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    Category: Front Page

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    12th Conference of Ministers of Culture in Islamic World kicks off in Doha

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The 12th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World kicked off today, Monday, 25 September, 2023, in Doha. The Conference is organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and is hosted by the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Culture, under the theme, “Towards the Renewal of Cultural Action in the Islamic World.” The Conference brought together a host of Culture Ministers, delegations of ICESCO Member States, and representatives of various regional and international organizations active in cultural fields.

    The Conference’s opening session began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the address of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, who emphasized that the Organization is fulfilling its cultural responsibilities, stating that culture is not merely an identity or a social label but rather the essence of nations’ contributions to the progression of civilization. Dr. AlMalik also highlighted ICESCO’s efforts and key initiatives aimed at developing and renewing cultural action in the Islamic World, through capitalizing on artificial intelligence applications, engaging the youth in heritage preservation and promotion endeavors, implementing various projects and programs, and creating new concepts to foster civilizational outreach.

    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to the State of Qatar, its Emir, Government, and people for hosting this major cultural event in Doha, a city recently celebrated as a Culture Capital in the Islamic World. He added that this city well-represented its proud history and highlighted all aspects of its prosperity and ingenuity, and successfully navigated the challenges of hosting the FIFA World Cup, seizing the largest opportunity to display culture in the history of the World Cup.

    Subsequently, a documentary was screened showcasing the achievements scored during the celebration of Doha as the 2021 Culture Capital in the Islamic World, under the theme “Our Culture is Light.”

    Speaking next was Ms. Irina Bokova, former UNESCO Director-General, and the Conference’s guest of honor, who stressed that Islam is a religion of peace, highlighting the role of the Islamic civilization as a catalyst for bringing cultures closer together. The former UN official also commended ICESCO’s efforts in heritage preservation and youth and women empowerment.

    Afterward, the State of Qatar assumed the Conference presidency from the Republic of Tunisia, the President of the previous session. This was followed by a group photo of the participating Heads of Delegations.

    By the end of the opening session, the ICESCO Director-General and the Culture Ministers went on a tour of the Conference exhibition, which features a pavilion dedicated to ICESCO’s key publications in its areas of competence.

    The first working session began with the composition of the Conference’s Bureau, with the State of Qatar as Chair, the Republic of Senegal as Vice-Chair, and the Republic of Tunisia as Rapporteur.

    In his address, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Culture of the State of Qatar and president of the Conference, welcomed the participants, and emphasized Qatar’s commitment to cultural development, stating that celebrating Doha the 2021 Culture Capital in the Islamic World was a testament to the depth of its cultural heritage and civilizational legacy.

    Furthermore, he called for working towards preserving cultural identity and shielding the new generations against detrimental ideologies, noting that culture has often been threatened by external influences.

    Over the course of two days, The Conference will continue its proceedings to adopt the reports and documents presented to the Culture Ministers and participating delegations.

    ICESCO Deputy Director-General Participates in the World Meeting of Sufism in Morocco

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the opening of the 18th edition of the World Meeting of Sufism, held on Saturday 23 September 2023, under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, on the occasion of Eid Al Mawlid, by Al Moultaqa Foundation and Qadiriyya Boutchichiya Tariqa, in partnership with the European Centre of Islamic Studies.

    The World Meeting of Sufim, which continues until September 28, 2023, in Madagh in the province of Berkane, Kingdom of Morocco, with the rallying call “Sufism and religious and patriotic values: towards creating an inclusive citizenship”, drew a huge turnout and participation from intellectuals and religious figures worldwide.

    Speaking at the opening session, Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa emphasised ICESCO’s efforts towards fostering patriotic, religious and educational values and the inter-complementarity of the said values. ICESCO Deputy Director-General cited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO headquarters, in partnership with the Muslim World League and Mohammadia League of Scholars, as a practical embodiment of these values through leading by example.

    Consultative Council for Cultural Development in the Islamic World Holds its 18th Meeting in Doha

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Consultative Council for Cultural Development in the Islamic World, the secretariat of which is overseen by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), convened its 18th meeting, on Saturday 23 September 2023, in Doha, which discussed the agenda, draft resolutions, and documents to be submitted to the 12th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, to be organized by ICESCO and hosted by Qatar through its Ministry of Culture, on 25-26 September 2023.

    The meeting began with a speech by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, head of the Culture and Communication Sector at ICESCO, during which he reviewed the Organization’s efforts to support cultural action, in line with its strategic vision, through implementing innovative programs and projects in its Member States, such as ICESCO’s International Laboratory “Culture for Rethinking the World” and ICESCO’s International Chairs Network for Thought, Heritage, Literature, and Arts.

    Following this, the composition of the new Council Bureau for its upcoming term for the years 2024-2025 was approved. Qatar assumed the chairmanship from Tunisia, which will serve as the rapporteur, while Uzbekistan and Uganda were appointed as Vice-Chairs, representing the Asian and African regions, respectively.

    In his speech after Qatar assumed the Council’s chairmanship, Dr. Ghanem Bin Mubarak Al-Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Qatari Ministry of Culture, called on Member States to work together to make this meeting and the 12th Conference of Culture Ministers in the Islamic World a true starting point for joint cultural work. He emphasized that culture is a national safeguard and a strategic choice for our peoples to achieve sustainable development.


    The opening session of the Council was followed by some working sessions, during which several executive reports and documents were discussed. These reports and documents will be presented during the 12th Session of Culture Ministers in the Islamic World, including the ICESCO achievements report in the cultural field, the report of the Heritage Committee in the Islamic World, the Cultural Policy Guidelines document, and indicators of sustainable development in a changing world, in addition to a report on the success of activities celebrating Doha as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World.

    The meeting also featured a review of documents related to the development of ICESCO’s Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World program, the fight against trafficking of cultural property, and the broad framework of the valorization of Living Human Treasures and traditional knowledge in the Islamic world program. The Council concluded its proceedings by adopting the final meeting report and the agenda for the 12th Conference of Culture Ministers in the Islamic World.

    It is worth noting that the Consultative Council for Cultural Development in the Islamic World was established by a resolution of the Second Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers in 1988. The Council is responsible for implementing cultural strategies in the Islamic World, studying action plans, charters, and cultural projects presented by ICESCO, as well as adopting documents and reports to be presented at the meetings of culture ministers in the Islamic world and related major conferences.

    Launch of ICESCO Chair for Sustainable Engineering at the International Islamic University Malaysia

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International Islamic University Malaysia jointly launched the ICESCO Chair for Sustainable Engineering, with a view to offer capacity-building for experts and researchers in the field of sustainable engineering, refining their skills, and enhancing scientific research and training systems.
    The Chair’s launch, which took place on Monday 18 September 2023, was attended by Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor in the Science and Technology Sector at ICESCO, Dr. Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, Rector of the International Islamic University Malaysia, Mr. Muhammad Yusuf bin Apdal, Deputy Minister of Higher Education in Malaysia, and several officials from international organizations and research centers.
    The launch of ICESCO’s Chair for Sustainable Engineering comes within the framework of the Organization’s participation in organizing the 9th Asia-Pacific Futures Network Conference, held by the International Youth Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 18-19 September 2023, under the theme “Foresight Thinking in Practice: Bridging the Gap Between Academia, Industry, and Society Towards Sustainability and Well-Being.”

    In his statement following the launch, Dr. Sharif highlighted the importance of establishing the ICESCO Chair for Sustainable Engineering, emphasizing that the partnership between the Organization and the University is a starting point for collaborative efforts aimed at attracting researchers, scientists, and students capable of advancing the field of engineering to contribute to sustainable development and promote scientific research and innovation in Malaysia and the Islamic World.

    Dr. Abdul Razak, on his part, commended ICESCO’s efforts in support of scientific research, emphasizing the importance of the Organization’s programs in the fields of science and technology. He expressed his keenness to further develop the partnership between the Organization and the International Islamic University Malaysia.

    According to the agreement’s provisions, the Chair aims to enhance collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Futures Network through organizing workshops, brainstorming sessions, conferences, and training courses, as well as conducting studies on ways and mechanisms to promote students’ engagement in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and integrating foresight and sustainability studies into policy development for capacity-building in the field of engineering.

    ICESCO Participates in EdTech Korea Fair-Forum 2023

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Education Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in “EdTech Korea Fair-Forum 2023: Innovative Education with EdTech,” hosted by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea, in partnership with several Korean institutions in the field of education, technology and artificial intelligence.

    The Fair-Forum, which kicked off on September 20, and continues until September 23, 2023, in Seoul, is a knowledge platform for policymakers, experts and stakeholders in education to discuss the foundations of achieving inclusive education through artificial intelligence and exchange of modern experiences and best practices in digital learning.

    The Fair-Forum saw the organisation of the Global Education and Innovation Summit (GEIS) on September 21st with the participation of more than 200 global education leaders worldwide.

    Dr. Koumbou Boly Barry, Head of ICESCO’s Education Sector, shared the vision and activities of ICESCO and presented the Education Sector’s projects and initiatives on education technology such as Digital Lab for Girls in Niger, Children’s Library and eLearning Centre in addition to capacity building workshop for AI in ICESCO’s Member States.

    The Fair-Forum was also attended by Dr. Ahmed Al-Banyan and Dr. Sungbong Kim, two experts from ICESCO Education Sector.
    ICESCO’s delegation met with Dr. Ju-ho Lee, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education of the Republic of Korea, to explore prospects for cooperation and initiate joint activities to extend Korea’s experiences to ICESCO Member States.

    ICESCO and Morocco explore cooperation prospects to address earthquake impact on educational process

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting with Dr. Chakib Benmoussa, Morocco’s Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, President of the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Sciences, and Culture, to discuss ways for ICESCO to contribute to the Kingdom’s efforts to aid those impacted by Al-Haouz earthquake, and help Morocco mitigate the negative impact of the disaster on students and educational facilities.

    At the beginning of the meeting, held on Thursday 21 September 2023, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. Malik reiterated ICESCO’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Morocco in the face of this natural disaster. He also commended the clear-sighted leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist Him, and the efforts of the Moroccan authorities to address the damage sustained by citizens in earthquake-affected areas. Likewise, the Director-General praised the remarkable spirit of solidarity demonstrated by the Moroccan people across all sectors of society, who all rushed to help their fellow citizens by all means possible.

    In addition, Dr. AlMAlik expressed the Organization’s readiness to mobilize its resources to provide all forms of support to the Ministry to ensure seamless continuity of the educational process for students in the affected areas, including cooperation to rebuild and rehabilitate some schools damaged by the earthquake. He added that ICESCO can also provide psychological and moral support to students in the earthquake-affected regions and arrange visits for them to the International Exhibition and Museum of the Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently hosted at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat.

    On his part, Dr. Benmoussa expressed his appreciation for ICESCO’s efforts and solidarity initiatives with the Kingdom of Morocco during the catastrophe, reaffirming his keenness to strengthen cooperation with the Organization in areas of mutual interest.

    ICESCO Deputy Director-General pays condolences for Libya flood victims

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    On Wednesday 20 September 2023, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), expressed his sincere condolences to the Libyan Embassy in Rabat on the losses in lives and the devastation caused by the flood disaster in many regions of Libya.

    Dr. Benarafa offered condolences to the leadership and people of Libya on behalf of ICESCO Director-General as well as all the Organization’s staff. He also extended their heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and wished those injured a prompt recovery.
    ICESCO Deputy Director-General was welcomed by Mr. Abu Bakr Ibrahim Al Taouil, Chargé d’Affaires at the Libyan Embassy in Morocco, who extended his gratitude to the Organization and its Director-General for standing by Libya during this catastrophe, highlighting the extent of the significant losses the country suffered.

    Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa underscored the deep-rooted cooperative relations between the Organization and the State of Libya, reaffirming ICESCO’s full solidarity with Libya in the face of this calamity. He also added that the Organization is fully prepared to cooperate with the competent authorities in Libya to provide all the support and assistance within its areas of expertise, particularly concerning the damage assessment and restoration of Libyan archaeological sites.

    ICESCO and Australia Explore Prospects for Cooperation in Areas of Mutual Interest

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, received Mr. Ridwaan Jadwat, First Assistant Secretary in the Middle East and Africa Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Australia’s Former Special Envoy to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in the presence of Mr. Michael Cutts, Ambassador of Australia to Morocco, to identify prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and Australia in areas of mutual interest.

    During the meeting, which took place at ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat, on Tuesday 19 September 2023, Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa reaffirmed ICESCO’s openness, in light of its new vision and strategic orientations, to prospects aimed at publicizing the Islamic culture and civilization as well as the human values, promoting peace and security worldwide and denouncing hatred and extremism.

    Moreover, Dr. Benarafa pointed out that ICESCO welcomes non-member States to join as observers to support Islamic communities worldwide and strengthen cooperation with Muslim countries.

    For his part, Mr. Ridwaan Jadwat praised ICESCO’s roles and efforts, stressing his keenness to establish a fruitful partnership with ICESCO and the Islamic world.

    The meeting also saw the presence of Dr. Ahmed Said Bah, Advisor to the Organization’s Director-General for Partnerships and International Cooperation and supervisor of the General Secretariat for National Commissions and Conferences.

    On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, ICESCO calls for harnessing youth capacities to strengthen peace and build a thriving future

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    On September 21st of every year, the world celebrates the International Day of Peace. This year’s theme is “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition to the Global Goals.” The Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) seizes this occasion to call for joining efforts and leveraging the unique capacities of youth and women to contribute to countering extremist ideas, reducing violence and conflicts, and promoting peace as a primary tool for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

    In light of the successive global crises, causing significant damage at the health, social, and humanitarian levels and contributing to a decline in global peace indicators, ICESCO calls on everyone to assume individual and collective responsibility in promoting values of coexistence, civilizational dialogue, and harnessing cultural diversity to strengthen peace. It also encourages optimism and calls for promoting a culture of peace among all segments of society, improving the quality of psychological support as an important tool for achieving social cohesion and enhancing resilience in the face of challenges.

    In this context, the Organization highlights the relentless efforts and innovative initiatives implemented by ICESCO Youth Ambassadors for Peace, who have graduated from ICESCO’s Leadership Training Program for Peace and Security, coming from 50 countries in the Islamic world and beyond, where they actively contribute to building more peaceful communities.

    Moreover, ICESCO reaffirms its commitment to continue the efforts geared towards promoting peace and civilizational dialogue and provide all the necessary means to contribute to building a prosperous future for humanity, in close coordination with the relevant authorities in the Member States, the international bodies and organizations, and partner institutions.

    ICESCO employees participate in blood donation campaign for benefit of injured victims of Morocco earthquake

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    ​The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has joined the blood donation campaign initiated by the Kingdom of Morocco to assist the injured victims of the earthquake that struck several Moroccan regions. ICESCO officials and employees, as well as supervisors of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, rushed to donate their blood on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, under the supervision of a medical team from the “Regional Blood Transfusion Center in Rabat” at the Organization’s headquarters.

    ICESCO donors expressed their happiness to participate in this campaign of solidarity with the earthquake victims of the El Haouz region, praying for the prompt recovery of the injured.

    ICESCO General Directorate has taken several measures to demonstrate the Organization’s solidarity with Morocco and the earthquake victims. The Organization launched its first humanitarian caravan on Sunday, September 10, 2023, heading towards the affected areas in the El Haouz region. Additionally, the ICESCO humanitarian caravan provided assistance in the form of relief materials to Mohammed VI Foundation for Solidarity for the earthquake victims in the Taroudant region. This initiative was organized by ICESCO in partnership with the Islamic Center for Trade Development.

    ICESCO also announced the donation of 10% of the monthly salary of the Director-General, all executives, and employees, which will be transferred to the special account at the Bank of Morocco, as directed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI for receiving urgent humanitarian aid.