Category: Front Page

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), through its Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, held the third International Conference on Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers, in partnership with the École Normale Supérieure of Abdelmalek Essaâdi University and the Moroccan Association in Service of the Arabic Language, on 19 and 20 May 2026 in Tetouan, under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers: Issues and Experiences.” The conference brought together more than 50 researchers and experts representing 16 countries.

The conference addressed the rapid transformations taking place in the global education sector, with a focus on the growing international interest in advancing the teaching of Arabic to non-Arabic speakers and leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence technologies to modernize curricula, improve pedagogical practices, and enhance the quality of learning in multilingual and multicultural educational environments.

ICESCO was represented at the conference by Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Head of the ICESCO Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, who emphasized during the Organization’s address in the opening session that artificial intelligence constitutes a strategic lever for developing the teaching of Arabic, provided it is employed within a balanced educational vision that takes ethical and human dimensions into account and is grounded in rigorous scientific research and successful field experiences.

He added that ICESCO remains committed to supporting international academic initiatives aimed at advancing the teaching of Arabic to non-Arabic speakers and strengthening cooperation among universities, research centers, and international organizations, thereby contributing to expanding the reach of the Arabic language and consolidating its presence in the global digital space.

In the same respect, Dr. Youssef Ismaili, Head of the Language Training Department at ICESCO’s Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, chaired the first scientific session, which was devoted to presenting international experiences in the use of artificial intelligence in teaching Arabic and discussing prospects for developing curricula and smart digital resources.

The conference concluded with a set of scientific and strategic recommendations, emphasizing the importance of evaluating digital educational platforms, expanding the use of smart applications in teaching Arabic, and developing educational policies better equipped to keep pace with technological transformations.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the Forum “The Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization: History, Archaeology, Culture, and Identity,” held on 19-20 May 2026 in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, by the Kazakh Ministry of Science and Higher Education, in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The event saw the presence of His Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and brought together 350 participants from 20 countries and several international organizations.

In his opening remarks, the President of the Republic expressed his country’s pride in belonging to the Golden Horde civilization, describing it as a historically and culturally significant legacy in both the natural and legal spheres, the influence of which is still evident in the contemporary world. He emphasized that commemorating the past is not merely a symbolic act of remembrance, but rather a genuine pathway to understanding the present and building the future.

ICESCO was represented at the Forum by Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, who delivered an insightful presentation on the Organization’s vision for the preservation of civilizational memory and the revival of historical consciousness, as the cornerstone of understanding the present and anticipating the future. He affirmed ICESCO’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at reviving the glorious pages of Islamic history and consolidating its achievements in strengthening national and collective identity.

Moreover, Ambassador Fathalrahman highlighted several distinctive features of the Golden Horde civilization, notably its vast territory and rich ethnic and cultural diversity, which Kazakhstan has successfully managed through a coherent civilizational model. He also emphasized the role of individual leadership in harnessing and managing national resources, as well as the pioneering role of this civilization in establishing values of humane treatment, particularly regarding the status of women.

The Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue also reviewed the existing cooperation between ICESCO and the Republic of Kazakhstan, noting the selection of Turkestan as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2027 and Astana’s hosting, early next year, of the meeting of ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Committee, as two indicators of the depth of the partnership between the two parties in the areas of culture, heritage, and intercultural dialogue.

Following his participation in the Forum, Ambassador Fathalrahman accepted an invitation extended by the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue in Astana. During his visit, he met Mr. Marat Kalizhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center, to discuss the implementation of the Action Plan emanating from the partnership agreement recently signed between ICESCO and the Center, stressing the importance of identifying joint programs to be implemented in 2027.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Fafré Camara, Ambassador of the Republic of Mali to the Kingdom of Morocco, on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, to discuss mechanisms for cooperation between ICESCO and Mali in the restoration of the historic Timbuktu manuscripts.

During the meeting, held at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to supporting its Member States’ efforts to showcase the civilization of the Islamic world and enrich cultural heritage through the implementation of initiatives, programs, and projects with tangible impact, tailored to the specific needs of each country.

Dr. AlMalik underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation with international organizations and cultural institutions in Mali and other African countries, with a view to harnessing culture as a means to achieve stability and promote sustainable peace.

For his part, Ambassador Camara congratulated Dr. AlMalik on his election as Director-General of ICESCO for a new term, wishing him continued success in his mission. He also delivered to the Director-General a message from His Excellency President Assimi Goïta, President of the Transition and Head of State of the Republic of Mali. Ambassador Camara commended ICESCO’s sustained efforts to safeguard African and Islamic heritage and affirmed Mali’s willingness to cooperate with the Organization in implementing the initiative to restore the historic Timbuktu manuscripts.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General; Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah, Advisor to the ICESCO Director-General; and Dr. Idham Hanash, Director of the Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the British Pearson Education signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), on the sidelines of the 2026 Education World Forum, to strengthen ways and mechanisms of cooperation in improving teaching methods and developing a school assessment guide.

The MoU was signed on Monday, 18 May 2026, in London, by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Supervisor of the Education Sector and Head of the Translation and Publishing Center at ICESCO, and Ms. Freya Thomas Monk, Senior Vice President of Pearson Education. On this occasion, Dr. Albanyan affirmed that this partnership represents an important step towards developing education systems within and beyond the countries of the Islamic world, through strengthening teachers’ skills, integrating technology and artificial intelligence into education in the Organization’s Member States, and improving assessment systems.

For her part, Ms. Monk highlighted the importance of harnessing education and modern technologies to support educational initiatives and exchange international expertise to keep pace with the developments of the era and find sustainable solutions to the challenges of the field.

The provisions of the MoU include cooperation in developing the “ICESCO-Pearson Guide for School Assessment Standards” to standardize school assessment across the countries of the Islamic world, and to implement activities and projects in several fields, foremost among them strengthening foundational education for all, developing tools to assess reading, writing, and numeracy skills, as well as teaching methods, developing school curricula, in addition to providing training opportunities for teachers, and harnessing modern technologies in professional development and distance learning platforms, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and information and data management.

The signing ceremony of the MoU was attended by Mr. Waqas Afridi and Ms. Faizah Alaoui, experts at the Education Sector.

A delegation from the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is participating in the Education World Forum (EWF) 2026, being held from 17 to 20 May 2026 in London, United Kingdom, under the theme “Educating for a Shared Future: Peace, Planet, Purpose and Pathways.” The forum brings together a host of education ministers, senior officials, and education policymakers from around the world to discuss key challenges facing the education sector and explore innovative solutions.

On the first day of the forum, ICESCO’s delegation, headed by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Supervisor of the Education Sector and Director of the Translation and Publishing Center, and comprising Dr. Waqas Afridi and Ms. Faizah Alaoui, experts at the Education Sector, took part in sessions and panel discussions on inclusive basic education, sustainable education, the transformation of education systems, the role of artificial intelligence and digital learning in education, and teacher training and qualification.

On the sidelines of the forum’s first day, ICESCO’s delegation held two meetings. The first was with Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah, Executive Director of the Inter-Boards Coordination Commission under Pakistan’s Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training, during which he presented a commemorative shield in recognition of ICESCO’s efforts and achievements in the field of education in recent years.

In the second meeting, Dr. Albanyan and Dr. Phil Baty, Director-General of the Education World Forum, discussed arrangements for the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Organization and the Forum.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate in heritage protection, promote scientific research, exchange expertise, and enhance the professional development of researchers and specialists through the joint organization of scientific programs, projects, and studies.

The MoU was signed on Friday, May 15, 2026, in the Tatar capital of Kazan, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Dr. Rifkat Minnikhanov, President of the Academy of Sciences of Tatarstan.

Following the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s commitment to adopting an open approach with organizations, institutions, and research centers, both within and outside the Islamic world, to promote scientific exchange, disseminate knowledge, and protect the cultural heritage that constitutes the collective memory of diverse cultures.

Dr. AlMalik affirmed that the partnership between ICESCO and the Academy would foster innovation in developing sustainable solutions for preserving and enriching cultural heritage.

For his part, Dr. Minnikhanov reviewed the Academy’s efforts to achieve sustainable development and cultivate innovative human capital in science. He praised ICESCO’s contributions in its areas of competence across the Islamic world.

The five-year MoU includes organizing joint programs to preserve, document, and promote tangible and intangible heritage; promote scientific research and innovation; and conduct applied studies in archaeology, heritage, and the management of museums and cultural resources. It also includes launching initiatives to build the capacities of researchers and specialists, as well as providing opportunities for professional training, academic exchange, and expertise sharing through the joint organization of training workshops, conferences, and seminars.