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Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), has emphasized that the world is going through a crucial phase marked by rapid changes and unprecedented opportunities. Thus, ICESCO deeply believes that the Islamic world must not only accompany these changes, but drive them forward with a creative and distinctive vision based on proactive leadership, continuous development and a commitment to quality.

This was part of a speech he delivered via videoconference on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, at the preparatory workshop on “Assessing the Maturity of Institutional Innovation” organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in collaboration with ICESCO. The workshop is part of the ministry’s efforts to obtain the accreditation of institutional innovation from the Global Innovation Institute (GInI), and to strengthen its innovation system by complying with international standards.

ICESCO’s DG pointed out that the Organization’s obtaining the “Certified Innovative Organization” certification in 2024 goes beyond mere accreditation. It is the result of a rigorous evaluation process that measures the conformity of the Organization’s strategy with international innovation standards, affirming that Member States’ efforts to achieve this certification are an investment in a promising future, and a clear message to the world that reflects their willingness not only to join the global innovation system, but also to lead and shape it.

For his part, Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, noted that the preparatory workshop is part of Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, which aims to improve the quality of the higher education and scientific research system. He added that the ministry is committed to embedding the culture of innovation in its institutions and meeting international standards of institutional excellence, while taking concrete steps towards institutional accreditation in the field of innovation by global institutions. He also praised ICESCO’s efforts, its constant support to the Member States and its significant contribution to the development of the system of innovation and excellence.

Review of developments of partnership between ICESCO and Morocco in the fields of education, science and culture

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Mohamed Saad Berrada, Moroccan Minister of National Education, Pre-school and Sports, President of the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation between the two parties in the Organization’s areas of expertise.

During the meeting, held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Rabat, the two parties reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying their outstanding cooperation through the implementation of innovative programs and activities in the fields of education, science and culture. This commitment is part of ICESCO’s leading role in promoting the development of these sectors in its Member States.

Dr. AlMalik commended the significant and constant support provided to ICESCO by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, and the Government of Morocco. This support has been reflected in His Majesty’s high patronage of numerous ICESCO activities and initiatives over the past years, as well as the commitment of the relevant Moroccan authorities to strengthen the strategic partnership with the Organization.

Mr. Berrada, for his part, commended ICESCO’s efforts and standing commitment to supporting Member States in the implementation of joint programs and initiatives that meet the specific needs and priorities of each country. Discussions also focused on the latest developments in the ongoing key joint programs and projects, as well as a number of proposed activities.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Ambassador Ahmed Nihad Abdel-Latif, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Kingdom of Morocco, discussed a set of proposed activities and programs to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Egypt in several areas. These include the organization of the Conference of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Islamic World, to be held in Cairo at the end of this year, ICESCO’s participation in the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum, joint efforts in cultural heritage preservation, and the role of culture in building peace.

At the outset of the meeting, which took place on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, Dr. AlMalik praised the distinguished partnership between ICESCO and Egypt. He reviewed the most prominent activities and programs implemented in recent years between the two sides, notably the hosting of ICESCO’s 2021 General Conference under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the launch of ICESCO Youth Year under His Excellency’s patronage, and the celebration of Cairo as the 2022 Culture Capital of the Islamic World.

Dr. AlMalik emphasized his aspiration to advance the strategic partnership between the two parties through the implementation of pioneering programs and projects. He highlighted that, in alignment with its vision and operational strategy, ICESCO has adopted a proactive approach to engaging with its Member States. This engagement aims to implement collaborative initiatives that address their aspirations and needs, particularly in areas such as youth capacity building, preparing them for future professions, promoting the values of peace, and encouraging investment in technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, and space sciences.

Additionally, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s unwavering support for Dr. Khaled El-Enany, former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and the Arab-African candidate for the position of Director-General of UNESCO. He also commended the expertise and contributions of Egyptian professionals who have recently joined the Organization, recognizing their valuable role in advancing its mission.

For his part, Ambassador Ahmed Nihad Abdel-Latif expressed his aspiration to enhance cooperation between the two sides, particularly in view of ICESCO’s outstanding initiatives and programs in the fields of creativity and innovation.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO’s Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; and Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Office of the Director-General overseeing the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector. Also in attendance were Marwa Mamdouh-Salem, Deputy Ambassador of Egypt to Morocco, and Dr. Heba Mahmoud Saad, Cultural Attaché.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Ahmed Ag Aboubacrine, Director of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group’s Regional Hub in Rabat, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat. The two parties discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik welcomed Mr. Aboubacrine to ICESCO, highlighting the importance of bilateral communication in strengthening cooperation to fulfill common objectives. He also noted that IsDB-funded projects align with ICESCO’s areas of expertise, emphasizing the need for joint action and the sharing of expertise and resources. “Such collaboration would enhance the outcomes of programs and projects in education, science, and culture. ICESCO is willing to provide any logistical or technical support to the IsDB in this regard,” he added.

Moreover, the ICESCO Director-General reviewed the Organization’s latest projects and achievements across various fields. These include the inscription of 724 heritage sites and elements on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Lists, among which 33 sites are classified as endangered, representing nearly 60% of the 53 endangered sites worldwide. He also highlighted programs aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure in Member States, developing educational tools in accordance with international standards, protecting education systems, and addressing school dropout rates in impoverished and marginalized areas.

Additionally, he pointed out initiatives targeting youth empowerment, such as the Young Professionals Program, which has received 10,000 applications this year, as well as capacity-building and entrepreneurship support programs, particularly in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence.

Dr. AlMalik further elaborated on ICESCO’s approach, which is based on openness and transparency with Member States and partners, involving them in evaluation and development processes. This includes assessing available opportunities to secure innovative funding sources for implementing programs that address the most pressing needs of Member States.

For his part, Mr. Aboubacrine expressed his gratitude to Dr. AlMalik for the warm welcome and commended ICESCO’s concrete efforts in its areas of competence, making it a leading development organization with exceptional technical and professional capabilities, as well as highly competent staff. He also emphasized that the IsDB is keen to strengthen its partnership with ICESCO and expand bilateral cooperation in areas where the Organization has made significant progress, particularly in program and project evaluation, vocational training, trainer qualification, and capacity-building, as well as funding and implementing joint initiatives in education, culture, heritage, environment, and technology. He also stressed the importance of developing plans to engage both public and private sectors in such programs and raising awareness of their significance.

In addition, Mr. Aboubacrine stated that the IsDB is drafting a cooperation agreement to be signed with ICESCO, aiming to devise a bilateral action plan to be implemented soon.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Director of ICESCO’s Translation and Publishing Center, and Dr. Abdullah Al Mulhim, Expert at ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector.

For the second consecutive year, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted the scientific forum “Ramadan Journey into the Depths of the Human Soul” at its headquarters on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. The event was organized in cooperation with the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations in Morocco.

The forum featured Dr. Khadija Abouzid, Professor of Higher Education at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Mohammed V University of Rabat, who delivered a lecture titled “Stories and Lessons.” The event was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, along with several ambassadors accredited to Morocco and members of the Group of Spouses of Ambassadors.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Rania Shobaki, Chairwoman of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations in Morocco, praised the forum as an outstanding example of cooperation between ICESCO and the Group in cultural, social, intellectual, and spiritual fields. She commended ICESCO for hosting the event for the second consecutive year as part of its ongoing scientific and intellectual mission.

Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain Al-Jazairy, a member of the Group, highlighted the significance of Ramadan as a time for soul-searching, self-cultivation, and the reinforcement of values such as mercy, tolerance, and benevolence. She noted that the lecture provided an intellectual and spiritual journey aimed at fostering self-understanding and deepening appreciation for the noble values of the holy month. “The forum reflects our firm belief in the importance of knowledge and contemplation in promoting human values and concepts. It also embodies the spirit of fruitful cooperation between international institutions and their communities in the service of intellectual, psychological, and spiritual well-being,” she added, concluding her remarks by thanking ICESCO for its efforts in promoting intellectual, cultural, and scientific dialogue.

In her lecture, Dr. Abouzid focused on the story of Maryam (Mary), peace be upon her, and the profound lessons it offers on resilience through life’s challenges. She pointed out that the Quran references her story 30 times and dedicates an entire chapter to her, emphasizing the messages of peace, patience, mercy, and serenity during hardship. Dr. Abouzid also highlighted the miraculous events surrounding Maryam’s story, beginning with the pregnancy of Prophet Zakariya’s (Zachariah) wife, peace be upon him, despite her old age and culminating in the miraculous birth of Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him.

Following the lecture, Dr. Abouzid engaged with the audience in a question-and-answer session.

In his closing remarks, Dr. AlMalik described the lecture as an insightful journey through Surah Maryam, which Allah Almighty revealed to vindicate Maryam and immortalize her miracle. He praised the discussion for its depth and relevance, reinforcing the significance of such forums in enriching intellectual and spiritual dialogue.