Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on Monday, 24 November 2025, on the sidelines of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), held in Doha. The two parties discussed ways to expand cooperation in the fields of higher education, scientific research, and capacity-building.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep appreciation to Mr. Nurbek and commended his country’s roles in promoting cooperation in educational and scientific fields at the Islamic and global levels, reviewing a number of ICESCO’s relevant programs and initiatives implemented in Member States, especially educational empowerment and teacher training programs. He also extended an official invitation to Mr. Nurbek to visit ICESCO headquarters in Rabat to learn more about the Organization’s future initiatives and programs.
For his part, the Minister shed light on the new higher education system in Kazakhstan and its success in attracting a number of world-class universities and enhancing the attractiveness of the Kazakh academic system. He pointed out that the Kazakh government provides 500 scholarships annually to young men and women from around the world. He expressed his country’s interest in collaborating with ICESCO to serve as a platform and trusted partner for selecting students to benefit from these scholarships. He also affirmed his Ministry’s keenness to strengthen its partnership with the Organization and develop joint programs that serve innovation, scientific research, and capacity-building in Member States.
The two parties agreed to launch a new program through which ICESCO will host a group of young Kazakhs, including bachelor’s and master’s students and researchers, to receive training and work within the Organization.
The Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, in cooperation with the Moroccan Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, and the Mains Blanches Association, organized on Saturday evening, 22 November 2025, an exceptional charity event themed “Anamil Al Nour, Caftan Al Khair,” hosted at Khaimat Al Khair Hall at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).
The event was held as part of the celebrations marking the fiftieth anniversary of Morocco’s Green March, with proceeds dedicated to funding eye correction surgeries for those in need.
The gala, attended by Her Highness Princess Lalla Lamia El Solh, and Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, combined refined art with a humanitarian purpose. It featured traditional fashion shows by leading designers from Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, and Jordan, alongside a musical performance by Moroccan artist Salma Rachid, in an evening distinguished by elegance and creativity in service of social solidarity.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Naima Ben Yahia, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, stressed that the event reflects the importance of charity work in strengthening social cohesion and highlights the pivotal role of civil and international organizations in building bridges of solidarity. She expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors, the Mains Blanches Association and ICESCO in ensuring the success of this creative and humanitarian initiative.
For her part, Ms. Rania Shobaki, Chairwoman of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations, thanked ICESCO for hosting the event, emphasizing that traditional attire is an integral component of Arab cultural identity. She noted that reviving heritage breathes new life into traditions and makes them active in humanitarian initiatives, adding that safeguarding heritage is an act of resilience, particularly for Palestinian heritage targeted by erasure and theft. She described the gala as a platform to showcase this heritage globally and paid tribute to Palestinian women as steadfast guardians against distortion and dispossession.
Following this, Ms. Jumana Ghunaimat, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, stated that Arab heritage represents a rich mosaic stretching from the East to the Maghreb, underscoring that Moroccan-Jordanian relations exemplify cultural convergence and the spirit of fraternity uniting Arab and Islamic nations with their wealth and deep-rooted traditions. She affirmed that Jordan’s presence as guest of honour is a source of high appreciation and pride.
Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain AlJazairy, Chairwoman of the Cultural Committee of the Diplomatic Corps in Morocco, highlighted that this gala celebrates traditional attire, particularly the caftan as an aesthetic symbol narrating a long history and reflecting Arab women’s creativity. She noted that the event’s timing with the anniversary of the Green March, led by the late King Hassan II and carried forward by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, gives the event a national dimension linking identity to collective will. She expressed appreciation for ICESCO’s inclusion of the caftan in the intangible heritage list and for the efforts of all contributors to this cultural event embodying creativity and openness.
Following this, Ms. Ghariba El Jaouhari, President of the Mains Blanches Association, commended the tangible cooperation among all partners to ensure the gala’s success, stressing that the synergy between the Ministry, ICESCO and the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors resulted in a distinctive charity event achieving its humanitarian objectives.
The gala featured a short film introducing Jordanian heritage as the event’s guest of honour, followed by a presentation of traditional fashion collections from participating countries, and concluded with diverse musical and artistic performances.
Participants expressed their satisfaction with the success of “Caftan Al Khair” in offering a model that combines the revival of Arab heritage, the empowerment of women’s creativity, and the pursuit of humanitarian goals, reaffirming the role of cultural and charity initiatives in promoting values of solidarity and generosity.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a round table discussion on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in Dubai, as part of the 10th Knowledge Summit, titled “Building Knowledge Policies,” with the participation of the Director-General of the Organization, Dr. Salim AlMalik, Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Aide to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, and a number of heads of sectors and directors at ICESCO, decision-makers, and experts.
The round table discussions, moderated by Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector at ICESCO, and attended by a large number of summit participants, addressed ways to lay the foundations for policies that drive the transition to a knowledge-based economy and promote transparency and trust in an era of increasing misinformation.
In his speech, Dr. Salim AlMalik emphasized that ICESCO’s action is not limited to the transfer of knowledge but goes beyond that to its production and localization in Member States, with special priority given to young people as the main actors in building new knowledge societies. He stated that the Organization’s vision is based on linking knowledge to identity, values, and ethics, allowing for the formulation of policies that take into account cultural specificities and harness the opportunities offered by digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
In his speech on the cultural dimension of knowledge policies, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, affirmed that building knowledge societies requires a real development of cultural development policies in the fields of education, training, and scientific research.
In his turn, Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector at the Organization, addressed the role of the media as a guardian of knowledge in an era of information flow and the rise of fake news, stressing the need to build reliable content and use digital media as a tool for policy-making and enhancing information security, and fostering critical thinking among the younger generations to protect them from misleading and fake news.
On the subject of multilingual content, Dr. Ahmed Al-Banyan, Director of the Translation and Publishing Center at ICESCO, presented an integrated vision for designing open knowledge environments through digital translation and publishing policies that promote local knowledge production and expand access to scientific and cultural content in Member States.
The Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, Anar Karimov, tackled the importance of cross-border partnerships, noting that international and South-South cooperation should shift from channels of funding to platforms for the exchange of experiences and the production and localization of knowledge.
Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences at the Organization, reviewed the role of national commissions in transitioning from traditional coordination functions to excellence centers of knowledge by unifying statistical and knowledge efforts.
During the round table, Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Aide to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, presented a scientific paper in which he talked about the need for young people to move from consuming knowledge to producing it, through flexible education systems, innovation incubators, and the promotion of entrepreneurship in the field of knowledge.
In conclusion, the ICESCO delegation participating in the Knowledge Summit affirmed that the Organization will endeavor to translate the conclusions of this discussion into practical recommendations to be submitted to Member States, thereby contributing to the development of a roadmap for knowledge policies in the Islamic world during the coming period.
On the occasion of World Children’s Day, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a symposium at its headquarters in Rabat on Monday, 17 November 2025, under the theme “Addressing the Faces of Bullying: From Schoolyards to Digital Spaces.” The event was organized in partnership with Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC), and the Conference of Ministers of Education of French-Speaking Countries (CONFEMEN), and brought together around 70 children alongside several education and psychology experts.
In his opening remarks delivered on behalf of ICESCO Director-General Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to the Organization’s Director-General for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), emphasized that ICESCO places children at the heart of its strategic vision and considers the protection of future generations from violence and bullying a constant priority. He highlighted the Organization’s practical initiatives and programs that reflect its firm commitment to promoting mental health and well-being among youth, noting that the “Mental Health and Well-being” program is a key pillar of this approach.
Speaking during the symposium, Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain AlJazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Diplomatic Corps in Morocco, affirmed that every child has intrinsic value and uniqueness, and that each child carries a special light unlike any other. She stressed that differences in appearance, voice, or expression are not flaws but sources of distinction and beauty, offering children advice on self-respect and rejecting mistreatment.
In a recorded address, Ms. Bahar Avaz Muradova, Chair of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of Azerbaijan, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to protecting children and combating all forms of violence. She outlined several ongoing initiatives, including “Child-Friendly Spaces” and “Family and Child Support Centers,” as well as nationwide anti-violence campaigns.
Next, Ms. Kenza Abourmane, Head of the Youth Department at Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, praised the ongoing collaboration with ICESCO in producing educational content for children and adolescents. She noted the alignment of ICESCO’s film “Show Me Your Smile,” which addresses school bullying, with national efforts to combat violence in educational settings.
In his recorded remarks, Mr. Abdel Rahamane Baba-Moussa, Secretary-General of CONFEMEN, stated that turning any story into an animated film provides an effective educational tool that resonates with all age groups in schools. Mr. Mustafa Ali, Secretary-General of GNRC, underscored that a safe child is the foundation of a safe world, affirming the convergence of this initiative with the GNRC’s vision to enhance children’s psychological and social protection.
The symposium featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr. El Hajjami Hassan, expert in ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, with participation from educators, psychologists, and school administrators. The panel explored the latest educational and psychological approaches to combating bullying. The event concluded with a dedicated session for children, during which they shared their experiences and perspectives on confronting bullying.
Mr. Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, received on Monday, 17 November 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Tunisia, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and UN Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.
The meeting served as an opportunity to exchange views on the growing challenges related to the rise of hate speech and intolerance, as well as exploring ways to enhance initiatives aimed at promoting a culture of peace and coexistence. Discussions also touched on strengthening joint programs between Tunisia and the two organizations, particularly in the fields of youth, education, and cultural innovation.
The Tunisian Foreign Minister expressed his country’s pride in hosting the Tunis International Symposium on “Strengthening the Role of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in Promoting International Peace and Security”, organized by ICESCO in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UNAOC. He reaffirmed Tunisia’s full readiness to support any initiatives and conferences that advance multilateral action in an increasingly volatile global context. He also reiterated Tunisia’s unwavering position in supporting the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people to establish their independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
For his part, Dr. AlMalik praised Tunisia’s initiatives in the fields of education, cultural heritage preservation, and capacity-building, stressing ICESCO’s commitment to expanding joint projects with Tunisia, especially in areas related to youth inclusion and women’s empowerment.
Mr. Moratinos also commended Tunisia’s leading role in promoting intercultural dialogue, affirming that the partnership with Tunisia stands as an important model supporting global efforts in this field.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue trilateral coordination to launch new joint programs and further reinforce Tunisia’s position as a hub for dialogue and civilizational convergence.
On Monday, November 17, 2025, His Excellency Kais Saied, President of the Republic of Tunisia, received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations and United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.
During the meeting, discussions focused on a range of current cultural and civilizational issues. President Kais Saied affirmed that no hierarchy should exist between nations or civilizations, stressing that the world is undergoing rapid change that requires us to rethink certain concepts that have become obsolete or outdated.
The Head of State also stressed the need to base any alliance on common human and universal values. He pointed out that those who advocate confrontation between civilizations or express hostility towards Islam and many peoples have been proven wrong by reality and will ultimately be discredited by history.
The President of the Republic concluded by recalling that justice and freedom must prevail within states and form the foundation of any human society. He denounced the division of peoples into “civilized” and “barbaric,” which he described as a racial discrimination inherited from colonialism, the source of tragedies, wars, and the plundering of the wealth of long-oppressed peoples. He reaffirmed that a new legitimacy is emerging, bringing with it the values of freedom, justice, and true emancipation.
For his part, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik highlighted the need to find practical solutions to humanitarian crises, based on reliable data, rapid response, and capacity building for local actors. He stressed that these approaches are inspired by the Tunisian national motto, “Order, Justice, and Freedom,” which he considers to be the pillars of any inclusive civilizational project. He further added that a world that does not rely on these values will not be able to establish lasting peace or guarantee equitable development.
The Tunis International Symposium on “Activating the Role of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in Supporting International Peace and Security” kicked off in Tunis, Tunisia, on Monday, 17 November 2025. The event was organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, as well as the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. The opening session witnessed the presence of several ministers and senior officials, ambassadors of Member States, representatives of international and regional organizations, in addition to experts and academics from various countries around the world.
In his speech during the opening session, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized the central role of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in confronting the escalating challenges that threaten international peace and security. He pointed out that the symposium serves as an essential preparatory milestone for the 11th Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations, which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over the period spanning from 14 to 15 December 2025. He also stressed that the symposium contributes to shaping unified visions aimed at strengthening international cooperation in dialogue and intercultural understanding.
Dr. AlMalik presented ICESCO’s new concept of “Civilizational Diplomacy” as an ambitious vision that moves from idea to implementation through partnerships. He also affirmed that establishing an operational network for civilizational diplomacy is the path toward realizing the goals of the unifying theme of dialogue. He further highlighted the establishment of the ICESCO Chair for the Alliance of Civilizations at Qatar University and the development of a track of related educational, scientific, and cultural programs aimed at empowering youth.
For his part, Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, stressed that civilizational alliance should not remain a rhetorical framework but must become an effective mechanism for addressing major issues that shake the human conscience, foremost among them the Palestinian cause and what civilians in Gaza are enduring under occupation.
Similarly, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, affirmed that peace is not built on fear or suspicion, but on dialogue, dignity, and mutual respect—values that form the essence of the Alliance and the reason for its existence.
During the discussions, participants addressed the most pressing contemporary challenges facing intercivilizational dialogue, with special focus on the five pillars of the Alliance: education, media, migration, women’s empowerment, and the role of youth. They underscored the need to develop innovative mechanisms to consolidate values of mutual understanding and enhance societies’ capacities to counter hate speech and division, particularly amid rising international crises.
Following this, participants presented a set of practical proposals to reinforce the principles of the Alliance, most notably: launching national and regional initiatives for intercultural dialogue; developing plans to combat hate speech and misinformation; supporting the integration of women and youth in peace and reconciliation programs; enhancing international cooperation in civilizational diplomacy; developing preventive mechanisms to address conflicts with cultural or civilizational dimensions; and building the capacities of media institutions through specialized “Media for Peace” training programs.
The symposium concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation and ensuring sustainable financial and logistical support for initiatives related to dialogue and peace, while renewing participants’ commitment to continuing joint efforts to entrench the values of understanding and to reinforce international efforts that support global peace and security.
The ICESCO Chair on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in the Sultanate of Oman organized, on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, a specialized workshop titled “Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Advanced Technologies” at the Livestock Research Center of the Directorate General of Agriculture and Livestock Research within the Omani Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources in Al-Rumais.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness of the applications of AI in scientific research, highlight the ethical issues associated with modern technology, and discuss how these technologies can support innovation and sustainable development in agriculture, the environment, and education.
Dr. Musab Alrawi, Director of the Chair, presented the workshop and reviewed the transformations brought about by artificial intelligence in education and scientific research. He emphasized the importance of adhering to ethical values and building transparent and fair intelligent systems. Participants also received practical training on using AI tools to detect plagiarism and fabricated data, with the aim of promoting research integrity and safeguarding the credibility of scientific production.
Dr. Alrawi reaffirmed that the Sultanate of Oman is making steady progress in establishing a national scientific research system that is grounded in ethics and innovation. This is being achieved through initiatives led by the ICESCO Chair, in collaboration with specialized research institutions such as the Livestock Research Centre.
The workshop concluded with a number of recommendations, most notably the strengthening of cooperation between universities and research centers in order to develop a national framework for AI ethics, as well as the integration of concepts of integrity and digital ethics into educational curricula.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, along with Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Regional Office of ICESCO in the United Arab Emirates, on Thursday, 13 November 2025. The Office is located in the University City of Sharjah.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, together with the ICESCO Director-General, unveiled the commemorative plaque to mark the official inauguration of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Sharjah, which will provide the Organization with the necessary resources to carry out its tasks in its areas of action through educational, scientific, and cultural activities, and by providing the best technical, scientific, and practical services and institutional support to Member States. Sharjah was chosen for its distinguished cultural status and its hosting of prominent institutions such as museums and research centers, in addition to its geographical location, which facilitates access to the Gulf countries, the Middle East, and North Africa.
On this occasion, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah wrote in the visitors’ book: “This morning, we are delighted to meet our partners in science and knowledge. Hands have been extended and minds have been set on sincere and honest work, extending first to humanity and then to minds that Allah has blessed with sincere faith and work for the advancement of Islam. Let us always be together and sincere in our giving.”
Dr. AlMalik also delivered a speech, commending the efforts of the Emirate of Sharjah and its Ruler in supporting cultural and scientific organizations, stressing that the opening of the ICESCO Regional Office in the Emirate was made possible thanks to the insightful vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi in making culture a living project vibrant with knowledge and creativity, describing Sharjah, under its wise leadership, as having always believed that the real investment is in people, and that building minds is the best way to shape the future.
Dr. AlMalik announced that ICESCO is proud to award the title of “Guardian of Knowledge” to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in recognition of his decades-long efforts, during which he has been a symbol of knowledge, an icon of creativity, and a supporter of creators and intellectuals. This title is in recognition of his steadfast efforts in serving culture, supporting science, nurturing literature and arts, and consolidating the values of identity, openness, and wisdom.
In his address, the Director-General of the Organization discussed the functions of the new headquarters, which will serve as a platform for promoting cultural communication and a center for implementing programs and initiatives that serve humanity, celebrate the word, the idea, the painting, and the image, and affirm Sharjah’s status as a beacon of knowledge and cultural influence.
For his part, Salem Omar Salem, Director of the ICESCO Regional Office in Sharjah, emphasized that the Office will be a beacon that guides, evaluates, and provides solutions to decision-makers and cultural leaders, bringing together minds in an environment that ignites thought and inspires creativity. He emphasized the Regional Office’s commitment to harnessing knowledge to serve humanity, supporting education and scientific research, embracing digital culture, and promoting sustainable development.
The ICESCO Regional Office in Sharjah was built on the ground floor and includes a comprehensive set of administrative, technical, and service departments. It covers an area of more than 3,000 square meters within a total land area of more than 42,000 square meters. The building can accommodate 95 employees and is equipped to receive 245 visitors in its various facilities, such as the theater, training hall, and reception hall, bringing the total capacity for employees and visitors to 340.
Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. Essam Al-Rubaian, President of the Civil Service Bureau of the State of Kuwait, accompanied by Counselor Saud Almutairi, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Kuwait in the Kingdom of Morocco.
The meeting discussed prospects for enhancing cooperation between ICESCO and the State of Kuwait in the fields of education, science, culture, media, and communication, as well as building practical partnerships that promote the exchange of expertise and jointly prioritized programs.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Benarafa welcomed the Kuwaiti delegation and reaffirmed the strength and vitality of the ties between ICESCO and Kuwait. He presented an overview of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations, as well as the programs, projects, and activities it implements for the benefit of its Member States, particularly in advancing educational systems, modernizing curricula, and empowering women and youth and preparing them with the skills needed for future professions.
Dr. Benarafa also highlighted ICESCO’s initiatives to promote the values of coexistence, peace, and intercultural dialogue, encourage investment in technology, innovation, and AI applications, foster a culture of foresight, and enhance the global standing of the Arabic language through innovative initiatives and specialized academic and media partnerships.
For his part, Dr. Essam Al-Rubaian commended ICESCO’s leading role in advancing human development and knowledge, and in implementing practical projects that promote a culture of peace. He also praised ICESCO’s institutional progress and the wealth of expertise it has accumulated across its specialized centers and sectors. Dr. Al-Rubaian reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with ICESCO through impactful joint programs in capacity building, digital transformation in education, and supporting initiatives that promote the Arabic language.
Following the meeting, Dr. Benarafa accompanied the Kuwaiti delegation on a tour of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization housed at ICESCO’s headquarters. The delegation was briefed on the exhibition’s educational and technological pavilions. They also visited ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector, where they were introduced to its specialized units, including the newly established studio designed to enhance the production of digital content in support of the Organization’s mission.
The meeting was attended by Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue; Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah, Advisor to the ICESCO Director-General; Dr. Barakat Al-Wegyan, Director of the Communication Department; and Mr. Mohammad Alahmad, Assistant Undersecretary at Kuwait’s Civil Service Commission.
