The United Arab Emirates Embassy in the Kingdom of Morocco paid tribute to Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in recognition of his efforts in promoting values of coexistence, tolerance and peace worldwide and for his contribution to a collective book titled, “Tolerance: Contemporary Perspectives,” published on the occasion of the 52nd UAE Union Day.
In this connection, H.E. Al Asri Saeed Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Kingdom of Morocco, delivered an honorary shield and certificate of recognition to Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, on behalf of Dr. AlMalik, who is currently on an official mission outside the seat country. This tribute was part of a reception ceremony held by the UAE Embassy in observance of the 52nd UAE Union Day on Tuesday, 21 November 2023, in the presence of Moroccan ministers, representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to Morocco, and a host of high-level officials.
On the occasion of the World Children’s Day, celebrated since 1954 as an annual occasion on November 20 to strengthen joint action for children and raise their awareness, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) received at its headquarters a group of children who came to learn about the history of the Organization, its objectives and its action mechanism. The visit, which was organized by ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) office in Morocco, provided them with an opportunity to simulate assuming leadership positions at ICESCO.
The group included a number of children who won first places in the second edition of ICESCO Marathon, which was organized on October 28 under the slogan “All for Social Solidarity,” in partnership between ICESCO and the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, and in cooperation with a number of Moroccan ministries and institutions.
Dr. Abdelilah Benarfa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, received the group of children and conducted a dialogue with them during which he encouraged them to express their opinions freely and strive to develop their scientific, literary and cultural capacities. Afterwards, he invited them to visit ICESCO’s pavilion at the International Book Fair for Children and Youth in Casablanca.
In addition, during their meetings with a number of heads of sectors, directors of departments and centers, and experts at ICESCO, the children were informed about the objectives, missions, activities and action mechanisms of the Organization in the fields of education, science and culture, as well as ICESCO’s keenness to contribute to the protection of children’s rights.
After that, the visiting children were given the opportunity to undertake a simulation experience, each of them assuming a leadership position at ICESCO, to learn about the decisions they can take in this capacity, and how to conduct daily work.
Through this visit, ICESCO aims to emphasize the importance of the role of children in achieving positive change, the necessity of providing them with a safe environment, encouraging them to express their opinions on their issues, and preparing them to participate in decision-making in a way that enhances their role in society and reflects respect for their rights.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the Non-Aligned Movement Conference on Advancing the Rights and Empowerment of Women, which was jointly organized by the Republic of Azerbaijan, the current chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, as well as Uganda and Uzbekistan, the upcoming chairs of NAM, to discuss the empowerment and advancement of women’s rights and to improve their contribution to sustainable development, peace and security issues.
The Conference, which was held in Baku on 20-21 November, 2023, saw the participation of ministers and high-profile officials from more than sixty countries, in addition to representatives of a number of international organizations and bodies.
ICESCO was represented by Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Director of Human and Social Sciences Sector, and Dr. Dinara Guliyeva, expert in the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector. In her presentation, Ms. Mbaye reviewed ICESCO’s key programs and initiatives geared toward promoting and protecting women’s rights and fostering girls’ schooling while providing a safe environment for them to develop their capacities and contribute to building prosperous communities.
In connection, ICESCO’s delegation held several meetings with officials in the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Mrs. Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, who stressed her keenness to strengthen cooperation with ICESCO in the field of women’s rehabilitation and child protection and agreed to cooperate in the implementation of a number of programs in the fields of leadership training, peacebuilding, child protection and mental health in addition to enhancing the presence of women in sports.
Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ms. Marwa Al-Aqroubi, Executive Director of the House of Wisdom Sharjah (HoW), and together they explored prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and the House of Wisdom in areas of common interest. The meeting was attended by Mr. Mohamed Boufarss, Head of Library Operations, Mr. Ali Al-Shammari, Head of the Government Relations and Protocols Department at the House of Wisdom, and Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Sector of Culture and Communication.
During the meeting held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, the two parties reaffirmed the importance of developing cooperation, particularly in the fields of Arabic and culture, expressing their keenness to sustain the partnership.
Following the meeting the Deputy Director-General took the Emirati delegation on a tour to the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO Headquarters.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), was awarded the Best Leader Award 2023 by the World Business Angels Investment Forum. This prestigious international award, presented annually by the Forum, celebrates figures who demonstrate outstanding leadership and foresight, making substantial contributions to the progress of education, science, and culture, resulting in positive changes that foster economic opportunities, social justice, and sustainable development.
In a special ceremony at the 2023 World Business Angels Investment Forum held in Durban, South Africa, attended by ministers and high-level dignitaries and representatives from various countries and international organizations active in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development, Mr. Baybars Altuntas, President of the Forum, presented the award to Dr. AlMalik. He stressed that the award not only acknowledges the international endeavors of the Director-General in education, science, and culture since assuming office but also highlights ICESCO’s substantial contributions in these vital areas. These contributions are driven by its new strategic vision, which has elevated the Organization as a beacon of international intellectual and cultural influence.
The World Business Angels Investment Forum emphasized in the rationale for awarding Dr. AlMalik that, under his leadership, the Organization has successfully achieved its planned objectives ahead of schedule. This accomplishment involved the development and modernization of its organizational structure and operations, as well as the establishment of strong partnerships with esteemed civil society organizations, institutions and entities both within its Member States and on the global scale. As a result, ICESCO has now positioned itself at the forefront of organizations supporting the youth of the Islamic world, striving to provide opportunities for them and enhance their capabilities in technology, innovation, and creativity, in alignment with the evolving trends in the world and anticipating future professions.
It is noteworthy that the World Business Angels Investment Forum is an international organization with the primary objective of facilitating funding for startups, small and medium enterprises, and large institutions. The forum also promotes innovation and creativity while providing employment opportunities to contribute to global social justice. This mission is achieved through supporting major investors in assisting entrepreneurs and people with ideas and facilitating their access to funding. Importantly, the forum is a partner in the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a capacity-building workshop on inscribing historical sites and cultural elements on world heritage lists in Moroni, the capital city of the Union of the Comoros. The Workshop, which kicked off today, Monday 20 November 2023, is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Employment, Labor, Sports, Arts, and Culture, and the Comorian National Commission, with the participation of officials from institutions and bodies active in the cultural and heritage field, along with several experts from the Union of the Comoros.
In her remarks at the opening of the three-day workshop, Ms. Zahria Saeed Ahmed, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Youth, Employment, Labor, Sports, Arts, and Culture, emphasized the importance of cooperation between ICESCO and the Union of the Comoros, commending the Organization’s efforts in the fields of education, scientific research development, and heritage preservation. Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, highlighted the particular attention that the Organization pays to cooperation with Union of the Comoros stating that this workshop is part of ICESCO’s commitment to contribute to safeguarding both tangible and intangible components of cultural heritage in its Member States and enhancing effective cooperation with local partners in the fields of culture and heritage.
The workshop was conducted by Dr. Mohammed Aba Usman, expert in the culture and communication sector at ICESCO, with the participation of Mr. Hicham Abu Bakr from the Organization’s Young Professionals Program.
Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the International Forum Dar Damana for Dhikr and Samaa in Ouazzane, Kingdom of Morocco. The event was organized by the Safa Association for Madih, under the supervision of the Prefecture of Ouazzane and in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication.
This event was held on 16-18 November 2023 and saw the participation of several artists and Inshad groups from Morocco and several Arab countries. The Forum featured various cultural, art and religious activities and attracted a large audience.
During an academic seminar at the Forum, Dr. Benarafa highlighted ICESCO’s efforts in the field of cultural heritage conservation, noting that, since 2019, the Organization has adopted a new strategy for safeguarding the heritage of the Islamic world based on a more comprehensive and realistic vision for preserving this heritage.
The Deputy Director-General also stressed the importance of finding new perspectives to address cultural heritage issues, in light of the current developmental, environmental, civilizational, ethical and geopolitical challenges.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) condemns in the strongest terms the heinous crime committed of bombing Al-Fakhoura, Tal Al-Zaatar schools in the Gaza Strip, by the Israeli occupation, causing hundreds of casualties, including deaths and injuries.
While sharing the pain and anger of millions of people around the world, ICESCO affirms that the continuation of this brutal behavior, which makes no distinction whatsoever between schools, medical institutions and military facilities, demonstrates the Israeli occupation’s persistence on violating all international laws and norms, and disdaining the emerging positions around the globe against these barbaric actions which have become a disgrace to humanity, for no power has ever used its military machine with such hatred against children’s dormitories, schools and hospitals. With such an action, the system of values and morality undergoes an unprecedented blatant setback in history.
ICESCO renews its appeal to all international organizations, particularly those working in the fields of education, science and culture, to express a firm stance against these irresponsible actions and calls for taking the necessary measures to ensure their accountability otherwise this aggressive arrogance will undermine all good efforts to establish security and peace, thus paving the way for the growth of extremism, racism and hatred in all parts of the world.
In keeping with its duty, ICESCO confirms that it will be at the forefront of organizations to support the educational and cultural systems of the Gaza Strip, in continuity with its role in strengthening the efforts of the State of Palestine in the fields of education, science and culture.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Declan Kiranne, President of the Science Summit at the UN General Assembly, discussed prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and the Summit in the development of scientific and technological research, youth capacity-building in the said field, and addressing the impacts of climate change.
During the meeting held on Friday 17 November 2023 at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s vision and strategic directions, especially in the field of science and technology, and building youth capacities in innovation, emphasizing the Organization’s openness to collaboration with everyone to serve humanity and contribute to overcoming the global challenges in education, science, culture, and the environment. This includes investing in the possibilities offered by modern technology and establishing research chairs in various prestigious universities worldwide.
Mr. Kiranne praised ICESCO’s efforts in contributing to the development of scientific research, affirming his keenness to build fruitful cooperation between the Organization and the Science Summit at the UN General Assembly. He expressed the importance of initiating a dialogue with Islamic world countries on the significance of science in achieving sustainable development goals.
The two parties addressed the importance of ICESCO’s significant participation in the 9th edition of the Science Summit, scheduled to take place during the UN General Assembly session in September 2024. Moreover, they discussed inviting scientists from the Islamic world to attend the Summit to enrich global dialogue on the developments and opportunities in science, as well as organizing special activities for youth at the Summit, coinciding with the celebration of the ICESCO Youth Year.
In conclusion, both parties have concurred to sustain ongoing communication and coordination to build a partnership between ICESCO and the Summit in the field of science, and to broaden collaboration with other entities to provide necessary funding for the development of scientific research and the implementation of various programs and projects.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received, yesterday 16 November 2023 at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Mr. Mohammad Sami Rahman, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Morocco, and both discussed means of enhancing cooperation between ICESCO and Pakistan in the fields of education, science, and culture.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his congratulations to the Ambassador on commencing his duties as ambassador of his country to the Kingdom of Morocco, wishing him success and prosperity.
ICESCO Director-General praised the fruitful cooperation between the Organization and Pakistan, which is reflected in the joint implementation of several initiatives, programs, and projects greatly appreciated by the Pakistani side, stating that the upcoming period would witness ramping-up the number and significance of activities between ICESCO and the Pakistani relevant authorities.
The Pakistani ambassador in Rabat, for his part, commended ICESCO’s roles and efforts in supporting its Member States in its areas of competence, reaffirming his keenness to enhance the partnership between the Organization and Pakistan.
