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In Partnership with ICESCO: Regional Forum on Media and Information Literacy Concludes in Muscat

Posted on 9 October 20259 October 2025 by abdelmohcine.benhlal

The Regional Forum on Media and Information Literacy wrapped up in Muscat, Oman, following three days of discussions held from October 6 to 8, 2025, under the theme: Empowering Minds in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. The event was organized by the Omani Ministry of Education, represented by the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and the UNESCO Regional Office in Doha, in cooperation with the Omani Ministry of Information, and in partnership with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).

The Forum aimed to raise awareness of the concept of Media and Information Literacy (MIL), highlight the role of international organizations in empowering users to understand their digital rights, and promote responsible and ethical media behavior. It also addressed current digital challenges and underscored the importance of national and regional policies in supporting media awareness.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Harrasi, Omani Minister of Information; Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education and Chairperson of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science; and Mr. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Harthi, Chairperson of the Media Committee at the Shura Council.

During the event, Dr. Zaid Abu Shama’a, Supervisor of the Media Department at ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector, outlined ICESCO’s strategy for promoting media education. He explained that the Organization’s approach is participatory, respects the specific contexts of Member States, and focuses on providing practical solutions tailored to their needs and cultural and social settings.

Dr. Abu Shama’a emphasized that ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector views media education as a strategic gateway to empowering individuals and communities to address emerging challenges such as misinformation, hate speech, and the digital divide. He also stressed the Organization’s efforts in this field and its upcoming initiatives, most notably the preparation of a specialized guide on media education that is attuned to the particularities of the Islamic world.

As part of the Forum’s activities, ICESCO’s representative conducted a workshop titled: Discover the Truth Yourself, which aimed to equip participants with skills to verify news and images using simple digital tools. He also delivered an address during the Forum’s closing session on the ethics of using AI in research, academia, and journalism.

The Forum targeted teachers, supervisors, curriculum designers, academics, and students in media-related fields, as well as journalists and editors from various media outlets, and communication and media professionals from public, private, and civil society institutions.

ICESCO Launches Research Group on Women’s Thought and Creativity in Islamic World

Posted on 9 October 20259 October 2025 by MOHAMED.AQEIL

The Islamic World, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), launches new research group titled “Women’s Thought and Creativity in the Islamic World,” which aims at producing research papers, organizing conferences and specialized symposiums on issues of women’s creativity, bringing together distinguished researchers and specialists from various Member States, under ICESCO’s International Laboratory “Culture for Rethinking the World”.

In his statement, during the project launch, held in-person and via videoconferencing, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, emphasized that the Organization is further promoting women’s intellectual and creative status. He underscored that the project seeks to enhance the presence of women in scientific, cultural and artistic fields, and help achieving equality and equity globally as well as highlighting women’s contributions in human development and creativity.

For her part, Dr. Zoubeida Boukhari, International Consultant in Culture, Education and Environmental Communication, explained that the research network is aiming at highlighting the historical and contemporary roles of women, who have contributed to the advancement of humanity, through their intellectual and creative works. She also commended the role of ICESCO as a hub for innovative thought and visions in highlighting these contributions from a comprehensive civilizational perspective.

Ms. Zineb Bougrine, Expert at the Culture Sector, stressed that the research network will provide publishing platforms, counselling programs and joint research works, which will enhance the presence of women in the realms of thought and creativity in the Islamic World.

ICESCO Director-General Visits Krirk University in Thailand and Explores Prospects for Academic Cooperation

Posted on 9 October 20259 October 2025 by abdelmohcine.benhlal

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited the campus of Krirk University in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday 8 October 2025, as part of his official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand. He was received by Dr. Krasae Chanawongse, President of the University, his Deputy, the Deans of the Colleges, and several faculty members.

During the meeting, the University’s administration presented a comprehensive overview of its history and academic achievements. Krirk University is the oldest private university established in Thailand, attracting students from various Asian countries and beyond. It also places significant emphasis on Islamic studies and is currently working on establishing a specialized faculty for Islamic and Arabic studies.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik commended the University’s efforts in promoting education and advancing Islamic and Arabic studies. He also stressed the importance of conducting specialized research on the civilizational dimensions linking Thailand and the Islamic world and proposed the organization of an international conference dedicated to these civilizational aspects.

ICESCO Director-General presented the University President with the official membership letter confirming Krirk University’s accession to the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), which operates under the Organization and includes more than 560 member universities. This was part of strengthening academic cooperation between the Organization and the University.

At the conclusion of the visit, the two parties exchanged gifts, and Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the University’s administration and faculty members for their warm reception and generous hospitality.

Attending the meeting from ICESCO’s side was Dr. Hani Al Balawi, Expert at the Center for Civilizational Dialogue.
It is noteworthy that Dr. AlMalik will participate tomorrow as a keynote speaker in the Third International Conference of the International Islamic College of Bangkok, under the theme: “Contemporary Arabic: Knowledge, Horizons, and Challenges,” organized by the University.

Speaker of Thai House of Representatives Appointed as ICESCO Goodwill Ambassador

Posted on 8 October 20258 October 2025 by abdelmohcine.benhlal

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Thailand, on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, in Bangkok, during the Director-General’s official visit to Thailand, which is an Observer State in the Organization.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Matha welcomed Dr. AlMalik, emphasizing Thailand’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with ICESCO in various fields, particularly those related to promoting the values of coexistence, rejecting hatred, and respecting religions and cultures.

He praised the importance of ICESCO’s presence in Thailand’s cultural and intellectual scene through seminars, lectures, and meetings, as well as its cooperation with academic institutions and Thai universities. He further expressed his welcome to hosting ICESCO meetings in Bangkok in the future.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s main programs and initiatives, and highlighted Thailand’s position as a leading model in promoting tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect, thanks to its rich history and contemporary experience. He also affirmed ICESCO’s keenness to engage Thailand in many of its future projects and initiatives, particularly those related to civilizational dialogue and cross-cultural understanding.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik conveyed ICESCO’s intention to appoint Dr. Matha as one of the Organization’s Goodwill Ambassadors, in recognition of his distinguished career and outstanding efforts in promoting the values of coexistence and peace. Dr. Matha expressed his deep appreciation for this honor, voicing his pride in this recognition and his readiness to further support the close relations between ICESCO and Thailand, and to advancedevelop joint initiatives in this field.

The ICESCO delegation included Dr. Hani AlBalawi, expert at the Center for Civilizational Dialogue.

ICESCO Director-General Begins Official Visit to Thailand with Meeting with Sheikhul Islam and Agreement to Promote Moderation and Tolerance

Posted on 8 October 20258 October 2025 by MOHAMED.AQEIL

As part of his first official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with His Eminence Sheikh Arun Boonchom, Sheikhul Islam and President of the Central Islamic Council of Thailand, on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, in Bangkok.

The meeting explored avenues for strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and the Central Islamic Council in promoting interfaith coexistence and advancing the values of moderation and tolerance as fundamental pillars for building balanced and inclusive societies.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s key initiatives in this field, particularly those carried out through its Center for Civilizational Dialogue. He highlighted the innovative concept of Civilizational Diplomacy, which seeks to shape individuals and societies on strong civilizational foundations that foster peace and intercultural understanding. He also presented several specific initiatives, including the “Read it to Understand it” initiative, which aims to deepen understanding of the Holy Quran and promote the values of dialogue and mutual respect. Additionally, Dr. AlMalik proposed organizing a symposium on Thailand’s experience of peaceful coexistence, as well as another on the cultural ties between Thailand and the Islamic world.

For his part, Sheikh Arun Boonchom commended ICESCO’s efforts in promoting tolerance and coexistence, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in this area, particularly in Thailand, where Muslims make up approximately 10% of the population. He also expressed his eagerness to develop joint programs aimed at promoting the values of moderation, centrism, and dialogue.

The two parties agreed to strengthen mutual participation in conferences and seminars organized by ICESCO in this field, and to move forward with signing a cooperation agreement between the Organization and the Office of the Sheikhul Islam in Thailand, on the sidelines of the International Conference on Arabic Language, to be hosted by Krirk University tomorrow.

Chief Adviser of the Bangladeshi Government Receives ICESCO Director-General

Posted on 7 October 20257 October 2025 by MOHAMED.AQEIL

His Excellency Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, received Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the presidency headquarters in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the warm welcome and generous hospitality, praising the efforts of the interim government in laying the foundations for a promising future for Bangladesh in the fields of education, culture, science, and the environment.

ICESCO Director-General commended the pioneering initiatives launched by Professor Muhammad Yunus throughout his international career, most notably the Grameen Bank for the poor and the “Three Zeros” initiatives (Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, Zero Net Carbon Emissions), in addition to the entrepreneurial incubator initiative supporting social and economic development.

Dr. AlMalik emphasized that cooperation between ICESCO and Bangladesh represents a distinguished model of partnership. He noted that during this visit, opportunities for collaboration were explored with several senior advisers and officials from the Ministries of Education; Culture; and Women and Children, and Social Affairs, with the aim of developing joint initiatives that support sustainable development in Bangladesh and other Member States.

He also announced that ICESCO’s 2026–2029 strategy will include the adoption of the “Three Zeros” initiatives as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development, alongside integrating entrepreneurship as a key driver to support and empower youth to become active partners in shaping educational, cultural, and social policies and strategies.

For his part, Prof. Yunus highlighted the most successful initiatives in Bangladesh that could benefit ICESCO Member States reaffirming the commitment of the interim government to strengthen cooperation with the Organization in the fields of innovation and social development.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented the ICESCO Shield to Prof. Yunus in recognition of his international efforts and initiatives in sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and youth support.

ICESCO Director-General Congratulates Dr. Khaled El-Enany on His Election as Director-General of UNESCO

Posted on 7 October 20257 October 2025 by mohamed.elmajdouby

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Dr. Khaled El-Enany on his election as Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the 2025-2029 term after winning a landslide victory in the historic vote conducted by the UNESCO Executive Board on Monday, 6 October 2025, in Paris.

Dr. AlMalik praised this honorable appointment, describing it as a historic turning point, marking the first time an Arab Egyptian has assumed this prestigious position. He affirmed that Dr. El-Enany enjoys a distinguished scientific and academic expertise coupled with proven administrative competence, demonstrated throughout his professional career, highlighting his notable contributions in education, culture, heritage preservation, and science, qualities that make him well-suited to lead UNESCO toward new horizons of creativity and innovation.

Moreover, ICESCO Director-General expressed his full confidence in Dr. El-Enany’s ability to elevate UNESCO’s status as a global beacon for peace, knowledge, and intercultural understanding. He pointed out that Dr El-Enany’s previous accomplishments in safeguarding and efficiently managing human heritage constitute a significant asset for his success in this major international mission.

Dr. AlMalik congratulated the Egyptian government on this historic achievement, commending its comprehensive mobilization of resources and unwavering support throughout the election campaign; efforts that culminated in the election of an Arab Egyptian to this high-level international position.

He further emphasized that ICESCO places its full trust in fostering a fruitful strategic partnership with UNESCO under Dr. El-Enany’s leadership, contributing to the promotion of a culture of peace, advancement of shared goals, support for innovation, protection of human heritage, and strengthening the role of culture, education, and science in achieving sustainable development and serving humanity as a whole.

ICESCO Director-General Discusses Heritage Preservation Cooperation with Bangladeshi Cultural Affairs Adviser

Posted on 7 October 20257 October 2025 by mohamed.elmajdouby

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) met with Mr. Mostafa Sarwar Farooki, Adviser for Cultural Affairs to the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, on Monday, 6 October 2025, at the soon-to-be-inaugurated July Memorial Museum, dedicated to commemorating the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising in Bangladesh.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his admiration for the museum’s comprehensive documentation and accurate presentation of the history of Bangladesh’s struggle for freedom and dignity, emphasizing that this initiative represents a significant addition to the country’s cultural landscape.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s strategy in culture and heritage preservation, highlighting the Organization’s initiatives to support museums, safeguard historical memory, and promote cultural and creative industries across Member States.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s readiness to organize specialized training for Bangladeshi youth to equip them with skills in heritage inscription, protection, and conservation, in addition to supporting the adoption of cultural indicators and the development of cultural and creative economies in Bangladesh.

For his part, Mr. Farooki praised ICESCO’s efforts in strengthening cultural cooperation among Member States and expressed his country’s aspiration to establish strategic partnerships with the Organization to advance museum development, cultural projects, and innovation initiatives.

Director General of ICESCO Visits the Headquarters of the Bangladesh National Commission

Posted on 6 October 20256 October 2025 by abdelmohcine.benhlal

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited the headquarters of the Bangladeshi National Commission for UNESCO in Dhaka on Monday 6 October 2025.
During the visit, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to strengthening its distinguished partnership with Bangladesh, noting that ongoing fruitful cooperation has resulted in joint programs, workshops, and initiatives over the recent months, including the “Green and Clean School Campus” contest and a workshop on “Robotic Surgery.”

The ICESCO Director General presented the Organization’s approach of engaging with National Commissions in Member States to understand their priorities and design projects that respond to their needs while supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in ICESCO’s fields of competence.

At the conclusion of the visit, Dr. AlMalik invited members of the Bangladeshi National Commission to undertake a week-long working visit to ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat. The visit would provide an opportunity to observe the operational mechanisms of ICESCO’s sectors and specialized centers, learn about recent updates to its administrative structure, and review its key programs and initiatives serving Member States.

ICESCO DG Announces Establishment of Research chair for Women’s Empowerment and Equality at Dhaka University in Bangladesh

Posted on 6 October 20256 October 2025 by abdelmohcine.benhlal

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Sharmeen Soneya Murshid, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser in the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The two parties discussed ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Bangladesh in promoting gender equality, building women’s capacities, and protecting children’s rights.

During the meeting, held in Dhaka on Sunday, 5 October 2025, Dr. AlMalik announced the establishment of an ICESCO Chair for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality at Dhaka University. The aim of the chair is to conduct studies and research, develop initiatives to promote equal opportunities for both sexes in the Islamic world, and train women in leadership skills.
ICESCO Director General also reviewed the Organization’s key initiatives, programs and projects in the fields of mental health, enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of youth and women, and reintegrating girls who have dropped out of school into education.

For her part, Ms. Murshid emphasized the importance of cooperation between ICESCO and Bangladesh in promoting the rights of women and children, ensuring mental health and digital safety within society, developing pioneering programs to protect children and combat gender-based violence, and promoting women’s participation in achieving sustainable development.

Both parties agreed to strengthen their cooperation in areas such as building the capacity of women and young people, promoting social inclusion, and developing gender-sensitive educational systems.

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