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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The first day of the 3rd Education Ministers Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), being 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, kicked off on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, in Muscat, under the theme: “Beyond Transforming Education Summit: From Commitments to Actions.”

The opening session, held under the patronage of Sheikh AbdulMalik bin Abdullah Al Khalili, President of the State Council of the Sultanate of Oman, saw the presence of H.E. Macky Sall, former President of the Republic of Senegal, and H.E. Ameenah Garib-Fakim, former President of the Republic of Mauritius, as guests of honor, and a large number of ministers of education in the Islamic world, heads of international organizations, bodies and civil society institutions working in the fields of education, technology and innovation.

Following the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al-Shaibani, Minister of Education, Chairperson of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, stressed in her address that transforming education and upgrading its contents is a joint responsibility that requires concerted efforts to fund education and enhance the preparedness and readiness of educational systems to face crises.

She also commended ICESCO’s proclamation of the Year of Youth, given their pivotal role in leading societies towards progress and development, and reviewed Oman’s efforts to advance the field of education and provide a sustainable educational environment adaptable to future digital transformations.

In his address, H.E. Macky Sall pointed out that the Islamic world’s history has witnessed outstanding contributions to knowledge dissemination, adding that our heritage reminds us of our responsibility to preserve the status of science and education in a rapidly evolving era.

In her address, Ms. Ameenah Garib-Fakim highlighted women’s contributions and pivotal role in building the Islamic civilization through participation in decision-making, adding that investment in girls’ education is an imperative to ensure a brighter future.

For his part, Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), expressed his sincere thanks to the Sultanate of Oman for hosting this landmark event, stressing that the Organization has made enormous efforts to ensure the success of this historic conference and called at the United Nations Transforming Education Summit for a change in education curricula and methods of bringing up future generations to keep up with requirements of the times.

He also touched on the future of educational systems in light of the technological revolution and artificial intelligence, stressing the need to strike a balance between technological progress and the utilization of human capacities, while emphasizing the pivotal role of the family in supporting the educational process.

ICESCO DG concluded his address by reiterating the Organization’s commitment to seizing development opportunities and assisting Member States to adopt an innovative approach to modernize educational systems, announcing in this context that ICESCO has been named a Champion after obtaining the “Certified Innovative Organization” certification from the Global Innovation Institute, in recognition of its outstanding efforts in the field of innovation and development.

Afterwards, a young man and a young woman from the Sultanate of Oman presented their learning experiences with Outward Bound Oman. Subsequently, participants watched a documentary video on education in the Sultanate of Oman.

In her video message, Ms. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, emphasized that this conference represents a critical point in the march of education, bringing together Member States to assess their commitments and develop ambitious future plans, stressing that its outcomes will serve as a clear roadmap to strengthen education systems and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).