The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) published a new book titled “The Secrets of Mastery in Contemporary Moroccan Sufi Poetry: Irfani Illuminations in the Poetry of Ahmed Mufdi”, by Moroccan researcher Dr. Abdelkrim Errhioui. This publication is part of the first releases of the Program of Research Excellence in Arabic Language and Literature, supervised by the ICESCO Center of Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers.
The book explores the experience of Moroccan poet Ahmed Mufdi, as one of the most prominent voices in contemporary Moroccan Sufi poetry, focusing on what distinguishes his texts in terms of symbolic density, semantic richness, and the ability to combine heritage with contemporaneity, as well as artistic beauty with gnostic knowledge. The author also approaches this poetry from a critical perspective that seeks to highlight its expressive specificity and the broad possibilities it offers for interpretation and for exploring the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of poetic discourse.
This publication brings to light the notion of “mastery” in this poetic genre, not as mere linguistic skill, but as the fruit of a profound existential and epistemological experience, one in which language becomes an instrument of unveiling, poetry a space for generating meaning, and the Sufi symbolic expression a vehicle for passage from the outward expression of words to the inward depths of signification.
This work aims to contribute to enriching literary and linguistic studies and to open new horizons for thinking about contemporary Moroccan Sufi poetry as a living discourse capable of renewal and creativity.
Access the publication via the following link: https://icesco.org/vgsj
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) recorded a distinguished presence at the fourth edition of Gitex Africa Morocco 2026, with the ICESCO delegation contributing high-level engagements addressing key issues such as cybersecurity, future labor markets, digital education, and skills development aligned with the AI-driven economy.
The exhibition featured a series of prominent activities and interventions by the ICESCO delegation, coordinated by the Organization’s Department of Digital Transformation. Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at the Science and Environment Sector at ICESCO, participated as a keynote speaker in a specialized panel discussion on cybersecurity and digital identity, alongside a select group of leading experts. In his intervention, he highlighted the critical role of secure and inclusive digital identity systems in enhancing the efficiency of public service delivery, strengthening citizen trust, and advancing digital governance across Member States.
For her part, Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector, and Head of the Department of Digital Transformation, took part in a dialogue session entitled “What Does the Future of Work Mean for Africa?”. She highlighted the importance of transforming African education systems into advanced, data-driven digital platforms aligned with future labor markets. She also emphasized how AI-powered learning can play an effective role in reskilling the workforce and preparing it for the jobs of the future.
Dr. Adel Smeda, Supervisor of the Science and Environment Sector, also contributed scientific insights during a panel discussion on work and upskilling for the AI economy, stressing the urgent need for a qualitative shift in education systems, moving away from rigid traditional curricula toward flexible, skills-based frameworks.
It is worth noting that the international exhibition was held in the city of Marrakech under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, from 7 to 9 April 2026, under the theme “Catalyzing Africa’s Digital Economy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
The Moroccan capital, Rabat, hosted the third edition of the Forum of Academic Chairs affiliated with international organizations, which was organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in collaboration with the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), as well as a number of concerned international organizations, in the presence of experts, academics, and representatives of universities and research institutions.
Held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the meeting, themed “Academic Chairs in the Service of Society,” aimed to strengthen coordination and communication among academic chairs affiliated with international organizations, as well as share expertise and successful experiences. This will contribute to enhancing their performance and expanding their influence in the fields of knowledge and development.
During the forum, Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Director of ICESCO’s Translation and Publishing Centre, gave a presentation on ICESCO’s model for academic chairs. He outlined the governance pillars, impact measurement mechanisms, and partnership-building methods with universities and academic institutions.
Dr. Albanyan emphasized that developing this model would enhance the effectiveness of the Chairs and consolidate their developmental and knowledge-based role, thereby ensuring their contribution to addressing priority issues within Member States.
Dr. Salim Al-Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat for National Commissions and Conferences at ICESCO, also took part in the Forum’s sessions, stressing the importance of coordinating efforts between national commissions and academic and research institutions to enhance the performance of the scientific chairs and expand their scope of influence. He stressed the need to make these chairs effective platforms for linking scientific research to the needs of society and public policies.
The Forum addressed a range of topics related to the role of academic chairs in supporting scientific research, strengthening academic partnerships, and transforming knowledge into practical solutions with a direct impact on society, before concluding with the issuance of recommendations calling for support for the system of research chairs, the development of their operational mechanisms, and the enhancement of their contribution to knowledge production.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is participating in the fourth edition of the “GITEX Africa Morocco” exhibition, held from 7 to 9 April 2026, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in the city of Marrakech, Kingdom of Morocco, under the theme: “Catalyzing Africa’s Digital Economy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” The event is witnessing remarkable attendance, bringing together around 50,000 participants and more than 1,450 exhibitors representing 130 countries.
ICESCO’s participation in Africa’s leading event dedicated to technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship crowns its continued presence for the fourth consecutive year. This participation, overseen by ICESCO’s Department of Digital Transformation, reflects the Organization’s firm commitment to positioning the countries of the Islamic world at the forefront of the global digital revolution, enhancing the capacities of young talent, and accelerating comprehensive and sustainable technological development in its Member States.
Furthermore, this participation is marked by the organization of three high-level sessions in the exhibition’s main hall, which will highlight the strategic importance of integrating technology into educational systems, explore pathways to achieving digital equity, and emphasize the urgent need to ensure that the most vulnerable groups are not left behind in the course of digital advancement.
Members of ICESCO’s Department of Digital Transformation are also actively participating in multiple workshops, reflecting the Organization’s commitment to embedding its young talents at the heart of the startup and innovation ecosystem.
Since the inaugural edition of the exhibition, ICESCO has stood out as an active institutional partner, embodying a strategic vision that recognizes that meaningful digital transformation in the Islamic world requires sustained investment and inclusive platforms that bridge the gap between leadership and the emerging generation of innovators.
In this context, ICESCO commends the exceptional development witnessed by the exhibition, which is rapidly evolving into one of the most important strategic technological gatherings on both the African and global scenes. This reflects the capacity of the Kingdom of Morocco to host major events, foster innovation, and lead with a forward-looking vision toward the future.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Moroccan Federation of Associations Working in the Field of Intellectual Disability and the National Federation of Specialized Physical and Sports Activities, organized an international conference titled “Sports, Diversity and Inclusion,” with the participation of experts and specialists in education, social inclusion, and youth capacity building, as well as a number of Paralympic sports champions. The conference discussed ways to build more inclusive societies through the integration of persons with disabilities into the field of sports.
The opening session of the conference, held on Monday, 6 April 2026, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, began with recitations from the Holy Quran delivered by the reciter with disabilities, Abdelrahman El-Zayne. This was followed by an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General. At the outset of his remarks, he commended the efforts of the Kingdom of Morocco in promoting sports as a key driver for strengthening social cohesion and achieving health and well-being.
He emphasized that inclusive sports offer individuals an opportunity to assert themselves within society and contribute to its development, in addition to fostering healthy lifestyles that help build a cohesive community. He noted that this approach is consistent with the teachings of Islam, which promote solidarity and support for the most vulnerable groups.
He further highlighted ICESCO’s commitment to leveraging sports as a tool for social rehabilitation and peacebuilding through the “Sport for Social Change” initiative, which encompasses a package of programs and projects. He concluded by calling for inclusive sports programs, staff training that embraces the importance of diversity, and a leadership role for persons with disabilities, placing them at the heart of the sports scene, not on its margins.
For her part, Ms. Amina Bouayach, President of the National Human Rights Council of Morocco, affirmed that diversity and inclusion are fundamental principles in the field of human rights and are not limited to persons with disabilities alone, but extend to all segments of society regardless of race, gender, or religion.
Dr. Fadwa Rih, Head of the Division of Women’s Affairs at the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, pointed out that adaptive sports are of particular importance as a key entry point for achieving the effective inclusion of persons with disabilities, as they provide opportunities to express abilities, enhance self-confidence, and consolidate the principle of equal opportunities.
Mr. Abdelaziz Drouiche, President of the Council of the Prefecture of Rabat, reviewed Morocco’s efforts to support and protect human rights in general, and the rights of persons with disabilities in particular, through a multidimensional approach. Ms. Nadia Attia, President of the Moroccan Federation of Associations Working in the Field of Intellectual Disability, shed light on the challenges facing women and girls with disabilities.
In turn, Mr. Mounir Maissour, President of the National Federation of Physical Activities and Adapted Sports in Morocco, stressed that achieving full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in sports goes beyond ensuring access alone and requires the removal of barriers.
Following the opening session, chaired by Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector at ICESCO, the first session discussed the theme “Sports and Disability: Law, Practice and Public Duty,” while the second session focused on “Sports and Inclusion: Challenges and Prospects.”
On Friday, 3 April 2026, the proceedings of the Pan-African International Conference on Psychology were launched. The Conference is organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Ibn Tofail University in the Kingdom of Morocco. It aims to strengthen academic research and develop scientific approaches to improving mental health prevention and care, with the participation of ministers, government officials, and experts from several African countries.
During the opening session, held at the Faculty’s headquarters in Kenitra, Ms. Ramata Almami Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector at ICESCO, affirmed that mental health is one of the Organization’s strategic priorities. She noted that youth are among the most vulnerable groups to psychological disorders in the context of social and digital transformations, pointing out that the misuse of social media has contributed to deepening manifestations of isolation among children and adolescents.
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Ebn Touhami, President of Ibn Tofail University, praised the importance of the partnership with ICESCO in organizing this scientific event, considering that mental health has become a priority issue in the current context, and stressing that it is no less important than physical health.
In turn, Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to the Director-General of ICESCO for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), emphasized that mental health issues are directly linked to the social lives of individuals and communities, underlining the importance of advancing the human and social sciences to better understand the rapid transformations experienced by societies. Meanwhile, Dr. Jamal Al Karkouri, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Ibn Tofail University, explained that these rapid social and economic transformations necessitate strengthening scientific research in psychology and producing studies with tangible field impact.
In a remote intervention, Mr. Ahamadi Sidi, Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Union of the Comoros, called for the integration of mental health into all levels of public policy and for increasing the budgets allocated to it, in order to support scientific research and strengthen related initiatives and programs.
The Conference will continue tomorrow, Saturday, with specialized scientific sessions addressing various themes related to mental health in Africa, fostering the exchange of expertise among researchers and institutions, and presenting approaches and recommendations that contribute to the development of relevant policies and practices.
On Friday, 3 April 2026, the first edition of the Model United Nations on digital citizenship, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity in Morocco was launched. The event is organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) at its headquarters in Rabat, in partnership with the Moroccan Center for Polytechnic Research and Innovation (CMRPI), under the patronage of the Moroccan Ministries of Justice and of Youth, Culture and Communication, as well as the Council of Europe Office in Rabat, and with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Morocco. Approximately 80 young men and women participated and discussed emerging issues related to the ethical governance of the digital space and the protection of human rights online.
During the opening session, which brought together representatives from several Moroccan institutions and leading international companies in the digital sector, Ms. Bahija Smidi, from the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards at ICESCO, emphasized that this initiative constitutes an academic exercise aimed at strengthening youth capacities and helping them understand the complexities of the digital age. She warned that electronic manipulation could lead to the destabilization and fragmentation of societies.
For his part, Dr. Youssef Bentaleb, President of CMRPI, explained that the meeting was held in the context of rapid digital transformations that have reshaped the fields of education, employment, communication, and decision-making. He noted that these transformations pose multidimensional challenges, particularly in the legal aspect, including the protection of personal data and digital rights.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hicham Mallati, Director of Criminal Affairs, Pardons, and Crime Monitoring at the Moroccan Ministry of Justice, pointed out that cybersecurity is no longer a purely technical matter but has become a sovereignty issue that directly affects the security of citizens and states, while reviewing the national efforts undertaken in this regard.
In turn, Mr. Javier Gómez Prieto, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Rabat, stressed that the world is undergoing profound digital transformations that are reshaping economies, institutions, and societies. He highlighted that these transformations raise major challenges related to security, governance, and the protection of fundamental rights, making it necessary to strengthen the culture of digital citizenship and build societal resilience against emerging risks.
The first day featured a panel discussion on digital safety mechanisms, the protection of minors, and the challenges of high-risk content. It brought together Ms. Chaimaa Sassi, Trust & Safety High Harm Policy Manager at Tiktok; Ms. Vida Hamad, Public Policy Manager at Meta for the Middle East and North Africa region; Ms. Gladys Yiadom, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Kaspersky; and Dr. El Mehdi Erroussafi, Cybersecurity Expert at CMRPI.
The simulation activities, which span two days, include the distribution of participants into six committees simulating the main bodies of the United Nations. The event will conclude with the drafting of practical outputs reflecting the role of youth as a driving force in promoting a rights-respecting digital culture.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, held a regional workshop on Wednesday and Thursday, 1 and 2 April 2026, titled “Assessment Systems in Programs for Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers.” The workshop benefited 191 trainees, attending in person and via videoconferencing, from among educational professionals working in the field of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers in 15 countries across Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
During the workshop, hosted at the Mishkat Hall at ICESCO, Dr. Samir Jaafar, an expert in educational training, presented, explained, and applied the conceptual shift in training and assessment activities related to language achievement and the development of linguistic skills, moving from automated training to comprehensive formative assessment. Dr. Jaafar also reviewed the contributions of artificial intelligence to the design, diversification, and customization of assessment tools, as well as to the scientific and precise analysis of test and assessment results, enabling teachers and educational supervisors to make pedagogical decisions based on objective data.
The expert also facilitated practical sessions during which participants were trained on how to effectively employ artificial intelligence in an educational context for the preparation of exercises and assessments.
It is worth noting that this workshop is the seventh within the “Mishkat Educational Leadership” program for the 2025–2026 academic year, implemented by ICESCO in partnership with the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, and in academic cooperation with Sultan Moulay Slimane University of Beni Mellal in the Kingdom of Morocco. The program aims to train hundreds of leading professionals working in the field of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers.
Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), began his visit to Senegal with a meeting with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. During his visit, Dr. AlMalik participated in the closing ceremony of the Fourth Session of the Quranic Schools.
During the meeting held on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Dakar, the two sides discussed areas of mutual cooperation and ways to strengthen the partnership between ICESCO and Senegal in education, culture, and science.
Mr. Sonko commended ICESCO’s programs and projects that benefit Senegal, emphasizing the importance of developing this cooperation and building a distinguished strategic partnership that serves national priorities in these fields.
For his part, Dr. AlMalik affirmed that Senegal is one of ICESCO’s distinguished Member States and praised the level of existing cooperation between the two sides.
Mr. Sonko also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to settling its arrears, thereby enabling it to benefit more fully from ICESCO’s programs and opportunities.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to supporting joint programs and ICESCO’s interest in strengthening the role of Quranic Schools and implementing the recommendations issued by the Fourth Session of the Quranic Schools.
Senegal’s Minister of National Education, Mr. Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, attended the meeting.
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, the Second International Conference on Cancer Research (MCRS 2026) opened on Monday, 30 March 2026, at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat. The event is organized in partnership with Moulay Ismail University in Morocco and the Moroccan Association for Cancer Research, under the theme “Translational Research in Support of Clinical Advances,” with the participation of 180 researchers and specialists from 10 countries. It aims to highlight the crucial role of translational science in transforming laboratory findings into practical clinical applications.
During the opening session of the three-day conference, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, affirmed in a speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, that the Organization is guided by the principle of making science serve humanity and accessible to all. He stressed that ICESCO builds bridges of communication and cooperation between the global North and South to enhance the exchange of expertise and accelerate health solutions.
Dr. AlMalik noted that ICESCO has accumulated significant experience in supporting scientific research, particularly in health sciences. He emphasized that the Organization’s work goes beyond research funding to investing in people and building capacities, including support for training programs in human genome analysis, based on the conviction that prevention begins with knowledge.
For his part, Dr. Aboubakr Bouyaad, President of Moulay Ismail University, stated that hosting this event reflects growing recognition of the importance of translational research as a cornerstone of medical progress. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering an academic environment grounded in openness and innovation.
Dr. Lhoussain Hajji, Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Moulay Ismail University, underlined that the conference seeks to promote scientific exchange and develop new strategies to improve patient recovery prospects. Dr. Mouad Edderkaoui, Adjunct Professor at the University of California, highlighted that scientific research and collaboration among researchers constitute two fundamental pillars for transforming the challenge of combating cancer into a pathway for progress.
Dr. Saber Boutayeb, Director of the Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, warned against delays in translating scientific findings related to cancer research into practical applications. Dr. Taoufiq Fechtali, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at Moulay Ismail University, stressed that strengthening cooperation among researchers helps accelerate the transformation of scientific knowledge into solutions that improve treatment outcomes.
The first session of the conference was moderated by Dr. Adel Smeda, Supervisor of ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, with the participation of four international experts in the medical and oncology fields. The session featured specialized presentations and interactive discussions on the latest developments in translational research and clinical innovation in cancer treatment.
The first day also featured a presentation by Dr. Stephen Pandol, Professor of Medicine at the University of California, on modern approaches to cancer prediction and treatment outcome assessment. He highlighted the role of predictive models and clinical data in improving early diagnosis accuracy and guiding therapeutic decisions toward the most suitable options for each case, drawing strong engagement from attending experts and physicians.
The conference program includes a series of scientific and discussion sessions addressing key topics such as immunotherapy in cancer recovery, evolving cancer control models in Morocco, targeted radiotherapy biology, and prospects for developing clinical research.
