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    Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World Concludes with Jeddah Declaration on the Impact of Culture on Development

    Dr. Salim AlMalik: Culture remains the cornerstone and enabler of sustainable development.

    The 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and hosted by the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on 12-13 February 2025, concluded its proceedings with the issuance of the Jeddah Declaration on the Impact of Culture on Social and Economic Development.

    The Jeddah Declaration reaffirmed that culture is a fundamental pillar in building societies, strengthening national identity, and driving economic and social growth. It underscored culture’s central role in addressing contemporary issues and emphasized the need for greater awareness and recognition of cultural rights. The Declaration called for broad efforts to promote access to culture, including training programs, support for high-quality cultural production, and initiatives to enhance public understanding of cultural rights.

    Moreover, the Declaration urged intensified efforts to protect the Islamic world’s cultural heritage, particularly in Palestine, given the ongoing attacks on its heritage by occupation forces. The Declaration stressed that safeguarding heritage is a global responsibility.

    The Declaration emphasized the vital role of cultural institutions in addressing climate change, stressing the need to empower them to mitigate its effects, manage and protect cultural properties against environmental risks, and ensure their long-term sustainability.

    Regarding cultural policies, the Declaration reaffirmed the commitment of Member States to strengthening social cohesion through culture and advancing efforts to integrate culture into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Declaration concluded by endorsing Saudi Arabia’s bid to host MONDIACULT 2029 and commending its Initiative to Enhance the Restitution of Cultural Properties in the Islamic World.

    In addition to the designation of Baghdad and Kazan as cultural capitals in the Islamic world for 2026, the final day of the Conference saw the adoption of key documents and initiatives presented by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and ICESCO’s General Directorate. These included:

    • ICESCO’s Report on Cultural Achievements
    • The Report of the Islamic World Heritage Committee
    • The Report of the 19th Meeting of the Consultative Council for Cultural Development
    • ICESCO’s Programme on Cultural Rights and the Right to Culture in Islamic World Countries
    • Saudi Arabia’s Initiative to Enhance the Restitution of Cultural Properties in the Islamic World
    • The Report on Heritage Sites in Danger in the Islamic World
    • The Report on the Digitization of Bilingual Dictionaries
    • The Report on the Historical Illustrated Dictionary of Arabic Calligraphy

    While chairing the closing session, Mr. Rakan bin Ibrahim Al-Touq, Assistant Minister of Culture of Saudi Arabia, delivered a speech on behalf of Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture. Mr. Al-Touq thanked ICESCO for its valuable cooperation and successful organization of the Conference, which was marked by key decisions and initiatives highlighting the significant role of culture in development.

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, delivered a closing address in which he praised the Conference’s insightful discussions and contributions. Dr. AlMalik highlighted how these exchanges reflected the attendees’ strong commitment to partnership, cooperation, and consensus—values deeply rooted in the Islamic world’s civilizational heritage. This spirit, he noted, was evident in the Conference’s resolutions and outcomes, which are designed to shape a forward-looking future. Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed that culture remains the cornerstone and enabler of sustainable development.

    In conclusion, the Ministers of Culture in the Islamic world extended their deepest gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may Allah protect them, for Saudi Arabia’s generous hospitality and for hosting the Conference.

    ICESCO Director-General Holds Series of Meetings at the Opening of the Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World in Jeddah

    Dr. AlMalik Holds Talks with the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Six Ministers

    During the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, held on 12–13 February in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), led a series of meetings with ministers of culture and senior cultural officials on the conference’s opening day.

    First, Dr. AlMalik met with Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. He praised Mr. Moratinos for his active participation in the conference and his insightful opening address. The two explored collaborative projects—such as jointly organizing conferences and events—and stressed the importance of reinforcing efforts toward peace, mutual respect, and the promotion of coexistence, as well as interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

    Next, Dr. AlMalik engaged with Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. They focused on celebrating contemporary Islamic art and representing Islam through a modern cultural framework. Both leaders agreed on the need for joint initiatives, especially those aimed at youth, aligning with ICESCO’s new vision.

    Following that, Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, to advance efforts to inscribe Egypt’s diverse historical sites and cultural elements on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating on future projects and activities.

    Dr. AlMalik also discussed the establishment of a committee with Mr. Nazarbekov Ozodbek Akhmedovich, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The committee will oversee arrangements for celebrating Samarkand as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2025, as part of ICESCO’s Program for Capitals of Culture. They explored practical avenues for collaboration to ensure the success of this initiative, which aims to showcase Samarkand’s rich cultural heritage.

    Then, Dr. AlMalik met with Mr. Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, where both stressed their shared commitment to expanding cooperation and executing cultural programs that advance sustainable development.

    Additionally, Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Henry Ori, Minister of Education, Science, and Culture of the Republic of Suriname, to explore ways to strengthen the capacities of professionals in culture and heritage preservation through specialized training programs. He also invited Dr. Ori to send a delegation to ICESCO’s headquarters to gain deeper insights into the organization’s operations, thereby fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.

    Later, in his meeting with Mr. Khalid Ali Aleisir, Sudanese Minister of Culture and Information, Dr. AlMalik commended the strong cooperation between ICESCO and Sudan. They discussed strategies to mitigate the war’s impact on Sudan’s cultural sector—focusing on restituting cultural property and preserving national identity—while emphasizing the importance of exchanging expertise to support these initiatives.

    Finally, Dr. AlMalik concluded the day by meeting with Mr. Ahmed Karim Aleyawi, Director-General of the House of Iraqi Manuscripts. They explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation in heritage preservation and valorization, and discussed the potential nomination of Baghdad as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World. Dr. AlMalik reiterated ICESCO’s support, highlighting the rich and diverse heritage of Iraqi civilization.

    ICESCO and Saudi Ministry of Culture Sign Three Agreements on Arabic Calligraphy, Cultural Heritage, and Creative Capacity Building

    As part of ongoing efforts to enhance cultural cooperation and preserve heritage, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has signed three executive agreements with the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Heritage Commission of Saudi Arabia.

    These agreements focus on documenting the art of Arabic calligraphy, supporting the inscription of cultural heritage, and developing the creative capacities of individuals across the Islamic world.

    The signing took place alongside the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, held in Jeddah.

    The first executive agreement, signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Mr. Rakan bin Ibrahim Al-Touq, Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture, aims to document the evolution of Arabic calligraphy across different historical periods with contributions from experts and specialists in the field. This initiative will also involve collecting manuscripts, inscriptions, and artistic works, while a joint task force from ICESCO and the Saudi Ministry of Culture will oversee its implementation.

    The second executive agreement, also signed by both parties, seeks to support intellectuals, writers, and artists across the Islamic world. Under this initiative, ICESCO and the Saudi Ministry of Culture will provide specialized training to enhance creative skills, offer opportunities for participation in regional and international cultural and artistic events, and establish platforms for cultural and intellectual exchange.

    Regarding the third executive agreement, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik signed the agreement with H.E. Hamid bin Mohammed Fayez, Saudi Deputy Minister of Culture. This program, to be implemented over three years, aims to build capacity for nominating and inscribing historic sites on ICESCO’s cultural heritage lists.

    Under this agreement, both parties will coordinate with ICESCO Member States to nominate specialists for participation in training programs, develop training materials, provide experts, and establish mechanisms for selecting trainees and speakers. Additionally, an awareness campaign will be launched to promote the programs and highlight its outcomes.

    It is worth noting that the signing of these three executive agreements is part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between ICESCO and the Saudi Ministry of Culture in 2022, which aims to strengthen cultural cooperation, preserve heritage, and support creativity across the Islamic world.

    The 13th Conference of the Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World Kicks Off with High-Level Attendance

    With the esteemed presence of His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan AlSaud, Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World kicked off on Wednesday, 12 February 2025. The event, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), is hosted by Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Culture, under the theme “The Impact of Culture on Socio-Economic Development.” The Conference brings together broad participation by ministers of culture and delegations from ICESCO Member States, alongside heads of several regional and international cultural organizations.

    The opening session began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an address from His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan AlSaud, expressing Saudi Arabia’s pride in presiding over the 13th Conference of the Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, which aims to enhance joint cultural efforts and promote culture as a fundamental pillar in achieving socio-economic development.

    The Saudi Minister of Culture reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for ICESCO’s efforts in empowering intellectuals and writers from Islamic countries by enhancing their presence in various cultural events and research projects. He also expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the Member States in ensuring the success of this session and the projects and initiatives that will emerge from it, emphasizing the importance of continuing efforts to strengthen joint cultural work.

    Dr. Ghanim bin Mubarak Al-Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Qatari Ministry of Culture and Chair of the previous Conference session, reviewed Qatar’s dedicated efforts during its presidency of the Conference to achieve the cornerstones of the Doha Declaration on the Renewal of Cultural Action in the Islamic World, which formed a fundamental reference in protecting, preserving, valuing, and digitizing heritage. He further stressed that cooperation is the best way to achieve success and the key to ensuring a strong and sustainable role for culture in our societies and global civilization.

    In his remarks, His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, emphasized his commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Islamic world to contribute to cultural and sustainable development. He praised ICESCO’s endeavors in preserving and promoting Islamic heritage through its various programs and initiatives, particularly in inscribing tangible and intangible heritage sites on heritage lists and assisting Member States in obtaining global heritage recognition. He also highlighted Tatarstan’s keen interest in ICESCO’s Capitals of Culture Program.

    For his part, Mr. Hissein Ibrahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), commended the Conference’s theme, which underscores the importance of culture as a driving force for comprehensive development in the Islamic world and its effective role as a soft power that bridges cultures and showcases human values. He pointed out that culture today extends beyond self-expression and national identity to influence the economic identity of countries, which makes it imperative to support cultural and creative industries and be part of the broader vision to promote the culture of the Islamic world and renew its content.

    Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, stressed the need to focus on the role that culture can play in achieving sustainable development across economic and social domains and in fostering peace and civilizational dialogue, emphasizing that diversity and plurality are essential elements in achieving global peace. He also outlined the efforts and initiatives undertaken by the Organization to promote lasting peace.

    The opening session concluded with remarks by Dr. Salim AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, in which he expressed the Organization’s honor in holding this historic gathering in Saudi Arabia, stating that the Kingdom has “raised high the banner of culture, and by the hands of its youth, charted a course that commands admiration.” He further extended his deep gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its efforts to successfully arrange the hosting of the Conference.

    ICESCO Director-General Meets with the President of Tatarstan in Jeddah

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with H.E. Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, to discuss prospects for strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and Tatarstan in areas of shared interest. The meeting also explored the possibility of designating Kazan as a Capital of Culture in the Islamic World.

    The meeting took place on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the 13th Conference of the Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, which is being held on February 12–13. Discussions focused on ICESCO’s support for Tatarstan’s nomination of Kazan as a Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, the establishment of a committee to oversee the meticulous organization of this designation, and joint efforts to ensure the success of activities and programs celebrating this historic city in 2026.

    President Minnikhanov expressed his pleasure in attending the Conference, stressing the strong historical, cultural, and heritage-based ties between Tatarstan and the Islamic world. Furthermore, he welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with ICESCO in celebrating Kazan as a Culture Capital. Additionally, President Minnikhanov extended an invitation to Dr. AlMalik and a delegation from the Organization to attend the upcoming edition of the “Russia–Islamic World” KazanForum.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep appreciation for President Minnikhanov’s acceptance of ICESCO’s invitation to attend the Conference in Jeddah, and praised the President’s address during the opening session, which underscored Tatarstan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Islamic world and contributing to cultural development and sustainable growth. Dr. AlMalik also highlighted the exemplary partnership between ICESCO and Tatarstan, which serves as a distinguished model contributing to the Islamic world’s cultural heritage.

    The meeting was attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, and Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Sector of Media and Communication.

    ICESCO and USMS Sign MoU to Promote Teaching Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Sultan Moulay Slimane University (USMS) in Beni Mellal, Kingdom of Morocco, signed a three-year memorandum of understanding at the Organization’s headquarters on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in education, culture, and scientific research, especially in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers.

    The MoU includes several areas of cooperation, mainly leveraging the expertise of ICESCO’s Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers and USMS’s center, which focuses on the same field, to support Arabic language proficiency for non-Arabic speakers. It also includes organizing joint scientific conferences, peer-reviewing, and publishing scientific publications.

    Moreover, the MoU aims to support, develop, and publish studies and research on the Arabic language, and enhance its global and regional standing and presence.

    The two parties agreed to exchange scientific and technical expertise, share linguistic and cultural data, and organize educational forums and training workshops. A joint committee will be formed to oversee planning, follow-up, and evaluation, with regular meetings in Rabat and Beni Mellal to coordinate projects. The MoU also allows for additional agreements to expand cooperation based on evolving needs and objectives.

    ICESCO and ITFC Sign MoU to Strengthen Cooperation in Jeddah

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in capacity development and skills enhancement to support entrepreneurship and start-ups.

    The agreement also includes implementing joint initiatives in agriculture and environmental sustainability, as well as promoting the employment of science and technology to address social and economic challenges. Additionally, it focuses on knowledge transfer and the exchange of experiences among Member States.

    The MoU was signed on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, at ITFC’s headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Mr. Nazeem Noordali, Chief Operating Officer at ITFC, in the presence of several officials from both sides.

    In his remarks, Dr. AlMalik welcomed the signing and emphasized ICESCO’s rapid progress over the past five years. He highlighted the Organization’s key programs and initiatives, including the development of the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence and its extensive efforts in preserving Islamic heritage and safeguarding cultural identity. He reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to transparency in working with Member States to address their needs effectively.

    For his part, Mr. Nazeem Noordali welcomed Dr. AlMalik and the ICESCO delegation to ITFC’s headquarters, commending their visit. He emphasized ITFC’s significant role in financing projects that drive economic development across the Islamic world and highlighted its commitment to effective collaboration with ICESCO in areas of mutual interest to achieve shared objectives.

    Under the terms of the MoU, the agreement seeks to establish a framework for cooperation in implementing joint initiatives and programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and start-ups, particularly those targeting youth and women. It also aims to bridge the skills gap in the labor market, especially for vulnerable groups, while leveraging scientific and technological solutions in agriculture, food security, and food waste management as mechanisms for sustainable economic growth.

    Additionally, the MoU focuses on enhancing the capacities of Member States to address climate change and promote environmental sustainability through education, innovation, and green technologies, while encouraging knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices between the Member States of both parties.

    ICESCO and the Egyptian National Commission Organize a Training Workshop on Media Literacy Skills

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in collaboration with the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, is organizing a training workshop titled “Training on Media Literacy Skills.” The workshop, taking place from February 10 to 12, 2025, at Ahram Canadian University in Cairo, aims to benefit approximately 100 university and pre-university students. Its goal is to introduce the concept of media literacy, train participants in critically analyzing media content, and equip them with skills to detect and counter misinformation.

    Under the patronage of Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Head of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, the training covers several key topics, including plagiarism, different types of misleading and fake content on social media, cyberbullying, and social stigma against various communities, as well as image and video manipulation through artificial intelligence. Additionally, the workshop will provide insights into the fundamentals of media production.

    During the opening session, Dr. Ramy Magdy, Assistant Secretary-General of the Egyptian National Commission for ICESCO, emphasized the importance of digital media and technology in shaping the cultural and intellectual identity of societies.

    He further noted that verifying and critically analyzing information amid the overwhelming flow of digital content is a crucial challenge, stressing that media and information literacy is not just a technical skill but a protective shield against manipulation.

    Dr. Inas Abou Youssef, Dean of the Mass Communication Faculty, Ahram Canadian University, also underscored the necessity of media literacy in addressing the growing challenges of the digital era. She pointed out that the vast amount of daily information disseminated through traditional and digital media necessitates the development of content analysis skills, fact-checking abilities, and critical thinking, particularly among youth.

    Consultative Council for Cultural Development in the Islamic World Holds Its 19th Meeting in Jeddah

    The Saudi Ministry of Culture hosted the 19th Consultative Council for Cultural Development in the Islamic World on Monday, 10 February 2025, in Jeddah. The meeting, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, focused on discussing the agenda, draft resolutions, and documents to be presented at the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, scheduled for February 12–13 in Jeddah.

    The opening session began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by ICESCO’s address delivered by Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of the Culture Sector. He emphasized the organization’s efforts to cultivate excellence and innovation in the Islamic world as foundations for research and renewal in scientific, artistic, technical, and communication fields. He also highlighted ICESCO’s achievements in cultural development and the initiatives and documents to be presented at the upcoming conference.

    Dr. Zine El Abidine further noted that ICESCO is establishing specialized centers for calligraphy, manuscripts, poetry, and literature, stressing that the organization collaborates with its member states to develop strategic action plans that elevate culture to a central and foundational role in the Islamic world.

    Afterward, Dr. Talal bin Saud Al-Ruwais, Chairman of the Consultative Council for Cultural Development in the Islamic World, discussed the contributions of Islamic civilization to cultural advancement and stressed that the meeting serves as a preparatory step for the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, which aims to enhance cultural cooperation among ICESCO member states and review key resolutions on preserving tangible and intangible heritage.

    The opening session also included the approval of the new Council Bureau for its 19th session, with Saudi Arabia assuming the presidency from Qatar, which now serves as rapporteur, while Palestine and Senegal were appointed as vice presidents.

    Following the opening, the Council proceeded with two working sessions. The first session focused on approving the meeting’s agenda and reviewing several executive reports to be presented at the 13th Ministerial Conference, including arrangements for electing new Consultative Council members, the draft internal regulations of the Ministerial Conference, ICESCO’s cultural achievements report, and the report of the Islamic World Heritage Committee.

    In the second session, the Council examined key policy documents, including:

    ​•​ICESCO’s Initiative on Cultural Rights and the Right to Culture in Islamic World Countries

    ​•​A document on strengthening efforts to recover cultural properties in the Islamic world

    ​•​An analytical report on the list of world heritage sites in danger in the Islamic world

    ​•​A document on digitizing bilingual dictionaries in Islamic countries

    ​•​A document on the historical illustrated dictionary of Arabic calligraphy, presented by Saudi Arabia

    The meeting concluded with the adoption of the agenda, schedule, and documents for the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World. Members of the Consultative Council praised ICESCO’s efforts in strengthening collaborative cultural initiatives across the Islamic world and acknowledged its achievements under its new strategic vision, underscoring the need for continued support of its endeavors.

    Winners Announced for the 4th Hamdan-ICESCO Prize for Voluntary Development of Educational Facilities in Islamic World

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences have announced the winners of the 4th Hamdan-ICESCO Prize for Voluntary Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World. The prize honors outstanding voluntary initiatives that support and develop educational environments in countries of the Islamic world.

    The Hamdan-ICESCO Prize aims to achieve several strategic objectives, including encouraging and rewarding voluntary initiatives in education, promoting sustainable development efforts to create new and lasting educational environments, and supporting educational infrastructure in the Muslim world. These efforts contribute to improving education quality and ensuring equal access to educational opportunities.

    Announced in December 2023, the fourth edition of the prize attracted applications from both organizations and individuals across various Islamic countries. This year, nine educational initiatives from seven countries participated, reflecting the growing interest in voluntary action within the education sector.

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, commended the prize’s role in fostering voluntary action in education and highlighted the importance of developing educational facilities as a cornerstone for societal advancement.

    “Ensuring sustainable and inclusive education requires continuous support for voluntary efforts and philanthropic initiatives, which is the essence of this prize, organized in partnership with Hamdan Foundation. This edition’s winning projects reflect a real commitment to achieving positive change in beneficiary communities and provide pioneering models that can inspire further initiatives in the future. ICESCO remains committed to strengthening this initiative by collaborating with organizations that support education, contributing to the overall advancement of the sector,” Dr. AlMalik stated.

    H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, emphasized that the prize reflects the foundation’s vision of fostering an advanced educational environment that supports sustainable development in Islamic countries.

    “Investment in education is key to the future of societies. This prize honors and recognizes voluntary efforts that contribute to improving the educational environment. This edition’s winners have provided exceptional examples of projects with real impact, helping to build modern and sustainable learning environments and opening new horizons for students in beneficiary communities. We are proud of our partnership with ICESCO and look forward to supporting more inspiring projects that enhance the quality of education in the Muslim world,” H.E. Al Qatami added.

    The Prize Jury selected three outstanding institutions for their pioneering projects in developing educational facilities:
    • Hadramawt Foundation – Human Development (Yemen): Awarded for its “Pilot High Schools” project (Models), which aims to establish and develop modern pilot high schools in Hadramawt Governorate, enhancing the region’s education quality.
    • Heydar Aliyev Foundation (Azerbaijan): Recognized for its “Educational and Social Support Project,” which focuses on building and rehabilitating schools in multiple countries, both within and beyond the Islamic world.
    • Moroccan Foundation for Primary Education (Morocco): Honored for its initiative to equip primary education departments in rural, semi-rural, and urban areas across the Kingdom, ensuring an integrated learning environment for children in remote regions.

    This edition of the prize reinforces its commitment to encouraging voluntary initiatives that improve educational environments by recognizing innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges in the education sector. The strong participation numbers further establish the Hamdan-ICESCO Prize as one of the leading programs supporting voluntary action in education and contributing to the sustainable development of the sector across the Islamic world.

    The winners will be honored at an upcoming official award ceremony, where each will receive the prize shield and a financial award to support their projects and benefit their target communities.