded his speech by calling for support for ICESCO’s efforts and initiatives in heritage preservation.
The congress also featured interventions from representatives of ICESCO Member States, who focused on national efforts to support culture as a driver of development, strengthen its role in preserving identity, maintain cultural diversity, and promote coexistence among different cultures. Participating delegations also extended their congratulations to Tatarstan on the designation of Kazan as the 2026 Culture Capital in Islamic World.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Fazli Zon, Indonesian Minister of Culture, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan. The two officials discussed ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Indonesia in the fields of education, science, culture, and heritage preservation and promotion, and examined the programs and initiatives proposed for joint implementation in the coming period.
During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main pillars of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations, as well as its programs and projects on youth and women capacity building, consolidating the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue, countering extremist ideas, encouraging investment in technology, innovation, artificial intelligence and space sciences, spreading the culture of foresight, and enhancing the status of the Arabic language globally.
ICESCO Director General expressed his aspiration to expand the scope of cooperation with Indonesia in the coming period, especially in the field of heritage preservation and promotion, calling for increasing the number of inscribed Indonesian tangible and intangible heritage sites on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List.
For his part, Mr. Fazli Zon stressed his keenness to enhance cooperation with ICESCO given its esteemed status in the Islamic world, pointing out that the Ministry, as part of its new orientations, seeks to protect and promote all forms of heritage, which provides room for enhancing cooperation and joint work with the Organization.
His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan (Russian Federation), affirmed the enhancement of cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). This came during a meeting held on Thursday 15 May 2025, with Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, alongside a number of Ministers of Culture and heads of delegations participating in the Congress of the Minister of Culture of Islamic World Countries, held under the theme:“ Cultural Dialogue As A Foundation For Maintaining Identity And Diversity In The Multipolar World”, convened in Kazan with the participation of 37 countries, as part of the international economic forum Russia – Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2025.
President Minnikhanov expressed his delight at the designation of Kazan as a Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2026, under ICESCO’s Capitals of Culture Program. He emphasized that hosting the Congress of the Minister of Culture of Islamic World Countries is part of the broader efforts to strengthen ties between Russia and ICESCO Member States. He also praised ICESCO’s initiatives in this context and the close and fruitful cooperation between his country and the Organization.
President Minnikhanov further noted that the celebration will include a year-long series of major cultural events and activities. He extended an open invitation for wide participation in these events, which aim to highlight and celebrate the rich civilizational and cultural heritage of the Tatar capital.
For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to President Minnikhanov for the warm reception and generous hospitality. He commended the important role Tatarstan plays in the strategic relations between the Islamic world and the Russian Federation. He also reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to ensuring the success of the Kazan Capital of Culture celebration, which recognizes the City’s longstanding legacy of coexistence, cultural vitality, and steadfast dedication to building bridges between peoples and cultures.
