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    ICESCO and ASU Explore Cooperation Prospects

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a delegation from Arizona State University (ASU), headed by Amb. Maen Rashid Areikat, Advisor to the University President for the Middle East and North Africa, where they discussed ways to promote cooperation between the Organization and the University in areas of common interest.

    The meeting was held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of David Thomas, Executive Director of the Milo Space Science Institute at ASU, and Prof. Brian MacCraith, Senior Advisor to the President of the University. During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik commended the cooperation between the Organization and the Milo Institute, within the framework of the agreement signed between the two parties in November 2022.

    He also reviewed the main areas of focus of ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, which both adopt openness and cooperation with all parties for the benefit of the Member States and Muslim communities around the world, highlighting the initiatives, programs and projects the Organization is currently implementing in its areas of competence.

    Moreover, the Director General stressed the Organization’s keenness to cooperate with universities, stating that it intends to create 100 scientific chairs at prestigious universities around the world by 2025. He further explained that a number of these chairs have already been established, some of which specialize in artificial intelligence, space science and other areas of modern technology.

    For his part, Amb. Areikat commended ICESCO’s role in contributing to the efforts of capitalizing on modern technology to develop the fields of education, science and culture, stressing the University’s keenness to cooperate with the Organization in many programs.

    The two parties discussed proposals for cooperation, especially in the fields of innovation, artificial intelligence, youth capacity building and scholarships. They also agreed to form a joint working team to prepare executive plans for several programs and projects, soon to be the subject of a cooperation agreement between ICESCO and Arizona State University.

    The meeting was attended by Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of the Science and Environment Sector, and Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Sector Advisor.

    ICESCO Calls on Entire World to Confront the Israeli Aggression against Palestinians

    Amid the brutal Israeli killings and destruction, the rate of which is unprecedented, and the hardhearted stance of the Zionist government on turning a deaf ear to all the global appeals to halt the Palestinian bloodshed, the Islamic World Educational and Scientific Organization Culture (ICESCO) reiterates its condemnation of this barbaric behavior, which ignores all appeals, with no light at the end of this tunnel of oppression and injustice.

    ICESCO calls upon the entire world, including policy leaders, international and regional organizations, and justice institutions, many of which still have a conscience, and upon humanity as a whole to stand united against this hostile Israeli behavior, which is heedlessly leading the world into anarchy that will spare no place or person.

    Moreover, ICESCO renews with all confidence its firm and unwavering support for our people in Gaza, Rafah and all the Palestinian territories, and strongly condemns the ongoing policy of burning defenseless and displaced refugee camps without consideration for children, who have become deliberate targets of these massacres, or the elderly, who can no longer find any refuge amid the scorched-earth policy adopted by the Zionist entity, displacing the people of Gaza from their homes and chasing the wounded in Rafah, and ignoring the decisions of the International Court of Justice and other halls of global justice.

    ICESCO and Republic of Niger Agree to Develop Cooperation in Education, Training and Capacity Building

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting with Dr. Elisabeth Sherif, Minister of National Education, Literacy, Vocational Training and the Promotion of National Languages, President of the Nigerien National Commission, to explore prospects to enhance cooperation between the two parties through the implementation of a set of programs and projects in the upcoming days.

    During the meeting, held on Monday, 27 May 2024, at ICESCO Headquarters, in the presence of Mr. Salissou Ada, the Ambassador of the Republic of Niger to Morocco, and a host of heads of sectors at the Organization, Dr. AlMalik stressed ICESCO’s keenness to deepen cooperation with Niger and continue implementing the previously approved projects in education, science and culture.

    For her part, Dr. Elisabeth Sherif lauded ICESCO’s roles and efforts in supporting its Member States in its areas of competence and expressed appreciation for the Organization’s programs to advance education and capacity building in Niger, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Furthermore, Dr. Elisabeth Sherif pointed out the challenges her country faces in the transitional phase the country is undergoing, especially in the fields of education, capacity building and training, and that Niger heavily relies on ICESCO’s support during the next phase.

    At the end of the meeting, the two parties agreed to continue coordination between ICESCO and Nigerien competent bodies, mainly the Ministry of National Education, and develop new programs to enhance this partnership by establishing ICESCO’s Center for Teaching Arabic.

    ICESCO Launches “Marrakesh Heritage through the Eyes of Youth” Photography Contest

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is pleased to announce the launch of its photography contest, “Marrakech Heritage through the Eyes of Youth”, as part of the celebration of Marrakech as Culture Capital in the Islamic for 2024.

    The contest aims to raise awareness of the importance of preserving tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the city and encourage youth from the Islamic world and beyond to showcase their talents and creativity in documenting cultural heritage.

    The contest offers prizes in two categories: Tangible Cultural Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage, with the three winners from each category receiving USD 500, USD 350, and USD250, respectively. The Contest also offers incentive prizes for outstanding works ranking fourth and fifth, amounting to USD100.

    A committee of experts will evaluate the participating works to select the winners, who will be awarded during the closing ceremony of the celebrations of Marrakesh Culture Capital in the Islamic World. Winning works will also be displayed in a special exhibition.

    The contest is open for participants up to the age of 35 to submit 5 to 10 original, high-quality photographs that have not been previously published, along with a declaration of intellectual property rights to ICESCO. Deadline for submissions is set for October 30, 2024.

    For more information on the Contest, please contact us at prixphotographie.kech@icesco.org

    The International Conference on “Dictionary and its Uses in Teaching Arabic to Arabic and Non-Arabic Speakers” Concludes Proceedings

    The two-day International Conference “The Dictionary and its Uses in Teaching Arabic to Arabic and Non-Arabic Speakers: Assessment and Development,” organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic Language Establishment, concluded its proceedings at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The Conference featured several scientific research, rich discussions, and an exchange of experiences and ideas among a host of scientists and researchers from diverse scientific institutions across multiple countries.

    The Conference’s sessions, held in-person and live-streamed, revolved around five main themes: “Approaches to the Relationship between Dictionaries and Language Teaching,” “Educational Uses of Traditional Dictionaries for Arabic and Non-Arabic Speakers,” “Educational Uses of Modern Dictionaries for Arabic and Non-Arabic Speakers,” “Doha Historical Dictionary: Prospects and Educational Uses for Arabic and Non-Arabic Speakers, and “Standards for Developing an Arabic Dictionary for Arabic and Non-Arabic Speakers.” Moreover, Mishkat Hall hosted parallel sessions for international experts.

    The participating experts issued a set of recommendations in the Conference’s closing statement. These recommendations called for benefiting from the experiences of previous dictionaries for Arabic and non-Arabic speakers, fostering a deeper and newer understanding and vision to develop innovative educational tools that advance and update the Arabic linguistic repertoire, and developing an Arabic dictionary with frequency-ranked lists of words.

    Furthermore, the Conference’s closing statement emphasized the necessity of directing particular attention to dictionaries as an educational and pedagogical tool and ensuring their proper use by taking into account the cultural context.

    The Conference called for educational reform based on communicative approaches to improve the teaching practices for Arabic and non-Arabic speakers, balancing the use of paper and electronic dictionaries and disseminating the Conference’s papers and recommendations to national, regional, and international institutions concerned with teaching and learning Arabic.

    In addition, the International Conference will publish a two-volume proceedings book that compiles 35 peer-reviewed papers, selected by a dedicated scientific jury from a pool of 120 papers, authored by specialized experts and researchers from various universities and educational institutions worldwide. The papers of the proceedings book were organized into four chapters: “Educational Uses of Dictionaries for Arabic and Non-Arabic Speakers,” “Doha Historical Dictionary: Prospects and Educational Uses for Arabic and Non-Arabic Speakers,“ “Standards for Developing an Arabic Dictionary for Arabic and Non-Arabic Speakers,” and “Approaches to the Relationship between Dictionaries and Language Teaching.”

    ICESCO Director-General Receives the New Libyan Delegate to the Organization

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Mohammed Ammari Zayed, Libya’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat to discuss the progress of the partnership between the Organization and Libya, following Dr. AlMalik’s visit to Tripoli earlier this May and his discussions with senior Libyan officials.


    The meeting, held on Thursday, 23 May 2024, began with Dr. AlMalik expressing sincere his thanks and appreciation to the Libyan Government and people for the warm reception he received during his visit to Tripoli, and for the keenness of Libyan officials to strengthen relations with ICESCO in its areas of competence.

    ICESCO reiterated its commitment to continue coordinating with Libyan stakeholders in the field of education, science, and culture, to develop the existing partnership through initiatives, programs, and projects that align with the Libya’s goals and meet its needs in these areas.
    On his part, Dr. Ammari commended ICESCO’s efforts, stating that Dr. AlMalik’s visit to Tripoli signals a new chapter in Libya-ICESCO relations. Furthermore, he highlighted the formation of a working team to prepare a detailed report on the visit’s outcomes, and to refine the discussed programs and projects joint implementation.

    Both parties agreed to have a Libyan working team visit ICESCO’s headquarters to finalize a draft executive agreement for partnership in various programs and projects. This agreement is expected to be signed in the near future. It was also agreed that ICESCO would assist Libya in capacity-building initiatives.

    Launch of the International Conference on the Dictionary and its Uses in Teaching Arabic at ICESCO Headquarters

    Today, Wednesday 22 May 2024, saw the launch of the International Conference “The Dictionary and its Uses in Teaching Arabic to Arabic and Non-Arabic Speakers: Assessment and Development,” organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic Language Establishment, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat over a two-day period. The Conference saw high-level attendance, including ambassadors, representatives of accredited diplomatic missions in the Kingdom of Morocco, as well as experts and researchers from around the world.

    The Conference, which was convened in a hybrid mode, kicked-off with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a welcome speech by Dr. Majdi Bin Haji Ibrahim, Head of ICESCO’s Arabic Language Center for Non-Arabic Speakers, in which he shed light on the Conference’s importance, the context of its organization, and its objectives.

    During his opening remarks at the Conference, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, emphasized the significance of the Conference’s theme, where sciences converge to serve the rich Arabic language and consolidate its global presence. His Excellency noted that the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic Language aims not only to preserve the language, but also to facilitate its understanding in an educational context, for study and research into scientific, intellectual, and social transformations, highlighting the vibrancy of the human community making use of this Dictionary.

    Dr. AlMalik pointed out that the communication and digital revolution prompts questions about the Dictionary’s ability to meet the intellectual, cultural, and scientific needs of youth. The Director-General praised Qatar’s contributions to the universality of Arabic, and, in particular, the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic Language, reviewing ICESCO’s diverse projects and programs in various fields of Arabic language promotion, and revealing its future plans in this regard.

    Dr. Azeddine Bouchikhi, Executive Director of the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, considered the organization of this Conference, which includes scholars and researchers from various parts of the world, a confirmation of ICESCO’s status as a beacon of cultural and civilizational influence, reflecting the efforts of the Doha Dictionary aiming to establish a dictionary that documents the transformations of the Arabic language over 20 centuries.

    He also stressed the necessity of planning linguistic and lexicographical projects that are feasible and executable, keeping pace with the scientific advancements in theoretical and applied linguistics. The conference presents 28 peer-reviewed research papers in a printed book in two parts totaling 700 pages.

    In his address, Dr. Mustapha Abou Maârouf, President of Sultan Moulay Slimane University in Beni Mellal, and representative of academic universities in the Kingdom of Morocco, praised ICESCO’s projects in the field of Arabic language for non-Arabic speakers, acknowledging the dedication of Arabic language scholars throughout generations, culminating in the commendable efforts of the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language.

    Following the opening session, the Conference’s working sessions began on its first day, during which experts discussed several topics in three sessions, focusing on dictionaries and their educational uses for both Arabic and non-Arabic speakers.

    ICESCO Participates in the World Education Forum in London and Holds a Ministerial Meeting on Transformation of Education

    A delegation from the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is taking part at the 20th edition of the World Education Forum, the largest international gathering of Ministers of Education and Training, hosted by the British capital, London, from May 19 to 22, 2024, in the presence of more than 120 ministers from 110 countries, including ministerial delegations from 33 ICESCO Member States.


    The ICESCO delegation, which is presided over by Dr. Marwan Awartani, Senior Advisor to ICESCO’s Director General, includes Dr. Ahmad Albanyan, Head of the Division of Education for All at the Education Sector and Mr. Waqas Afridi, expert at the same Sector. The agenda includes discussions on prioritizing policies and applications to ensure strong education systems and promote inclusive, equitable and quality education for all. It also focuses on the role of technology in enhancing learning, and the need for innovative education systems that provide concrete solutions to key issues such as climate change.

    On the sidelines of the Forum meetings, ICESCO’s delegation held a series of meetings with several heads of delegations from Member States, including the Ministers of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Lebanon, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the delegation representing the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The delegation also met with representatives of many organizations and bodies, including a meeting with the President of the World Education Forum and with a group of leading companies in the field of education.

    ICESCO will hold a high-level ministerial meeting of its Member States’ Ministers of Education on the Process of Transformation of Education, on Wednesday 22 May 2024 in London, following the conclusion of the World Education Forum, to exchange views and experiences on the opportunities, challenges and partnerships needed at decision-making level during the education transformation process. The meeting will also provide an opportunity to discuss the draft agenda and action plan for the Third Conference of Ministers of Education of ICESCO Member States, to be held on October 2-3, 2024 in Oman.

    ICESCO Extends its Condolences to Iran on the Death of President Raisi and his Companions in the Fatal Helicopter Crash

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) conveys its sincere condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and his accompanying Iranian officials in the helicopter crash, that occurred on Sunday, 19 May 2024, in East Azerbaijan Province, northwest of Iran.

    At this painful moment, the General Directorate of ICESCO expresses its solidarity with Iran and extends its sincere condolences to the families of the victims, beseeching Allah Almighty to bestow His mercy on them, admit them to His Paradise, and grant their families’ patience and solace.

    ICESCO Director-General Attends International Conference of Science and Quran and Meets with Iran’s Secretary of Council for Renewal of Education System

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the International Conference of Science and the Quran held in Tehran, Iran, on May 19, 2024. The Conference was attended by Dr. Jamileh Alamolhoda, Secretary of the Council for the Transformation and Renewal of the National Education System of the Islamic Republic of Iran, along with a distinguished group of officials, scholars, and professors interested in studying the relation between the Quran and science.

    The Conference, hosted by the University of Tehran, is set to discuss eight main themes and present research papers from scholars representing 11 countries. The aim is to encourage scientific studies in universities and international intellectual and scientific research centers focusing on the relation between the Quran and science.

    Following the opening session of the Conference, Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Jamileh Alamolhoda to explore prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and Iran, particularly in education development, scientific miracles in the Quran, and enhancing women’s contributions to building societies in the Islamic world.

    At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik underscored the key elements of ICESCO’s vision and strategic objectives, highlighting its activities, programs, and initiatives. He particularly emphasized efforts in building the capacities and enhancing the skills of women and girls, reaffirming the Organization’s belief in their crucial role in achieving sustainable development in the Islamic world.

    Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO dedication to empowering women and girls through numerous projects, programs, and pioneering initiatives for their benefit, such as declaring 2021 as the Year of Women. The Organization has also launched programs to address school dropouts among girls in its Member States and organized international conferences on women’s participation in sports, as well as women’s leadership in universities. He pointed out that ICESCO’s acknowledgment of the importance of women’s roles is reflected in the fact that nearly 50% of the Organization’s leadership positions are held by women.

    Dr. Jamileh Alamolhoda, for her part, praised ICESCO’s efforts in developing the fields of education, science, and culture in its Member States and its endeavors to qualify women and girls in the Islamic world. She further affirmed Iran’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with the Organization.