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The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday, April 11, 2025, to promote cooperation and pool efforts geared towards implementing pioneering initiatives in the fields of the knowledge economy, good governance, digital transformation, and analytical studies on sustainable development.

The MoU was signed at ICESCO headquarters by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Arab States, in the presence of Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Advisor and Director of the UNDP Knowledge Project, and Ms. Ilaria Carnevali, Resident Representative of UNDP in the Kingdom of Morocco.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik commended the distinguished partnership between ICESCO and UNDP, expressing his delight at signing this MoU. In this connection, Dr. AlMalik announced the launch of five ICESCO–UNDP initiatives, namely: the second phase of the ICESCO Skills Academy, “The Learning Sprint”; the joint preparation of a panel on the impact of emerging technologies on the skills of the future, to be held during the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly; a conference of higher education ministers on knowledge capacity-building strategies based on the outcomes of the Global Knowledge Index; a data capacity-building program in the Islamic world; and a joint program to support education in crisis-stricken countries.

For his part, Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari expressed his pleasure at visiting ICESCO and signing the MoU, conveying his keen interest in exploring new horizons for constructive cooperation, in light of the significant development of UNDP activities in the Kingdom of Morocco. This development, he noted, provides wider opportunities for cooperation with ICESCO, especially in the field of artificial intelligence. He also highlighted other areas of cooperation, including exchanging and disseminating experiences to Member States, promoting knowledge-based economies, and developing their competitive potential at the global level.

The MoU provides for building institutional and human capacities in the Islamic world through organizing and implementing training courses and workshops to enhance human capital; co-hosting specialized conferences and forums to discuss pressing global challenges; and preparing joint strategic reports on sustainable development. In addition, it provides for cooperation in data collection and impact assessment to support science-based policymaking and research publishing, including the findings of the Global Knowledge Index and strategic reports on education, science, cultural progress, and knowledge-based economies.

Following the signing ceremony, heads of ICESCO’s sectors and departments gave presentations on key initiatives and projects implemented by the Organization, especially in the areas of youth and women’s capacity-building and skill development, promoting innovation, scientific research, and knowledge dissemination, and investing in science and modern technologies to serve the countries of the Islamic world.

In celebration of World Poetry Day, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, a poetry event at its headquarters in Rabat, with the participation of several poets from ICESCO Member States, under the theme “Poetry, the Voice of Humanity, the Memory of the Earth.” The attendees actively engaged with the event, driven by their passion for poetry and their belief in the power of the word to embody beauty and convey deep meanings.

At the opening of the event, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, welcomed the participating poets, praising the status of poetry as one of the most prominent forms of human expression and as a means of self-cultivation and enrichment of the soul. He highlighted the role of poets as guardians of words that carry strong messages aimed at changing society. He also noted that poetry has a unique ability to influence souls and open horizons for thinking and change.

In a measure intended at strengthening the cultural scene in the Islamic world, ICESCO Director-General announced the establishment of ICESCO’s “Center for Poetry and Literature,” which aims to invigorate cultural engagement in the fields of poetry and literature. He explained that it will be a cultural beacon aimed at intellectual and creative enrichment in the Islamic world and will seek to make ICESCO a global hub for culture and poetry.

During the event, poet Rawda Al-Hajj, an expert at ICESCO’s Culture Sector, moderated the screening of The Bird of Ancient Tales, an ICESCO film showcasing poetry’s enduring presence across all aspects of life. The screening was followed by poetry readings from H.E. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik and Ambassador Khaled Fatah Al Rahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, alongside distinguished Moroccan poets, including Dr. Ahmed Lahrichi, Mr. Khalid Boudrif, and Mr. Othman Hichou. Poets from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, and Senegal also participated via videoconference, contributing inspiring verses that enriched the event.

In conclusion, Ms. Rawda Al-Hajj announced the winners of the Cities of Poems Award, launched by ICESCO to celebrate Marrakech, Shusha, and Benghazi as the 2024 Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World. All participants were honored for their exceptional contributions to the enrichment of Arabic and Islamic poetry and culture.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, Assistant Secretary-General for Media and Communication Sector at the Arab League. The two officials discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of media and communication, particularly ICESCO’s accession as Observer in the Council of Arab Information Ministers.

Held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, the meeting began with Dr. AlMalik expressing ICESCO’s appreciation for collaborating with the Arab League and its various bodies, given its significant role in its areas of expertise. He also highlighted the strong relationship between ICESCO and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), reflected in numerous joint activities and initiatives. He emphasized ICESCO’s belief in the importance of synergy among international organizations working in education, science, and culture.

Dr. AlMalik outlined the Organization’s vision, strategic orientations, and key initiatives across the Islamic world. He also noted the structural updates the Organization has undergone in recent years to align with global developments. Dr. AlMalik explained that ICESCO has adopted a communication-driven approach with its Member States to design programs and initiatives that meet their needs and aspirations.

For his part, Ambassador Khattabi affirmed the Arab League’s appreciation for ICESCO’s pioneering role in its areas of competence within the Islamic world. He praised the Organization’s qualitative updates and developments, which have been reflected in its innovative programs and initiatives. He also emphasized the complementary role between ICESCO and the Arab League within Arab countries.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO’s Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; and Mr. Mohamed Hedi Sehili, Head of the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted a Ramadan Iftar banquet on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, for ambassadors of its Member States accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, along with senior diplomats from the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was also attended by heads of sectors, directors of centers, and department heads at ICESCO.

In his welcoming address, ICESCO Director-General Dr. Salim M. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Islamic world countries in the fields of education, science, and culture. He also conveyed the greetings of ICESCO’s General Directorate and staff to all Member States, expressing his wishes for continued security and prosperity across the Islamic world.

The banquet, which gathered more than 40 diplomats, featured a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran in ten Qira’at (recitations) with well-established chains of transmission to the Prophet (peace be upon him). The evening also included religious chanting and a video presentation of Dr. AlMalik’s poem “Muntaha Amri”, performed by Mahmoud Al-Sayyad.

The second edition of the Scientific Forum “Ramadan Journey into the Depths of the Human Soul” wrapped up on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The event was organized by the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations in Morocco.

The closing session, hosted by ICESCO, featured a lecture by Dr. Khadija Abouzid, Professor of Higher Education at Mohammed V University, Rabat, titled “From the Ark to the Mountain: Nouh’s (Noah) journey between the wisdom of striving and total submission.” The session was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, alongside several ambassadors accredited to Morocco and members of the Group.

The Forum opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a presentation of the poem “Muntaha Amri” (My Ultimate Destination) written by Dr. Salim AlMalik and performed by Mahmoud Al-Sayyad. Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain Al-Jazairy, member of the Group, then delivered an address in which she highlighted the Forum as a product of a distinguished partnership between ICESCO and the Group. She emphasized the shared vision of promoting knowledge, enriching intellectual dialogue, and returning to the wisdom found in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Dr. Al- Jazairy noted that the Forum provided a space for deep contemplation on the meaning of life and an opportunity to rediscover the connection with the Quran, which offers timeless lessons for thought and daily affairs. She stressed that one of the most important lessons from the various lectures was the necessity of instilling a love for the Quran in future generations so that its values are reflected in their hearts and interactions.

Dr. Khadija Abouzid then delivered her lecture, in which she reviewed a series of lessons drawn from the story of Prophet Nouh (peace be upon him). She highlighted the story as one of the best examples of patience — a crucial virtue in human life. She also addressed themes such as dealing with disobedient children, and bring them up properly, as well as the importance of perseverance and resilience, and the necessity of developing skills to face life’s hardships.

Additionally, Dr. Abouzid pointed out the significance of disregard, as demonstrated in the story of Prophet Nouh when he disregarded the disservice of his people. She further emphasized that this is a noble trait that reflects inner strength and its ability to rise above offenses for the greater good.

Lastly, she concluded her lecture by stressing the need to continue striving for closeness to Allah, whether spiritually or through good deeds, without this being limited to Ramadan, and that self-monitoring and accountability are essential to sustaining this spiritual journey.

Following the lecture, Dr. AlMalik awarded Dr. Khadija Abouzid a certificate of appreciation in recognition of her valuable lectures. The event concluded with the recitation of verses from “Al-Kawakib Al-Durriya fi Madhi Khayr Al-Bariya” (The celestial lights in praise of the Best of Creation) by Imam Sharaf Al-Din Al-Busairi Al-Busiri.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), has emphasized that the world is going through a crucial phase marked by rapid changes and unprecedented opportunities. Thus, ICESCO deeply believes that the Islamic world must not only accompany these changes, but drive them forward with a creative and distinctive vision based on proactive leadership, continuous development and a commitment to quality.

This was part of a speech he delivered via videoconference on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, at the preparatory workshop on “Assessing the Maturity of Institutional Innovation” organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in collaboration with ICESCO. The workshop is part of the ministry’s efforts to obtain the accreditation of institutional innovation from the Global Innovation Institute (GInI), and to strengthen its innovation system by complying with international standards.

ICESCO’s DG pointed out that the Organization’s obtaining the “Certified Innovative Organization” certification in 2024 goes beyond mere accreditation. It is the result of a rigorous evaluation process that measures the conformity of the Organization’s strategy with international innovation standards, affirming that Member States’ efforts to achieve this certification are an investment in a promising future, and a clear message to the world that reflects their willingness not only to join the global innovation system, but also to lead and shape it.

For his part, Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, noted that the preparatory workshop is part of Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, which aims to improve the quality of the higher education and scientific research system. He added that the ministry is committed to embedding the culture of innovation in its institutions and meeting international standards of institutional excellence, while taking concrete steps towards institutional accreditation in the field of innovation by global institutions. He also praised ICESCO’s efforts, its constant support to the Member States and its significant contribution to the development of the system of innovation and excellence.