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Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), has unveiled the Organization’s project to restore the ancient mosque of Chinguetti in Mauritania, in the historic district classified as an Islamic and world heritage site, including the Imam’s house and the mosque’s interior and exterior courtyards. This initiative has been launched in agreement with the Mauritanian Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament, in total compliance with the cultural heritage technical requirements.

This decision comes following Dr. AlMalik’s visit to the mosque, on the sidelines of his participation in the opening of the 13th session of “Madayn Heritage Festival”, which kicked off on 13 December 2024 in Chinguetti, under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.

During the visit, the Director General toured the various sections of the mosque and its interior and exterior courtyards. He also learned about the history and great historical symbolism of this Islamic architecture, a monument that has taught thousands of scholars over more than ten centuries and a key departure point for pilgrims from West Africa.

He added that the decision to restore the ancient mosque of Chinguetti falls within the framework of the outstanding partnership between ICESCO and Mauritania, as well as ICESCO’s commitment to heritage preservation.

The ancient mosque of Chinguetti is one of the most prominent monuments in the ancient city, representing a unique architectural model that combines simplicity and precise architectural design. It was first founded in 160 A.H. in ancient Chinguetti, before being re-founded in 660 A.H. in its present location.

Dr. Salim Al-Malik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), commended the 13th edition of the ” Madayn Heritage Festival”, being held in the historic city of Chinguetti, a cultural and scientific center that has promoted and preserved the values of its identity throughout the ages, much like the cities that have embraced the Islamic, Arab and African culture, to linger in human memory forever.

This statement came in his address, delivered during the first cultural evening of the “Madayn Heritage Festival”, on Friday evening (13 December 2024), in the presence of H.E. Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, alongside Mauritanian ministers and senior officials, heads of international organizations working in the fields of education, science and culture, and a large number of ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Nouakchott, as well as intellectuals, artists and the public at large.

ICESCO Director General said that cities are like flags, some of which have faded from the memory of history while others such as Mecca, Al Madinah, Al-Quds Al-Sharif and Chinguetti still linger in our memory given their historic status as metropolises that must be preserved, maintained and revitalized.

He also pointed out that ICESCO undertakes this responsibility by promoting the areas of education, science and culture throughout the Islamic world, as illustrated by its Programme of Culture Capitals in the Islamic World, and the concept of ICESCO Routes integrated with the Hajj Routes initiative, in line with the Organization’s mission, which considers that cities would be future ruins without civilizational vitality.
At the close of his address, Dr. Al-Malik shared his poem titled “Li Chinguetti Tuskabu al-Alhan,” written in celebration of this city as part of the “Madayn Heritage Festival”.

ICESCO Director General visited Chinguetti Historic Mosque, one of the city’s prominent heritage monument, representing a unique architectural model that combines simplicity and a meticulous architectural design. It was first founded in 160 AH in ancient Chenguitti, before it was rebuilt in its current location in 660 AH. The soft sand-covered ground of the mosque is still the worshippers’ carpet during their prayers.

During the visit, Dr. Al-Malik commended the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania aiming at preserving its tangible and intangible heritage, indicating that ICESCO has inscribed many historical sites and cultural elements of Mauritania on its Islamic World Heritage List.

H.E. Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, has awarded the Medal of the Commander of the National Order of Merit to Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in recognition of his outstanding efforts to develop the Organization’s fields of competence and increase its civilizational influence since assuming the post of Director General.

President El Ghazouani received Dr. AlMalik on Thursday, 12 December 2024, at the Presidential Palace in Nouakchott and decorated him with the medal, one of the highest honors awarded by the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to distinguished personalities.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his sincere thanks and deep gratitude to H.E. President El Ghazouani for his support to the cooperation between ICESCO and Mauritania, and reviewed the main programs and projects underway in the framework of this bilateral cooperation. He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to H.E. Dr. Mariem Mint Mohamed Fadel Dah, First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and ICESCO Goodwill Ambassador, for her patronage of a number of the Organization’s activities, in particular the International Scientific Conference on the theme: “Family and Technology: Regulating Services and Controlling Uses”, whose third session took place today in Nouakchott, in the presence of high-level personalities in view of the importance of the subject.

For his part, H.E. the President praised the high quality of ICESCO’s programs and initiatives for the benefit of its Member States, as well as the support it has provided to Mauritania over the past five years as part of the country’s dynamic development at all levels, particularly in the fields of education, science and culture.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Nani Ould Chrouga, Minister in charge of the Office of the President of the Republic, Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah, Advisor to the Director General of ICESCO, and Mr. Mohamed Ould Sidi Abdalla, Secretary General of the Mauritanian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Federation of Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Modernization of Administration of Mauritania, and the Mauritanian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Maryam Mohamed Fadil Dah, First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and ICESCO Goodwill Ambassador, organized the 3rd ICESCO International Science Conference on “Family and Technology: Regulating Services and Controlling Usage” in Nouakchott, Mauritania, at the Nouakchott Convention Center (Palais des Congrés) on Thursday 12 December 2024.

The Event brought together high-ranking ministers, officials, and experts in digital education and family psychology, in addition to representatives from technology companies to examine the impact of technology on the family, and develop strategies for regulating technological services.

The opening session commenced with a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, followed by a video presentation highlighting the intersection of family and technology, the challenges posed by its usage, and the importance of awareness programs to address these issues. Subsequently, Mr. Mohamed Ould Sidi Abdallah, Secretary-General of the Mauritanian National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, praised the pertinence of the Conference’s topics, emphasizing the value of its outcomes in analyzing trends and challenges related to digital technology usage.

In his remarks, Mr. Idoumou Islamou Abeidallah, President of the Nouakchott Regional Council, acknowledged the profound challenges posed by technological advancements to family cohesion and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting innovative initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges.

Mr. Ahmed Salem Ould Bede, Minister of Digital Transformation and Modernization of Administration of Mauritania, outlined his ministry’s achievements in advancing digital transformation to improve family life and foster comprehensive awareness of the risks associated with the misuse of technology.

Mr. Houssein Ould Meddou, Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Parliamentary Relations, and spokesperson for the Mauritanian government, highlighted the family’s role as the primary and most important institution for child-rearing. He stressed the need for families to strike a balance between the benefits of modern advancements and societal values.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized that the Conference’s theme provided a critical opportunity to explore the positive and negative impacts of digitalization on society, particularly its relationship with families. He called for in-depth discussions on family-related topics, including the integration of modern educational methods into school programs and their ability to connect the dynamics of family life with what schools provide, as well as the content consumed by children and youth in their interaction with smartphones.

The opening session concluded with remarks by Ms. Safiya Bint N’Tahah, Minister of Social Work, Childhood, and Family, who represented the First Lady of Mauritania. She emphasized that modern technologies, particularly those related to communication, compel society to find optimal ways to utilize them effectively.

Following the opening session, ICESCO’s Director-General and other participating ministers toured the technology exhibition held alongside the Conference, where institutions and companies showcased their latest tools and technological solutions.

The Conference’s scientific sessions then kicked-off, addressing topics such as “The Positive and Negative Impacts of Technology on the Family,” “Strategies for Regulating Technological Services,” and “Education and Technology in the Family to Ensure Safety and Privacy.”

Among the key outcomes of the Conference, which featured rich discussions and an exchange of ideas on regulating the relationship between the family and technology, was an agreement to issue guidebooks outlining safe technology usage practices within families. Additionally, there was a call to organize regular workshops aimed at enhancing digital education and promoting safety awareness, alongside efforts to develop applications to assist families in monitoring technology use effectively.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) congratulates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his loyal Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister, may Allah protect them, on the occasion of the official confirmation of the Kingdom’s hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

While commending the great achievements accomplished by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at all levels, including sports in general and football in particular, ICESCO affirms that Saudi Arabia’s organization of this international event will be an opportunity to present to the peoples of the world a positive image of the culture of the Islamic world, and to show the Kingdom’s civilizational treasures and its tangible and intangible heritage, which contributes significantly to strengthening the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue.

On this occasion, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, affirmed the Organization’s full readiness to cooperate and provide all forms of support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during its preparations to organize this major international event, as part of the strong partnership between the two sides, to achieve the desired success in organizing the 2034 World Cup and to promote the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Islamic world.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the importance of pooling efforts to invest in sports in general, and football in particular, given its powerful influence on different groups and overwhelming popularity around the world, and contribute to spreading the culture of peace and civilizational dialogue and achieving sustainable development.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Michele Capasso, President of the Fondazione Mediterraneo, and together they explored prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and the Foundation in promoting the culture of peace and anchoring the values of coexistence and civilizational dialogue.

During the meeting, held Monday, December 9, 2024, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to promoting openness and developing cooperation relations with all, noting that the Foundation’s goals intersect with the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations, as they both firmly believe in the importance of peace and the need to anchor its principles through education, culture and science.

He also stated that ICESCO implements a number of peacebuilding initiatives and programs, notably ICESCO’s Leadership Training for Peace and Security Program (LTIPS) and the Peace 360° Initiative.

For his part, Dr. Capasso commended ICESCO’s roles and efforts within its areas of competence, reiterating his appreciation of Dr. AlMalik’s leadership style which has given impetus to the Organization’s work and achievements over the past five years. He stated that Dr. AlMalik’s endeavors prompted the Foundation to present him with its Mediterranean Award Medal of Honour for 2024, in a large ceremony held at the Foundation’s headquarters in Naples, Italy. He further explained that the Mediterranean Award Medal of Honour is an annual award presented to kings, heads of states, governments, intellectuals and academics who had significant contributions to anchoring the values of coexistence and peace across the globe.

At the close of the meeting, the Organization agreed to examine a number of initiatives and programs proposed by the Foundation to assess the prospects of co-organization.

The historic Bahia Palace in Marrakech, Morocco, hosted the closing ceremony of the year-long celebration of Marrakech as a Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024. Held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, the Celebration featured numerous cultural programs and activities organized in cooperation between ICESCO, the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, and various other Moroccan institutions. This initiative was part of ICESCO’s Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World program.

The Event, organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Barid Al-Maghrib (Morocco Post Group), took place on Sunday evening, 8 December 2024, and included the launch of a commemorative stamp to honor this occasion.

The Ceremony, attended by several Moroccan high-ranking officials and cultural figures, opened with an address by Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication. He emphasized that the designation of Marrakech as a Culture Capital in the Islamic World underscores the City’s cultural prominence both nationally and internationally, attributing the Event’s success to the collective efforts of all stakeholders.

In his remarks, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, affirmed that although the celebrations had concluded, Marrakech would remain a beacon of culture in the Islamic world. Over the past year, the City had captivated all with its cultural vibrancy through the organization of more than 250 diverse and meticulously executed activities. These events began with the distillation of orange blossom water in the “Zahriyet Marrakech” (Marrakech Orange Blossom Festival) and concluded with the issuance of a commemorative stamp marking ICESCO’s celebration of the city as a Culture Capital in the Islamic world.

Dr. AlMalik expressed gratitude to all institutions and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the festivities, particularly the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the Marrakech Municipality, the Marrakech-Safi Region, and ICESCO’s dedicated team. He concluded his remarks by reciting a poem he composed for the occasion, titled “Marrakech: The Balm of Memory.”

Mr. Amine Benjelloun Touimi, Director-General of Barid Al-Maghrib, highlighted the significance of the commemorative stamp in showcasing Marrakech’s pioneering role in preserving Moroccan cultural heritage. He noted that the stamp’s design reflects the city’s status as a symbol of cultural and civilizational diversity and detailed its artistic elements, which encapsulate the essence of Marrakech.

Following the speeches, Dr. AlMalik, accompanied by Mr. Bensaid and Mr. Touimi, unveiled the design of the commemorative stamp. The Ceremony concluded with a tour of the art exhibitions currently hosted at Bahia Palace.