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    Inscription of 91 historical sites and cultural elements on ICESCO Heritage Lists in Islamic World

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC) announced the inscription of 91 historical sites and cultural elements on the tentative and final lists of tangible and intangible heritage in the Islamic world. This announcement was part of the Final Report of the 12th IWHC Meeting, held in Shusha, Republic of Azerbaijan, on 8-9 October 2024. With this latest addition, the number of cultural properties inscribed has reached 724 sites and elements.

    Upon examining the nomination files submitted by ICESCO Member States, the IWHC adopted the inscription of 69 historical sites and cultural elements in the Final List from 23 countries, namely, Jordan, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Oman, Nigeria, Palestine, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, Iran, Burkina Faso, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Russia, Afghanistan, Guinea, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Niger, and Syria.

    The Committee also adopted the inscription of 22 files on the Tentative List submitted by four countries, namely Uzbekistan, Palestine, Mauritania and Egypt.

    Likewise, the 12th IWHC adopted the Report of the Activities of the Heritage Centre for 2024; the Heritage Center Vision and Strategies for the Next Biennium; and the Proposal Methods and Process of Inscription on the Islamic World Heritage List. The Committee also issued decisions to adopt the “Heritage Fund in the Islamic World”; “Green heritage”; “Museums and illicit trafficking in cultural property in the Islamic World”; and “The Cultural and Intellectual Register of the Islamic World”.

    At the close of the meeting, hosted by Shusha as part of its celebration at the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024, the Committee issued a number of recommendations, notably, dedicating a number of programs to raise the awareness of students and youth of the importance of cultural heritage; holding intensive training workshops for workers in heritage sites and museums in the Member States; and submitting more files on heritage sites and cultural elements for inscription on the Islamic World Heritage List. The Committee also recommended publicizing heritage sites, and cultural elements inscribed on the Final List of Heritage in the Islamic World; ensuring their update using alternative means and modern technologies; and enriching the Portal of Heritage in the Islamic World.

    ICESCO participates in organizing a round-table on occasion of World Mental Health Day

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    In celebration of the World Mental Health Day, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, WHO, European Union Delegation in Morocco, Arab Voluntary Union in Bahrain held a round-table under the theme: “All for the Mental Health and Well-Being of Youth”, to raise awareness of the importance of concerting efforts at all levels to address mental health issues and support people suffering from mental disorders.

    In his speech at the opening of the round-table, today, Wednesday (9 October 2024) at the headquarters of the Ministry of Youth and Culture – Youth Sector – in Rabat, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, touched upon the relationship between mental health and culture, stating that cultural activities contribute to reducing mental illnesses and disorders. He gave an overview of ICESCO’s anti-bullying programme, which includes holding a series of educational workshops, lectures and various competitions.

    For her part, Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector at ICESCO, praised the fruitful partnership between ICESCO, the Ministry and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, which culminated in holding this roundtable. She also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts in the field of health and psychological care.

    Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Mr. Mustafa Al-Masoudi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Youth Sector, praised the distinguished partnership between the Ministry and ICESCO, translated in a number of programmes and projects.

    For his part, Mr. Ismail Taqi, Head of Trade Facilitation Department at the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, pointed out that mental health is one of the determinants of social balance to achieve development at various levels, and that the Centre pays great attention to youth.

    Mr. Fouad Chafiqi, Inspector General of Educational Affairs at the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports in the Kingdom of Morocco, reviewed the Ministry’s strategy to combat school violence.

    Following the opening session, the participants officially launched the Psychological First Aid Guide, and the graphic story “Show Me Your Smile”, by the Egyptian writer Hegra Mahmoud Al-Sawy Ahmed, which deals with the phenomenon of bullying in schools. Then the winners of the story illustrations competition were announced, with artist Badr Rahawi came first, Osama Otrot second, and Youssef Rahali from the Kingdom of Morocco came third.

    The winners of the Innovation Lab-Youth Changemakers Initiative 2024, launched in partnership between ICESCO, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, were also announced as part of ICESCO’s International Forum “From Youth for Youth”.

    For the record, the first session of the roundtable discussed “Confronting Mental Health Challenges in Times of Crisis: Drawing Lessons from Best Practices and Case Studies”, while the second session debated: “ICESCO’s Anti-Bullying Programme: Enhancing Shared Knowledge to Build a Strong Psychological Future for Children and Youth”.

    Twelfth Meeting of Islamic World Heritage Committee kicks off in Shusha

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The 12th meeting of the Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC), being hosted in Shusha, Republic of Azerbaijan, as part of the celebration of Shusha as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024, kicked off on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The meeting will examine Member States’ nomination files of historical sites and cultural elements for inscription on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List, review the vision and activities of ICESCO’s Heritage Center, present its 2024 publications, and discuss major challenges facing the Center.

    The meeting began with the address of Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), delivered on his behalf by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture and Communication Sector, in which he reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to support efforts aimed at preserving the Islamic world’s heritage through a series of books published to identify endangered archaeological sites and cultural elements, and inscribe more historical sites and cultural elements on the Islamic world heritage lists, which so far include a total of 637 sites and cultural elements.

    He explained that ICESCO, in cooperation with specialists and experts from various countries, is striving to achieve a qualitative leap in heritage preservation, and seeks through its action plans and its Islamic World Heritage Center to strengthen the capacities of heritage stakeholders by providing them with the necessary knowledge tools to carry out their activities in conformity with international standards.

    In his address, Eng. Mohammed Al-Aidarous, Chairman of the Islamic World Heritage Committee, thanked the Republic of Azerbaijan for hosting the meeting, indicating that the meeting will discuss a number of major issues affecting the Islamic world’s heritage, which will support the restoration and preservation of heritage.

    In her address, Ms. Saadet Yusifova, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, pointed out that heritage faces a number of challenges that may threaten its existence, particularly conflicts and wars, and that the preservation of this heritage is a right for future generations.

    Dr. Webber Ndoro, Head of ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Center, presented the Center’s next two-year strategy, its vision and priorities, and its key programs and activities. The Center’s experts presented a number of documents and reports on the finalization of the Islamic World Heritage Portal and highlighted the Center’s partnerships, in addition to a presentation on the major publications of ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Center for 2024.

    ICESCO Deputy Director-General participates in Moulay Ali Sharif International Spiritual Forum in Marrakech

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the fourth edition of the International Spiritual Forum of Moulay Ali Cherif, who was buried in Marrakech, organized by the Moulay Ali Cherif Al Mourrakouchi Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in the Kingdom of Morocco, Cadi Ayyad University, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Regional Academy of Education and Training in Marrakech, in cooperation with Mohammed V University in Rabat, on the topic: “The Spiritual Heritage of the Prophet’s Family: Fundamentals and Innovations in the Contemporary Era: Study and Evaluation.”

    During the opening session of the forum held on Thursday (3 October 2024) at the Mohammed VI Museum of Water Civilization in Marrakech, Dr. Benarafa commended the topic of the Forum, which is held as part of the celebration of Marrakech as the Capital of culture in the Islamic world, noting that it is witnessing an intensive participation of a number of faculties, scholars and researchers from Morocco and several Arab, African and Western countries.

    The Forum featured two scientific sessions to reflect upon the origins of the spiritual legacy of the noble Prophet’s family and the extent of its importance and manifestations among Moroccans, as well as its effects on the Moroccan Sufism and its enlightened influence in its African and human sphere.

    The Forum concluded with a spiritual ceremony celebrating the birth anniversary of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. The Moulay Ali Sharif Prize for Scientific Studies and Research was also presented at its first founding session.

    ICESCO Director-General Holds a Series of Meetings with Participants in ICESCO Education Ministers Conference in Muscat

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a series of meetings with officials and representatives of major global organizations and companies specializing in education, on the sidelines of ICESCO Education Ministers Conference, held in Muscat, Oman, on October 2-3, 2024.

    These meetings centered on strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and the entities represented by the Conference attendees, in line with the Organization’s vision and strategic directions, particularly in transforming education.

    The first meeting featured representatives of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), including Mr. Olli-Pekka, Director General, Mr. Haif Bannayan, Global Director of Business Development, and Dr. Shehzad Jeeva, Chief Education Officer. The discussions focused on cooperation to develop a joint policy paper on improving teaching quality and mechanisms for teacher training.

    Dr. AlMalik also met with Ms. Christine Ozden, Global Director of Climate Education at the University of Cambridge, and Ms. Jane Mann, Managing Director at the University’s Partnership for Education, and discussed the Green Education Project in ICESCO Member States.

    Additionally, Dr. AlMalik received a delegation from NewGlobe Education, which included Dr. Shannon May, President of the company, Mr. Jay Kimmelman, CEO, and Mr. Isfundiar Kasuri, Director of Policy and Partnerships. The meeting tackled a project aimed at improving the quality of education.


    Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Wendy Kopp, CEO of the Teach For All Network, where they discussed their commitment to developing and improving education in ICESCO Member States, and emphasized the importance of diverse partnerships in transforming education.

    Finally, Dr. AlMalik also met with a delegation from Avantis, which included Mr. David Fairbairn-Day, Head of Education Strategy, and Mr. Alistair Hayward, Chief Revenue Officer. The meeting explored the academic aspects of educational technologies and their impact on students.

    ICESCO Director-General meets with Ministers of Education of Iran and Pakistan

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held two separate meetings with the respective Ministers of Education of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The meetings focused on ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and the two countries in educational fields through the joint implementation of a number of initiatives, programs, projects and activities.

    The two meetings took place in Muscat, on the sidelines of the Third ICESCO Education Ministers Conference, held by the Organization in cooperation with the Ministry of Education in the Sultanate of Oman, and in coordination with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. The Conference was held on October 2-3, 2024, under the theme: “Beyond the Transforming Education Summit: From Commitments to Actions”, and saw high-level participation.

    During the two meetings, Dr. AlMalik stressed the Organization’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with its Member States, as part of its new vision and strategic orientations, in all areas of the Organization’s competence, especially education.

    The DG also held a meeting with Mr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister of Education and Vocational Training in Pakistan, and together they discussed the latest developments of cooperation between ICESCO and Pakistan in education, training and scholarships.

    The meeting focused on a set of proposals for cooperation between ICESCO and Pakistan in areas of common interest. At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to sustain coordination to implement a number of these proposals.

    During his meeting with Alireza Kazemi, Minister of Education of Iran, and his accompanying delegation, the Director General explained that the Organization attaches great importance to supporting the efforts of its Member States in developing their educational systems, in accordance with the orientations and needs of each country.

    For his part, the Iranian Minister praised the success of the ICESCO Education Ministers Conference and the Organization’s roles in supporting the efforts of its Member States in its areas of competence. The meeting discussed a number of ideas for joint cooperation between ICESCO and Iran, agreeing to work on examining and implementing some of them.

    ICESCO and UAE Discuss Strengthening Cooperation in Education

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education, to explore new avenues for strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and the UAE in education.

    The meeting was held in Muscat, Oman, on the sidelines of the 3rd ICESCO Education Ministers Conference, hosted by Oman on October 2-3, 2024, under the theme: “Beyond Transforming Education: From Commitments to Actions.”


    Dr. AlMalik opened the discussion by congratulating Ms. Al Amiri on her appointment as Minister of Education, expressing his best wishes for her success in this key role. He reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the UAE within the Organization’s areas of competence, particularly in education, in line with its new vision and strategic directions, and in light of the outcomes of the Conference.

    Ms. Al Amiri, in turn, praised ICESCO’s efforts in the field of education and commended the valuable discussions and documents presented at the Conference. She also reiterated the UAE’s support for ICESCO’s contribution to advancing educational systems in its Member States.

    The meeting touched on key programs and projects under consideration for cooperation between ICESCO and the UAE in the coming period, particularly in the areas of education, training, and youth capacity-building.

    ICESCO Education Ministers Conference Concludes its Third Session with Issuing ‘Muscat Declaration’

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The third session of ICESCO’s Education Ministers Conference, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, on 2-3 October 2024, concluded with the adoption of “Muscat Declaration”, which features historic resolutions approved by the education ministers of the Islamic world to strengthen commitments to transform education, develop effective mechanisms to disseminate best practices and accelerate their implementation, and build a thriving and prosperous future.

    The declaration includes a set of commitments and orientations, formulated based on the conference documents prepared by ICESCO’s General Directorate and the discussions between the ministers and international experts in the field of education: enforcing all the resolutions adopted by the Conference, and establish a “Monitoring and Coordination Platform”, in cooperation with Member States’ competent authorities, to monitor the progress of our countries towards transforming education.

    The Declaration welcomed the launch of the Charter of ICESCO for Artificial Intelligence Ethics in the Islamic World, adopted ICESCO’s initiative to adapt the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to the specificities and priorities of Member States, adopted the gender equality indicator as a strategic indicator within the education system, and highlighted the alignment between the goals of transforming education, and the values of the Islamic world.

    The Declaration also condemned the vicious attacks on educational institutions in Gaza, Palestine and South of Lebanon perpetrated by the Israeli occupation, and in other Member States, which have deprived millions of students of their right to education, and reaffirmed solidarity and support for efforts to restore the right to education for students in Member States affected by wars, disasters, and crises.

    During its second day, the conference reviewed and discussed a number of key documents, notably “ICESCO’s Educational Activities from January 2021 to July 2024”, “Status of Girls’ Education”, “Media Education: Horizons and Aspirations”, “High-Level Ministerial Dialogue (HLMD), London – May 2024: Transforming Education: Pathways to ICESCO Education Ministers Conference, Muscat 2024”, “Islamic World Artificial Intelligence Charter”, “Early Childhood Care and Education Development: Foundations for the Future”, “The Progress of Education Transformation from Commitments to Action 2022-2024: Post Transforming Education Summit (TES)”, “Greening Education for ICESCO Member States”, “Developing Teaching Quality”, and “Contextualizing PISA: Empowering ICESCO Member States for Global Excellence in Education” and “Digital Education”.

    During the third working session, the heads of delegations of Member States delivered their statements, sharing visions during fruitful discussions to strengthen and promote the commitments of countries to transform education and agree on the appropriate mechanisms to fulfill such objective.

    In his closing address, Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, ICESCO Director General, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Sultanate of Oman, under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, may Allah protect him, and all the parties involved in the conference, for their support and hospitality to ensure the success of this remarkable event. He also commended the contributions of the participants in the various sessions through their interventions, discussions and constructive proposals, to achieve the ambitions aimed at transforming education from a simple commitment to a concrete reality.

    For her part, Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al-Shaibani, Minister of Education, Chairperson of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, thanked the participants and ICESCO, stressing the importance of the outcomes of the conference to build a better future for educational systems.

    At the close of the conference, ICESCO Director General read a message of thanks and gratitude sent by the conference participants to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of Oman.

    First Day of ICESCO’s Third Education Ministers Conference Concludes in Oman

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The first day of the third session the Education Ministers Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held in cooperation with the Ministry of Education of the Sultanate of Oman, and in coordination with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, under the theme: “Beyond Transforming Education Summit: From Commitments to Actions”, in Muscat, Oman, concluded. The opening session saw a high-level attendance.

    The first day’s working sessions, held on Wednesday ( 2 October 2024) relating to the academic aspect, witnessed rich discussions, during which ministers, experts, international officials in the field of education, and representatives of a number of international organizations discussed international efforts aimed at developing education and using artificial intelligence, as well as the importance of multilateral partnerships in transforming education, and the educational process during crises.

    In the session on “Global Education Perspective: International Organizations,” chaired by Dr. Jokha Bint Abdullah Al Shukaili, CEO, Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education, speakers included Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director General of ALECSO, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al-Asmi, ABEGS Director General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization, virtually, Dr. Luis Benveniste, Director of Global Education at the World Bank, Ms. Min Jeong Kim, Director of Education 2030 at UNESCO, Dr. Leonardo Garnier, former Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General for Education, virtually.

    In the session on “Unlocking Potential: Best Practices in leveraging AI and Digital Tools for Education System Transformation,” moderated by Mr. Mr. Stavros N. Yiannouka, CEO of WISE – Qatar Foundation, the panel featured Ms. Fadhlina Sidek, Minister of Education, Malaysia; Dr. Ayman Al-Bassal, Deputy Minister of Education and Technical Education, Egypt; Dr. Nasser bin Mohammed Al Fannah, Director of the Office of Technical Programs at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, Sultanate of Oman; and Mr. Mohammed Suhail Al Madani, Classera CEO.

    In the “Multistakeholders Partnerships for Transforming Education” session, moderated by Dr. Marwan Awartani, Senior Advisor to ICESCO Director General, speakers included Mr. Yousef Bin Abdullah al-Banyan, Minister of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Mr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Islamic Republic of Pakistan; Mr. Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Kyrgyz Republic; Dr. Shannon May, CEO, NewGlobe Education; Dr. Wendy Kopp, CEO, Teach for All; Mr. Patrick Kyllonen, Distinguished presidential appointee, ETS.

    In the session on “Greening Education: A Sustainable Future for All” moderated by Ms. Christine Ozden, Global Director of Climate Education-Cambridge, the panel featured Dr. Azmi Mahmoud Mufleh Mahafzah, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Mr. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Technology and Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Republic of The Gambia; Ms. Min Jeong Kim, Director of Education 2030, UNESCO; Ms. Jan Mann, Managing Director, Partnership for Education, Cambridge University; Dr. Abdullah Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman; and Dr. Aishah Al Yammahi, Strategic Advisor, Alef Education.

    The day concluded with the session on “United for Education in times of Crises,” moderated by Ms. Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait (ECW), bringing together Dr. Amjad Saad Suleiman Dababat, Minister of Education and Higher Education, State of Palestine; Dr. Tariq Salem Saleh Al-Akbari, Minister of Education, Republic of Yemen; Dr. Mohammed Alshiriakah, Chairman of the Gulf Arab States Educational Research Center, Kuwait; Ms. Adele Khodr, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, UNICEF; Mr. Fahad Al-Sulaiti, CEO, Education Above All; Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mudiris, Director General, UNESCO Regional Centre of Quality and Excellence in Education; and Mr. Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir, Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education, Republic of Somalia.

    Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey, Head of Education Sector at ICESCO, concluded with highlights of the first day, which featured discussions on the challenges facing education and the actions needed to contribute to transforming education.

    USA Global Innovation Institute awards ICESCO the Organization Innovation Certificate

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) received the Organization Innovation Certificate, another recognition of the Organization’s efforts as part of the implementation of its new forward-looking vision and strategic orientations. The certificate was awarded by the Global Innovation Institute in the United States of America, a leading international institute specialized in the field.

    This new certificate embodies an international recognition of ICESCO’s efforts and remarkable work to promote innovation and support the youth of the Islamic world in this field, through the launch and implementation of major initiatives, programs and projects that meet the expectations of these countries.

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, announced this achievement on Wednesday 2 October 2024, at the end of his opening remarks on the first day of the Third ICESCO Education Ministers Conference, being held in Muscat, on 2-3 October 2024, in cooperation with the Omani Ministry of Education and in coordination with the Sultanate National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

    Moreover, the Director-General expressed his delight at this achievement, stressing that this certificate attests to ICESCO’s commitment to integrate innovation as a basis for achieving sustainable development in all aspects and levels of its work, from the early stages of drafting policies to implementing field programs and initiatives with the Member States and partners.

    ICESCO received this international certification following an intensive and comprehensive evaluation by the Institute’s representatives, touching on the Organization’s innovation policy, the methodology of implementing innovative programs and measuring their impact on its Member States, and the effective involvement of its partners in these projects. At the end of the evaluation, ICESCO received the certificate with the rank, “Champion”.

    In this regard, the Global Innovation Institute organized a five-day training session for the “Certified Innovation Professional” for the benefit of 26 experts and staff members from the Organization’s General Directorate. The training aimed at building the staff members’ capacities in the field of innovation management, including modules on creativity techniques, effective brainstorming strategies, structured phases of innovative projects and the use of data to guide decision-making. The training also addressed the key roles of innovation managers in leading projects and building cohesive, creative teams.