Category: Front Page

The fifth Youth Knowledge Forum kicked off on Monday, 7 September 2026, at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat. Organized in partnership between ICESCO, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Forum is held under the theme “From Crisis to Sustainability,” with nearly 3,000 young women and men participating from Rabat, Sharjah, Cairo, and Kazan via digital-twin technology.

The two-day event features the use of digital-twin technology for the first time across the Islamic world, with Morocco serving as the main host hub and the Forum’s sessions and workshops linked to centers in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, enabling real-time interaction among participants.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stated that young people face rapid transformations that are reshaping jobs and widening the gap between those equipped with the tools needed for the future and those lacking them. He explained that societies’ capacity for progress depends on their ability to learn from crises and address the vulnerabilities.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that the transition to sustainability begins with an accurate understanding of current realities and decisions that translate ideas into action. He affirmed that ICESCO regards Member States’ youth as key partners in shaping the future and that the Forum seeks to transform their knowledge into practical capabilities and their ideas into actionable partnerships and initiatives.

For his part, Mr. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, stated that interconnected global crises require new ideas, more effective partnerships, and solutions grounded in knowledge and innovation.

He emphasized that the Forum seeks to move beyond discussion toward measurable and actionable plans and initiatives, noting that its true value lies in the ideas and partnerships led by young people as partners in developing solutions and leaders of the future.

In remarks delivered on her behalf by Mr. Adel Ghamart, Secretary-General of the Ministry, Ms. Naïma Ben Yahya, Morocco’s Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, affirmed that addressing the challenges facing young people begins with crisis prevention and the provision of clear pathways toward social and economic empowerment.

Ms. Leyla Fazleeva, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, explained that shared values strengthen the resilience of individuals and countries while fostering trust, mutual respect, and sustainable development. Ms. Ilaria Carnevali, UNDP Resident Representative in Morocco, noted that young people seek not only to navigate uncertainty but also to shape the systems that will define their future.

The first day featured three main sessions titled “When crises meets sustainability,” “Youth voices: Turning Ambition into Success,” and “Your Career in a Changing World.” Former ministers, ambassadors, experts, and young participants discussed ways to address crises and transform them into opportunities for development. The day also featured youth activities, folklore performances, and theatrical presentations that drew strong engagement from participants.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Anwar Kalshat Al Mahri, Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training of the Republic of Yemen, to discuss ways and mechanisms for cooperation in developing programs and projects aimed at protecting local languages from extinction, enhancing young people’s technical and vocational skills, promoting entrepreneurship, and advancing institutional development.

During the meeting, held on Friday, 4 September 2026, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat and attended by Ambassador Ezzedine Al Asbahi, Ambassador of Yemen to Morocco, Dr. AlMalik stressed that ICESCO seeks to develop initiatives and activities that respond to the needs of its Member States in the fields of education, youth capacity building, and heritage preservation for future generations. He also reviewed the Organization’s efforts to attract talented young professionals from across the Islamic world.

The Director-General highlighted the importance of international organizations investing in the development of education and vocational training in Yemen as a cornerstone for preparing generations capable of building a better future within their communities. He described vocational training as an important step toward advancing sustainable development and strengthening the labor market.

For his part, Dr. Al Mahri outlined the Ministry’s efforts to address challenges in the education sector by creating an enabling environment for innovation, creativity, and knowledge dissemination. He emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with international organizations, foremost among them ICESCO, as a center of expertise.

He also expressed the Ministry’s interest in cooperating with ICESCO on a project that explores the use of Arabic script in protecting endangered spoken local languages.
The two parties agreed to develop an action plan during the coming period to establish innovation units and a local platform for technical and vocational training, as well as to strengthen the scientific and technical skills of the Ministry’s personnel and staff.

The meeting was also attended by Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector, and Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector, Director of the Translation and Publishing Center.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, President of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), and the accompanying delegation on Thursday, 3 September 2026, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat. The meeting explored prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and HBKU, which is a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, in the areas of youth capacity building, education development, leveraging artificial intelligence, and enhancing the global presence of the Arabic language.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik commended the close partnership between ICESCO and the State of Qatar, as well as its various institutions and bodies. This partnership has resulted in the development and implementation of several pioneering initiatives and programs, foremost among them the ICESCO Regional Educational Center in Chad, which works to promote the Arabic language.

The ICESCO Director-General also praised the contributions of Qatar Foundation, noting that, under the wise leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of the Foundation, it has become one of the international institutions of which the Islamic world is proud, owing to its pioneering roles in the fields of education, research, innovation, community development, and human capital development.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted the Organization’s investment, as part of its vision and strategic orientations, in women’s capacity building by developing women’s skills and educating girls, in addition to its commitment to attracting qualified women to assume leadership positions within the Organization. He also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts to promote foresight and scientific research, as well as cooperation with universities and research institutions.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the paramount importance that ICESCO attaches to heritage protection by inscribing cultural elements and historical sites on its Islamic World Heritage List and assisting its Member States in inscribing their archaeological sites on the World Heritage List.

For his part, Dr. Hasnah commended the qualitative transformation ICESCO has undergone in recent years. He noted that today’s meeting was held at the direction of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and comes as part of HBKU’s commitment to cooperation with ICESCO, particularly in developing a program to promote artificial intelligence ethics in line with Arab and Islamic values and culture, as well as in building youth capacities.

The President of HBKU also stressed that the reluctance of Arab and Islamic societies to engage with Arabic-language content calls for the joint development and implementation of activities and projects aimed at encouraging writing, publishing and reading in Arabic, as well as establishing local knowledge banks.

Following the meeting, the University delegation held separate meetings with several heads of Sectors, Departments, and Centers at ICESCO, during which the Organization’s initiatives and activities were presented, and a number of programs proposed for implementation in the coming period were discussed.

The delegation included Ms. Abeer Al Khalifa, President of Pre-University Education; Sheikha Noof Al Thani, Vice President of Strategic Educational Initiatives at Pre-University Education; Dr. Mohammed Ghaly, Head of the Research Center for Islamic Legislation & Ethics (CILE); Mr. Yousuf AlKhulaifi, Manager of PUE President’s Office; and Ms. Lilit Ohennisian, Projects Lead at HBKU.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), congratulated Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah on his appointment as Director General of OIC Secretary-General’s Cabinet, wishing him every success in his new position and continued fulfillment in his distinguished professional career, marked by dedication and achievement in service of the causes of the Islamic world, during his tenure in numerous leadership positions within ICESCO over nearly three decades.
Dr. AlMalik expressed his high appreciation for Dr. Ahmed Said’s professional record, affirming that he had been one of the Organization’s outstanding professionals and distinguished leaders, renowned for his knowledge, experience, integrity, and sound judgment, leaving a positive impact in every position he held.

Furthermore, ICESCO Director-General stated that the Organization would miss a valued colleague and dedicated leader, but would continue to regard him with pride as its ambassador to the OIC, carrying its spirit and mission in his new position. Dr. AlMalik noted that his presence in this position would open broader horizons for partnership between the OIC and ICESCO and give it renewed momentum grounded in trust, shared knowledge, and a shared commitment to their common mission.

It is worth noting that Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah has had an extensive career within ICESCO, which began in the mid-1990s, during which he headed and supervised several sectors and departments of the Organization. He most recently served as an Advisor to ICESCO’s General Directorate and has become a role model for enlightened leadership and dedicated, diligent work.