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Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a high-level delegation from the International Baccalaureate (IB) on 9 September 2026, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, to discuss the latest developments in their joint project on the “Development of the First ICESCO School Teachers and School Leaders Standards and Practice Instrument for the Islamic World.”

The International Baccalaureate delegation included Dr. Donna Hurrle, Senior Learning Architect; Ms. Kiri Stevenson, Senior Education Systems Solutions Manager at the IB’s office in the United Kingdom; and Ms. Issota Crisafulli, Senior Operations Manager Education Systems Solutions at the United Kingdom Office.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that developing an assessment instrument is an important step toward translating the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations into tangible impact. The Project aims to build the capacities of teachers and educators in educational institutions across Member States in areas including enhancing the quality of education, future skills, and modern technologies. He underscored that the Project will bring real added value to education systems in the Islamic world and beyond.

For its part, the delegation praised the strong partnership between the two organizations and invited Dr. AlMalik to participate in the IB Global Conference, scheduled to be held in Lyon, France, in October 2026.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a joint technical team from ICESCO and IB delivered a presentation on the scope and methodology of the Project as well as the meta-analysis of current international and national professional standards. The presentation also covered the findings of the surveys, mechanisms for developing and validating the assessment instrument, and its role in providing a reference framework to support countries in the Islamic world in strengthening the capacities of teachers and school leaders to adapt to local educational needs.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of a joint technical workshop on the Project, was attended by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector and Director of the Translation and Publication Center at ICESCO, and Dr. Waqas Afridi, Expert at the Education Sector.

A delegation from Oman’s National Records and Archives Authority, headed by Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Dhuhayani, Chairman of the Authority, visited the Sultan Qaboos Library at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.

The delegation was received by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, who expressed the Organization’s high regard for its strategic partnership with the Sultanate of Oman, noting that it has resulted in pioneering programs and initiatives, including the inauguration of the Sultan Qaboos Library at ICESCO’s headquarters last April, with the generous support of the Sultanate of Oman.

Dr. AlMalik accompanied the delegation on a tour of the Library, during which they were briefed in detail on its facilities and specialized knowledge collections, as well as the advanced digital services it offers.

The ICESCO Director-General emphasized that the Library constitutes a distinguished knowledge hub. In its first phase, it houses more than 6,000 print titles, complemented by a digital offering that provides access to nearly 200,000 works through ICESCO’s digital platform. The Library also houses several rare documentary treasures, including a replica of the Holy Quran transcribed in the hand of Ibn al-Bawwab.

For his part, Dr. Al-Dhuhayani commended the Library’s modern facilities and its wealth of knowledge and cultural publications, expressing the Authority’s interest in pursuing cooperation with ICESCO in areas of shared interest.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of the Authority supporting the Library by providing it with national publications and manuscripts.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Maan Al Hafiz, General Supervisor of the Geneva Islamic Cultural Foundation and representative of the Muslim World League to the United Nations in Geneva, to discuss prospects for cooperation between the two sides and ways to build an institutional partnership that serves issues of mutual interest.

The meeting, held on Monday, 7 September 2026, reviewed proposed areas of cooperation, particularly in education, culture, intercultural dialogue, and peacebuilding, as well as the exchange of expertise, participation in seminars, forums, and programs, and the launch of joint initiatives that promote coexistence and mutual understanding and address current challenges.

Dr. AlMalik affirmed ICESCO’s willingness to support the Geneva Islamic Cultural Foundation with its expertise and capabilities, and provide access to the Organization’s experts and competencies, as well as to exchange experiences and best practices, contributing to expanding the impact of joint programs and initiatives.

He noted that Geneva’s position as a hub for international organizations and institutions offers promising opportunities to develop high-quality initiatives with an international dimension and promote the values of dialogue and peace.

For his part, Dr. Maan Al Hafiz outlined the Foundation’s vision, mission, and objectives, as well as its current programs and projects and future aspirations, emphasizing the importance of drawing on ICESCO’s expertise and standing in the fields of education, culture, and dialogue to develop the Foundation’s programs and expand its impact.

The two officials agreed on the importance of establishing cooperation within a sustainable institutional framework and identifying priority areas and programs for the coming phase, in a manner that supports their shared mission and enhances the effectiveness of their initiatives.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. Maan Al Hafiz expressed his appreciation for ICESCO’s efforts and initiatives in serving its Member States, as well as its contributions to promoting intercultural dialogue and fostering a culture of peace, openness, and communication among peoples and cultures.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Nayef bin Abdullah Al-Ajhar, Senior Manager of Saudia Airlines for Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, at his office at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation and prospects for building an institutional partnership between ICESCO and Saudia Airlines.

The meeting, held on Monday, 7 September 2026, addressed opportunities for Saudia Airlines to participate in a number of ICESCO conferences, forums and international events, as well as opportunities to support and sponsor the initiatives and programs implemented by the Organization, particularly those that align with the company’s social responsibility priorities.
The two sides also discussed the possibility of signing a cooperation agreement between ICESCO and Saudia Airlines, which would open up broader prospects for partnership, including designating Saudia Airlines as one of the carriers for ICESCO guests participating in its conferences, forums, seminars and international events.

During the meeting, Mr. Nayef bin Abdullah Al-Ajhar expressed his appreciation for the roles undertaken by ICESCO and the high-impact initiatives, programs and projects it implements across its Member States. He commended the Organization’s impact in the fields of education, science and culture, as well as the cooperation opportunities it offers which align with Saudia Airlines’ objectives and social responsibility programs.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik underscored the importance of building effective institutional partnerships with leading national institutions. He commended Saudia Airlines’ standing and international presence, noting the opportunities that partnership with the airline could offer to support ICESCO’s programs and expand their impact.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik thanked Mr. Nayef bin Abdullah Al-Ajhar for his visit, expressing his hope that the discussions would be translated into practical steps laying the foundations for fruitful cooperation and a sustainable partnership between ICESCO and Saudia Airlines.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a delegation of Moroccan artists on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, to discuss ways and mechanisms for leveraging art and creative industries to advance education and learning, promote the development of science, and raise awareness of the culture of the Islamic world. The meeting came as part of their participation in the Youth Knowledge Forum.

The delegation included Mr. Rachid El Ouali, actor, director and producer; Mr. Youssef Britel, film director and screenwriter; Ms. Sandya Tajdin, actress; and Ms. Faten El Youssoufi, screenwriter and playwright.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s efforts, within the framework of its vision and strategic plan, to engage youth and women by attracting young talents and strengthening women’s capacities across the Organization’s various sectors, departments and centers. He underscored the role of art, in its various forms, in raising awareness of the issues and challenges facing societies around the world.

For their part, the guests expressed their willingness to cooperate with ICESCO in organizing international conferences and seminars aimed at building bridges of communication and fostering the exchange of expertise among artists, media professionals and industry workers.

At the close of the meeting, the delegation toured the ICESCO Studio, which is equipped with state-of-the-art cameras and technologies for recording and media broadcasting, with the aim of enhancing the production of digital content that supports the Organization’s global mission. The delegation also visited the Sultan Qaboos Library and explored its modern facilities and collection of knowledge and cultural publications and references, as well as a number of rare books and documents.
The meeting was also attended by Osama Heikal, Head of ICESCO Media and Communication Sector.