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The second meeting of the Joint Committee for Coordination and Cooperation between the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) kicked off on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, to review the latest partnership developments between the two organizations and discuss its development mechanisms through the implementation of a number of initiatives and programs for the benefit of the countries of the Islamic world in areas of common interest.

Prior to the beginning of the Committee’s technical meetings, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, welcomed the OIC delegation, led by Ambassador Tariq Ali Bakhit, Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural, Social and Family Affairs, and underlined ICESCO’s willingness to develop the partnership with its parent organization, the OIC, given their common goals and visions aiming at serving the countries of the Islamic world in their respective areas of competence.

He stressed that the cooperation approach between the two organizations is based on newness and continuity, recalling the recent bilateral meetings he had with Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, OIC Secretary General, and their willingness to consolidate the partnership between ICESCO and the OIC.

Moreover, ICESCO Director General reviewed the main successful programs implemented by the Organization for the benefit of its Member States, in the light of its new vision and action strategy. He also hoped that this meeting would be a continuation of the first meeting, held two years ago at the OIC General Secretariat headquarters, in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He also underlined the importance of this meeting in view of the enormous challenges facing the Islamic world, and indicated that the OIC General Secretariat has been working to eliminate the obstacles hindering cooperation between the two organizations.

On behalf of the OIC Secretary General, Ambassador Bakhit presented Dr. AlMalik with the OIC shield in recognition of his efforts in developing the fields of education, science and culture in the Islamic world.

The two-day technical meetings of the joint committee began in the presence of the OIC delegation, as well as the Heads of Sectors and Directors of Centers and Departments of ICESCO, to examine the latest developments in cooperation between the two parties, as well as the proposed programs and projects for the coming period.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a delegation of Saudi youth visiting the Kingdom of Morocco as part of the National Youth Cultural Tourism Program (Cultural Exchange), organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication.

During the meeting, held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed that the Organization attaches special importance to youth, within the framework of its vision and strategic orientations. He further explained that this attention is clearly reflected in the programs, projects and initiatives it implements for the benefit of the youth of the Islamic world, notably, the proclamation of the ICESCO Year of Youth, the program to support youth to create and develop small projects in the fields of technology and innovation, training workshops to design an educational satellite (CanSat), the Young Professionals Program, and the Leadership Training in Peace and Security Program (LTIPS).

The Director General also held an open discussion with the delegation, which included 12 young men and women, touching on topics pertaining to the Organization’s work, including its roles, working mechanisms, and its support for the efforts of its Member States, highlighting the special partnership relations between ICESCO and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik advised the young delegation to take serious steps to prepare themselves for tomorrow’s professions, and keep up with the developments unfolding in the world, especially in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

Prior to the meeting, the youth delegation toured the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO headquarters, in partnership among the Organization, the Muslim World League and the Muhammadia League of Scholars.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), affirmed that the Organization’s new vision and strategic orientations adopt an open, forward-looking approach to sustain the efforts of its Member States in modernizing the fields of education, science and culture, and prioritize building the capacities of youth and training them on leadership for peace to contribute to building a brighter future for humanity and to confront the challenges imposed by the rapid changes and transformations occurring in all sectors.

This was part of a television interview given by Dr. AlMalik to the famous journalist Mikhail Gusman, First Deputy DG of the Russian TASS News Agency, and aired by Russian television via the Russia 24 news channel, as part of the most prominent talk show, which hosts senior officials and decision-makers from all over the world and broadcast by a large number of websites.

During the interview, Dr. AlMalik stated that ICESCO has strong relations with the Russian Federation, which joined the Organization as an observer in 2007, and that both sides cooperate in several programs and projects, including the launch of research chairs in Russian universities in the field of the Arabic language for non-native speakers, and the promotion of relations between the countries of the Islamic world and Russia in ICESCO’s areas of competence.

He further pointed out that ICESCO has made great strides over the past five years in its endeavor to become a global beacon of civilizational and knowledge exchange, stressing that all of the Organization’s initiatives, programs and projects are designed and implemented to serve people, regardless of their gender or religious beliefs, and focus on supporting creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; encouraging investment in technology including artificial intelligence, space science and its applications, and spreading a culture of anticipation.

ICESCO DG touched upon the Organization’s roles in contributing to the development of educational systems in its Member States, supporting scientific research, enhancing the status of universities, and valuing and preserving tangible and intangible heritage through the programs and projects it implements in countries of the Islamic world and beyond in the areas of building the capacities of youth and women and consolidating the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue.

He also stressed that the development witnessed by ICESCO is the fruit of recruiting distinguished competencies in all specializations from around the world, and of rejuvenating the Organization’s staff with more than 41% of ICESCO’s employees are now under 35 years of age, in addition to women assuming 50% of leadership positions in the organization.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) launched its initiative “Read it… to Understand It”, on Tuesday (9 July 2024), as a positive response to the desperate attempts disrespecting the Holy Quran, and bring to light western stances that provide positive views of the Holy Quran, so that non-believers can discover the mercy and guidance of the Holy Quran.

At the close of the International Seminar “The Quran and the West: Towards a Rational Approach”, held at ICESCO’s headquarters, in Rabat, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, announced this initiative, stressing that it is the outcome of a rich consideration of how the Holy Qur’an is dealt with all over the world, by believers, following its teachings and protecting its sanctity, to respectful non-believers, to the rest who build their whole character around their hatred towards the Quran, manifested in behavior that can only described as uncivilized, an ungrounded hatred as they did not even bother to read it and ponder upon its meanings.

Dr. AlMalik indicated that the initiative contents are drawn from proposals received from a number of ICESCO Member States’ National Commissions, and inspired by the constructive scientific discussions put forth during the Seminar, reviewing the mainlines of the initiative, which hinges upon establishing partnerships with Western think tanks and scientific research centers to highlight the richness of the Quran and expose the flimsy grounds of wrongful claims about its teachings, urging governments in the Islamic world to capitalize on cultural diplomacy to accord special attention to addressing Quran-related matters within the spheres of their bilateral and multilateral relations. In this regard, the Organization will provide the Member States with an annual report highlighting trends in dealing with the Holy Quran.

The initiative also encourages Muslim communities in the West, through their religious institutions, to respect national legislations, indicating that ICESCO supports the design of a vision to prioritize according better attention to the Holy Quran in Muslim communities and fostering its presentation in a tolerant, convincing and easy way, exchanging visits between intellectuals in both the West and the Islamic world, especially from among young people, and stressing ICESCO’s willingness to support the translation of the Holy Quran, coordinate between Quranic translation institutions and hold the Conference, Quran and the West, at a periodical basis.

The initiative includes organizing travelling exhibitions equipped with the latest display technologies in major capitals, in addition to advertising campaigns in public squares and transportation means to express the humanitarian and cultural aspects of the Holy Quran, cooperating with relevant parties to provide introductory brochures in several languages, and announcing ICESCO annual Prize for the best applications and proposals presented in the context of urging the (Other) to read and understand the Holy Quran.

The initiative appreciated the positions of European countries regarding the extremist desecration of the sanctity of the Holy Quran, and affirmed ICESCO’s willingness to strengthen its ties with various Western legislative institutions to counter fanaticism and racism.

The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted the first International Seminar “The Quran and the West: Towards a Rational Approach” on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. The Seminar, organized by ICESCO in collaboration with the German Institute for Dialogue and Understanding (Mouatana), was attended by high-profile international figures, several ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, and experts in Islamic studies and Interreligious dialogue.

This Seminar, held in-person and via videoconference, opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by opening remarks of Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Head of ICESCO Center for Civilizational Dialogue, who emphasized the significance of the Seminar’s theme among Muslims worldwide. He noted that the Seminar’s diverse sessions would feature rich contributions from a select group of thinkers, experts, and scholars in Arabic and Islamic studies as well as Interreligious dialogue.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), underscored the profound human impact of the Quran, describing it as the most influential book in shaping the characters and attitudes of its followers toward others. Dr. AlMalik highlighted that the Seminar, as reflected in its title and themes, is convened to promote the welfare of humanity and enhance security, peace, and coexistence.

Dr. AlMalik stated that the West’s representation of the Quran in the Seminar encompasses the entirety of Western civilizational heritage and its manifestations in global human relations and geostrategic implications. Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik presented intellectual perspectives from various orientalists on the eloquence, miraculous nature, and powerful influence of the Quran on the human psyche.

Moreover, ICESCO DG stressed that a rational approach is the optimal way to counter campaigns of defamation against the Holy Quran. He added that this approach requires strict adherence to respecting sacred values and upholding the principles of freedom of expression while balancing it with the rights of others. Dr. AlMalik announced that the Organization would reveal the launch of the initiative “Read It… to Understand It” at the closing of the Seminar, after receiving several proposals from National Commissions in Member States.

In his remarks, Mr. Robert Dolger, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kingdom of Morocco, affirmed the Quran’s significant position in Europe and its highlight of the cultural exchange between different civilizations.

The Seminar proceeded with the main lecture delivered by Prof. Stefan Schreiner, Senior Professor of Religious and Jewish Studies at the University of Tübingen, Germany, entitled “The Evolution of Quran Knowledge in Europe through Translation.” This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Abdelmalek Hibaoui, Head of the Interreligious Dialogue Department at the German Institute for Dialogue and Understanding (Mouatana).

Another session themed “Visions and Ideas,” moderated by Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector, was held with the participation of several experts worldwide.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited, today, Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024, the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center in Muscat, Oman. He was received by Mr. Abdullah Al-Khadoori, DG of Meteorology at the Civil Aviation Authority, which oversees the Center.

Mr. Al-Khadoori and Mr. Nasser Al Ismaili, supervisor of the Omani National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center, provided Dr. AlMalik with an overview of the operations of the Center, which is the first of its kind in the Region, explaining that it focuses on early warning of multiple natural hazards such as cyclones, tsunamis, and floods.

The Omani officials outlined the history and functions of the General Directorate of Meteorology in the Sultanate of Oman and the history of the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center, which was inaugurated on 23 March 2015. They highlighted the Center’s capacities and resources, including 75 surface stations for weather monitoring, two upper air monitoring stations, and five radars that transmit data to the largest computer in the Sultanate. The Officials added that the Center is equipped with advanced devices using the latest global technologies in monitoring and forecasting various disasters by analyzing data to promptly issue weather bulletins and warnings.

Dr. AlMalik praised the information he received about the Center and its operational methods. He emphasized that the climate changes the world is experiencing, which increase the occurrence of natural disasters and result in casualties and economic losses, necessitate the development of prediction and monitoring systems. He highlighted the importance of leveraging significant technological advancements, including artificial intelligence applications and space sciences, in this field.

The DG also noted that ICESCO places great importance on supporting its Member States’ efforts to preserve the environment, address the negative impacts of climate change, and transition towards smart, resilient, and sustainable cities. He stressed the importance of sharing the experience of the Omani National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center with other countries in the Islamic world.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting with Mr. Altynbek Maksutov, Minister of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Kyrgyzstan in culture and youth capacity building to keep pace with the global changes.

The Meeting took place on Friday, June 28, 2024 in Zaamin, Uzbekistan, on the sidelines of the 2nd Maqom Art International Forum, organized by the Uzbek Ministry of Culture over the period spanning from 27 to 30 June 2024. Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s key strategic directions and its commitment to openness and cooperation with all for the benefit of its Member States and Muslim communities worldwide, with a focus on youth and women’s capacity building, and strategic foresight to face emerging challenges.

Mr. Maksutov commended ICESCO’s contribution to developing the fields of education, science, and culture, affirming his country’s keen interest in strengthening cooperation with the Organization.

The Meeting also discussed proposals to deepen the relations between ICESCO and Kyrgyzstan, including the establishment of a committee to implement and follow-up of agreed cooperation programs and projects, particularly in the areas of human resource training in Kyrgyzstan for heritage protection and inscription, and hosting a delegation of Kyrgyz youth for training at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat.

The Meeting was attended by the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan and Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation at ICESCO.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mrs. Aktoty Raimkulova, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, to discuss prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and the Foundation in cultural fields, particularly in heritage preservation and valorization.

The Meeting took place today, Friday, June 28, 2024, in Zomin City, Uzbekistan, on the sidelines of the 2nd Maqom Art International Forum, organized by the Uzbek Ministry of Culture over the period spanning from 27 to 30 June. Dr. AlMalik emphasized that heritage preservation and valorization are at the core of ICESCO’s new vision and strategic directions, given their pivotal importance in achieving sustainable development.

The importance of building strong cooperation between ICESCO and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation was underscored, stemming from the Memorandum of Understanding signed between ICESCO and the Organization of Turkic States on 13 June 2024. This includes implementing programs to train a group of young men and women from Member States of the Organization of Turkic States in cultural and heritage fields, as well as agreeing to hold conferences and seminars in these countries.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the opening ceremony of the 2nd International Maqom Art Forum in the esteemed presence of His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The forum, organized by the Uzbek Ministry of Culture in Zaamin between June 27-30, 2024, features a high-level attendance of 400 participants from around 80 countries.

In his address during the opening ceremony, held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev welcomed the Forum’s guests, underscoring Uzbekis tan’s pride in its cultural heritage, its efforts to preserve and enhance it and its openness to collaboration with international organizations to achieve this goal.

In his remarks, Dr. AlMalik expressed his delight in participating in the forum, highlighting the values that shape the identity, history, and geography of Uzbekistan. These values embody pride, generosity, peace, justice, unity, and national cohesion, reflecting the ambitions and sacrifices of a population that has mastered the art of achieving its dreams and establishing its distinguished stature among rising nations.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik praised President Mirziyoyev’s leadership, which champions the fields of thought, science, and wisdom, and commended His Excellency’s focus on cultural advancement and the enhancement of Islamic civilization, as well as the organization of the Maqom Art Forum. Dr. AlMalik emphasized the honor bestowed upon ICESCO when President Mirziyoyev acknowledged that the Organization is “on the right path, drawing closer to kinship ties and the unifying civilization of our Islamic world.”

Dr. AlMalik also highlighted Uzbekistan’s contribution to the Islamic and human civilization, mentioning notable figures such as Imam Al-Bukhari, renowned for his significant contributions to Hadith sciences; Al-Khwarizmi, the discoverer of algorithms; Ibn Sina, the founder of modern medical science; Al-Biruni, who established the first school of astronomy; and Al-Farabi, whose book, the Virtuous City, is celebrated.

Dr. AlMalik concluded his speech by reaffirming ICESCO’s commitment to deepening its cooperation with all Uzbek institutions in education, culture, and science to preserve heritage and mobilize universities and research centers for a better future.

Following, the musical performances commenced, showcasing traditional dances and songs that introduced attendees to Uzbekistan’s unique cultural heritage.

The International Forum “By Youth For Youth,” organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan and Heydar Aliyev Foundation, concluded its proceedings on Wednesday, 26 June 2024. The Forum witnessed high-level attendance of ministers, officials, representatives of Azerbaijani institutions and bodies, and public figures and saw the participation of 90 young people representing 43 countries inside the Islamic world and beyond.

During the closing ceremony, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), praised the success of the first edition of the Forum, offered guidance to the youth on leadership, and called on them to participate in building a sustainable and bright future for the world.

Speaking next, Ms. Indira Hajiyeva, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, commended the close cooperation between Azerbaijan and ICESCO, which culminated in organizing the Forum over four days in Shusha and Baku.

For her part, Ms. Sanaa Rida, representative of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, reviewed the joint activities held by the youth sector at the Ministry in cooperation with ICESCO. Moreover, Mr. Théodore Adrien Ndiaye, representative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Senegal, praised the Forum’s sessions and topics.

In his remarks, Mamoudou Sall, Assistant DG of the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), lauded the collaboration with ICESCO, particularly in entrepreneurship through the organization of “Innovation Lab for Young Change-Makers,” and affirmed ICDT’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with ICESCO.

Following, three winners were announced among the participants who had proposed innovative projects to promote entrepreneurship, peace-building and climate change mitigation.

In conclusion, Ms. Zarifa Maharramova, ICESCO Ambassador for Peace and Head of the International Relations Department at the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, read the Forum’s final declaration entitled, “Shusha-Baku Youth Action Plan for a Sustainable Future in the Islamic World,” which included a set of recommendations for developing sustainable public policies in peace, well-being, climate change, and entrepreneurship.