A number of delegations participating in the first international forum of military music, organized by the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces on the occasion of Throne Day, visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, being housed at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and cultural organization (ICESCO) in Rabat. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, received on Friday (26 July 2024), the delegations representing the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Senegal, explaining that the Organization is hosting the Exhibition within the framework of its efforts to showcase the correct image of our true religion, in strategic partnership with the Muslim World League and the Mohammadia League of Scholars.
Afterwards, the visitors listened to explanations about the detailed simulation of the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) through the use of the latest technologies that take the visitor into a real experience to discover the prophet biography.
At the end of the tour, the visitors expressed their happiness to visit this great Exhibition, commending its ways of addressing all categories in a simplified manner through the use of the latest technologies.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Organization for Education, Science and culture (ICESCO), received Dr. Saud Al-Harbi, former Director General of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and former minister of education and higher education of the State of Kuwait. The two parties exchanged views and ideas on the development of action in the educational fields in the Islamic world.
At the beginning of the meeting, held on Friday July 26, 2024, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the key axes of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations, and its programs and projects, especially in the field of education in light of the major global transformations, particularly in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence and the relevant opportunities and challenges in the educational field.
The Director General of ICESCO explained that the Organization is striving to mobilize efforts and encourage commitment to transformation within its Member States towards a new path in education that keeps up with the global developments.
For his part, Dr. Al-Harbi commended the roles played by ICESCO in the development of the fields of education, science and culture in the Islamic world, and provided some ideas and opinions on ways to develop the working methodology of international organizations in the field of education.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is pleased to announce that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is offering to distinguished students from ICESCO Member States 200 scholarships for undergraduate studies (Bachelor) in Saudi universities during the academic year 2024/2025 in all programmes except health studies.
To benefit from these scholarships, candidates should register on the “Study in Saudi Arabia” portal, via the link: https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa no later than Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, and send their application number generated on the portal and their CV to ICESCO at the following email: scecgcs@icesco.org.
Candidates will be selected, in coordination between ICESCO, the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and the host universities, in accordance with the general conditions set by the International Cooperation Agency at the Saudi Ministry of Education, and according to the specific conditions of each university or programme, all of which are detailed in the “Study in Saudi Arabia” portal.
These grants are part of the partnership between ICESCO and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to promote education, innovation and scientific research in the Islamic world, build the capacities of students in Member States, develop their skills to keep pace with tomorrow’s professions, invest in modern technology to advance the field of education, and transfer experiences and expertise in the field of education.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Tarek Ben Salem, Secretary-General of the Arab Maghreb Union, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the Organization and the Union in areas of common interest.
During the Meeting, held today, Tuesday 16 July 2024, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main pillars of ICESCO’s vision and strategic directions, as well as the Organization’s flagship initiatives, programs, and projects currently being implemented to serve its Member States and Muslim communities around the world. This includes areas such as youth capacity building, artificial intelligence, space sciences, promoting values of coexistence and civilizational dialogue, and preserving and appreciating heritage.
The DG pointed out that ICESCO has adopted a new working methodology, based on leveraging the capabilities provided by modern technology to improve its performance and achieve its goals. The Organization has achieved significant accomplishments and successes over the past five years, which have been praised and appreciated by its Member States.
For his part, the Secretary-General of the Arab Maghreb Union praised ICESCO’s roles in its fields of competence, affirming the Union’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with the organization in several programs and projects for the benefit of Member States of both institutions.
Following the Meeting, the DG of ICESCO accompanied the Secretary General of the Arab Maghreb Union on a tour within the Organization’s premises to see the developments and updates in its infrastructure, technology, and work environment. The Tour also included a visit to the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, currently hosted at ICESCO headquarters in partnership with the Muslim World League and the Mohammedia League of Scholars.
The Center of Arabic Language for Non-Arabic Speakers of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has published the third series of the specialized studies in the field of Arabic language for non-Arabic speakers, as part of the “Specialized Studies Project”supervised by the Center.
This 3rd series consists of 10 books authored by a group of experts and specialists in the field of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers from nine countries: Saudi Arabia, Canada, the United States of America, Morocco, Palestine, Algeria, Malaysia, Iraq and Brunei Darussalam.
This series of specialized books aims to strengthen the presence of the Arabic language worldwide, reinforce scientific and educational research, and keep abreast of developments in Arabic language teaching programs and pedagogical tools.
The publications in the 3rd series are titled:
Technological applications and artificial intelligence in second language teaching and learning.
Teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers in Canadian universities, realities and challenges.
Supportive methods to facilitate the acquisition of language skills for Arabic language learners.
Word construction for Arabic language learners, metacognitive strategies and classroom practices.
Communicative competencies: Applications in teaching and learning Arabic for Arabic and non-Arabic speakers, an applied linguistic approach.
Role of mental conceptions in understanding lexical and syntactic significance in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers.
Methodical and sustainable reading of literary texts, advanced level for non-Arabic speakers, an approach in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Application of ChatGPT and its impact on teaching Arabic in Malaysian universities.
Epistemological references in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers.
The cultural question and its impact on Arabic teaching and culture in the Malay Archipelago.
These publications can be consulted and downloaded free of charge from ICESCO website, via the following link: https://icesco.org/0erm
The Arabic Center for Non-Arabic Speakers at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) published the first issue of its peer-reviewed scientific journal for the Arabic language (Alem). The journal reflects the Organization’s keenness to promote the presence of the Arabic language in non-Arabic speaking communities inside its Member States and beyond, with the aim of building a rich body of knowledge, supporting solid specialized research, and fostering research cooperation.
This journal is also intended to serve as a new reference for specialists in the various fields of studies of Arabic, and a repository of remarkable works, both in theory and execution, to benefit researchers in the Islamic world and beyond.
The biannually-published journal (June and December) invites interested researchers and experts to submit their scientific research works for peer-reviewing and publication in its upcoming issues. For more information on the Journal, including latest news, please sign up to the Journal’s website at the link:
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) and the International Islamic University of Malaysia, held a training session, themed, “Robotics for Sustainability: Knowledge Acquisition Program on Tackling Environmental Challenges and Risks with Automation.” The training session was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with the aim of building the capacities of 46 experts, specialists and researchers in finding innovative solutions to harness the potential of renewable energies and improve waste management.
Representing ICESCO, Dr. Adel Smeda, Expert at the Science and technology Sector, gave an address at the opening session of the three-day event, which kicked off on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Dr. Smeda stressed the need to integrate robotics technology in addressing environmental issues, casting light on the key topics to be discussed. These include, he stated, scientific panels moderated by international experts, hands-on activities, and field visits to research centers specialized in the use of robotics and automation technology to contribute to achieving sustainable development.
The session offered a comprehensive overview of the basic concepts in the field of automation and artificial intelligence technology, and discussed the potential of robotics in the field of monitoring climate change. The session also featured practical segments to identify tools and mechanisms to capitalize on modern technology in developing strategies to protect the environment.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted a delegation of 80 participants in the first edition of the Maghreb Education Federation on Thursday, 4 July 2024, at its headquarters. The Open Day brought together university professors and doctoral students from various universities in Europe, the Maghreb, and West Africa.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, outlined the Organization’s mission, vision, strategic orientations, key initiatives and programs in education, science, and culture, as well as the major achievements and transformations it has undergone in its new phase.
Dr. Khalid Samadi, President of the Maghreb Education Federation, provided an overview of the Federation and its objectives, appreciating the delegation’s presence to learn about ICESCO’s areas of competence and its efforts in serving its Member States.
A video introducing ICESCO was then screened, followed by presentations by Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO’s Director-General for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), Dr. Ahmed Al-Banyan, Supervisor of the Education Sector, Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector, and Dr. Youssef Ismaili, Expert at the ICESCO Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers. These presentations covered the working mechanisms of the various sectors and centers within ICESCO, as well as the key programs and projects being implemented.
The meeting concluded with a discussion session between the doctoral students, university professors, and ICESCO representatives.
At the end of the meeting, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa took the delegation on a tour of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO’s headquarters.
On Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, the Islamic World AI Charter for Asia and Middle East Regions Workshop concluded its proceedings. The two-day workshop featured rich discussions and an exchange of ideas among a select group of officials, experts, and representatives of ICESCO Member States. They presented the results of their discussions on the ethical principles of artificial intelligence to be included in the Charter, as well as their proposals for oversight and governance mechanisms to ensure the proper application of these principles.
Participants in this workshop, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman, and in collaboration with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, emphasized the necessity of drafting legal and ethical frameworks to govern artificial intelligence. The participants also stressed the need to carry this out in tandem with building human capacities to use AI and the importance of aligning the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence with international charters, while considering the specificities and values of the Islamic world. Moreover, they called for balancing innovation and scientific research with the protection of individual rights, stressing the importance of awareness-raising and capacity-building.
At the beginning of the second day of the Workshop, held as part of the activities of ICESCO Chair for Artificial Intelligence Ethics at UTAS in Oman and in preparation for the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, gave his remarks prior to the start of the working group discussions, where he underscored the necessity of integrating an ethical value system into the Charter to achieve its intended purpose, with a focus on creativity, individual freedom, and equity.
Dr. AlMalik added that although the application of artificial intelligence across various domains yields substantial advantages, its unethical use poses significant risks, such as its use in preparing research and studies for academic degrees, which represents a form of academic plagiarism and corruption.
In his statement, Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, reviewed the Center’s efforts and methodology in promoting the culture of foresight, foundational principles of methodological analysis, dynamic scenario building, and the use of the Arabic language in this domain.
Speaking next, Dr. Said Bin Salem Jaboob, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UTAS for Postgraduate Studies, Research, and Innovation, stated that preparing the initial draft of the Charter’s articles is a significant step towards establishing a solid framework for AI ethics and governance in Asia and the Middle East.
The second day’s agenda included brainstorming sessions to develop a comprehensive vision for the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence. Experts and researchers were divided into four groups, each discussing multiple scenarios to derive several ethical principles necessary for better drafting of the Charter.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al-Shaibani, Minister of Education and President of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, attended today, Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Muscat, the signing of the agreement for Oman to host the Third Conference of Education Ministers of ICESCO Member States, scheduled for October 2-3 , 2024.
The Agreement was signed by Ms. Amna bint Salem Al Balushi, Secretary-General of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, and Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences at ICESCO.
During the meeting, attended by several Ministry officials, the DG expressed thanks and appreciation to the Sultanate of Oman, represented by its Ministry of Education and National Commission, for the initiative to host the Conference and for preparations made so far to ensure its success.
Dr. AlMalik stated that this conference mirrors ICESCO’s efforts to revamp its ministerial conferences, as it will feature key documents addressing the state of the Islamic world post-Transforming Education Summit, in addition to other key themes such as Green Education, and Girls’ Education, prepared by experts from renowned international universities and research centers.
For her part, Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al-Shaibani praised ICESCO’s efforts in preparing for the Conference, reaffirming her country’s keenness to provide all facilitations to ensure the success of this key event.
The Meeting also touched upon the Conference’s organizational arrangements, with both sides emphasizing the importance of its outcomes, including studies, documents, and recommendations, to emerge as a significant addition to the efforts of Islamic countries in updating their educational systems to keep pace with the rapid global developments and transformations.
