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Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the meeting that Mr. Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, held with a number of figures and representatives of Arab countries.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep appreciation for the relations between ICESCO and the People’s Republic of China, stressing the need to strengthen these relations with such a leading country that plays a pivotal role on the international stage, especially in light of the “Global Civilizations Dialogue” initiative launched by President Xi Jinping, as a qualitative leap in joint humanitarian action.

In his address, which was highly appreciated by the Chinese Minister, ICESCO Director General highlighted the pioneering efforts of the Organization in promoting dialogue and cultural exchange through its Center for Civilizational Dialogue, which has become an advanced hub for spreading the values of understanding and openness.

He also brought to light the concept of “civilizational diplomacy” adopted by ICESCO as a strategic initiative aimed at building bridges of communication between cultures and peoples, stressing that dialogue cannot be achieved without nurturing the principles of respect and pluralism among young people from an early age.

Concluding his address, Dr. AlMalik affirmed that ICESCO is willing to cooperate closely with the Chinese side in organizing joint conferences, seminars, and programs to foster President Xi Jinping’s initiative and amplify its positive impact in the Islamic world.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Essam Sharaf, former Prime Minister of Egypt, a number of representatives of Arab countries, and senior officials from the International Department of the Chinese Central Committee, as well as Anar Karimov, Head of ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Ambassador Khalid Fathulrahman, Director of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) and the National School for Rural Development (ENDR), launched a regional workshop on smart agriculture, held in Oyem, Gabon, on 8–12 July 2025, to promote the use of emerging technologies in the agricultural sector in Member States.

The workshop is part of the Organization’s Smart Agriculture for a Brighter Future Initiative, overseen by ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector. It seeks to accelerate the digital transformation in agriculture through innovation, capacity building, and pilot projects, as well as providing technical support in the field of agricultural policies, focusing on the practical applications of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, drones, and precision agriculture.

In his address at the opening session of the workshop, Dr. Adel Smeda, Expert at the Science and Environment Sector at ICESCO, stated that the initiative reflects the Organization’s commitment to reimagining the future of agriculture through science and technology. He added that empowering farmers with smart tools, applied knowledge, and advanced technology is an essential step towards achieving food security and sustainability.

Dr. Smeda also noted that finetuning innovation to local agricultural needs embodies the spirit of collaboration between ICESCO and its partners, led by the OIF, to build a resilient and inclusive agricultural sector based on modern technology in the Global South.

More than 60 farmers, researchers, and agricultural professionals from several African countries are taking part in the five-day workshop, which will include field training and interactive presentations related to digital farming tools, in addition to knowledge exchange sessions to support the adoption of modern technologies and keep pace with climate shifts.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Mr. Chen Weiqing, Director-General of the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as part of the official visit of ICESCO’s Director-General and his delegation to the People’s Republic of China.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s renewed civilizational vision, which focuses on promoting intercultural dialogue, protecting heritage, developing education, supporting science and innovation, and smart handling of present-day technological transformations. He also introduced the 53 Member States of the Organization.

The meeting explored ways to expand cooperation between ICESCO and China, especially in the fields of culture, education, youth, and civilizational dialogue. It also discussed the possibility of China joining ICESCO as an “observer member,” which would enhance cultural convergence and open far-reaching avenues for cooperation between China and the Islamic world. Dr. AlMalik stressed that China’s accession as an observer member would represent a qualitative leap in the path of partnership with ICESCO and provide new opportunities for joint projects and initiatives.

For his part, Mr. Chen Weiqing expressed China’s real interest in joining the Organization, noting that this matter is currently subject to official procedures within the Chinese government.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his thanks to the Chinese government for the warm welcome and hospitality. Then, the two parties exchanged commemorative gifts to demonstrate the spirit of friendship and express mutual appreciation.

The meeting was attended by Anar Karimov, ICESCO’s Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, as well as a number of ministry officials.

Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in an event organized by Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), marking World Population Day and launching the 2025 State of World Population Report under the theme, “The Real Fertility Crisis: The Pursuit of Reproductive Agency in a Changing World.”

The meeting, held on 9 July 2025 at the headquarters of the High Commission for Planning in Rabat, brought together high-level participants, including Mr. Chakib Benmoussa, High Commissioner for Planning, Ms. Marielle Sander, UNFPA Representative to Morocco, along with several senior officials, experts, and representatives of national and international organizations.

Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector, took part in panel discussions on population statistics in light of the demographic and societal transformations taking place across the Organization’s Member States, highlighting ICESCO’s efforts and strategic approach in this regard.

Also attending were a group of ICESCO Young Ambassadors for Peace, along with trainees working across the Organization’s sectors, departments, and centers, representing Jordan, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Comoros, and Sudan.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, held the International Conference to Combat Islamophobia under the theme, “Islamophobia: Concept and Practice in the Current Global Context.” The Conference aimed to discuss the manifestations associated with Islamophobia and its impacts on community security, dialogue, and coexistence.

The Conference, held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States in Cairo, follows the UN General Assembly’s adoption of a historic resolution designating March 15 of each year as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. This comes as part of efforts to promote dialogue between peoples and religions, foster cultural rapprochement between communities, and counter all forms of hatred and religious disdain.

In an address at the opening session, delivered on his behalf by Ms. Amira Al Fadil, Advisor to the Director-General (DG) for External Relations, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO DG, stressed that countering Islamophobia cannot be achieved without the concerted efforts of international and regional organizations, governments, experts, and academics. He called for intensified joint cooperation to dismantle the structures of prejudice and hatred, and build bridges of understanding and mutual respect between different cultures.

Dr. AlMalik also stressed the need to adopt a comprehensive approach to combating Islamophobia through education, promoting shared human values, and working towards creating a global environment based on mutual acceptance and celebrating diversity rather than viewing it as a source of conflict.

Speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Media and Communication Sector, Amb. Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, highlighted the League’s efforts to combat hate speech and promote the values of dialogue and tolerance. He pointed to the importance of developing strategies in the fields of education, culture, religious discourse, and foreign language proficiency, stating that these measures can cast light on Islamic values of tolerance and our lofty societal traditions. He also underlined the pivotal role of the media in promoting the values of tolerance, pluralism, and acceptance of the Other.

There followed the Conference’s scientific sessions, which featured rich contributions by a host of experts and academics on effective ways to combat Islamophobia. These included a statement by Dr. Hani Al-Balawi, Expert at ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, who reviewed the Organization’s forward-looking vision for confronting hate speech against Islam, and Dr. Mustafa Osman, former Sudanese Foreign Minister, who addressed the role of NGOs in combating Islamophobia. Dr. Abdessamad El Yazidi, DG of the German Institute for Dialogue and Understanding (Mouatana), also made a presentation discussing the topic of “Islamophobia in Europe: Causes, Consequences, and Ways to Address It – Germany as a Model.”