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    ICESCO Director-General Attends Opening of Leaders’ Summit at COP 31, Discusses Cooperation with Ministers from Morocco and Pakistan

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), attended the opening of the Leaders Summit held as part of the 31 Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP 31) in Antalya, Republic of Türkiye. On the sidelines of the Conference, he also met with ministers from the Kingdom of Morocco and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

    The opening remarks were preceded by Turkish folkloric performances highlighting the importance of environmental conservation and climate protection. The remarks began with an address by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, followed by speeches from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, host of the summit.

    At the Kingdom of Morocco Pavilion, Dr. AlMalik met with Ms. Charafat Afilal, Minister of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development. He commended the pavilion’s outstanding presentation of the Kingdom’s efforts in energy and sustainable development, as well as its seminar program, to which ICESCO contributed two sessions, including one on smart cities. The Minister affirmed her commitment to strengthening cooperation with ICESCO in renewable energy and addressing climate challenges, and to developing joint initiatives in these areas.

    At the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Pavilion, the ICESCO Director-General met with Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, who expressed interest in the Organization’s programs and initiatives and affirmed his commitment to further strengthening the close cooperation between Pakistan and ICESCO across various fields.

    At the Pakistan Pavilion, Dr. AlMalik also met with Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, Minister of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. They discussed prospects for cooperation on environmental and climate action, as well as the possibility of Pakistan hosting the ICESCO Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World in 2027.

    The Director-General and his accompanying delegation also toured the pavilions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan, in addition to the Moroccan and Turkish pavilions.

    It is worth noting that ICESCO’s COP31 programme includes more than 50 contributions across Member States’ pavilions and those of several international organizations, along with events held in the conference’s multipurpose halls. ICESCO’s first participation in the Conferences of the Parties with a dedicated pavilion at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022, and continued its presence at subsequent sessions. The Organization was granted observer status at the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP 31) during COP28 in Dubai 2023.

    ICESCO Calls for Accelerating Climate Action in the Global South through Circular Economy Policies at COP31

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), affirmed that the transition to a circular economy has become an economic and development priority given its direct impact on environmental protection. He pointed out that this challenge represents an opportunity for countries of the Global South, as the circular economy reduces waste and pollution, improves resource efficiency, contributes to lowering emissions, and opens up new economic opportunities.

    Dr. AlMalik made these remarks during the High-Level Dialogue on Accelerating Climate Action in the Global South through Circular Economy Policies, held on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, by ICESCO, the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), the Yunus Environment Hub, and the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS). The event took place at the Republic of Türkiye Pavilion during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), hosted by Antalya, Türkiye.

    The Director-General began his address by thanking the Government of the Republic of Türkiye for hosting the dialogue at its pavilion. He then emphasized that pressure on natural resources is increasing due to prevailing production and consumption patterns, while recycled materials account for only around 6.9% of the total materials input into the global economy, revealing the gap between ambitions and current practices. He added that the success of circular economy policies is measured by the ability to implement them, which requires regulatory frameworks and institutional capacities, as well as facilitating access to financing and strengthening cooperation among governments and academia, and between international organizations and the private sector.

    In this regard, he pointed out that ICESCO, through its Science and Environment Sector, supports Member States’ efforts to achieve sustainable development by leveraging scientific and technological advances and promoting innovation. He also explained that the Organization is preparing a technical report on the options available to its Member States for waste management and pollution reduction in accordance with the circular economy approach. The report provides practical guidance to help each country identify the approach best suited to its circumstances, alongside recommendations for addressing existing gaps and strengthening implementation.

    During COP31, AlMalik Reaffirms ICESCO’s Commitment to Supporting Member States’ Efforts in Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Food Systems

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to supporting its Member States’ efforts in smart agriculture and sustainable food systems to strengthen food security. He highlighted ICESCO’s work to promote the use of science, technology, and innovation to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience, noting that food security is closely linked to climate action.

    Dr. AlMalik made the remarks during the high-level dialogue titled “Bridging the Implementation Gap: South-South Cooperation on Food Loss, Waste and Methane Mitigation for Climate and Food Security.” ICESCO organized the session in partnership with the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), and the Science for Humanity’s Greatest Challenges network. The event was held on 11 November 2026 at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Pavilion as part of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.

    Dr. AlMalik cited statistics illustrating the scale of post-harvest food loss and food waste in retail outlets and facilities at a time when millions suffer from malnutrition. He also highlighted the climate impacts of such waste, foremost among them global greenhouse gas and methane emissions that drive global warming. Addressing this phenomenon is therefore essential to achieving food security, reducing emissions, and using resources more efficiently.

    He added that translating shared awareness into tangible action requires stronger cooperation across the food value chain; investment in storage, transport, refrigeration, and smart farming technologies; and access for farmers to information and digital tools that support climate change adaptation. It also requires improved methods for managing and recycling food and agricultural waste, as well as stronger institutional capacities and policies to implement and scale up solutions.

    The ICESCO Director-General reviewed ICESCO’s initiatives aimed at supporting food security in the Islamic world, including its participation in the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security launched at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2024. He also highlighted ICESCO’s contributions to the circular economy, noting that the Organization is preparing a technical report with recommendations on policy pathways for waste management and pollution reduction for the benefit of its Member States.

    Dr. AlMalik concluded by emphasizing the importance of cooperation among countries of the Global South to diversify expertise, transfer technology, and build institutional capacity in innovative agriculture, waste management, renewable energy, and food supply chain development. He also underscored the need to engage the private sector and research institutions in building more efficient and resilient food systems.

    ICESCO Highlights Role of Education and Innovation in Advancing Women’s Entrepreneurship at International Conference in Cairo

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the international conference titled “Empowering Women for a More Stable Family,” held on 10 and 11 November 2026 in Cairo, Egypt. The conference was organized by the National Council for Women in cooperation with the Women Development Organization and the Arab Family Organization.
    ICESCO was represented by Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the Director-General and Supervisor of the Strategy, Innovation and Institutional Excellence Sector and Department of Digital Transformation. Speaking at the session titled “Women’s Entrepreneurship and Its Role in Strengthening Family Empowerment,” she stressed the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial culture among girls from the earliest stages of education and developing education systems that nurture creativity and innovation skills, enabling women and girls to turn their ideas into sustainable economic ventures.

    During the session, moderated by Ms. Nevine Gamea, former Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Mabrouk emphasized that the success of entrepreneurship programs should be measured not only by the number of women receiving training, but also by their ability to produce, market their products and ensure the sustainability of their ventures. She underlined the importance of linking education, vocational training, business incubators and the private sector to support women’s role in the economy.

    Dr. Mabrouk highlighted ICESCO’s efforts in this field through education and vocational training projects and income-generating activities in Yemen, Gabon and Niger, as well as the Cultural and Creative Industries Incubator EBDA3, Al Fihriya Academy for future women entrepreneurs, and initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s participation in science, technology and innovation.

    The session, which brought together a number of officials and experts, concluded with several recommendations, notably the need to instill an entrepreneurial culture in children from an early age, develop their creative skills, and raise awareness of programs and initiatives that support women’s economic empowerment.

    At the close of the session, Counselor Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women, honored the speakers and participants in recognition of their contributions to supporting women’s entrepreneurship and promoting family stability and community development.

    ICESCO to Implement 50 Climate Actions at COP31, Kicking Off Its Participation with Three Panel Discussions

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held three separate panel discussions on 10 November 2026 as part of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), convened by the United Nations in Antalya, Türkiye.

    Held at the Estonia, Thailand and Türkiye pavilions, the sessions focused on harnessing climate science and technology to build farmers’ capacities, develop cities capable of addressing the challenges of climate change, and strengthen the resilience of food and agricultural systems across Africa.

    The first panel, titled “Smart Farming, Regenerative Practices and Nature-Based Economies,” was held at the Estonia Pavilion in partnership with the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), the Responding to Climate Change (RTCC) and the “Earth Warriorz” organization. Moderated by Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, the panel explored ways farmers can use digital tools and regenerative practices to improve soil quality and optimize water management.

    The second panel, held at the Thailand Pavilion on “Building Climate-Resilient and Smart Cities through Innovation and Partnership,” was moderated by Dr. Adel Smeda, expert at the Science and Environment Sector. It featured a presentation by Dr. Fahman Fathurahman, also an expert at the Sector, on the role of technical cooperation in supporting cities as they implement their climate plans. Dr. Ziyad Abunada of Australia’s CQUniversity also discussed mechanisms for measuring the outcomes of urban investment.

    At the Türkiye Pavilion, ICESCO, the Islamic Organization for Food Security and COMSATS held a panel titled “Advancing the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus for Climate-Resilient Crop Production in Africa.” Moderated by Dr. Abdulaziz Hajjaji, Head of the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program at the Islamic Organization for Food Security, the panel examined ways to achieve agricultural adaptation across Africa.

    ICESCO Organizes Regional Workshop on Educational Skills and Professional Development for 226 Teachers of Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, held a regional workshop on “Practical Procedures and Tasks for Building Educational Guidance and Professional Development Skills.” The workshop benefited 226 education professionals working in the field of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers, who participated in person and via videoconference from 16 non-Arabic-speaking countries across Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.

    During the workshop, held on 4 and 5 November 2026 in Mishkat Hall at ICESCO Headquarters, representatives of 17 trainee groups delivered a series of educational presentations showcasing the practical assignments their groups had completed following the previous workshop. The presentations included annual and thematic plans for Arabic language lessons, detailed design of sessions on language skills and components, including reading, conversation, and grammar.

    In preparing their presentations, the groups drew on the educational strategies and procedures addressed during the first workshop session, held in October, which focused on educational supervision and guidance tasks, along with the related planning policies and procedures for improving the quality of educational performance and developing the teaching competencies of teachers of Arabic to non-Arabic speakers.

    The new 2026–2028 edition of the “Mishkat Educational Leadership” program spans two academic years and aims to prepare senior education professionals to assume leadership roles in developing Arabic language teaching programs in their countries. It is organized within the framework of the ICESCO–Hamdan bin Rashid “Mishkat Al-Arabiya” platform, in academic cooperation with Sultan Moulay Slimane University (USMS) in Beni Mellal, Kingdom of Morocco.

    Head of Culture Sector at ICESCO Delivers Lecture on Cultural Policies and the Creative Economy During an Intellectual Seminar in Rabat

    Posted on by Mohamed Anwar

    Dr. Mohamed Zineelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), delivered a lecture titled “The Current State of Cultural Policies and the Stakes of the Cultural and Creative Economy Today” during an intellectual seminar organized by the Islamic Development Bank Regional Hub of Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday, 5 November 2026. The event was attended by several intellectuals and officials from the banking, insurance, finance and business sectors.

    Before the lecture, Mr. Ahmed Aboubacrine, Head of the Regional Hub, spoke about the qualitative transformation ICESCO had undergone in recent years, particularly in the field of cultural work. He noted that, through its Culture Sector, the Organization had become a key driver of the modernization and development of cultural policies in the Islamic world.
    He also expressed the Bank’s willingness to build a partnership with ICESCO to support the cultural economy, build young people’s capacities, and invest in start-ups.

    Dr. Zinelabidine began his lecture by stressing that the Regional Hub of the Islamic Development Bank’s hosting of the event demonstrated its recognition of culture’s role as a key driver of economic development, innovation and creativity. He then shed light on the current state of cultural policies worldwide, noting that the creative economy had become an integral part of public policies, particularly in the areas of sustainable development and international relations.

    He explained that ICESCO had undertaken to implement a vision aligned with these emerging requirements, beginning with its “ICESCO Roads for the Future” program in 2021. Under this vision, the Organization conducted studies on leadership and governance of cultural policies in the Islamic world, including the development of “Strategic Benchmarks for Cultural Indicators, New Economies, Modern Interactive Technologies and Employment-Oriented Professions”. It also developed a dedicated Charter of Cultural Rights and established incubators for start-ups in the creative industries targeting young people, in addition to workshops on the use of AI and creative applications.

    The Organization further expanded its work to include the launch of the ICESCO Creative platform and the ICESCO Agora network, which has published more than 270 articles and research papers. Other initiatives included the ICESCO International Forum: Culture to Rethink the World, which brings together more than 200 international cultural figures, including ministers, ambassadors, scholars and creative professionals; the ICESCO International Network of Chairs for Thought, Heritage, Letters, and the Arts; and the ICESCO International Network of Civil Society Organizations for Culture and Development, which comprises 70 organizations from 30 countries.

    The lecture concluded with an open discussion between Dr. Zinelabidine and the attendees on the state of culture and the most effective ways to support culture, intellectuals and creative professionals.

    ICESCO to Hold More Than 20 Diverse Activities at COP31 in Türkiye

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) will participate in the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), organized by the United Nations and hosted by the Republic of Türkiye in Antalya from 9 to 20 November 2026.
    ICESCO’s program of participation includes more than 20 activities, dialogue sessions and artistic workshops, featuring 80 high-level speakers, including ministers, government officials from within and beyond the Islamic world, and representatives of international organizations and institutions, who will discuss current climate and environmental challenges.

    ICESCO’s participation in COP31 aims to explore ways to advance sustainable urban development and urban planning to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build inclusive and resilient communities. It will also address mechanisms for harnessing renewable energy, advancing the green transition, and moving towards sustainable, low-carbon economies. In addition, it will provide a platform to discuss ways to strengthen governance in the management of natural resources and ensure the sustainability of water, energy, food and ecosystems, as well as the importance of circular economy and pollution management, and the need to engage young people in climate action.

    This participation reflects ICESCO’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change by harnessing science, technology and innovation, education, and international cooperation to disseminate knowledge and develop innovative solutions to protect the environment.

    Those wishing to learn more about ICESCO’s program of activities at COP31 can visit the following link:

    https://icesco.org/icesco.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/ICESCO-COP31_EN-1.pdf

    ICESCO Director-General Visits SDU University in Kazakhstan to Discuss Academic Cooperation 

    Posted on by Mohamed Anwar

    Dr Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the ICESCO, visited SDU University in Kazakhstan on Saturday, 7 November 2026, where he was welcomed by Dr Arman Zhumazhanov, Rector of the University, and university leadership team.

    During their meeting, the two sides discussed potential areas of cooperation, particularly in artificial intelligence, youth programs and academic exchange programs. The Director-General also toured the campus to learn about the University’s academic facilities and educational environment.

    Dr AlMalik subsequently met with students from the International Law and International Relations programs, sharing his insights on the importance of education, ambition and lifelong learning. He encouraged students to pursue their aspirations with determination, he emphasised the value of continuous learning and urged them to think beyond conventional limits, set ambitious goals and remain committed to achieving their dreams.

    He spoke about his experience working for an international organization and invited aspiring diplomats to pursue internships at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Morocco.

    The visit reflected ICESCO’s commitment to empowering young people through education, promoting innovation and strengthening partnerships with academic institutions across the Member States.

    On International Day Against Bullying at School, ICESCO Calls for Action Against All Its Forms

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    Every year, on the first Thursday of November, the world observes the International Day against Violence and Bullying at School to raise awareness of the importance of intensifying international efforts to curb this phenomenon in school and digital environments. On this occasion, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) stresses that combating bullying is a collective responsibility requiring concerted efforts by government bodies, educational institutions, families and civil society, as well as greater awareness among children and young people of the risks posed by such behavior and its psychological, social and educational consequences.

    In this context, ICESCO attaches particular importance to combating bullying, raising awareness of its harmful effects, protecting students, promoting their mental health, and fostering positive behavior within and beyond educational institutions. The Organization advances these goals through several programs and projects, most notably the StopBully Program, supervised by ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector. The program provides practical tools to help children, families, teachers and education professionals prevent bullying and respond effectively to incidents.

    In the same vein, ICESCO, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, published the interactive graphic story, “Show Me Your Smile,” in the Organization’s three official languages: Arabic, English and French. ICESCO also produced and launched the animated film, “Show Me Your Smile,” during the International Children’s and Youth Book Fair in Casablanca, with the participation of 50 children. The film explains the phenomenon of bullying and encourages children to share their experiences.

    ICESCO also organized a symposium entitled, “Addressing the Faces of Bullying: From Schoolyards to Digital Spaces,” bringing together around 70 children and a group of experts and specialists in education and psychology. It also held seven interactive workshops led by specialists, benefiting 770 children.

    These efforts form part of ICESCO’s strategic vision, which places child protection, mental health and well-being at the heart of its priorities. They aim to build safe and cohesive societies and provide educational environments that uphold children’s dignity and rights across the countries of the Islamic world.