Disclaimer: You are using Google Translate. The ICESCO is not responsible for the accuracy of the information in the translated language .

your opinion

User Feedback

Overall, how satisfied are you about the website?

    Extremely Dissatisfied Extremely Satisfied

    Category: Front Page

    Front Page

    ICESCO publishes fourth issue of its Arabic language journal

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has published the fourth issue of its peer-reviewed scientific journal, ICESCO Arabic Language Journal, which is supervised by the Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers.

    This issue features 10 research papers by experts from Saudi Arabia, Mali, Iraq, Senegal, Yemen, Algeria, Syria, Malaysia, and Türkiye. These papers reflect the journal’s significant scientific presence and diverse perspectives on Arabic issues.

    The issue covers a wide range of topics related to recent developments in Arabic linguistics, literature, and education, demonstrating the language’s vitality and resilience and its capacity to generate knowledge through various approaches and interdisciplinary fields. It also contributes to the enhancement of Arabic teaching for non-native speakers and enriches academic dialogue on current issues.

    The fourth issue is accessible on the journal’s website via the following link:
    https://ijal.icesco.org/index.php/journal
    The ICESCO Arabic Language Journal is published twice a year in June and December. It welcomes contributions from specialist researchers and invites them to submit their research for review and publication by registering on the journal’s electronic platform:
    https://ijal.icesco.org/index.php/journal/index

    ICESCO Holds Panel Discussion on Historical Manuscripts of Kazakhstan

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a panel discussion on the historical manuscripts of Kazakhstan, as part of a series of panel discussions organized by the Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts under the title “Islamic Manuscripts in the World”. This comes within the framework of a scientific initiative aimed at surveying the state of Islamic manuscripts worldwide, gaining precise knowledge of each country’s manuscript inventory, discussing ways of preserving, safeguarding, and promoting them, and exploring means of integrating them into contemporary research within the fields of heritage studies and the humanities.

    The first session of this series was held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, under the title “Islamic Manuscripts in Kazakhstan: Reality and Aspirations”. It was attended by H.E. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Morocco and her country’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO, alongside a number of ambassadors accredited in Rabat, Dr. Ahmed Chaouki Binebine, Director of the Royal Hassania Library at the Royal Palace in Rabat, as well as researchers and specialists interested in the field of manuscript heritage.

    In his opening address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized that the manuscript represents one of the foundational pillars of the history of human knowledge, as its texts intersect intellectual experience with its cultural context, and, through its transmission across generations, it remains a living record of written consciousness and evidence of the formation and development of civilizational identity.

    Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik pointed out that the most recent comprehensive survey of Kazakhstan’s manuscript holdings dates back approximately 35 years, during which more than 5,300 manuscripts preserved in nine institutional libraries were identified. He considered that these data open broad horizons for completing the inventory, re-description, and updating of catalogues.

    The Session was moderated by Dr. Idham Hanash, Director of ICESCO’s Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts, who explained that the launch of this series aims to provide a platform bringing together researchers and manuscript-holding institutions, and to enhance cooperation in the fields of inventorying, documentation, preservation, and valorization.

    Subsequently, Dr. Ikhtiyar Balturi, Director of the Manuscript Studies Centre at the Central Scientific Library in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Dr. Rashid Mukhitdinov, Associate Professor at the Egyptian University of Islamic Culture “Nur-Mubarak” in Kazakhstan, and Dr. Aydingul Haban, Professor at the Department of the Middle East and South Asia at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, delivered academic presentations highlighting the state of Islamic manuscripts in Kazakhstan.

    The speakers also highlighted that the manuscript corpus in Kazakhstan is characterized by linguistic diversity, as it was written in Arabic, Persian, Chagatai, and Turkish, in addition to Old Kazakh, affirming that its study reveals the trajectories of the transmission of Islamic knowledge in Central Asia.

    At the conclusion of the panel discussion, a closed meeting was held bringing together experts from ICESCO’s Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts and the delegation of professors from Kazakhstan to explore avenues for future cooperation on Islamic manuscripts and their sciences in Kazakhstan.

    ICESCO and King Faisal Prize Explore Prospects for Cooperation

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Alsebail: ICESCO stands as influential voice representing Islamic world in culture, education, and science

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail, Secretary-General of King Faisal Prize, on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The meeting discussed prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and King Faisal Prize.

    At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, as well as its key programs and projects implemented across its Member States, particularly those aimed at promoting the values of peace, coexistence, and intercultural dialogue. He also shed light on a set of programs and reference documents adopted by the Organization to consolidate tolerance and dialogue within its Member States.

    For his part, Dr. Alsebail commended ICESCO’s efforts, describing it as an influential voice serving the Islamic world in the fields of culture, education, and science, praising the Organization’s achievements in civilizational communication, foresight and artificial intelligence, media, and Arabic language.

    Moreover, within the framework of strengthening their partnership, both sides discussed the organization of seminars and conferences aimed at advancing the noble objectives of ICESCO and King Faisal Prize in building peace and promoting global harmony.

    The two parties also explored a proposal to launch an award and organize a film festival in the Islamic world, dedicated to works with significant cultural and educational impact, with a view to showcasing the diversity of Islamic cultures and fostering its civilizational narrative.

    At the close of their visit, Dr. Alsebail and his accompanying delegation toured ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector and the library of the Translation and Publishing Center, currently under construction.

    The meeting was attended by several sector heads and center directors at ICESCO, along with Mr. Sami Abdullah Almaqlouth, laureate of King Faisal Prize for Service to Islam in 2025, and Mr. Abdulaziz Aldakhil, Director of Media and Information Technology at King Faisal Prize.

    ICESCO Receives Replica of Rare Manuscript of the Holy Quran Penned by Calligrapher Ibn al-Bawwab

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a replica of a rare manuscript of the Holy Quran penned by Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Hilal ibn Abdulaziz, widely known as Ibn al-Bawwab, from Ms. Ratiba Sefrioui, a retired university professor, in recognition of ICESCO’s pioneering roles in preserving and promoting manuscript heritage in the Islamic world.

    During the meeting, held on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik commended this initiative, describing it as a commendable step towards the protection of manuscripts of the Islamic world. He affirmed that such initiatives, which encourage the dissemination of knowledge, strengthen ICESCO’s efforts to preserve cultural elements from disappearance and deterioration, and to introduce the heritage of Muslim societies and their cultural, scientific, and civilizational contributions.

    For her part, Ms. Sefrioui provided a detailed explanation of the components of the manuscript, which came into her possession from her late brother, Mr. Abdelhay Sefrioui. The manuscript includes an introductory booklet and a translated version of the meanings of some Quran surahs into French. Mrs. Sefrioui praised ICESCO’s role in promoting the civilization of the Islamic world and in raising awareness of the importance of preserving Arab and Islamic identity among future generations.

    The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy ICESCO Director-General, and Mr. Amine Debbi.

    Ibn al-Bawwab is one of the most prominent calligraphers of the third and fourth Hijri centuries. He developed the principles of the Naskh script and established aesthetic proportions governing the components of each letter. He also wrote 64 copies of the Quran, the most famous of which is the only surviving manuscript among the Qurans he penned. It was written in Baghdad in 391 AH and is preserved at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, Ireland, from which the replica donated to the Organization was produced.

    ICESCO Participates in Doha Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Arabic Language Features

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the conference “Artificial Intelligence and the characteristics of the Arabic Language,” organized by the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language in cooperation with the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. The event aimed at exploring the complex relationship between the characteristics of Arabic and AI language models, contributing to the development of an integrated Arab knowledge system in AI related to language.

    ICESCO was represented at the two-day conference, which concluded on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, by Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Head of the Arabic Language Center for Non-Arabic Speakers. He delivered a presentation titled “Teaching Arabic and Artificial Intelligence in Light of Educational Policies,” in which he proposed several recommendations for improving educational and linguistic policies linked to curricula.

    Dr. Hajj also outlined the requirements for integrating AI into Arabic language teaching, including establishing a digital infrastructure, offering necessary equipment, expanding awareness and training programs through seminars and workshops, and the allocation of research grants to support studies related to AI and modern technologies.

    Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Receives ICESCO Director-General in Doha to Discuss Cooperation in Education and Artificial Intelligence

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), at her office in Doha.

    The meeting explored prospects for strategic cooperation in education, human development, and scientific research, with a particular focus on the ethics of artificial intelligence from an Islamic perspective and ways to employ it responsibly in education and cultural upbringing. Discussions emphasized the importance of leveraging AI to strengthen human values, preserve identity, and keep pace with rapid transformations in the knowledge economy.

    Dr. AlMalik presented ICESCO’s renewed vision and implementation strategy, underscoring the need to integrate the Arabic language and Islamic culture into AI ecosystems and enhance their intellectual and ethical presence in digital models and smart learning platforms.

    Her Highness, a global thought leader and a central figure in human development, affirmed that artificial intelligence represents a historic opportunity if grounded in solid ethical principles and a comprehensive human vision. She stressed that education and scientific research form the cornerstone for anticipating and shaping the future. She also highlighted the eminent status of the Arabic language and the importance of promoting it, noting that the completion of the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic marks a new milestone in advancing the language and reinforcing its scientific and cultural presence.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep appreciation to Her Highness for her pioneering role in making education a lever for human development and a bridge to the future. He extended an invitation to Qatar Foundation to visit ICESCO headquarters to discuss ways to deepen cooperation and translate shared visions into impactful, sustainable programs.

    The meeting was attended by Engineer Saad bin Ebrahim Al Muhannadi, Head of the Office of the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation; Dr. Ahmad Hasnah, President of Hamad Bin Khalifa University; and Ms. Abeer Al Khalifa, Head of Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation.

    ICESCO Participates in World Arabic Language Day Celebration at UNESCO Headquarters

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the World Arabic Language Day celebration organized by UNESCO at its headquarters in Paris under the theme “Innovative Pathways for Arabic.” The event was held in cooperation with Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Foundation and attended by several officials and heads of cultural organizations.

    Organized on December 18, 2025, the celebration featured speeches by Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, and Mr. Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Director-General of Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Foundation. Experts and specialists presented research papers on approaches and mechanisms to empower the Arabic language in promoting inclusivity and innovation, and discussed the digital transformation trends impacting the language.

    ICESCO was represented at the event by Dr. Anas Hussam Saeed Al-Nuaimi, expert at ICESCO’s Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, who delivered an address titled “The Role of Influencers and Content Creators in Supporting and Promoting the Arabic Language.” He highlighted the role of youth and purposeful content creators in inspiring the new generation to take pride in their language and culture, and reviewed ICESCO’s key initiatives to engage the youth and build their capacities in this field through forums and awards.

    ICESCO organizes Conference on Role of Sports in Inclusion of Youth and Women and Sustainable Development

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    In conjunction with the finals of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, currently hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held a conference on Monday, December 22, 2025, at its headquarters in Rabat under the theme “Leveraging Sport for Youth and Women Inclusion and Sustainable Development.” The event saw the participation of ministers, academics, and experts in the fields of youth and sports.

    The conference explored ways sports can contribute to strengthening social and economic inclusion, support mental health and well-being, and stimulate new ideas in sports to serve the Sustainable Development Goals and effect real impact on those most in need.

    In his opening remarks on behalf of Dr. Salim AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy DG, noted that the conference aligns with the Organization’s strategy to develop a sports model founded on collective action, institutional collaboration, innovation, and sustainability with the aim of amplifying the social impact of sports, positioning it as a catalyst for youth empowerment and women’s advancement, while reinforcing the principles of citizenship and solidarity.

    Ms. Ramata Almamie Mbay, Head of ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, presented the Organization’s renewed vision, which considers sport a lever for social inclusion, a driver of economic development, and a promoter of social cohesion.

    In her turn, Ms. Khady Diène Gaye, Minister of Youth and Sports of Senegal, confirmed that her country has decided to prioritize sports as a central component of youth-centered public policies. She highlighted Senegal’s active involvement in a process of systemic transformation within the “Senegal 2050” Agenda.

    Mr. Abdelrahman Ajbari, Head of the Division of Youth Institutions at the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, stated that sport in Morocco has become a significant catalyst for development, contributing to the enhancement of governance, training, and infrastructure modernization in the Kingdom. Ms. Laura Bill, UNICEF Representative in Morocco, underscored the pivotal role of sports in fostering inclusion and catalyzing sustainability and innovation.

    In a recorded speech, Ms. Kanizat Ibrahim, Former CAF Vice-President and current member of the FIFA Council, underscored the potential of football to promote youth inclusion, women’s empowerment, and community cohesion. She emphasized the importance of sustainable partnerships and programs that can translate this approach into tangible results.

    The conference featured two panel discussions. The first focused on sport, social and economic inclusion, and its role in youth employment. The second centered on sport, well-being, social cohesion, and sustainability. The conference concluded with a speech by Ms. Kenza Abourmane, Director of Youth at the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco.

    In Presence of Amir of Qatar: ICESCO Director-General Participates in Ceremony Celebrating Completion of Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic Language

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Under the patronage and presence of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the ceremony celebrating the completion of the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. The event took place on Monday, December 22nd, 2025, in Doha, Qatar, with high-level attendance including ministers, representatives of regional and international organizations, heads of language academies, members of the Dictionary’s scientific council, and experts and researchers.

    In his remarks during the ceremony, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that ICESCO is fully committed to supporting the Dictionary, positioning itself as a gateway for this pioneering project to the Arab and Islamic world through a long-term strategic partnership. He noted that the Dictionary holds a unique distinction and excellence, meeting aspirations while anticipating future opportunities and challenges.

    The ICESCO DG praised the patronage of H.H the Amir of Qatar for the dictionary project, which began 13 years ago and involved a select group of experts from across the Arab world. He stated: “The Doha Dictionary is the first of its kind to comprehensively document Arabic words and their meanings.”

    Dr. AlMalik explained that the Dictionary, which includes more than 300,000 entries, represents a unique resource for scholars, students, and researchers. He affirmed that its completion is a milestone in the advancement of knowledge, and reflects the region’s ability to produce civilizational projects with global impact. He concluded his remarks by reciting a poem he composed for the occasion.

    The ceremony also featured remarks by Ms. Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, Qatari Minister of Education and Higher Education; Dr. Azzeddine Bouchikhi, Executive Director of the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language; Dr. Azmi Bishara, DG of the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies; and Dr. Mahmoud Al-Sayed, Head of the Arabic Language Academy in Damascus.

    At the conclusion of the ceremony, H.H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani honored the experts, researchers, and editors who worked on completing the Dictionary project across its various stages.

    The Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language was launched in 2013 by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies in Qatar. The project includes a textual corpus of approximately one billion words. The Dictionary uniquely documents the evolution of Arabic words from their earliest appearances in inscriptions and texts, tracing changes in their forms and meanings within textual contexts and following the language’s chronological development.

    In celebration of World Arabic Language Day, ICESCO Educational Center in Malaysia Organizes Arabic Short Film Contest with Participation of 800 Students

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    As part of the celebrations marking World Arabic Language Day, the ICESCO Educational Center in Malaysia organized a series of educational and cultural activities, including a student contest for the production of short films in Arabic addressing the issue of school bullying, with the participation of 800 students. The celebration program also featured a roundtable on interaction between Arabic and Malay literature, an Arabic calligraphy workshop, an academic lecture delivered by Dr. Hussein Ahmed Al-Rifai of Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates, poetry readings, as well as a festival showcasing traditional Arab cuisine and attire.

    Students from various educational levels and numerous schools and universities across Malaysia entered the contest, held under the theme “Combating Bullying.” The winners of the contest’s three categories were announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday, 18 December 2025. In the university category, the first prize was awarded to the International Islamic University Malaysia team for an educational film that recorded about 400,000 views on TikTok. In the high school category, the Sultan Hishamuddin Religious Secondary School team secured first place, while in the primary school category, the top prize went to the Jelag Fateh National School team.

    The opening ceremony of the celebration, organized with the support of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, was attended by Mr. Haji Afendi bin Sahi, Representative of the Malaysian Ministry of Education; Prof. Dr. Mohamad Farid Ravi bin Abdullah, Vice-Chancellor of the International Islamic University Selangor (UIS); and Dr. Mohamed Nour bin Hussein, Director of the ICESCO Educational Center in Malaysia. The event was also attended by representatives of several Arab embassies in Malaysia and the Oman Research and Studies Center, in addition to a large number of academics, students, and individuals interested in the Arabic language in Malaysia.

    By messaging ICESCO, you agree to our Terms & AI policy
    Alem AI assistant