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    ICESCO and Iran Explore Prospects for Enhanced Cooperation in Education, Science, and Youth Development

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Reza Morad Sahraei, Minister of Education of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Chairman of the Iranian National Commission for ICESCO, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Iran in areas of common interest.

    At the outset of the meeting, held on May 18, 2024, at the headquarters of the Iranian Ministry of Education as part of his visit to Tehran, Dr. AlMalik outlined the main points of ICESCO’s vision and strategic directions, along with key initiatives, programs, and projects it implements within its areas of competence. He emphasized the Organization’s approach of engaging with relevant entities in the Member States to understand their orientations and needs, enabling the design of tailored programs and projects for each country.

    In turn, the Iranian Minister of Education praised ICESCO’s roles and the support the Organization provides to its Member States under its new vision, reaffirming the Islamic Republic of Iran’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Organization.

    The meeting was attended by several ministry officials, the Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission, and the accompanying delegation of ICESCO’s DG. The Minister presented various initiative ideas for cooperation with the Organization, particularly in education, youth capacity building, and scientific research development. These ideas included an initiative to support talented individuals in science and mathematics from across the Islamic world and host them at a major forum in Iran. Additionally, he expressed Iran’s desire to host the upcoming ICESCO Executive Council meetings.

    The meeting also discussed cooperation in developing educational curricula, with the Iranian Minister of Education expressing his country’s willingness to host some of ICESCO’s conferences and seminars on this topic. The Minister also stressed that the rapid technological advancements necessitate updating educational curricula to keep pace with these developments.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed to maintain ongoing coordination to develop implementation plans for future cooperation programs and to discuss the initiatives that Iran will propose to ICESCO for adoption after mutual agreement.

    ICESCO and Ministry of Education and Science of Republic of Tatarstan Explore Cooperation Prospects

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Khadiullin Ilsur Garaevich, Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tatarstan, to discuss prospects for cooperation between the Organization and the Ministry in areas of common interest.

    During the meeting, held on 17 May 2024, in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, on the sidelines of the Russia-Islamic World International Economic Forum, Dr. AlMalik emphasized ICESCO’s commitment, within its new vision, to openness and partnerships with all, to enhance the exchange of expertise and contribute to the development of education, science, and culture in the Islamic world.

    Dr. AlMalik also invited the Minister of Education and Science of Tatarstan to attend the Conference of Ministers of Education in Islamic Countries, which is scheduled to be organized by ICESCO and in Muscat, the Sultanate of Oman, in October.

    The meeting centered on discussing proposals for cooperation in education, science, and the advancement of scientific research through the joint implementation of practical programs and projects. It was agreed to sustain coordination efforts to foster a productive partnership between ICESCO and the Ministry of Education and Science of Tatarstan.

    ICESCO and Saudi Ministry of Culture Sign Executive Program for Youth Capacity Building and Training

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Saudi Ministry of Culture, represented by the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, signed an executive program aimed at providing training opportunities for Saudi youth within ICESCO’s sectors, centers, and departments. This initiative seeks to familiarize them with the Organization’s role and operational mechanisms, enhance their capabilities, and expose them to the work environment of international organizations and institutions.

    The Agreement was signed on 17 May 2024 by Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Head of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences at ICESCO, and Mr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz AlBlihed, Secretary-General of the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, on the sidelines of the 27th session of the General Conference of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

    The two-year executive program focuses on exchanging expertise and capacity building by providing training opportunities for Saudi competences in the cultural sector. It also explores the possibility of establishing training programs at ICESCO for candidates nominated by the Saudi National Commission. The program aims to develop trainees’ capacities, evaluate their progress, and equip them with new skills and knowledge to enhance their professional and intellectual abilities. Additionally, it seeks to train them in leadership in education, science, culture, and communication.

    The executive program outlines methods for preparing and implementing training programs through the exchange of visits between official delegations and experts specialized in conducting studies and research in education, culture, and science. It includes organizing training programs, workshops, and seminars for specialists and forming a joint working team from both sides.

    Exploring cooperation prospects between ICESCO and the Talent and Success Foundation in the Russian Federation

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting with Ms. Elena Shmeleva, Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Territory « Sirius » in Russia and President of the Talent and Success Foundation, to explore prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and the Foundation, and exchanged successful experiences in education and talent support.

    During the meeting, held on May 27, 2024, in Kazan, on the sidelines of the “Russia-Islamic World” International Economic Forum, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main initiatives, programs, and projects that ICESCO is implementing in collaboration with specialized entities in its Member States, particularly in the areas of education, capacity building, innovation enhancement, and entrepreneurship support.

    Ms. Shmeleva shared insights and experiences on advancing education and nurturing talents within the Federal Territory « Sirius » and the Talent and Success Foundation, which supports talented persons from across the Russian Federation. Additionally, she highlighted the Foundation’s collaborations with several entities in ICESCO Member States.

    The meeting discussed proposals for cooperation between the two sides, as Dr. AlMalik invited the President of the Talent and Success Foundation to present the latter’s successful experience at the Conference of Ministers of Education of ICESCO Member States, scheduled to be held in Oman in October.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to form working teams and maintain ongoing coordination to develop plans for cooperation and partnership through practical programs and projects to be implemented in the coming phase.

    ICESCO Director-General Meets State Counsellor of Republic of Tatarstan in Kazan

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Mintimer Shaimiev, State Counsellor of the Republic of Tatarstan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Revival Regional Foundation for Historical and Cultural Monuments, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue, to discuss cooperation avenues between ICESCO and Tatarstan in cultural fields, particularly in the preservation and valorization of heritage and Arabic language teaching.

    Dr. AlMalik began the meeting, which took place on Friday May 17, 2024, at the representative building of the Kazan Kremlin, by expressing his appreciation for the efforts of the Revival Regional Foundation for for Historical and Cultural Monuments in preserving heritage. He congratulated Mr. Shaimiev on the inscription of the Kazan City Observatory in the Republic of Tatarstan on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List.

    Furthermore, he emphasized that ICESCO’s new vision and strategic directions prioritize the protection, preservation, and valorization of heritage. Accordingly, the Organization established the Heritage Center and the Islamic World Heritage Committee, to inscribe historical sites and cultural elements on its lists of tangible and intangible heritage.
    For his part, the State Counsellor of the Republic of Tatarstan praised ICESCO’s roles in preserving heritage, calling for the inclusion of the “Sabantuy” festival on the Organization’s list of intangible heritage. This is one of the most important harvest festivals celebrated since the Middle Ages, translating to ” plough’s feast,” and features many artistic activities every year.

    The meeting also discussed ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Tatarstan in cultural fields and heritage, as well as the Arabic language, by establishing ICESCO’s center for teaching Arabic at the Bolgar Islamic Academy in Bolgar, Russia, which celebrated the 1100th anniversary of the introduction of Islam in 2022.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasized their commitment to developing cooperation between ICESCO and Tatarstan and continuing coordination to implement practical programs and projects in areas of mutual interest discussed during the meeting.

    Significant Activity of ICESCO Pavilion at “Russia-Islamic World” Forum in Tatarstan

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The pavilion of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), set at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Center on the sidelines of the “Russia-Islamic World” International Economic Forum, continues to present its diverse program of meetings and seminars. Additionally, the Organization’s high-level delegation, led by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), continues to participate in sessions covering all activities held during this international event, which is organized by the Strategic Vision Group “Russia-Islamic World” and hosted by the Republic of Tatarstan over the period of May 14 – 19 , 2024.

    ICESCO and the Ministry of Youth Affairs in the Republic of Tatarstan held a session on Thursday, May 16, 2024, under the theme: “Cultural Components and Traditional Values in Child Upbringing,” as part of the activities of the 10th Kazan Forum for Young Entrepreneurs from Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The Session was attended by Dr. AlMalik, Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Aide to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mr. Rinat Sadykov, Minister of Youth Affairs, and Ms. Irada Ayupova, Minister of Culture. Rich discussions took place concerning the challenges faced by youth when making pivotal decisions in their lives, highlighting the shared role of modern technologies across various cultures in the upbringing of children and youth.

    In addition to managing the meetings and seminars organized by ICESCO’s pavilion to highlight the Organization’s vision pillars and its strategic orientations, as well as the initiatives, programs, projects, and activities it implements to serve its member states and Muslim communities around the world. Moreover, ICESCO’s delegation members participated in various sessions to represent the Organization at all activities held on the sidelines of the Forum. Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor in the Science and Environment Sector, participated in several sessions that were held at the 10th Kazan Forum for Young Entrepreneurs from OIC Member States, attended by a number of young entrepreneurs hailing from Islamic world countries and owners of leading projects in innovative industries. Dr. Sharif showcased the Organization’s efforts in supporting youth in the fields of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

    Dr. Abdullah Al Mulhim, expert at ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, participated in the sessions of the 8th Young Diplomats Forum for OIC Member States, focusing on Russia as one of the global centers for Islamic education. He presented ICESCO’s visionary approach to building the capacities of youth and training them for leadership towards peace and security.

    Delegation from CECF and University of Redlands visit ICESCO headquarters and Exhibition of Prophet’s Seerah

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, a delegation from the University of Redlands, USA, and the Civilization Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (CECF) in Washington visited the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), where they discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of civilizational dialogue and the dissemination of the values of coexistence and peace.

    Dr. Abelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General (DG), received the delegation headed by Dr. Mohamad Bashar Arafat, CECF President, which comprised of a number of students and faculty members from the University of Redlands. The meeting was attended by Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Sector of Human and Social Sciences; Amb. Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue; Dr. Ahmad Said Bah, Advisor to the General Directorate; and Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to the DG for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW).

    During the meeting, Dr. Benarafa addressed the main axes of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations, and key field initiatives within its areas of competence. He further explained that the Organization seeks to provide capacity building activities, and trainings on leadership for peace and security and skills for tomorrow’s professions for the benefit of young people and women, stating that ICESCO’s initiatives focus on promoting civilizational dialogue and consolidating the values of coexistence. Several ICESCO representatives also presented key programs and projects implemented by the Organization in the fields of education, science and culture, in cooperation with the competent authorities in its Member States and abroad.

    The meeting saw rich discussions between the students and ICESCO’s representatives regarding cooperation proposals between the Organization and American universities.

    Dr. Benarafa accompanied the delegation to the Mishkat Hall, where they were introduced to its key programs in the field of teaching Arabic. The delegation also visited the Museum and Exhibition of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO headquarters. The Museum and Exhibition conveys Islam’s messages of justice, peace, mercy, tolerance and coexistence.

    ICESCO Calls for Strengthening Role of Museums in Education and Research and Engaging Youth in Heritage Preservation

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Celebrated each May 18th, this year’s International Museum Day theme, “Museums for Education and Research,” highlights the role of these cultural institutions, which number 3,000 across the Islamic world, in advancing education, scientific research and heritage preservation.

    On this occasion, which has been celebrated worldwide since 1977, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) calls upon its Member States and the world to strengthen the role of museums in education and research and to engage youth and students in heritage preservation. ICESCO’s call stems from its belief in the significance of museums to humanity, as they feature its intellectual treasures, preserve heritage, and convey cross-generational constructive messages.

    ICESCO reiterates its unwavering support for museums across the Islamic world, bolstering their status as beacons of education and awareness-raising. This is achieved through the provision of technical support and training to museum professionals, and by fostering cooperation and exchange of expertise and knowledge between museums to amplify their role in achieving sustainable development and safeguarding the cultural heritage of the Islamic world.

    Driven by a deep-seated belief in museums’ significance to the collective memory of Islamic world countries, ICESCO launched several initiatives in the field. These include the publication of the “Museums of African Region” in 2021, hosting the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization in its headquarters since 2022, and issuing a guide on the protection and valorization of museum exhibits in the Islamic world in 2023.

    ICESCO currently supports a pioneering project geared toward green transformation and the use of clean energy. The project involves converting heritage sites and museums in Egypt to solar energy, a sustainable alternative that does not affect the environment and contributes to achieving sustainable development goals.

    ICESCO’s Second Ministerial Conference PISA Concludes Proceedings in Azerbaijan

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Second Ministerial Conference on the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) concluded its proceedings on Tuesday, 14 May 2024, in Baku. This year’s conference, which was organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan in partnership with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), witnessed an exchange of experiences and insights on the outcomes of PISA 2022, and discussions on ways to improve student performance in international assessment programmes and support educational reforms.

    The conference concluded with a speech by Hasan Hasanli, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Science and Education, who thanked ICESCO and the OECD for their contribution to the success of the Conference, highlighting the importance of training future generations and developing the capacities of individuals to achieve sustainable development goals.


    The second day of the Conference commenced with a panel discussion on OECD’s strategies to enhance the accessibility and relevance of PISA to a diverse range of countries and ways these strategies could assist countries in improving their abilities to design, manage, and examine assessment results.

    Furthermore, a second session, moderated by Dr. Koumbou Boly Barry, Head of ICESCO’s Education Sector, addressed the cultural significance of PISA in ICESCO’s Member States and the necessity of aligning the assessment with the educational priorities of each country.

    The session discussed ICESCO’s commitment to continue coordination and joint action with state leaders, ministers of education and education specialists to ensure that the educational resources and assessments in the Islamic world reflect the priorities and needs of the countries.

    The session was followed by an open discussion with participants who stressed the role of education in promoting and preserving peace and reiterated the need to promote the values of coexistence and civilizational dialogue in light of the continuous threat to the world’s security and harmony.

    International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights Wraps Up with ICESCO’s Participation

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Today, Tuesday 14 May 2024, marked the conclusion of the International Conference on “Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Opportunities and Challenges.” Organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Ministry Delegate in Charge of Human Rights of the Kingdom of Morocco, Ibn Tofail University, the Council of Europe, the Danish Institute for Human Rights, and the United Nations Development Program. The Conference aimed to facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices related to the vast potential of AI applications. It also sought to address and mitigate any negative impacts on individuals’ rights and freedoms.

    The opening of the Conference, held over two days at the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences in Kenitra, drew a distinguished audience. Notable attendees included Mr. Abdellatif Ouahbi, Minister of Justice of the Kingdom of Morocco; Dr. Abdellatif Miraoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation of Morocco; Mr. Mohamed Larbi Kerkeb, President of Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra; Mr. Abdelkarim Boujradi, Secretary-General of the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights; and several experts from ICESCO.

    The Conference featured insightful interventions and discussions by specialists, professors, and lawyers from Morocco and several other countries, on AI and its challenges in relation to human rights, opportunities for leveraging AI to enhance these rights, and the governance of the AI-human rights relationship.

    During the working sessions, ICESCO experts reviewed the organization’s strategy in this field, highlighting its endeavors to formulate the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence. They also announced the launch of a research chair on the ethics of artificial intelligence in collaboration with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in the Sultanate of Oman.

    Representing ICESCO at the Conference were Ms. Bahija Smidi from the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards, Dr. Asmaa Mahdioui, member of the Young Professionals Program, Dr. Ismaila Diallo, expert in the Sector of Science and Environment, and Dr. Hassan El-Hajjami, expert in the Social and Human Sciences Sector.


    The conference garnered significant follow-up and interaction from numerous specialists and students both within and outside the Kingdom of Morocco. The live broadcasts of the Conference attracted over 21,000 viewers throughout the two-day event.



    The conference garnered significant follow-up and interaction from numerous specialists and students both within and outside the Kingdom of Morocco. The live broadcasts of the Conference attracted over 21,000 viewers throughout the two-day event.