The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a workshop on leadership for peace and security, in partnership with the Yemeni National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, for the benefit of 30 youth and women to build their capacities and introduce them to strategies and tools of achieving social cohesion and integration.
The two-day workshop, which concluded its activities on Tuesday, 17 October 2023, in the city of Aden, saw the participation of a host of trainers and experts in the field of peace and security, who delivered presentations and practical training on ICESCO’s 360° Peace Approach, international mechanisms of engaging youth and women in peace-making in addition to the best practices of building peaceful societies.
In his address via videoconferencing, Mr. Alioune Ndiaye, expert at ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, highlighted the significance of peace in achieving development and reviewed ICESCO’s key programs in the field of youth and women rehabilitation, notably the Leadership Training for Peace and Security Programme (LTIPS). For her part, Dr. Hafida Saleh Nasser Al-Shaikh, Secretary-General of the Yemeni National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, extended her thanks and appreciation to ICESCO for its support in implementing the workshop.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture are pleased to invite everyone to participate in the second edition of ICESCO’s Marathon, on Saturday 28 October 2023, as part of the activities of ICESCO’s Year of Youth Program, under the theme: ‘Together for social solidarity’.
ICESCO and the Moroccan National Commission are organizing this marathon, in partnership with the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, and the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication of Morocco, and in cooperation with the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), the Royal Moroccan Federation of School Sports, and the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra Region. The marathon will start in front of ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, at 9:00 a.m., with a route spanning approximately nine kilometers. ICESCO organizes this marathon to emphasize the importance of harnessing the power of sports to instill values of coexistence and peace, support social cohesion and solidarity, strengthen community resilience, and contribute to improving physical and mental well-being in the Islamic World, particularly for individuals with special needs. To participate in the marathon, kindly register via the following link: https://icesco.org/en/get-engaged/icesco-marathon/ Participants will be divided into four categories:
Participants under the age of 15.
Adults.
Senior people, including men and women aged 65 and above.
People with special needs. At the end of the race, medals and special awards will be presented to the winners in each category. All participants will receive participation certificates.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) holds a regional-level workshop in Kuwait City on developing technical and vocational education (TVE) in partnership with the Kuwaiti National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, to train human resources to meet the needs of the labour market and improve employment opportunities for young people.
The two-day workshop, which kicked off on Monday, 16 October 2023, saw the participation of a host of officials, experts and specialists in the field of technical and vocational education in the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar.
At the outset of the workshop, Mr. Saud Al-Juwaiser, Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education, reaffirmed the significance and the need for such a workshop, hoping it would contribute to developing technical education. For his part, Mr. Hussein Ali Dashti, Secretary-General of the Kuwaiti National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, lauded ICESCO’s efforts in developing educational systems and its unwavering support for its Member States. ICESCO was represented by Dr. Ahmed El Zonfoli, Program Manager in the Education Sector, who stressed the need for this workshop in line with the international trends of pitching technical and vocational training toward the labour market.
The sessions of the workshop touch on a variety of topics, including the efforts and insights of regional and international organizations, centers and institutes in education development and linkage to the labour market, the status quo of TVE in the Gulf States, the suitability of its outputs to the needs of the labour market and the international best practices and successful experiences in the field of technical education to improve youth’s employment opportunities.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby, the Executive Director of the Women Development Organization (WDO), and together discussed mechanisms and plans for future cooperation between the two organizations, particularly on empowering and building the capacities of girls and women, providing leadership training, and enhancing their role in peacebuilding and social cohesion.
During the meeting, held on Friday 13 October 2023, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik stressed that ICESCO, in line with its vision and strategic orientations, focuses on supporting girls and women due to its pivotal role in societal prosperity through practical programs and projects aimed at nurturing their leadership capacities, fostering innovation, and promoting gender equality in various fields.
He also pointed out that in 2021, proclaimed as ICESCO’s Year of Women, constituted an exceptional success through the implementation of numerous initiatives and programs, as well as the launch of awards for women across the Islamic World.
Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between ICESCO and WDO, which is the starting point for partnership in exchanging knowledge, expertise and the best practices to improve the protection and education of girls and women and provide them with leadership training for the promotion of peace and social cohesion.
On her part, the Executive Director of WDO commended ICESCO’s endeavors to empower women, expressing her aspiration for further collaboration with ICESCO, leveraging on the signed MoU.
Following two days of rich intellectual and scientific debates, the First Session of the International Conference on Islamic Scholars concluded its proceedings, on Thursday, October 12, 2023, by issuing a set of key recommendations on ways to promote and disseminate the extensive and interdisciplinary scientific legacy of the prominent scholar, Al Farabi. The Conference was organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, represented by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Rabat, under the theme “Al-Farabi’s contributions throughout human history”.
The Conference recommended the organization of an international forum on the contributions of Muslim scholars, calling on education ministers in the Islamic world to prepare a reference document for integrating biographies of Muslim scholars and philosophers in school curricula, and republishing Al Farabi’s works as integral publications, alongside “Al-Farabi’s Terminology.” The Conference also recommended holding a workshop on Al Farabi’s studies, translating scientific works on this prominent Muslim figure from and into Arabic, setting up an open-source online platform on Al-Farabi, organizing Al Farabi’s festival for young musicians and establishing an interdisciplinary scientific committee to re-authenticate and republish Al Farabi’s Great Book of Music.
For his part, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, in his address at the closing of the conference, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO Culture and Communication Sector, stated that ICESCO will publish the research papers presented during this conference in its three working languages (Arabic, English and French), and work towards implementing its recommendations. The Director-General added that the Conference’s success encourages the Organization to continue publicizing scholars of the Islamic world as well as their contributions to the different aspects of human civilization.
Furthermore, he announced that the second session of the International Conference on Islamic Scholars will pay tribute to Abu Yusuf Ya’qub ibn Ishaq Al-Kindi, who died the same year Al Farabi was born, and extended his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Republic of Kazakhstan and its Embassy in Rabat for their cooperation to hold the conference.
Speaking next, Ms. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Morocco, extended her thanks to ICESCO, the participants and all researchers for their rich contributions during the sessions, stressing the importance of the initiative in disseminating Al Farabi’s scientific heritage, understanding and the spiritual and philosophical foundations for the prosperity of modern societies. In his address, Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, underlined the critical role played by Al Farabi to lay the foundations for human thought, highlighting that his publications reflect his rich life experiences. Following this, the researchers and panelists received certificates of participation in the Conference. The second day of the Conference featured rich discussions during the third session on the philosophy of music and aesthetics in Al-Farabi’s thought and the fourth session, which focused on renewal in Al-Farabi’s contemporary studies, where the audience asked several topic-related questions.
Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Kamil Akathov, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Ms. Solikul Silukizy, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Morocco, where mechanisms for developing cooperation between ICESCO and Kazakhstan in the fields of science, higher education, and scientific research development were discussed.
During the meeting, held on Wednesday (October 11, 2023), at ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat, Dr. Al-Malik commended the distinguished relations between ICESCO and the Republic of Kazakhstan, stressing the Organization’s keenness to enhance cooperation through implementing a set of programs and projects to develop scientific research and provide scholarships for students from countries of the Islamic world to study in Kazakh universities, and encourage them to explore the horizons of space science, new technology and artificial intelligence.
He highlighted the successful organization of the first session of the International Conference on the Islamic World Scholars, jointly held by the two parties, under the theme “Al-Farabi and his contributions throughout human history,” at ICESCO Headquarters, which saw the presence of Dr. Akathov, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan. For his part, Dr. Akathov praised the Conference’s sessions, which discussed the contributions of Al-Farabi and his role in developing science and philosophy for the renaissance of the Islamic world, stressing Kazakhstan’s aspiration for further cooperation with ICESCO through the establishment of scientific chairs in Kazakh universities, and the organization of conferences and seminars in the field of education and scientific research.
At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to continue coordination to develop cooperation between ICESCO and Kazakhstan.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, hosts the 9th Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World, on Thursday (October 19, 2023), in Jeddah, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in the presence of environment ministers of ICESCO Member States and the representatives of regional and international environment organizations to discuss avenues of strengthening joint Islamic action and addressing the effects of climate change and the environmental challenges facing Earth.
The agenda of the Conference, held under the theme, “Toward Achieving Green Transformation in the Islamic World,” features the discussion and adoption of several documents submitted by the ICESCO General Directorate, including the Executive Work Plan for Natural Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, the Draft Guidance Document on the Best Practices for Green Transformation in the Islamic World and the Draft Strategy for Smart Sustainable Cities in the Islamic World. The Conference will issue a Declaration on Environmental Matters at its close.
Furthermore, the Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World will elect the Members of its Bureau and decide on the date and venue of its forthcoming session.
Prior to the Conference, the Executive Bureau for the Environment in the Islamic World will hold its Sixth Meeting, in Jeddah, on 18 October 2023, bringing together the nine Member States of the Executive Bureau and many regional and international organizations. Moreover, an exhibition will be organized on the sidelines of the Conference.
The conference also features the awards ceremony of the 3rd edition of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Award for Environmental Management in the Islamic World for 21 winners from 18 Muslim countries in these categories: Successful Research Works, Achievements and Practices, Leading Practices and Activities of Public Benefit Associations and NGOs in the Member States, Women’s leading activities in environmental action, and the Environmentally Friendly and Green Cities.
Dr. Salim AlMalik, the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a high-level delegation from the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. During the meeting, they explored prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and Tatarstan in the fields of culture, science, and youth capacity building.
Dr. AlMalik initiated the meeting, held at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat on Wednesday 11 October 2023, by expressing his gratitude and appreciation to the Republic of Tatarstan, His Excellency President Rustam Minnikhanov, and the officials for the warm reception he received during his recent visit to the capital, Kazan, last August.
The Tatarstan Republic delegation, including Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Timur Suleymanov, Aide to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, and Head of All-Russian Public-State movement of children and youth in the Republic of Tatarstan “Movement of the first”, and Mrs. Irada Ayupova, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan, expressed their thanks to ICESCO and its Director-General for inviting them to attend the first edition of the International Conference on Islamic World Scholars, themed “Al-Farabi and his contributions throughout human history.” The meeting delved into discussions regarding potential collaboration between ICESCO and Tatarstan, with a particular focus on youth capacity-building and skill development to align with global advancements. The Tatarstan delegation noted that a major youth festival is scheduled for March 2024 in Sochi, featuring the participation of 20,000 young individuals, half of whom are from the Russian Federation and the other half from around the world. They also underlined ICESCO’s involvement and organization of a range of activities throughout this event. Additionally, the delegation confirmed their ongoing preparations for a cultural program to coincide with Russia’s presidency of the BRICS group in 2024. Furthermore, they discussed the possibility of registering several historical sites of the Islamic civilization in the Republic of Tatarstan on ICESCO’s World Islamic Heritage lists.
At the end of the meeting, an agreement was reached to maintain coordination to formulate comprehensive implementation plans that would oversee and guide the collaborative programs and projects jointly agreed upon between ICESCO and the competent parties in the Republic of Tatarstan.
The meeting was attended by Mrs. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector, and Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, from ICESCO. Representing Tatarstan were Ms. Dilbar Sadykova, Chairwoman of the Academy of Youth Diplomacy, and Ms. Alla Kondrateva, Deputy head of All-Russian Public-State movement of children and youth in the Republic of Tatarstan “Movement of the first”.
The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted the first edition of the International Conference on the Islamic World Scholars, under the theme: “Al-Farabi’s and contributions throughout human history,” on Wednesday 11 October 2023. The two-day Conference is organized by ICESCO in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, represented by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Rabat.
The Conference’s opening ceremony saw high-level attendance, including officials and members of the diplomatic corps, as well as a group of distinguished researchers and university professors from several countries. Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of Culture and Communication Sector at ICESCO, began the opening session with an overview of the world-renowned scholar Abu Nasr Al-Farabi, his unique contributions, and his significant role in enriching global thought and the Islamic renaissance.
In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, emphasized that Al-Farabi has left an unmatched wealth of scientific knowledge in language, philosophy, and music. “He authored nearly 100 books on most of the subjects of his era, tackling the legacies of Plato and Aristotle, and faithfully translating their work into Arabic. The body of his work, thus, became the channel through which ancient and Islamic philosophies were passed on to the European Renaissance era. Even today, he is highly regarded and studied by researchers and philosophers and is often referred to as the “Second Teacher” after Aristotle,” underline Dr. AlMalik.
ICESCO Director-General highlighted that Al-Farabi’s homeland, Kazakhstan, is characterized by its ethnic and religious diversity and that it has brought up many other prominent leaders and scholars, adding that it encourages and promotes dialogue among different religions and cultures. He concluded his remarks by stressing ICESCO’s keenness to underline the pioneering role played by Islamic scholars throughout the ages as an inspiration for youth.
For his part, Dr. Abdellatif Miraoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation of the Kingdom of Morocco, in an address delivered on his behalf by Mr. Mohamed Khalfaoui, the Ministry’s Secretary-General, highlighted that the Conference is an opportunity to showcase the role of Al-Farabi in shaping human thought, reviewing the Ministry’s efforts to encourage scientific research.
In his address, Dr. Kamil Akathov, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, pointed out that the Ministry strives to highlight Al-Farabi’s scientific legacy by supporting numerous scholars in studying his contributions and research in innovation and science, considering the wealth of scientific knowledge that this great scholar left, which serves, to this today, as a reference to advance scientific research.
Following this, Dr. AlMalik, Dr. Akatov, and Ms. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Rabat, presented awards to the winners of the competition for the best research papers on the intellectual contributions of Al-Farabi. The first prize was jointly awarded to Dr. Zadash Dukenbayeva from Kazakhstan and Dr. Salem Ayadi from Tunisia, while the second prize was jointly awarded to Dr. Ahmed Attia from Egypt and Dr. Ahmed Saadi from Morocco. The third prize was jointly awarded to Dr. Huda Mubarak Aldayri from the Sultanate of Oman and Dr. Iqbal Maulana Alfiansyah from Indonesia, and lastly a recognition award was given to Dr. Anis Meddeb from Tunisia.
The opening session also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Federation of Universities of the Islamic World, affiliated with ICESCO, and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, aiming to strengthen cooperation in the fields of education, science, and technology. The MoU was signed by Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General in charge of the Federation of Universities of the Islamic World, and Dr. Ainur Kurmanalieva, the Executive Director of the university.
In his address via videoconference following the signing ceremony, Dr. Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in the Republic of Kazakhstan, praised the significant legacy left by this scholar, through which he laid the foundations for inter-civilizational dialogue.
Afterward, the participants watched an introductory film on Al-Farabi and enjoyed a musical performance from the Republic of Uzbekistan. Following that, the names of the winners of the second phase of the Turathy Photography Competition in Egypt and the Islamic world were announced. The Competition, which focuses on the ” Architectural and Urban Heritage of Islamic World Cities,” and was launched by ICESCO and the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, exhibited its winning photographs at ICESCO Headquarters.
The first day of the Al-Farabi Conference continued with sessions covering “Al-Farabi and his Impact on humanist philosophy” and “Al-Farabi’s theories in the fields of the philosophy of science and political philosophy.” These sessions featured rich discussions that explored Al-Farabi’s contributions in various areas and their impact on human thought throughout the ages.
The Center of Strategic Foresight at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, have signed a partnership agreement to establish the ICESCO Chair for Innovation and the Future in Africa, at the University. The aim of this partnership is to promote scientific research, training, information exchange, and documentation in the field, as well as to encourage collaboration among experts, researchers, and university professors in South Africa.
The agreement was signed via videoconference, on Tuesday, 10 October 2023, by Dr. Kais Hammami, Director of the Center of Strategic Foresight, representing ICESCO, and Dr. Jason Cohen, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management at the University of Witwatersrand.
During the signing ceremony, Dr. Hammami delivered an insightful overview of the Center and its mission, emphasizing the importance of utilizing foresight tools in building the future, and the pivotal role of the Chair in disseminating knowledge, promoting research, and shaping a pioneering future for Africa. For his part, Dr. Cohen expressed his delight in collaborating with ICESCO through this Chair, which strengthens the impact of foresight in the attainment of sustainable development goals.
The Chair seeks to contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals pertaining to industry, innovation, and sustainable cities. It also seeks to analyze trends in the field of foresight and innovation in Africa, and develop research programs and educational resources in this area.
