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Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Mathias Cormann, the Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The two officials discussed ways to strengthen partnership and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest, chief of which are education and its quality assessment, as well as the arrangements for jointly organizing the conference on the Program for International Student Assessment “PISA,” in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, held on Friday 10 November 2023, at the OECD Headquarters in Paris, in the presence of officials from the two organizations, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the strategic partnership and fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and OECD since the signing of the memorandum of understanding, in November 2020, aiming to develop the education sector and improve education systems in the Islamic world. He also praised the joint initiatives and activities, particularly the PISA conference, held at ICESCO Headquarters, in November 2022.

The meeting also discussed details for implementing future programs between the two organizations in the field of education. This includes the arrangements for holding the “PISA” conference at the beginning of 2024, in the Republic of Azerbaijan, to assess education systems in the Islamic world, promote knowledge exchange, improve education systems’ quality, and find solutions to common challenges.
They also discussed efforts to keep up global requirements and develop education policies in Africa, bridging the glaring gap in educational systems between ICESCO Member States, and assisting them in developing their education systems by enhancing skills, building youth capacities, and developing their cognitive skills.

Mr. Mathias Cormann commended ICESCO’s efforts in its areas of competence and its outstanding collaboration with OECD, reviewing its implemented initiatives with a group of ICESCO Member States in the field of human resource development and strategic planning.
In conclusion, Dr. AlMalik presented the OECD Secretary-General with the ICESCO shield and invited him to be the guest of honor at the next session of the Conference of Ministers of Education in the Islamic world.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education signed a cooperation agreement to exchange technical expertise and knowledge in the preparation and implementation of research and programs related to quality, excellence and innovation in education, the development of educational policies, and the joint organization and implementation of a number of regional projects and activities in this field.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday (8 November 2023) in the French capital, Paris, by Dr. Salim Al-Malik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr. Abdulrahman Almedaires, Director-General of the UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education, in the presence of Mr. Yousef Bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, Minister of Education of the Kingdom Saudi Arabia, in conjunction with their participation in the 42nd session of UNESCO General Conference of, held from 7 to 22 November 2023.

Dr. Al-Malik expressed his happiness with signing of the agreement, noting that this agreement will strengthen partnership between ICESCO and the Centre, thus positively impacting the quality of education in Member States. For his part, Dr. Al- Almedaires stressed that the signing of the agreement is part of the Centre’s keenness to develop cooperation with ICESCO in areas of common interest. The agreement, which will cover a period of five years, stipulates the implementation of several joint projects between the two sides, including: the Arab model project for quality and excellence in education, and the educational leadership training project, in addition to holding regional workshops to support the quality and excellence of educational systems in Arab countries and the Islamic world.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, Minister of Education of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held a meeting to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry in order to contribute to the development of education systems in the countries of the Islamic world.
During the meeting, held on Wednesday 8 November 2023 in the French capital Paris, on the occasion of the participation of both officials in the 42nd session of UNESCO’s General Conference, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main thrusts of ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, its efforts in activities, programs and initiatives to improve the educational process, strengthen open education and blended learning, as well as to ensure quality, equitable and inclusive education for all, empower women and girls and hone their skills.

The meeting also touched on mechanisms for developing the partnership between ICESCO and the Ministry, as well as cooperation to build the capacities and skills of young people in the Islamic world, drawing on the successful experiences of qualified Saudi human resources. In addition, they agreed to cooperate in supporting ICESCO’s fields of action, and to recruit Saudi executives who contribute to the enrichment of knowledge and the sharing of experience and expertise in the fields of education and teaching.

The Director General and the Saudi Minister of Education also discussed the hosting by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of the next edition of the Conference of Ministers of Education in the Islamic World, and underlined their willingness to pursue joint action and partnership in the coming period to implement a set of joint programs and projects, and to coordinate efforts aimed at developing education policies and systems in the countries of the Islamic world, notably by encouraging them to integrate new technologies and to use open educational resources in teaching activities.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), underscored the pivotal spiritual role of faith leaders in raising awareness about the importance of preserving the planet’s well-being; as they stand as thought leaders and guiding figures in their communities, reminding people of ethical virtues and cautioning against the deplorable behaviors of monopolization and excessive consumption as condemned in all divine teachings.

These profound insights were shared during his remark on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Global Faith Leaders Summit on Climate Action, held in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The summit drew the participation of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, as well as Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, President of the UAE Council for Fatwa, along with 30 faith leaders, figures, academics, scholars, and experts from around the world. This gathering is organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the presidency of the 28th edition of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) and the UN Environment Programme.

Dr. AlMalik initiated his remarks by commending the summit’s distinguished theme, embodying a message of wisdom, inclusivity, and foresight. He further emphasized that every religious doctrine, without exception, directs its followers’ focus towards preserving the environment and securing the continuity of life on Earth. Moreover, he stressed that the proper practice of any religious rite hinges on an environment that is fundamentally and outwardly sound.

He reiterated ICESCO’s acknowledgment of the value of spiritual leaders and their role in advocating for the environment and safeguarding its treasures. In 2020, amidst the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ICESCO organized the international virtual forum titled “Role of Religious Leaders in the Face of Crises” in collaboration with the Muslim World League (MWL) and the World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC). This forum yielded the document “Towards a Global Moral Solidarity,” which prominently integrated environmental considerations into its contents.

In his closing statement, Dr. AlMalik proposed that the summit should culminate in an international environmental and spiritual covenant that pledges to nurture an environmentally conscious spirituality for the new generations, integrate environmental values into educational curricula as an essential aspect of proper religious practice, promote these values and their preservation in public discourse, reinforce the environmental focus within spiritual organizations, and create a meaningful emblem that embodies novelty, sustainability, and innovation.

In accordance with the High Royal approval of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is delighted to announce the extension for an additional year of hosting the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, housed at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The hosting of this event comes as part of the tripartite strategic partnership between ICESCO, the Muslim World League, and the Mohammadia League of Scholars.

Since its official inauguration on 17 November 2022, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and with the presence of His Royal Highness, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Morocco, Prince Moulay El Hassan, the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization have enjoyed a great turnout from the various segments of the Moroccan population, foreign residents in the Kingdom, as well as international tourists and figures. It is the first edition of the Prophet’s Seerah exhibitions, permanently headquartered in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, to be organized outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The gracious Royal approval to extend the hosting of the Exhibition and Museum in Rabat has been granted in response to a request formulated by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, in a letter to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah protect him, considering the consistent high demand for the Exhibition, which has attracted nearly four million visitors since it opened its doors to the public on 28 November 2022. Visitors have been calling for its continued operation for a longer period, emphasizing that it has become a preferred destination for those interested in delving deeper into the details of the noble Prophet’s Seerah.

The Exhibition and Museum consist of three main components: “the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization,” and “Panorama of the Noble Prophet’s Chambers in the Early Era,” using 3D technology and virtual reality techniques for the first time, both of which are overseen by the Muslim World League, as well as the “Exhibition of Moroccans’ Connection to the venerable Prophetic lineage, the Beauty of Love and Loyalty,” overseen by the Mohammadia League of Scholars of the Kingdom of Morocco.

This great scholarly event aims to convey the message of Islam that is represented by justice, peace, mercy, tolerance, coexistence, and moderation, relying on the Quran and the noble Prophet’s Sunnah, and the enlightened Islamic history. The Exhibition opens its doors to the general public for free from 10 AM to 6 PM throughout the week, except for Mondays.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Ahmed Abu Hisa, Minister of Industry and Minerals in the Libyan Government of National Unity, explored prospects for cooperation in the field of modern technologies.

During the meeting, which took place on Wednesday, 1 November 2023, at ICESCO Headquarters, in the presence of a delegation of officials accompanying the Minister, Dr. AlMalik lauded the significant cooperation between ICESCO and the Libyan entities evident in ICESCO’s programs and projects implemented in coordination with the Libyan National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s ongoing key programs, in light of its new vision and strategic orientations, particularly in the field of youth capacity-building in technology and innovation fields to meet the requirements of the professions of tomorrow, contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and encourage digital transition in its Member States, notably ICESCO’s program on training youth to establish and develop small-scale technology and innovation enterprises.

Additionally, the two parties reaffirmed their keenness to build fruitful cooperation to support youth-oriented programs, within the framework of ICESCO Year of Youth, develop scientific research in technology and innovation, and mobilize ICESCO’s support for Industrial and Technology Pole in the State of Libya, which aims to embrace and support young innovators to turn their ideas into projects, thus disseminating investment opportunities in ICESCO Member States, internalizing technology and leveraging its potential in the Islamic world countries.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik took Mr. Ahmed Abu Hisa and his delegation on a tour of the different pavilions and sections of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, utilizing modern display techniques to narrate and document, in detail, the Seerah of our noble Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as part of the strategic partnership between the Organization, the Islamic World League, and the Mohammedia League of Scholars.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Khaled Al-Anani, former minister of tourism and antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Arab nominee for the position of Director-General of the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the term 2025 to 2029. The meeting came as part of the Arab tour undertaken by Dr. Al-Anani as part of his campaign preparations, following the decision of the Council of the Arab League during its 160th Session held at the ministerial level to endorse his nomination.
At the outset of the meeting, held on Wednesday 1 November 2023, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of the ambassador of Egypt to Morocco, Dr. AlMalik extended his congratulations to Dr. Al-Anani for the trust placed in him by the Egyptian government in nominating him for this prestigious international position and the unanimous Arab support and endorsement of his nomination, wishing him success in securing the position.

ICESCO Director-General also emphasized the Organization’s support for Dr. Al-Anani’s nomination and its full readiness to provide all forms of support and assistance to ensure his success in the elections, in coordination with the countries of the Islamic world, praising the academic qualifications, executive achievements, and international experience of the Arab nominee, which span over 30 years.

On his part, Dr. Al-Anani expressed his gratitude to Dr. Al-Malik for the audience and ICESCO’s support of his nomination for the position of UNESCO Director-General. He also noted that consultations are underway with Arab countries to understand their proposals, visions, and priorities in the fields related to education, culture, science, and communication in the coming period.

The meeting was attended by Minister-Delegate Wael Abdel Wahab, Coordinator of Dr. Al-Anani’s election campaign, and Ms. Imane Bellah Ghattouri, Counselor at the Egyptian Embassy in Rabat, and from ICESCO, Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the Director-General, and Samy El Kamhawy, Director of the Department of Communication and Institutional Communication.

Following the meeting, Dr. Al-Malik accompanied Dr. Al-Anani on a tour of the different galleries and sections of the International Museum and Exhibition of the Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently hosted at ICESCO’s headquarters. Upon the tour’s completion, Dr. Al-Anani expressed his delight at visiting this distinguished scholarly exhibit, noting that it offers a journey through time by seizing the benefits of cutting-edge display technologies.