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    Review of final preparations for International Scientific Conference on Imam al-Bukhari in Uzbekistan

    Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a coordination meeting via videoconference with Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov , Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The two parties reviewed the final preparations for the organization of the International Academic Conference: “Jami’ al-Musnad as-Sahih by Imam Bukhari: A Book of an Ummah – Scientific Embodiment of a Civilization of Chain of Narration and Documentation”, which will be held late August in Tashkent, under the high patronage of H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

    The two sides agreed on the organizational arrangements for the Conference, including the reception of guests and participants, amid expectations of the participation of a host of scholars, researchers and representatives of religious institutions from 45 countries. It was also agreed to give a prize for the best three research papers on Imam al-Bukhari and his book Al-Sahih which will be presented during the Conference. The winning papers will later be collected in a documented scientific publication, highlighting the knowledge and civilizational values associated with the heritage of Imam al-Bukhari.

    Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov announced that the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent will be officially inaugurated on the National Independence Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan, coinciding with the International Academic Conference on Imam al-Bukhari. The inauguration ceremony will be attended by H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Dr. Salim AlMalik, and a number of prominent figures from the Islamic world. Dr. Abdukhalikov also revealed that ICESCO will have a permanent office within the Center, as a platform for continuous cultural and scientific cooperation between the two sides in the field of manuscripts and documentation.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik stressed that the Conference will be a valuable opportunity to highlight the scientific and civilizational role of Imam al-Bukhari, and to reflect the importance of chain of narration and documentation in the Islamic heritage stressing the importance of cooperation with Uzbekistan in strengthening common cognitive, cultural and civilizational values.
    For his part, Dr. Abdukhalikov appreciated the partnership with ICESCO, emphasizing that the organization of this international Conference, along with the upcoming opening of the Center of Islamic Civilization, will be a milestone in the process of promoting Islamic cultural identity at the regional and international levels.
    Dr. Abdelilah Benarfa, ICESCO Deputy Director General, and Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector, participated in the meeting from ICESCO’s side.

    Three Winning Technological Projects at Close of ICESCO Youth Training Program in Sierra Leone

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded its program on training youth on setting up and developing small projects in the fields of technology and innovation in the Republic of Sierra Leone. The close of the training program, implemented by ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, in partnership with the Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone, was marked by the announcement of three winning projects, out of the 49 participating teams at the national level.

    During the two-day event, contestants presented their projects before a jury. During his remarks at the opening session, Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at the Sector of Science and Environment, stressed the importance of integrating the youth of the Islamic world in the fields of entrepreneurship, modern technology and innovation to contribute to achieving sustainable development in their communities.

    Winning first place, the Mamawa Muyengay Agric Business team presented their project to integrate and improve the living conditions of youth, women and the elderly in rural areas through building their capacities in the fields of cassava farming. The second place went to Mujehva Plastic and Sand Paving Enterprise, for their projects to recycle plastic to make sustainable pavements, while the third place went to MS Agro Rice Farming, a project dedicated to rice farming in inland valleys to promote best practices in the field of agriculture.

    ICESCO Holds Training Workshop on Sound Art and Critical Thinking in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

    The Culture Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) organized the fourth online training workshop in the “ICESCO Immersive Art” (IIA) series, themed “Listening, Creating, Thinking”. The event explored the intersection of art with scientific and technological research through interdisciplinary approaches that combine creativity and knowledge.

    The opening session, chaired by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO Culture Sector, saw the participation of renowned French Teacher-researcher and composer Mr. Frank Pecquet, who gave a presentation on the philosophical and artistic dimensions of musical sound, and its role in fostering creativity and analyzing sensory environments. His presentation was grounded in creative research methodologies, psychoacoustics, the philosophy of listening, and auditory anthropology.

    The workshop was then facilitated by Ms. Zineb Bougrine, expert at the Culture Sector, and Dr. Amine El Hamami, ICESCO’s external international expert in digital creativity and culture. It included remote participation by specialized researchers, young professionals, and experts from ICESCO national commissions in Member States.

    The discussions revolved around two main themes: the first addressed sound as a medium for artistic and cognitive creativity, while the second focused on the “school of critical perception” as a space for learning and educational transformation.

    It also explored the impact of artificial intelligence on artistic creativity and the authenticity of expression in the digital era. Participants emphasized the importance of rethinking traditional aesthetic concepts by integrating the arts with technology and the humanities, in order to develop more inclusive and adaptable cultural policies that meet the needs of contemporary societies, especially in the fields of education and artistic training.

    This workshop aligns with ICESCO’s vision to reposition culture as a driving force for comprehensive development and a means of strengthening social cohesion, through the adoption of innovative and open cultural models that respond to the aspirations of future generations amid rapid digital transformations.

    ICESCO Receives Student Delegation from Duke University in the United States

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) received a student delegation from Duke University—one of the most prestigious universities in the United States—on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, as part of its efforts to promote cultural dialogue and academic exchange with leading international academic institutions.

    Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, welcomed the delegation and delivered an address highlighting the Organization’s mission, strategic objectives, and role in supporting its Member States and strengthening international cooperation.

    For his part, Mr. Mohammed Hedi Shili, Head of Legal Affairs and International Standards at ICESCO, emphasized Duke University’s global reputation and its excellence in education and scientific research.

    Professor Mbaye Bashir Lo, faculty member at Duke University and Director of the “Duke in the Arab World” Academic Program, gave an overview of the university and its history, noting that it currently ranks sixth among top U.S. universities in terms of academic excellence and research output.

    Moreover, Dr. Said El Hassan, Director of Studies and Research at the Khalid El Hassan Foundation in the Kingdom of Morocco, emphasized that the visit was organized as part of a tailored academic program for the visiting students. He highlighted the academic cooperation between the Foundation and Duke University, and expressed his appreciation to ICESCO for its warm welcome.

    ICESCO experts also delivered presentations on the Organization’s key programs and initiatives in education, science, and culture, as well as its ongoing efforts to empower youth and promote civilizational dialogue.

    The visit concluded with a tour of ICESCO’s Mishkat Hall, where Dr. Adel Bouraoui, Advisor to the ICESCO Director-General, presented an overview of the Mishkat training programs, which focus on enhancing Arabic language proficiency among non-Arabic speakers.

    ICESCO Honors Graduates of Its Training Program on Civilizational Diplomacy and the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Conflict Resolution

    As part of the cooperation between the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), represented by its Center for Civilizational Dialogue, and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Chair at the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez (UEMF), ICESCO headquarters in Rabat hosted, on Monday, 2 June 2025, a graduation ceremony for trainees who successfully completed a specialized training program on civilizational diplomacy and its role in conflict resolution using artificial intelligence tools and techniques.

    The ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General; Dr. Abdelhak Azzouzi, President of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Chair; Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue; along with a number of ICESCO heads and program trainees.

    The event opened with remarks by Ambassador Fathalrahman, who highlighted the strength of ICESCO’s ties with international institutions and organizations, and the importance of such partnerships in developing the skills of youth and those involved in dialogue and civilizational diplomacy.

    In his remarks, Dr. Benarafa underscored ICESCO’s commitment to developing advanced tools that serve the Islamic world in addressing growing challenges, particularly in the fields of civilizational dialogue and intercultural communication.

    For his part, Dr. Azzouzi emphasized the importance of promoting religious and cultural diversity among postgraduate students specializing in law and conflict resolution, noting the need to integrate this dimension into academic curricula.

    In his remarks, Dr. Abdelfettah Belamchi, Director of the Moroccan Center for Development and Parallel Diplomacy (CMDPDC) in Rabat, commended ICESCO’s efforts to institutionalize the concept of civilizational diplomacy and praised the publication of its new book titled Civilizational Diplomacy: A New Concept.

    Furthermore, Mr. Mohammed Hedi Shili, Head of Legal Affairs and International Standards at ICESCO, stressed the importance of such training programs in establishing a clear legal methodology for trainees, and called for the adoption of an ethical code on artificial intelligence to ensure its responsible use, warning against risks associated with bias in AI applications.

    Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah, Advisor to the ICESCO Director-General, affirmed the added value of these training programs, which yield direct benefits for participants and contribute to fostering a culture of dialogue and enhancing effective communication.

    The ceremony concluded with remarks by Dr. Mohammed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, who shed light on the evolution of civilizational dialogue and its close connection to civilizational diplomacy, affirming that constructive intercultural dialogue is key to success and positive global impact.

    ICESCO Mourns the Passing of Abdelhak El Mrini, Historian of the Kingdom of Morocco

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has learned with great sadness of the passing of Dr. Abdelhak El Mrini, Historian of the Kingdom of Morocco and former Royal Palace Spokesperson, on Monday evening, 2 June 2025, at the age of 91.

    On this sorrowful occasion, ICESCO’s Director-General, leadership, and staff extend their deepest condolences to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, to the family of the deceased, and to the Moroccan people. They beseech Allah Almighty to shower him with mercy and grant him a place in Paradise.

    Renowned for his distinguished scholarly and intellectual contributions, Dr. El Mrini was one of the prominent figures in Moroccan thought, history, and literature. He held several high-ranking positions, most notably Director of Royal Palaces, Honors, and Decorations.

    Born in 1934 in Rabat, Dr. El Mrini distinguished himself early on in the fields of education and research. He earned several advanced degrees in Morocco and France, including a PhD in Literature. His pioneering works include The Moroccan Army Throughout History, Jihad Poetry in Moroccan Literature, and Introduction to the History of Modern Morocco.

    Dr. El Mrini maintained a special relationship with ICESCO, participating in several of its cultural and intellectual events. He was a distinguished guest in ICESCO’s Ramadan series Ramadan Whiffs and Intellectual Sparks in 1443 AH / 2022 AD, where he delivered a lecture titled Highlights about Tea in Morocco. He was also a regular attendee at the ICESCO Cultural Forum, alongside leading intellectuals, underscoring his esteemed status in the Moroccan and Islamic cultural spheres.

    May Allah have mercy on the departed. To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.

    ICESCO Participates in AfDB’s 60th Annual Meetings in Côte d’Ivoire

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the 60th Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB), held in Abidjan, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, from May 26 to 30, 2025. The Organization was represented by Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey, Head of the Education Sector, and Mr. Omer Hamid, Head of the Strategic Partnerships Division.

    On the sidelines of the meetings, the ICESCO delegation held bilateral talks with senior officials from the African Development Bank, including Dr. Hendrina Doroba, Manager of the Education and Skills Development Division, and Mr. Joel Molel, Principal Resources Mobilization and Partnerships, RDNG. Discussions focused on ways to strengthen cooperation between the two parties, in line with ICESCO’s 2026–2030 Strategy and the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033).

    These meetings resulted in a preliminary agreement to sign a Letter of Intent in the near future, which would enable ICESCO to act as an executive partner in Member States common to both institutions—particularly those facing challenges due to conflict or institutional fragility. The agreement also includes the immediate launch of several priority projects in the fields of education, water and sanitation, regional capacity building, and skills development.

    The two sides also explored the possibility of developing medium- and long-term strategic joint projects to be implemented on the ground, with ICESCO contributing to the financing of selected project components, thereby enhancing their effectiveness and generating tangible impact in Member States.

    At the conclusion of the meetings, both parties agreed to establish a procedural pathway for drafting a new cooperation framework, to be presented shortly to the leadership of both institutions for approval and adoption. This step is expected to mark a new phase in the cooperative relationship between ICESCO and the AfDB, in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals across Africa and in Member States.

    ICESCO Celebrates World Day for Cultural Diversity

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) celebrated the World Day for Cultural Diversity by holding a virtual meeting of its International Network of Chairs for Thought, Heritage, Literature, and Arts. The event brought together the directors of ten academic chairs based in Paris, Berlin, Porto Alegre, Tunis, Rabat, Dakar, Beirut, and Geneva, along with a select group of academics and intellectuals from around the world.

    During the opening session, held on 21 May 2025, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, affirmed that the meeting served as a unique intellectual platform that reinforces the Organization’s international presence and reflects its commitment to promoting cultural diversity and fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples. Dr. Zinelabidine emphasized the central role of culture in building cohesive and safe societies.

    The chairs’ directors presented a range of projects and research activities carried out during the year and offered comprehensive assessments of their experiences and intellectual contributions on issues of multiculturalism, thought, heritage, and identity. They also discussed ways to overcome cultural and religious misunderstandings in pursuit of a more peaceful and inclusive future.

    The meeting was moderated by Ms. Zineb Bougrine and Mr. Frédéric Jambu, experts from the Culture Sector, alongside Dr. Bouazza Benachir, Professor at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh. They outlined the principles underpinning ICESCO’s vision for strengthening cultural cohesion and coexistence, underscoring the Organization’s growing international stature as a reference in this field.

    The event also featured the launch of ICESCO’s new publication, The Critical Dictionary of the Cultural Unthinkable , a five-volume encyclopedic work comprising 60 essays by thinkers and artists from 40 countries. The contributions address global cultural observances celebrated by ICESCO, such as the International Day for the Future, World Philosophy Day, and International Women’s Rights Day.

    ICESCO Director-General Meets with Ministers of Culture and Education, and Chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee in Tajikistan

    Discussions focused on heritage preservation, green education, and climate change action

    On the sidelines of the International Conference on Glacier Preservation, held in Dushanbe from 29 to 31 May 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a series of bilateral meetings with Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture, Minister of Education and Science, and Chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee, to explore avenues for strengthened cooperation in cultural heritage protection, environmental education, and sustainability.

    The first meeting, held with Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture, Ms. Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, discussed ways to further strengthen the existing cooperation in the field of preserving and documenting Tajik heritage. The two parties agreed to implement joint programs and initiatives in the fields of environmental culture, arts and literature, and supporting Tajik traditional industries, in continuation of the recent achievements made by the two parties, including the inscription of about 20 sites on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Lists and the holding of several national workshops for workers in the field of heritage preservation.

    The ICESCO Director-General also met with Mr. Rakhim Hamro Saidzoda, Tajikistan’s Minister of Education and Science, discussing support for ICESCO’s “Greening Education” initiative, cooperation in teacher training, integration of artificial intelligence technologies in the educational process, and youth skills development to prepare them for tomorrow’s professions through joint programs and projects. Dr. AlMalik appreciated Tajikistan’s efforts aimed at strengthening its educational system and expressed ICESCO’s support for expanding cooperation in the fields of scientific research and innovation.

    In the bilateral meeting with Mr. Sheralizoda Bahodur, Chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee, the two parties agreed to prepare a document on the protection of glaciers and submit it to the upcoming Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World, given that these rivers are located in nine ICESCO Member States and have a direct impact on food and water security. They also stressed the importance of integrating topics related to climate change into school curricula, training teachers and enhancing their competencies, involving youth in environmental issues, and promoting community awareness of climate issues.
    Dr. AlMalik expressed ICESCO’s willingness to support Tajikistan’s environmental goals. Mr. Bahodur commended the Organization’s efforts geared towards confronting climate change in the Islamic world.

    The meetings were attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku.

    Grand Ceremony Marks Celebration of Samarkand as Culture Capital in the Islamic World

    The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan organized, on Tuesday, May 26, 2025, a major ceremony on the occasion of the celebration of Samarkand as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2025. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, along with a number of dignitaries, ambassadors, and Ministers of Culture of ICESCO Member States.

    The ceremony opened with a field tour of the traditional handicrafts areas in the historical city of Samarkand, where guests were introduced to ancient heritage industries, notably plant-based papermaking, high-end traditional handmade knives, and decorative pottery—all reflecting the authenticity of the city’s crafts.

    Following the tour, H.E. Minister Nazarbekov accompanied the visiting delegation to a dinner reception, followed by an art show featuring a host of local artists and musicians. The show included traditional dances performed to the tune of folk music and highlighted the colorful and intricate designs of Samarkand’s traditional garments.

    In a special feature, the Uzbek Minister of Culture presented one of his famous songs, a performance received with admiration by the attendees. Prior to assuming his ministerial position, Mr. Nazarbekov was one of the country’s renowned singers.

    The ceremony concluded with a fireworks display that lit up the sky of the historic city. The spectacle brought together locals and visitors alike in a celebration aimed at highlighting Samarkand’s civilizational status as a cultural and historical hub throughout history.

    The celebration of Samarkand is part of ICESCO’s Programme for Culture Capitals in the Islamic World, which aims to promote cities known for their rich cultural and civilizational heritage. It also seeks to enhance these cities’ presence on the global cultural scene by offering a platform for cultural and artistic exchange among peoples and an opportunity to highlight the contributions of Muslim cities in advancing human civilization.