Category: Front Page

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, launched the “Mishkat Educational Leadership” program for 2026–2028 with a regional workshop on educational guidance and professional development. The workshop benefited 224 trainees working in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers across 16 countries in Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.

The workshop was held on 14 and 15 October 2026 in Mishkat Hall at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, with participants attending both in person and via videoconference. Entitled “Educational Guidance and Professional Development for Teachers of Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers,” the workshop focused on the role of educational leaders in enhancing teacher performance and improving learning outcomes.

Dr. Mohammed Lahyani, a training expert specializing in educational supervision, addressed the role of educational leaders in supporting teachers and advancing their professional practices through supervision and guidance. He also highlighted the importance of adopting modern planning policies and procedures that respond to education quality requirements and learners’ diverse needs.

The workshop also explored ways to integrate innovative educational resources, technological applications, and artificial intelligence tools into teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers, thereby helping to advance teaching methods and harness the opportunities offered by digital transformation in education.

The “Mishkat Educational Leadership” program spans two academic years and aims to prepare senior education professionals to assume leadership roles in developing Arabic language teaching programs in their countries. It is organized within the framework of the ICESCO–Hamdan bin Rashid “Mishkat Al-Arabiya” platform, in academic cooperation with Sultan Moulay Slimane University (USMS) in Beni Mellal, Kingdom of Morocco.

The 15th International Conference on Women’s Health concluded on Thursday, 15 October 2026, in Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran. Held over two days under the theme “the Health of Working Women” the conference was organized by ICESCO Regional Office in Tehran, in partnership with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The event was held both in person and via videoconference, bringing together experts and specialists in sociology, psychology, health and workforce studies.

In a recorded address to the conference, Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, stressed that ensuring healthcare for women is essential to safeguarding their dignity and promoting well-being, particularly during crises and periods of social instability, when women and girls face growing barriers to accessing essential services.

Speaking via videoconference, Dr. Hassan El-Hajjami, Head of Social Transformations and Research Division within the Sector, presented ICESCO’s efforts to promote mental and physical health across the Islamic world as a key component of human development and stronger community resilience.

The conference sessions featured contributions from ICESCO Network of Experts in Social and Human Sciences. Dr. Sihem Mathlouthi, Professor at the Higher Institute of Human Sciences at the University of Tunis El Manar, examined the impact of multiple professional and family responsibilities on women’s mental health. Dr. Muslim Khassenov, Associate Professor of Law at Maqsut Narikbayev University in Kazakhstan, discussed the role of labor legislation in shaping women’s occupational health conditions in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the 67th Beirut Arab International Book Fair, held under the patronage of Lebanese Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam. During a panel discussion on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, Dr. Benarafa presented his novel, “The Night His Excellency Disappeared,” before an audience of writers, intellectuals and critics.

The event was held as part of the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Chair for Arabic and Islamic Studies program at the American University of Beirut, in cooperation with Dar Al Adab. The session was moderated by novelist Riwa Bouhamdan, who discussed with the author the novel’s key themes and issues, the context in which it was written, and Dr. Benarafa’s experience in gnostic literary writing. The session also featured a rich exchange between the author and the audience.

The ICESCO Deputy Director-General also attended the opening ceremony of the Fair, which runs from 9 to 18 October and brings together a prominent gathering of publishers, writers and intellectuals. Its diverse cultural program includes literary and intellectual seminars and panel discussions featuring 280 speakers, with 163 publishing houses participating.

ICESCO’s participation in this prominent cultural event reflects its commitment to strengthening relations with cultural and intellectual institutions across the Islamic world, expanding its presence at international cultural forums, and supporting books, publishing and reading as essential drivers of cultural development and intercultural dialogue.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, has launched the “Mishkat Educational Leadership” program for 2026–2028 under the theme “Creative Practice: Our Way to the Skills of Tomorrow.” The program aims to train educational leaders in 16 countries across Africa and Asia through 40 workshops to be held over two academic years.

On Thursday, 8 October 2026, the Mishkat Hall at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat hosted a preparatory meeting for the program’s experts and coordinators, attended by 24 experts and educational officials. ICESCO was represented at the meeting by Mr. Adel Bouraoui, Adviser to the Director-General, Supervisor of the Mishkat Al Arabiya Program, alongside the participation of Dr. Mohammed Ismaili Alaoui, the Program’s academic coordinator and Director of the University Center for Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers at Morocco’s Sultan Moulay Slimane University.

In this regard, Mr. Bouraoui stressed that this edition falls within ICESCO’s strategic vision, which focuses on moving from implementing activities to generating a sustainable impact, with the ultimate goal of achieving international leadership. He highlighted the importance of investing in the professional development of educational leaders to advance Arabic language teaching and respond to the rapid changes taking place in the education sector.

Representatives of the participating entities expressed their appreciation to ICESCO and the Hamdan bin Rashid Foundation for launching the Program, and stressed that it responds to an urgent need for specialized training opportunities that equip Arabic language teaching professionals with modern leadership and pedagogical skills and help them benefit from artificial intelligence technologies.

The first program workshop is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, under the title “Educational Guidance and Professional Development for Teachers of Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers.” Training will be delivered by a team of 10 specialized international experts, using practical approaches that incorporate digital applications and artificial intelligence tools to achieve the Program’s objectives.

The Program forms part of the ICESCO–Hamdan bin Rashid for supporting the Arabic language in countries where other languages are spoken. It aims to develop the pedagogical and leadership competencies of Arabic language teaching professionals and enable them to use digital applications and artificial intelligence tools to enhance their teaching practices.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Ibdaa Academy for Research and Arabic Language Teaching in Belgium, launched the Training Program in Arabic Language Research and Teaching on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. The program aims to strengthen the capacities of more than 50 professors, teachers, researchers, and stakeholders involved in Arabic language education in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom through regular training workshops running until May 2027.

The program’s launch ceremony, held in person in the Belgian capital, Brussels, and online, featured remarks by Mr. Ahmed Ouzzine, Director of the Ibdaa Academy for Research and Arabic Language Teaching. He stated that the partnership with ICESCO seeks to build sustainable academic and educational bridges among institutions, experts, and Arab professionals working in Arabic language education across Europe.

Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of continuous teacher training. He noted that the program’s focus on didactics, pedagogy, and artificial intelligence reflects a profound awareness of the transformations shaping education today.

The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Youssef Ismaili, Head of the Language Training Department at ICESCO’s Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers and the coordinator of the program, and Dr. Anas Hussam Saeed Al-Nuaimi, Head of the Department of Support for International Excellence of the Arabic Language at the Center.

The program covers three main areas: Arabic language teaching, didactics and pedagogy, and artificial intelligence. It is grounded in a vision that considers continuous teacher training essential to improving the quality of Arabic language education. The program also places particular emphasis on artificial intelligence as a promising tool that can be used responsibly to prepare activities, develop educational resources, and analyze learners’ errors.

Training workshops will be held weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the program. Experts from ICESCO’s Center, in cooperation with experts from the Ibdaa Academy, will lead the workshops and provide relevant academic expertise on developing teaching practices, designing activities and resources, and integrating modern technologies into Arabic language education.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the International Institute for World Music, held the ninth session of its “Artists of the World, Guests at ICESCO” program under the theme “The Status of Music in Today’s World and Its Role in Tomorrow’s World.” Bringing together a distinguished group of artists, experts, and researchers, the session aimed to explore the future of music and its role in promoting intercultural dialogue.

The webinar, held on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, via videoconference, opened with remarks by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO. He emphasized the importance of music as a universal human language and a common thread linking various forms of creativity and cultural expression, highlighting its role in bringing peoples closer together and fostering mutual understanding and civilizational exchange.

During his presentation, Dr. Fakher Hakima, Director of the Higher Institute of Music of Sousse, shared his experience in discovering young talent. He highlighted the importance of developing musical skills and turning artistic practice into specialized career paths, thereby strengthening the creative industries and opening new opportunities for rising generations.
For his part, Manuel Delgado, Spanish musician and prominent figure in contemporary flamenco, explored the intersections between flamenco, musical traditions, and dance forms in the Eastern world. Drawing on his international artistic experiences, he explained how they had enriched his creative journey and affirmed music’s ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries and build bridges of communication among societies.

Margaret Dechenaux, Founder and Director of the International Institute for World Music in France, underscored the importance of promoting musical heritage as a living legacy and strengthening music education as a space for dialogue. She also highlighted music’s role in supporting international cooperation and addressed the challenges modern technologies pose to the future of artistic creativity.

Lotfi Ben Salah, Tunisian architect, discussed the historical and aesthetic links between music and architecture, stressing the importance of incorporating acoustic dimensions into the design of urban spaces. Meanwhile, André Fertier, President of the European Center for Cultural Accessibility (Cemaforre,) called for strengthening cultural citizenship, guaranteeing the right of access to music and arts education, and maintaining a balance among diverse cultural expressions amid the growing use of music as a soft-power tool.

The webinar concluded with discussions on music’s contributions to preserving cultural memory and transmitting knowledge and the arts across generations. Dr. Idham Hanash, Head of the Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts at ICESCO, highlighted its historical role in safeguarding oral narratives and artistic and intellectual heritage through the successive stages of transcription and documentation.

Al Quds-based expert presents current state of archaeology and architecture in Palestine

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held its first scientific seminar, titled “Mosque Architecture in Al-Quds and the Land of Palestine,” on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. The event, part of its new “Architecture and Civilization” series, was organized in cooperation with the Khaled Al-Hassan Foundation for Studies and Research in Rabat and the ATIQ for Antiquities and Heritage in the State of Palestine. The seminar was presented by Dr. Abedrazeq Mataney, Head of the ATIQ for Antiquities and Heritage, researcher in Islamic antiquities and architecture, with the participation of a distinguished group of officials, specialists, researchers, experts and academics in architecture, heritage, antiquities, history and civilizational studies.

Organized by the ICESCO Center for Civilizational Dialogue and held both in person at ICESCO headquarters and via videoconference, the seminar presented Dr. Mataney’s research study, titled “Mosque Architecture and Urban Development in Palestine over Fifteen Centuries: Insights from History and Civilization.” The study traces transformations in religious architecture, examines the region’s urban and civilizational history, and reviews the current state of antiquities heritage in Palestine amid the neglect and destruction it faces.

The seminar opened with introductory remarks by Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Head of the ICESCO Center for Civilizational Dialogue, who highlighted the importance of architecture as a living product that reflects the development of civilization. He noted that the seminar marks a starting point and a bridge for civilizational communication, bringing together frameworks and perspectives and linking architectural memory with civilizational memory.

For his part, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, addressed the vibrant relationship between civilization and architecture, stressing that architecture is a defining element of civilization, most vividly exemplified by the design and aesthetics of mosques.

Following, Dr. Said Khaled Al-Hassan, President of the Khaled Al-Hassan Center for Studies and Research, discussed the distinctive relationship between architecture and civilization, highlighting the seminar’s importance in shedding light on the foundations of civilizational identity and its centrality to the Arab Palestinian presence.

Dr. Mohamed Salem Echarkaoui, the director in charge of the management of the Bayt Mal Al-Quds, stated that institutional action to protect Palestinian heritage is a demanding undertaking that requires genuine political will. He stressed that architecture in Palestine stands as enduring testimony to the Arab and Islamic presence.

Subsequently, Dr. Matani reviewed the current state of antiquities and architecture in Palestine during the seminar, which was moderated by Dr. Hani Albalawi, expert at the ICESCO Center for Civilizational Dialogue. He explained that mosques extend beyond their religious role to serve as integrated centers of civilization. He added that his study, based on field and archival surveys, traces architectural development from the early Islamic openings through the late Ottoman period. He further emphasized that Palestine, particularly Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa Mosque, is home to some of the finest architectural expressions embodying the history of Islamic civilization.

The expert warned of the severe assault on Palestinian heritage and holy sites through attempts at erasure and Judaization. He pointed to policies aimed at destroying antique remains through land-leveling or “green colonialism,” which seeks to conceal Arab landmarks behind afforestation. He also drew particular attention to the heritage catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, where approximately 50 archaeological sites have been destroyed.

Participants commended the study’s academic and field excellence in documenting the chronological development of mosque architecture in Palestine. They also highlighted the strength of its political implications and the importance of using digital documentation and technology to preserve this heritage, while underscoring the need to establish a theoretical framework that brings to the fore the civilizational role of mosques as spaces of memory and learning.