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    ICESCO Issues New York Declaration on Science Diplomacy at Conclusion of High-Level Dialogue

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, held the first High-Level Dialogue on Science Diplomacy and Global Cooperation on Monday, September 21, 2026, in New York, United States. The event brought together officials from government bodies, international organizations, and scientific institutions to discuss ways of leveraging science diplomacy to strengthen international cooperation in higher education and translate scientific and technological capacities into tangible impact.

    The dialogue, held as part of this year’s Science Summit in conjunction with the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), opened with remarks by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General. He highlighted the importance of science diplomacy in advancing knowledge and progress, stressing that many scientific discoveries capable of protecting societies from contemporary challenges remain out of reach because countries lack the necessary infrastructure and partnerships.

    Dr. AlMalik expressed his appreciation to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education for its cooperation with ICESCO in organizing the dialogue, noting that science diplomacy lies at the heart of the Organization’s priorities. He added that ICESCO is developing its areas of competence through an approach based on impact, inclusiveness, creativity, and sustainability.

    In this regard, the ICESCO Director-General stated that the Organization is working to develop a framework for the mutual recognition of academic qualifications in 15 countries, as well as permanent mechanisms for science diplomacy to connect scientists with diplomats, universities with governments, and scientific research with policymaking.

    Following, Dr. Yergaliyev Kuanysh, Head of the Science and Environment Sector at ICESCO, moderated a panel that saw the participation of Dr. AlMalik; Mr. Didar Temenov, Director of the Multilateral Cooperation Department of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation; Dr. Saule Sagintayeva, President of Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University in Kazakhstan; Ms. Susie Kitchens, Director of Science Diplomacy at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis; Dr. Saifur Rahman, Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Climate Magazine, Director of the Virginia Tech Advanced Research Institute, Dr. Brando Okolo, Head of the Science, Technology and Innovationat the African Union Development Agency; and Mr. Seán Kelly, Member of the European Parliament.

    At the conclusion of the dialogue, participants issued the “New York Declaration on Science Diplomacy for Inclusive Global Development,” affirming the commitment of participating institutions to employ science diplomacy to advance cooperation among countries, governments, universities, research institutions, the private sector, and civil society. The Declaration aims to promote innovation, sustainable development, and the contribution of Global South countries to science, particularly in the face of contemporary challenges, foremost among them climate change, security, and health. It emphasized that science diplomacy provides a practical means of developing research infrastructure, modern technologies, and the capacities of future generations of scientists and diplomats.

    ICESCO Director-General Discusses Prospects for Scientific and Academic Cooperation with Kazakh University Leaders

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and the Science Summit 2026 in New York City, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with several Kazakh universities presidents and their deputies participating in the Summit.

    During the meeting, held on Monday, 21 September 2026, Dr. AlMalik presented ICESCO’s vision and flagship programs in education and scientific research. He also discussed prospects for cooperation with Kazakh universities through joint programs and projects, the establishment of academic chairs, and the provision of scholarships for the Islamic world youth.

    Dr. AlMalik also gave a presentation on the Federation of Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), an ICESCO-affiliated body, outlining its objectives and aspirations to build an effective university network that advances higher education and strengthens the standing of universities of the Islamic world on the international stage. He invited Kazakh universities to join the Federation and participate in its initiatives.

    The university presidents and their deputies expressed appreciation for ICESCO’s programs, affirming their interest in developing cooperation with the Organization and FUIW through scientific forums and conferences, support for projects and programs of mutual interest, and the exchange of academic expertise. Several universities also expressed their readiness to offer scholarships through ICESCO for students from Islamic world countries.

    Dr. AlMalik proposed that a Kazakh university host the seventh edition of the Vice Chancellors’ Forum of Universities in the Islamic World, organized by FUIW, and that coordination and preparations for this event begin. The proposal was welcomed by several university presidents, who expressed interest in hosting the Forum.

    At the close of the meeting, the participants reiterated their commitment to translating the ideas discussed into practical programs and sustainable academic partnerships and expressed their gratitude to the ICESCO Director-General for this initiative.

    ICESCO Holds International Dialogue on Foresight and Intergenerational Fairness

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), through its Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, in partnership with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), held an international dialogue via videoconference on Monday, 21 September 2026, titled “Shaping the Futures through Intergenerational Fairness.” The dialogue explored ways to take the interests of future generations into account in current policies and decision-making, as part of the activities of the Prince Mohammad bin Fahd–ICESCO Chair for Intergenerational Humanitarian Leadership for Future Societies.

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, opened the dialogue with a recorded address, emphasizing the need to embed intergenerational fairness in institutional practice. He noted that decisions taken today on education, water, energy and artificial intelligence will shape the choices available to generations that have not yet had a say in making those decisions.

    Dr. AlMalik also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts in this area, including training over 5,000 people in foresight, launching the Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence, and supporting youth-led initiatives. He stressed the importance of ensuring that decisions made today leave future generations with a broader range of choices.

    The opening session also featured addresses by Ms. Jolita Butkevičienė, Director for Innovation in Science and Policymaking at JRC, and Dr. Ghadeer Kayal, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU).

    During the first plenary session, moderated by Dr. Rabaa Alabdulrahman from PMU, Dr. Kais Hammami, Director of ICESCO’s Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, outlined the Organisation’s approach to foresight. He cautioned against planning based on a single future scenario, examining developments in isolation from one another, conflating immediate performance with sustainable success, and producing analyses that do not translate into practical actions.

    Dr. Hammami proposed a practical framework for cooperation with JRC, based on testing an actual decision against multiple future scenarios and assessing how its benefits and risks would be distributed across generations over the short and long term. The framework would also identify those responsible for its implementation and set a date for its review, thereby ensuring that intergenerational fairness is taken into account in decision-making.

    ICESCO Director-General Meets Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister in New York

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meetings, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Musa Kulaklıkaya, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, on Monday, 21 September 2026, at the Turkish House in New York City.

    The meeting explored prospects for advancing cooperation between ICESCO and the Republic of Türkiye in education, science, and culture, as well as the possibility of Türkiye joining the Organization membership.

    Dr. AlMalik stated that the Republic of Türkiye’s accession to ICESCO would bring significant added value to the Organization, given its influential standing and prominent presence in the Islamic world, its rich civilizational heritage, advanced experience in education and scientific research, and deep-rooted cultural legacy.

    For his part, Mr. Kulaklıkaya stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and Turkish institutions, foremost among them the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA). He also emphasized the need to organize joint conferences and seminars and implement initiatives that advance shared priorities.

    At the close of the meeting, the two sides agreed to maintain coordination and intensify efforts to build an effective institutional partnership that contributes to achieving ICESCO’s objectives and serving the countries and peoples of the Islamic world.

    ICESCO Holds Workshop in Jordan on the Role of Municipalities in Promoting Education for Sustainable Development

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Jordanian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, held a national workshop to strengthen the capacities of Jordanian municipal employees in the field of education for sustainable development, on 16 September 2026. The workshop was conducted in person in the Jordanian capital, Amman, and via videoconference, with the aim of exchanging expertise and best practices among Jordanian municipalities.

    In his address during the opening session, Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector, Supervisor of the Translation and Publishing Center, stressed that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires transforming national policies into tangible local practices whose impact citizens can feel in their cities, municipalities, and daily surroundings. He highlighted the pivotal role of municipalities in raising community awareness and implementing the SDGs, particularly Goal 4 on ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

    Furthermore, Dr. Albanyan outlined a number of practical approaches that municipalities can adopt, including integrating sustainable development concepts into municipal plans, strengthening cooperation with schools, universities, and civil society institutions, and transforming municipal facilities, libraries, parks, and community centers into learning spaces. He also emphasized the importance of using local data and indicators to measure the impact of programs and enhance their effectiveness.

    Dr. Albanyan noted that climate change has become a reality affecting water resources, food security, public health, infrastructure, and lifestyles. He reviewed ICESCO’s efforts through its educational programs and initiatives, foremost among them the Global Dashboard for Monitoring Progress in Green Education, to support its Member States in developing policies and programs that strengthen the capacity of educational systems and communities to address environmental and climate challenges.

    ICESCO Director-General Announces 10K AI Leaders Training Program Across the Islamic World in Partnership with ICAIRE

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), announced the “10K Leaders Training Program,” on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, in partnership with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE). The announcement was made during the fourth edition of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.

    The program aims to train 10,000 leaders in the field of AI over two years across ICESCO’s 53 Member States. It targets two categories. The first comprises institutional and strategic leaders, including ministers, senior officials, diplomats, parliamentarians, and heads of national institutions and bodies. The second includes professionals, academics, technical experts, private-sector decision-makers, researchers, educators, students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs.

    At the program’s launch, Dr. AlMalik stated that AI governance has become closely linked to countries’ capability to manage their affairs and determine their own choices. He warned that societies lacking this ability would be subject to decisions made elsewhere and guided by priorities they had no role in shaping. He noted that only two countries from the Islamic world rank among the top 20 in the Government AI Readiness Index, describing this as a gap that must be addressed.

    ICESCO Director-General explained that the Organization prioritizes investment in people, convinced that leadership development and technology transfer are key to utilizing AI to enable societies to navigate ongoing transformations.

    Dr. AlMalik stated that the training program is structured around four tracks: AI fundamentals, advanced AI applications, AI ethics and governance, and the role of AI in strategic decision-making. The content will be tailored to the responsibilities of beneficiaries and their countries’ national priorities.

    He added that the program places particular emphasis on women and young people and is grounded in the ethical principles and values outlined in the “Riyadh Charter for Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World”. The program also focuses on sustaining the impact of training, supporting national strategies, and providing a platform for continuous learning and networks connecting governments, academia, and industry.

    Dr. AlMalik concluded by inviting universities, partner institutions, and the private sector to join the program and contribute to building an Islamic world prepared for the AI era.
    Afterwards, ICAIRE held a ceremony attended by Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Majid AlShehry, Acting Director-General of ICAIRE, to celebrate the program’s first cohort of graduates.

    International Scientific and Practical Conference on the Legacy of Sheikh Seyid Yahya Bakuvi Concludes in Azerbaijan

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The International Scientific and Practical Conference titled “Sheikh Seyid Yahya Bakuvi in the Cultural Heritage of the Islamic World: Moderate Values and Contemporary Challenges” concluded on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan.
    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) co-organized the Conference in cooperation with the Caucasus Muslims Office, Organization of Turkic States, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), and Muslim Council of Elders in Abu Dhabi. The Conference aimed to commemorate the scholar and thinker Sheikh Sayyid Yahya Bakuvi Shirvani and raise awareness of his scholarly and intellectual contributions.

    ICESCO was represented at the three-day conference, held as part of the proceedings of the 7th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Boards of the Organization of Turkic States, by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue. The Conference brought together around 200 prominent participants, including religious scholars and heads of organizations and institutions, from 40 countries and 18 international organizations.

    In his address during the opening session, Mr. Karimov highlighted Sheikh Bakuvi’s role in advancing intellectual enlightenment and promoting the values of tolerance, human solidarity, cultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence in the Islamic world.

    For his part, Ambassador Fathalrahman, during a panel discussion at the Conference, underscored the profound civilizational impact of Bakuvi’s contributions to Islamic philosophy, Sufism, classical Islamic studies and civilizational values in the Islamic world.

    ICESCO Director-General Calls for Stronger Cooperation on AI Governance at International Forum in RiyadhDr. AlMalik Reviews ICESCO’s AI Efforts, Stresses Legislation that alone is not Enough for Governance

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called for stronger regional cooperation in education, science, and culture to establish artificial intelligence governance that safeguards human dignity and promotes inclusion and diversity, stressing that legislation alone is not enough to achieve this goal.

    His remarks came during his participation on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, in the high-level ministerial dialogue on “Artificial Intelligence, Multilateralism, and Diplomacy,” held as part of the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Forum is jointly organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and UNESCO, in cooperation with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), with the participation of ministers, experts, representatives of specialized international institutions, and more than 100 speakers.

    Dr. AlMalik stated that cooperation in these three fields is a cornerstone of joint action among ICESCO Member States. He underscored the need to develop shared curricula on artificial intelligence and its ethics, train teachers, and adopt unified standards for the knowledge and skills required to address the impact of this technology on learning and assessment.
    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the “10K Leaders Training Program” initiative, implemented by ICESCO in cooperation with ICAIRE, which aims to train professionals in the field using shared training materials and standards that promote responsible use.

    The ICESCO Director-General emphasized the importance of enabling researchers to evaluate AI systems and their linguistic performance within local contexts, while facilitating the exchange of research findings. He also highlighted the role of the “ICESCO AI Index for the Islamic World” in measuring Member States’ progress against a unified regional benchmark and enabling them to benefit from one another’s experiences.

    Dr. AlMalik also referred to the “Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence for the Islamic World,” launched by ICESCO in cooperation with SDAIA, emphasizing its contribution to establishing ethical principles that respect the cultural specificities of Member States and align with relevant international recommendations.

    The session also featured Dr. Sid Ali Zerrouki, Algeria’s Minister of Post and Telecommunications; Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications; Mr. Kamal Shehadi, Lebanon’s Minister of the Displaced, Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence; and Mr. Esam Alwagait, Director of the National Information Center at SDAIA.

    ICESCO Participates in Regional Workshop on Applying the Findings of International Studies to Advance Education

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Education Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in a specialized regional workshop titled “Best Practices in Addressing Large-Scale International Studies,” organized by the UNESCO Regional Centre for Quality and Excellence in Education, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of the State of Qatar and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, on 13 and 14 September 2026.

    Representing the Education Sector at the workshop, held via videoconference, was Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector and Director of the Translation and Publishing Center at ICESCO. He discussed ways to transform the outputs of international studies, including data, indicators and reports, into development policies and programs that generate tangible impact in schools and classrooms.

    He also emphasized that the true value of international studies is measured by the ability of education systems to interpret their findings and translate them into decisions, policies and programs that can be implemented, measured and reviewed. He noted that international studies provide countries with an opportunity to identify gaps among learners, schools and regions, as well as assess the impact of environmental and social challenges, educational resources, teacher preparation and curricula.

    Furthermore, Dr. Albanyan outlined an integrated framework for leveraging the findings of international studies through six interconnected processes: reading and interpreting the findings, setting priorities, designing and implementing programs, and then evaluating their impact. He also called for the development of clear, evidence-based implementation programs, specifying target groups, responsible entities, budgets, timelines and measurable indicators, while adopting a systematic piloting approach for programs before scaling up their implementation.

    In conclusion, Dr. Albanyan proposed establishing a permanent national mechanism for leveraging the findings of international studies, bringing together representatives from the sectors of assessment, measurement, planning, curricula, teacher training, and funding, alongside universities and research centers. He also proposed launching a regional initiative titled “From International Study Findings to Classroom Impact,” including a practical guide for translating findings into policies through the development of a standard model for national response plans.

    Qassim Governor Honored ICESCO Director-General at Festive Ceremony

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The city of Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, hosted a festive ceremony on Sunday evening, 13 September 2026, as part of the Buraidah International Dates Carnival. The ceremony was graced by His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Qassim Region, and attended by several ministers, senior officials, and prominent figures.

    On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), delivered an address highlighting the Carnival’s distinguished standing and growing global recognition. The world’s largest date market has been registered by Guinness World Records, while the knowledge, skills, traditions, and practices associated with the date palm have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

    Dr. AlMalik stated that the date palm has been closely connected to humankind since ancient times, serving as a lifelong companion and source of livelihood while remaining deeply rooted in human memory and consciousness. It is an integral part of Saudi identity and a living testament to the profound bond between the Saudi people, their land, and their heritage. The date palm is also honored through its mention in more than 20 verses of the Holy Quran, reflecting its blessed status and civilizational significance.

    The ICESCO Director-General noted that the Buraidah International Dates Carnival has transcended the conventional concept of a marketplace to become a season heralding a promising future, as Qassim dates make their way into global markets, supported by accumulated expertise and outstanding product quality.

    He added that ICESCO stands ready to provide support and cooperation, marking the beginning of a new phase of promising partnership between entrepreneurship and the fields of education, science, and culture. This commitment stems from the Organization’s belief that the Islamic world deserves an advanced position in development and innovation.

    His Excellency announced ICESCO’s readiness to cooperate in promoting the Buraidah International Dates Carnival as a prominent heritage and economic landmark and to invite countries across the Islamic world to participate, opening broader prospects for cultural exchange and economic cooperation.

    Dr. AlMalik concluded his address by reciting a poem titled “Peace Be upon the Date Palms of Qassim,” which was warmly received by His Royal Highness the Governor and the audience.

    At the close of the ceremony, His Royal Highness the Governor of Qassim Region honored His Excellency Dr. Salim M. AlMalik in recognition of his participation and attendance, as well as ICESCO’s contribution to supporting initiatives that promote heritage and highlight its civilizational and development value.