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The International Conference on “Women Leadership in Higher Education: Context, Challenges and Prospects,” is being held by the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), which is affiliated with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, kicked off, on Thursday (December 1, 2022), with high-level participation.

The opening session featured a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the address of Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, ICESCO Director-General, wherein he explained that the Organization, in partnership with Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, celebrates the leading roles of women in universities, which constitute one of the fields showcasing the efforts and success of women.

He added that when women take the initiative, humanity thrives and progresses. “We are then reassured about the future of the next generations as the great challenges and accelerating transformations require us to be decisive,” he stressed.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik called on women leaders in universities to raise the level of ambition to fulfill the lofty mission of universities and contribute to strengthening the leading role of women, referring to ICESCO’s approach to increase the percentage of women in leadership positions to reach 50%, and proclaiming 2021 as the year of women, which was celebrated under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and saw large participation, adding that ICESCO has implemented many programmes and activities to build women’s capacities.

In her address, Dr. Mariem Bint Mohamed Fadel Ould Dah, First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, commended ICESCO’s keenness to preserve the rich heritage of the Islamic world, stressing that this forward-looking conference is a qualitative addition to enhance the status and position of women through their rehabilitation.

In his address, Dr. Abdellatif Miraoui, Moroccan Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Mohamed El-Khalfaoui, Secretary General of the Ministry, commended ICESCO’s efforts to consolidate the foundations of meaningful dialogue in Muslim countries, stressing that the conference is an opportunity to deepen discussion about the status and empowerment of women to assume leadership positions.

For his part, Dr. Yousef Bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, Saudi Minister of Education, in an address delivered on his behalf by Dr. Nasser bin Muhammad Al-Aqili, Undersecretary for Research and Innovation, lauded the organization of this conference and reviewed the initiatives and programmes being implemented in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, within the framework of 2030 Vision, which stresses the important role of women in leadership positions.

In his address, Dr. Muhammad Ayman Ashour, Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Ashraf Al-Azazy, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, stressed the need to prepare women for leadership roles given their creative productive energies. He also underscored Egypt’s keenness to enhance cooperation with ICESCO in this field.

In her address, delivered through videoconference, Dr. Einas Bint Suleiman Al-Eisa, President of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, reaffirmed that the rehabilitation of women begins through education, highlighting that the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision made a qualitative shift in the life of Saudi women, who have become a key element of the Kingdom’s strength, reiterating Saudi Arabia’s keenness to develop the talents of women and girls, capitalize on their energies and provide them with appropriate opportunities to build their future and contribute to socio-economic development.

She emphasized that Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, which is the largest women’s university worldwide in capacity, number of students, faculty members and disciplines, is one of the examples of this vision.

The conference’s first day included two working sessions on “women in university leadership and the future of higher education” and “academia-industry relationship and entrepreneurship for women in higher education.”

The two-day Forum and Workshop on “Metaverse: Global Expectations and Challenges” concluded its activities at the Headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat, on November 30, 2022, after two days of discussions and training to explore the future of metaverse and the best ways to deal with its challenges, with the participation of a group of experts and researchers specialized in the field and several officials from international organizations, institutions and companies.

The second day of the Forum kicked off with a speech by Dr. Britt Rios Ellis, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Oakland University, USA, in which she highlighted the University’s eagerness to share its experience in the field of virtual and augmented reality with ICESCO Member States, hoping that this cooperation will be fruitful for youth and women around the world.

A team from VR/AR Association presented the first part of the Workshop on virtual and augmented reality experiences and HoloLens technology, in the presence of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, where the latest applications of HoloLens technology, virtual reality and augmented reality were introduced through applied activities. More than 60 participants of university students discovered the great potential of this field, exchange knowledge and experiences and discuss the challenges posed by these modern technologies and how to benefit from them in building a prosperous future.

During the second part of the Workshop, CEOs of several international companies working in the field of modern technology delivered presentations on the metaverse design and creative economy and how to support innovative ideas. At the close of the activities of the workshop and Forum, students received certificates of participation.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Sheikha Bibi Duaij Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwaiti Sadu Society, where they discussed cooperation between ICESCO and the Society for supporting heritage crafts and developing the workforce in this field by training new generations of craftsmen.

In this meeting, held on Wednesday (November 30, 2022), at ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s openness approach, within the framework of its vision and action strategy, and its cooperation with civil society institutions to preserve tangible and intangible heritage, noting that the Organization inscribes heritage sites and cultural elements of Muslim countries on its heritage lists for their preservation.

He explained that ICESCO has established the Center of Heritage in the Islamic World and organizes many training sessions and workshops to train heritage staff in the Member States on how to prepare inscription files.

For her part, Sheikha Bibi Al-Sabah appreciated the roles of ICESCO in its fields of competence, stressing the keenness of the Sadu Society, which was established 40 years ago and seeks to preserve heritage in Kuwait, to cooperate with ICESCO and implement joint programmes and projects in Kuwait and other Member States.

The meeting also brought together Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of ICESCO Culture and Communication Sector, and Mr. Sami El Kamhawy, Head of ICESCO Information and Institutional Communication Department, as well as Ms. Jumana Al-Othman, Member of the Board of Directors of Sadu Society.

Dr. Salem Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), discussed in two separate meetings today, Tuesday, 29 November 2022 at ICESCO Headquarters, with David E. Thomas, Executive Director at The MILO Space Sciences, and Mr. Baybars Altuntas. Chairman, World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), ways of developing cooperation between ICESCO and the two institutions in the field of space sciences, enhancing youth capacities, and providing scholarships for students from the Islamic countries, to contribute to achieving development in the fields of education, science, culture and communication.

During the first meeting between the ICESCO Director-General and Executive Director at The MILO Space Sciences, the two sides reviewed the efforts, initiatives and programs of ICESCO and the American Institute of Space Sciences, in promoting the integration of youth in the field of space science and benefiting from its applications, and providing opportunities for women and girls in the field of modern technology and innovation, aimed at contributing to building sustainable societies based on scientific research. Both sides stressed that investing in space science has become necessary to achieve development.

In the second meeting between Dr. Al-Malik and Mr. Altuntas, the two sides highlighted the importance of meaningful cooperation between international organizations, institutions and institutes in promoting innovation and scientific research, and the need to support academia to adopt entrepreneurship curricula.

After each meeting, it was noted that the two cooperation agreements signed between ICESCO and both the Institute and the Forum are considered the beginning of a fruitful partnership based on practical programs and projects with tangible outcomes.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, headed by Mr. Didar Taminov, Director of the Department of Multilateral Cooperation at the Ministry. The two parties explored ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and Kazakhstan in the Organization’s areas of competence.

During the meeting, held today, Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, the Director-General reaffirmed the Organization’s keenness to promote cooperation with its Member States and open up to non-Member States in order to exchange expertise and build partnership relations in the fields of education, science and culture.

The Director-General also highlighted the Organization’s major projects and programs, which it implements as part of its vision and strategic orientations, commending the cooperation between ICESCO and Kazakhstan in the implementation of a number of these activities.

For his part, Mr. Taminov expressed his delight to visit ICESCO Headquarters, commending the roles the Organization assumes in service of its Member States. He also reaffirmed his country’s keenness to promote cooperation with ICESCO in its areas of competence.

In the implementation of the new vision and strategic orientations of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), which encourages countries of the Islamic world to invest in modern technology and benefit from its potential to achieve sustainable development, ICESCO is holding a two-day forum and workshop on “Metaverse: Global Expectations and Challenges,” in the presence of a high-caliber group of officials from international organizations, institutions and companies as well as experts and researchers specialized in the field, to exchange knowledge and experiences and explore the challenges posed by modern technologies and how to deal with them.

The activities of the Forum started on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, then Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of ICESCO Science and Technology Sector, presented a summary of the importance of the metaverse and its role in contributing to the development of the digital economy. The opening session kicked off with an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, in which he reaffirmed that the world is entering today a new dimension characterized by the metaverse and its capabilities that are not yet identified, indicating that this space allows for transcending borders and working and learning in an endless virtual space.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that the ICESCO’s Forum and Workshop on metaverse aims to provide a space for discussion and exchange of experiences, and to explore the use of metaverse technologies in the Organization’s Member States, referring to ICESCO’s efforts and initiatives to build global partnerships to benefit from metaverse applications.

In his speech, Dr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister of Education and Professional Training of Pakistan stressed the importance of the technology role and the opportunities it offers to meet the challenges of education, noting the need to adopt comprehensive and sustainable educational policies and curricula based on modern applications.

For his part, Mr. Baybars Altuntas, Chairman of World Business Angels Investment Forum, stressed the need to join international efforts to strengthen the economy by relying on startups, commending ICESCO’s efforts to push toward digital transformation.

The first session, which is entitled “Metaverse Experiments: Current Reality and the Virtual World,” touched upon metaverse technologies and the ethics of using them, by reviewing experiences presented by high-caliber officials and experts from MILO Space Sciences Institute, World Business Angels Investment Forum, as well as other specialized international companies and institutions, while the second session dealt with the techniques and trends of the metaverse, and the third session focused on issues of security and ethical privacy in metaverse applications.

Dr. Salim M Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a joint delegation from the Saudi Institute of Public Administration (IPA) and the World Bank Group, and together they explored tripartite cooperation in the field of women capacity-building and gender equality.

During this meeting, held on Monday (November 28, 2022), at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s keenness, within the framework of its vision and strategic orientations, to support women and build their capacities to contribute gender equality in the Member States in a way that serves sustainable development. He also reviewed the major programmes and projects of ICESCO.

For their part, the joint delegation expressed its desire to cooperate with ICESCO to join the ambitious programme on gender equality and hold training sessions and workshops and conduct in-depth studies in this field.
At the end of the meeting, the three parties agreed to continue coordination to develop cooperation plans and define the tasks to be assigned to each institution.

The delegation of the Institute of Public Administration included Dr. Sara Al-Otaibi, IPA Deputy Director-General for Partnerships and Business Development, Ms. Majd Al-Malki, Director of Gender Balance Statistics at the Gender Balance Center, and Ms. Hala Al-Saedi, Director of Local and Community Partnerships. The World Bank Group delegation consisted of Mr. Walid Malek, Senior Public Sector Specialist, and Ms. Clara Maghani, Public Sector Specialist for Global Governance Practices.

The meeting also saw the participation of Ms. Amira El-Fadil, Head of ICESCO Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Ms. Rime Jirari, Head of the Organizations and Bodies Section at the Sector.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) signed three agreements for cooperation and partnerships in the field of technology and innovation, on November 28, 2022, respectively with the Higher Education Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the World Business Angels Investment Forum, and the MILO Space Science Institute in the United States, during the conclusion of ICESCO’s Youth Training Programme on how to establish and develop small businesses in the field of technology and innovation.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, signed the first agreements with Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Pakistani Higher Education Commission. It includes joint action between the two parties to establish joint research projects and training programs in the field of higher education from 2023 to 2027 to promote the academic performance of researchers and university students of ICESCO Member States.

The second agreement was signed with Mr. Baybars Altuntas, Chairman of the World Business Angels Investment Forum, an affiliate partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), to build cooperation for implementing initiatives, programs and joint projects in the field of supporting the economic development of emerging companies in the countries of the Islamic world.

The third agreement was signed with Mr. David E. Thomas, Executive Director of the MILO Space Science Institute, signed the third agreement, which aims at implementing joint programs between ICESCO and the Institute to build capacity in the field of space sciences, entrepreneurship, technology, and youth development in the ICESCO Member States.

After the signing, Dr. AlMalik commended the three distinguished partnerships, hoping that the cooperation agreements would be a good start to support and assist young entrepreneurs and investors in Islamic countries and to pave the way toward better opportunities in the field of modern and advanced technologies. ICESCO’s partners, signatories to the agreements, expressed their happiness for the cooperation of their institutions with the Organization and with the countries of the Islamic world.