Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail, Secretary-General of King Faisal Prize, on Friday, 30 October 2026, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and launch joint initiatives.
At the outset of the meeting, held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik commended the cooperation between the Organization and King Faisal Prize. He stressed that the Prize represents the entire Islamic world and enjoys high standing owing to its distinction and credibility, expressing ICESCO’s openness to cooperation in all future areas.
ICESCO Director-General also presented an overview of the Organization’s vision, new strategic orientations, and programs in its fields of competence.
For his part, Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail explained that the Prize’s role is not limited to honoring laureates, but continues after they receive the prize through follow-up programs and activities. He also highlighted efforts to strengthen the Prize’s scientific and cultural presence at international conferences and forums through active, substantive participation. Dr. Alsebail announced that the Prize will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2028, an occasion that will honor a distinguished group of laureates in several countries.
The two sides expressed strong interest in organizing joint conferences aligned with ICESCO’s areas of focus, drawing on the Organization’s outstanding experience in organizing international conferences, its qualified team, and its comprehensive logistical capabilities.
The meeting saw the presence of Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector, Supervisor of the Translation and Publishing Center; Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; and Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Head of the Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, to strengthen cooperation in safeguarding and protecting cultural heritage, developing the AI Index for the Islamic World, implementing educational projects in Africa, and delivering training and capacity-building programs for young people and women.
The Agreement was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Both sides underscored the importance of the MoU in implementing joint projects in culture, science, education, and modern technologies.
The MoU provides for cooperation in developing the ICESCO–Azerbaijan Natavan Heritage Excellence Award and projects to safeguard and protect tangible and intangible heritage across the Islamic world. It also covers the development of the ICESCO AI Index for the Islamic World and the convening of a ministerial meeting of ICESCO Member States. Other areas of cooperation include educational and social support for displaced girls and girls attending boarding schools in West Africa, as well as projects in education, culture, and peacebuilding. The Agreement also provides for training courses, workshops, and capacity-building programs for institutions, experts, young people, and women in various fields.
Prior to the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Leyla Aliyeva to discuss the latest developments in cooperation between ICESCO and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in education and social welfare through the implementation of projects benefiting countries across the Islamic world.
The meeting also highlighted the Agreement signed by the two parties in 2025, which has resulted in projects and initiatives aimed at empowering women affected by conflict and enhancing their social integration in Burkina Faso and Niger.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) launched the third edition of its book, “Peace 360°: Weaving the Carpet of Harmony: Peace and Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan through the Eyes of the Youth.” This special edition, dedicated to the Republic of Azerbaijan in recognition of its contributions to promoting cultural diversity and shared human values, was co-authored by 29 young people from 23 countries.
The book was launched at a major ceremony held on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event brought together Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General; Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC); Mr. Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan; and several senior officials of international organizations and institutions.
The ceremony opened with remarks by Dr. AlMalik, who commended the efforts of His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, praising his steadfast commitment to intercultural dialogue through the Baku Process. He also thanked Ms. Leyla Aliyeva for penning the foreword of this edition, which underscores the importance of dialogue in achieving tangible impact.
Dr. AlMalik stated that ICESCO dedicates this edition to the Republic of Azerbaijan in recognition of its role in promoting coexistence and intercultural dialogue. He noted that the book gives young people a channel through which they can express their aspirations for shaping the future and advancing human values. It also demonstrates that dialogue is an active process through which understanding and cooperation are achieved. This vision has made peacebuilding a priority for ICESCO, which has developed its “Peace 360°” approach and the concept of Civilizational Diplomacy, and launched the Leadership Training in Peace and Security program, building the capacities of 250 Young Peace Ambassadors from 81 countries.
Dr. AlMalik also commended the role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, under the leadership of Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President, First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan and President of the Foundation, together with Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Foundation, in advancing peacebuilding efforts in Azerbaijan and worldwide through humanitarian initiatives, support for children with disabilities, and the inclusion of youth in vulnerable situations.
Dr. AlMalik called on the Young Peace Ambassadors to promote dialogue within schools, communities, and institutions to build bridges of communication and drive change.
For her part, Ms. Leyla Aliyeva stressed the critical importance of promoting the values of peace at a time when conflicts and divisions are intensifying worldwide. She highlighted Azerbaijan’s role in supporting cultural diversity as a crossroads for different cultures, religions, and traditions, and highlighted the contributions of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to culture, education, and environmental protection.
In his remarks, Mr. Moratinos emphasized the need for concerted international efforts to end wars and conflicts around the world, commending Azerbaijan’s initiatives in support of global peace efforts.
The ceremony then featured a video about the book, produced by ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector. This was followed by the remarks of Mr. Alioune Ndiaye, Head of the Peace Department at ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, and speeches by ICESCO Young Peace Ambassadors representing Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Morocco. At the close of the ceremony, Dr. AlMalik received an art piece entitled “Welcome to Karabakh.”
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Khalid Al-Eisir, Minister of Culture, Information, Antiquities and Tourism of Sudan, at ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku. The meeting focused on ways to strengthen joint cooperation and support Sudan’s efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate its cultural institutions, restore their operations and develop sectors related to culture and information.
During the meeting, held on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, Dr. AlMalik expressed his eagerness to visit Sudan, reaffirming ICESCO’s openness to contributing to strengthening national capacities and developing Sudanese expertise in areas of common interest.
The ICESCO Director-General also affirmed the Organization’s readiness to organize official and social media training programs for staff members and media professionals. He further pledged to provide the necessary support to help rebuild the Sudan Academy of Communication Sciences.
The meeting was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Civilizational Dialogue Center; and Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of the Foresight and Artificial Intelligence Center.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Center for Analysis of International Relations and Multiculturalism in the Republic of Azerbaijan, held a panel discussion titled “Civilizational Diplomacy and Strategic Foresight: Anticipating Tensions, Building Inclusive Pathways to Peace” on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. The session took place as part of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, held in Baku under the theme “Dialogue for a Shared Future: Building Bridges in a Fractured World,” which ICESCO is co-organizing.
Moderated by Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Head of the ICESCO Center for Civilizational Dialogue, the session brought together a distinguished group of officials, researchers and media professionals. It explored ways to engage civilizational stakeholders, including states, institutions and scientific communities, as genuine partners within an integrated diplomatic framework, and examined foresight tools for identifying emerging tensions and enabling preventive action rather than merely reacting to events.
The session featured Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of the ICESCO Center of Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Abdelfattah El Belamachi, Head of the ICESCO Chair for Civilizational Diplomacy at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, Dr. Hassan Elhag Ali, Professor of International Relations at Lusail University in Doha, Dr. Zaid A. Alfadeil, Director of the Cultural and Media Program at the Gulf Research Center in Jeddah, Dr. Mohammed Massoudi, Professor at the Department of Philosophy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, and Dr. Ravan Hasanov, Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre.
The speakers emphasized that the international dialogue platforms hosted in Baku, including the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, underline the importance of bringing diverse voices together and building bridges among different perspectives and viewpoints.
They also stressed the need to strengthen young people’s voices and empower them to contribute to this process, while fostering dialogue among civilizations and advancing peace through inclusive approaches that leave no one behind.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) held a workshop titled “From Partnership to Impact: Participating in the Development of a Professional School Teachers and Leaders Standards Instrument in ICESCO Member States” in Lyon, France, on Saturday, 24 October 2026. The workshop brought together teachers, school leaders, and education experts from various countries and took place on the sidelines of IBO’s Third Global Conference.
The workshop opened with remarks by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of ICESCO’s Education Sector, who highlighted the role of teachers and school leaders in improving the quality of education. He stressed that, through its joint project with IBO to develop the “First ICESCO School Teachers and Leaders Standards and Practice Instrument,” the Organization seeks to provide its Member States with a framework for professional standards that takes into account national priorities and cultural contexts. The aim is to make a tangible difference in school life, support teachers’ professional growth, and uphold the values of dignity, equity, professional integrity, and responsibility.
This was followed by a joint presentation by Mr. Waqas Afridi, an expert in ICESCO’s Education Sector; Ms. Kiri Stevenson, Senior Education Systems Solutions Manager at IBO; and Ms. Pamela Bender, Global Head of Education Standards at IBO. The presentation outlined the project’s objectives and methodology.
The workshop’s interactive activities aimed to engage teachers, education experts, and school leaders in identifying the professional practices that characterize effective teaching across different contexts and examining the ICESCO–IBO methodology, which focuses on balancing common standards with flexibility, the purposeful use of standards, the relationship between the expectations placed on school teachers and leaders, and the practical conditions required for success.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences have announced the three wining projects for the 5th Hamdan-ICESCO Prize for Voluntary Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World from Egypt, Guinea and Pakistan, following the evaluation of 16 projects from 11 countries.
The winning projects are “Pioneering Models for Welcoming and Modern Schools,” submitted by Integration of the Disabled Foundation for Community Development in Egypt; the “International University of Guinea,” submitted by Dr. Mohammed Sekou Keita; and “Grand Asian University Sialkot,” submitted by Dr. Muhammad Islam in Pakistan.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stated that, through its partnership with the Hamdan Foundation, the Prize continues to support voluntary and humanitarian initiatives dedicated to establishing and developing education facilities and improving learning conditions, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
Dr. AlMalik commended the winners’ contributions to supporting students and educational institutions and advancing local development. He noted that, over its five editions, the Prize has consolidated its position as a platform for promoting impactful charitable and voluntary work in education.
For his part, Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, explained that the winning projects address genuine educational needs, from supporting inclusive education and expanding access to higher education to providing more inclusive and sustainable learning environments, combining a strong concept with practical impact.
Since its launch in 2013, the Egyptian project, “Pioneering Models for Welcoming and Modern Schools,” has helped integrate and support 911 children with disabilities in public schools, equipped and upgraded 200 schools, and trained 650 teachers. Founded in 2019, the International University of Guinea in-person and online learning while aligning its programs with community and labor market needs. Grand Asian University Sialkot, founded in 2021, focuses on expanding access to higher education and empowering girls and students from low-income families in less-developed areas.
Awarded every two years to three individuals or institutions that have contributed to developing education facilities in the Islamic world, the Prize carries a total value of US$300,000, with each winner receiving US$100,000 and the Prize trophy. The cash award must be invested in developing the winning project or launching new educational projects that support education facilities.
His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, in Baku. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, co-organized by ICESCO under the theme “Dialogue for a Shared Future: Building Bridges in a Fractured World.”
During the meeting, President Aliyev praised the level of cooperation between Azerbaijan and ICESCO. He affirmed that his country is making sustained efforts to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with the countries of the Islamic world. The President added that it will continue supporting the activities of both the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and ICESCO to fulfil the aspirations of the countries and peoples of the Islamic world. In this context, he noted that Azerbaijan will host the 16th Islamic Summit Conference in 2027.
For his part, Dr. AlMalik congratulated President Aliyev on the Forum’s resounding success, noting that the Azerbaijani President’s opening address had garnered widespread attention. He underscored, in particular, the importance of countries drawing on Azerbaijan’s experience in ending wars and building peace amid ongoing conflicts around the world.
The ICESCO Director-General expressed his gratitude to President Aliyev for his continued support for the Organization’s activities and for Azerbaijan’s sustained efforts to advance joint initiatives. He also voiced deep appreciation for Azerbaijan’s support for projects aimed at developing education in the countries of the Islamic world.
In this regard, Dr. AlMalik commended the cooperation with Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, underscoring the importance of the humanitarian and educational projects implemented in ICESCO Member States with her support. Dr. AlMalik outlined several prominent initiatives, including a project providing educational and social support to displaced girls living in boarding schools in Burkina Faso and Niger.
The meeting was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue.
ICESCO Calls for Investment in Education, Culture and Youth to Build Lasting Peace and a Better Future
In the presence of H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the 7th edition of the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue opened in Baku and will run until 29 October 2026. The Forum is co-organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and UN Tourism under the theme “Dialogue for a Shared Future: Building Bridges in a Fractured World,” with the participation of heads of international organizations and institutions.
The Forum’s opening session began with an address by President Ilham Aliyev, who stated that it has evolved in recent years into an effective and inclusive platform that has contributed to advancing relations among civilizations. He noted that this edition would address urgent issues on the global agenda and highlighted Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural standing as a bridge between Asia and Europe.
In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to the Baku Process and its vision of dialogue as a leadership responsibility and a fundamental pillar of peace. He stressed the world’s urgent need for this Process amid the spread of conflicts, reviewing statistics on conflicts worldwide and their adverse effects on global security, peace, and prosperity, and calling for early, preventive action to protect lives and human dignity.
In this respect, the ICESCO Director-General highlighted the Organization’s 360° Peace Initiative and its innovative concept of “civilizational diplomacy,” both of which underscore the pivotal roles of culture, education, and mutual understanding in building the societies we seek. He also spotlighted the ICESCO Young Peace Ambassadors Network, which brings together nearly 300 young leaders from more than 80 countries working for peace.
Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that the strategic partnership between ICESCO and Azerbaijan offers a successful model for translating commitment to the Baku Process into projects, programs, and initiatives with tangible impact. This cooperation is reflected in efforts to rehabilitate more than 100 schools in Syria, implementing projects to support girls’ education in Burkina Faso and Niger, and launching the ICESCO-Azerbaijan Natavan Heritage Excellence Award, with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
The ICESCO Director-General concluded his address by calling for Investment in education, culture and youth to build lasting peace and a better future.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director-General of International Baccalaureate (IB), agreed to elevate cooperation between their two Organizations to a strategic partnership. The partnership will be guided by a two-year joint action plan featuring high-impact initiatives to enhance the quality of education and advance the performance of teachers and school leaders across the Islamic world.
The agreement was reached during their meeting on Friday, 23 October 2026, held on the sidelines of the annual IB Conference in Lyon, France, from 22 to 24 October 2026, in which ICESCO participated.
At the outset of the meeting, ICESCO Director-General expressed his appreciation for the invitation and warm reception. The IB Director General, in turn, commended Dr. AlMalik’s participation and address at the opening plenary session, as well as the contribution of ICESCO’s Education Sector to the Conference and the organization of a joint event by the two Organizations.
Both parties expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved since the signing of the strategic MoU at ICESCO Headquarters in April 2026. They affirmed their commitment to building on its outcomes through initiatives that have a direct impact on educational institutions. The action plan includes completing the professional standards initiative for teachers and school leaders in early 2027, in preparation for its launch and presentation at the ICESCO Conference of Education Ministers in the Islamic World, scheduled for the last quarter 2027. It also provides for adapting these standards to national contexts and piloting them in three to five Member States, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in developing educational practice.
The two sides also agreed to launch the “ICESCO–IB Award for Educational Excellence,” which will recognize the best teacher, school leader, and school, in order to encourage inspiring practices and showcase experiences that make a meaningful difference in student learning.
Dr. AlMalik presented a proposal for the “ICESCO–IB Schools” initiative, to be included in the joint action plan. The initiative would establish defined standards that schools may seek to fulfil in order to obtain accreditation under the initiative. The proposal draws on ICESCO’s knowledge of its Member States’ priorities and the IB’s expertise in curricula and assessment, offering an educational model that respects national particularities while benefiting from international best practices.
ICESCO Director-General also announced the allocation of 200 places for IB school teachers and leaders in ICESCO’s “10,000 AI Leaders” programme, supporting their capacity to employ these technologies in teaching and school leadership.
The two sides also discussed developing the “ICESCO–IB Professional Excellence Pathway for Teachers and School Leaders,” based on the standards currently under development. The pathway aims to provide high-quality training and professional certifications in fields including artificial intelligence, digital teaching, values and ethics, inclusive education, future skills, and school leadership.
The discussions also covered joint participation in the Human Capability Initiative Conference (HCI 2026), to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April 2027, and enhancing the IB’s participation in ICESCO Conference of Education Ministers. Dr. AlMalik further proposed hosting one of the IB’s annual conferences in 2029 at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat. This would expand engagement with educational institutions across the Islamic world and open new horizons for cooperation.
The two sides also agreed to establish a professional exchange programme between the staff of both Organizations, to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise. They will also work towards issuing a periodic report on the situation of teachers and school leaders in the Islamic world, contributing to the guidance of development efforts and support for education policies.
The two sides exchanged views on learning outcomes as reflected in international reports, affirming the importance of improving teaching quality and strengthening institutional support for education professionals. In this context, Mr. Heinonen commended ICESCO’s standing and growing impact in the Islamic world and beyond, expressing the IB’s pride in its partnership with the Organization.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a joint technical team to finalize the action plan, identify its priorities, timelines, and implementation mechanisms, and monitor the delivery of the initiatives over two years, translating the strategic partnership into tangible and sustainable results. The meeting was attended, on behalf of ICESCO, by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of Education Sector, and Mr. Waqas Afridi, Expert at the Sector. The IB delegation included the senior executive responsible for programme development and professional pathways, the regional directors for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Canada, the Global Head of Education Standards, Policy and Design, as well as the Senior Director for Education Systems Solutions and the Senior Director for Education Systems Operations.
