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    ICESCO Participates in Anna Lindh Forum in Albania, Hosts Seminar on Orient-Occident Relations

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the Anna Lindh Foundation Forum, held in Tirana, the capital of Albania, from 18 to 20 June 2025. The event brought together 46 Euro-Mediterranean countries and 800 representatives of the international cultural community, under the patronage of Albanian Prime Minister Mr. Edi Rama and HRH Princess Rym Ali, President of the Anna Lindh Foundation.

    As part of the Forum, ICESCO, in cooperation with the Anna Lindh Foundation, organized an international seminar titled “Orient-Occident: Possible Reconciliations? Strengthening Intercultural Dialogue in the Mediterranean.” Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, underscored the Organization’s evolving role in advancing cultural and international relations by developing innovative cultural frameworks and platforms that bring together intellectuals, researchers, and creatives from within and beyond the Islamic world. Key initiatives include the ICESCO International Centre for Cultural Policies, the ICESCO International Think Tank: Culture for Rethinking the World, and the International Network of ICESCO Chairs for Thought, Heritage, Literature, and Arts. He emphasized that these initiatives serve as cultural bridges among nations, foster joint cooperation, and position culture as a tool for peace, knowledge, and creativity.

    The seminar also featured keynote presentations by several prominent figures, including Mr. Julien Chenivesse, Interministerial Delegate for the Mediterranean, and Professor Vincent Geisser, Researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and President of the Center for Information and Studies on International Migration (CIEMI) in Paris.

    On the sidelines of the Forum, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine met with HRH Princess Rym Ali, President of the Anna Lindh Foundation, and Mr. Josep Ferré, Executive Director of the Foundation, in the presence of Mr. Frédéric Jambu, ICESCO’s Expert in Cultural Policies. Two cooperation agreements were signed.

    The first agreement aims to launch joint projects to support studies in the areas of “Sustainable Cultural Economies” and “New Technologies for Creativity,” and to back ICESCO’s initiatives related to cultural rights and supportive legislation for intellectuals, artists, and creators.

    The second agreement provides for the Anna Lindh Foundation’s support of ICESCO’s initiative to establish the “ICESCO International Civil Society Network for Culture and Development,” aimed at enhancing international cultural cooperation.

    ICESCO Named Strategic Partner of Malaysia’s International Putrajaya Festival of Ideas

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    On the sidelines of the ASEAN Roundtable of Ministers of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dato’ Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education, to explore avenues for enhancing cooperation in higher education, scientific research, and emerging technologies.

    During the meeting, the two sides agreed to designate ICESCO as a strategic partner in organizing the international Putrajaya Festival of Ideas (PFOI) in Putrajaya, set to take place in November 2025, with broad participation from universities, research centers, and innovators from around the world.

    Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s key initiatives in supporting university education and stressed the importance of keeping pace with global shifts in digitization, the knowledge economy, blended learning, and space sciences, while positioning innovation as a cornerstone of future universities.

    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik affirmed that ICESCO aims to build high-impact partnerships that help prepare students, empower universities, and stimulate scientific research in response to rapid global developments and evolving labor market demands.

    The Malaysian Minister of Higher Education welcomed expanded cooperation with ICESCO and affirmed Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing a generation capable of leading and innovating within a dynamic knowledge-based environment.

    The two parties agreed to launch joint academic and training programmes, organize scientific forums on artificial intelligence, higher education, and space sciences, and to promote the inclusion of Malaysian universities in the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), which operates under ICESCO’s auspices.

    Dr. AlMalik also extended an official invitation to the Malaysian Minister to visit ICESCO headquarters in Rabat to explore its programmes and cooperation opportunities. Additionally, he invited him to participate in the Higher Education Conference on Artificial Intelligence, co-organized by ICESCO and Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education at the end of September 2025, under the theme “Knowledge Economy and the Centrality of Higher Education.”

    The meeting was attended by Dr. Majdi Haji Ibrahim from ICESCO, and from the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, Dr. Anesee bin Ibrahim, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education, and Dr. Azlinda Azman, Director-General of Higher Education.

    ICESCO Director-General Presents Five Strategic Recommendations to Address School Dropout at ASEAN Education Ministers’ Roundtable

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated as a keynote speaker in the opening session of the Roundtable of Ministers of Education and Higher Education of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), held in Langkawi, Malaysia. Dr. AlMalik delivered a comprehensive address entitled “From Dropout to Opportunity: Reclaiming the Future through Inclusive Education.”

    At the outset, Dr. AlMalik warned that the increasing dropout of children and youth poses a growing threat to social stability and sustainable development, noting that over 250 million children and adolescents are currently out of school worldwide, including 98 million in sub-Saharan Africa—the highest figure globally.
    Dr. AlMalik stressed that this crisis demands urgent collective action, emphasizing that the consequences of school dropout extend beyond individuals, affecting families, communities, and nations through widening poverty gaps, reduced empowerment opportunities, and heightened risks of early marriage, child labor, and marginalization.

    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s key initiatives in this field, including reintegrating over 19,000 girls into education in Yemen with support from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief); providing psychosocial, technical, and logistical support to internally displaced girls and boarders in Burkina Faso in cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; improving sanitation and educational facilities in 240 schools across eight countries under the WASH programme, benefiting over 240,000 students; and deploying mobile education units for girls in remote areas of Nigeria.

    In sum, Dr. AlMalik outlined five strategic recommendations to address school dropout:

    • Integrate the goal of keeping boys and girls in school, especially during adolescence, into national education strategies;
    • Create alternative pathways to reintegrate those who left school due to early marriage, labor, displacement, or conflict;
    • Foster safe and inclusive school environments and develop gender-sensitive curricula that include inspiring female role models;
    • Empower local communities, especially women-led initiatives, to drive education solutions;
    • Bridge the digital divide to ensure equal access to digital education and future learning opportunities for all children.

    Dr. AlMalik called on education ministers to adopt a regional roadmap that can be updated at each ASEAN conference cycle, affirming ICESCO’s readiness to serve as a key partner in designing and implementing this vision.

    In closing, he extended an open invitation to all participants to attend ICESCO’s upcoming Education Ministers’ Conference, set for September 2026, and to visit the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, where policies are crafted and partnerships are built to promote more inclusive, equitable, and empowering education.

    The opening session also featured keynote addresses by H.E Dr. Fadhlina Sidek, Malaysia’s Minister of Education; H.E. San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Socio-Cultural Community; and Ms. Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, UNESCO Representative to several Asian countries. They emphasized innovative approaches to closing education gaps and ensuring that every child and youth has equal access to quality education as a vital investment in their potential and in building a better future.

    ICESCO Participates in Kazakhstan International Conference of Architects to Promote Protection of Islamic Heritage

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the second International Conference of Architects, held in Turkistan, Republic of Kazakhstan, from 10 to 11 June 2025. The Organization was represented by Dr. Osama El Nahas, Heritage Expert at ICESCO’s Culture Sector.

    In his address, Dr. El Nahas reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to advancing the protection of Islamic heritage, with a focus on restoring heritage sites and artifacts and combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property.

    Additionally, Dr. El Nahas reviewed the Organization’s projects in the preservation of underwater cultural heritage, highlighting the completion of the first volume of the Guide to Underwater Heritage in the Islamic World, as well as the publication of Guide on Crisis and Disaster Management at Heritage Sites and Museums. Following the conference, Dr. El Nahas participated in the opening of an exhibition marking the 950th anniversary of the publication of “Divânu Lugâti’t-Türk” by Mahmud al-Kashgari.

    Review of final preparations for International Scientific Conference on Imam al-Bukhari in Uzbekistan

    Posted on by mohamed.elmajdouby

    Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a coordination meeting via videoconference with Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov , Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The two parties reviewed the final preparations for the organization of the International Academic Conference: “Jami’ al-Musnad as-Sahih by Imam Bukhari: A Book of an Ummah – Scientific Embodiment of a Civilization of Chain of Narration and Documentation”, which will be held late August in Tashkent, under the high patronage of H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

    The two sides agreed on the organizational arrangements for the Conference, including the reception of guests and participants, amid expectations of the participation of a host of scholars, researchers and representatives of religious institutions from 45 countries. It was also agreed to give a prize for the best three research papers on Imam al-Bukhari and his book Al-Sahih which will be presented during the Conference. The winning papers will later be collected in a documented scientific publication, highlighting the knowledge and civilizational values associated with the heritage of Imam al-Bukhari.

    Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov announced that the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent will be officially inaugurated on the National Independence Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan, coinciding with the International Academic Conference on Imam al-Bukhari. The inauguration ceremony will be attended by H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Dr. Salim AlMalik, and a number of prominent figures from the Islamic world. Dr. Abdukhalikov also revealed that ICESCO will have a permanent office within the Center, as a platform for continuous cultural and scientific cooperation between the two sides in the field of manuscripts and documentation.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik stressed that the Conference will be a valuable opportunity to highlight the scientific and civilizational role of Imam al-Bukhari, and to reflect the importance of chain of narration and documentation in the Islamic heritage stressing the importance of cooperation with Uzbekistan in strengthening common cognitive, cultural and civilizational values.
    For his part, Dr. Abdukhalikov appreciated the partnership with ICESCO, emphasizing that the organization of this international Conference, along with the upcoming opening of the Center of Islamic Civilization, will be a milestone in the process of promoting Islamic cultural identity at the regional and international levels.
    Dr. Abdelilah Benarfa, ICESCO Deputy Director General, and Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector, participated in the meeting from ICESCO’s side.

    Three Winning Technological Projects at Close of ICESCO Youth Training Program in Sierra Leone

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded its program on training youth on setting up and developing small projects in the fields of technology and innovation in the Republic of Sierra Leone. The close of the training program, implemented by ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, in partnership with the Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone, was marked by the announcement of three winning projects, out of the 49 participating teams at the national level.

    During the two-day event, contestants presented their projects before a jury. During his remarks at the opening session, Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at the Sector of Science and Environment, stressed the importance of integrating the youth of the Islamic world in the fields of entrepreneurship, modern technology and innovation to contribute to achieving sustainable development in their communities.

    Winning first place, the Mamawa Muyengay Agric Business team presented their project to integrate and improve the living conditions of youth, women and the elderly in rural areas through building their capacities in the fields of cassava farming. The second place went to Mujehva Plastic and Sand Paving Enterprise, for their projects to recycle plastic to make sustainable pavements, while the third place went to MS Agro Rice Farming, a project dedicated to rice farming in inland valleys to promote best practices in the field of agriculture.

    ICESCO Holds Training Workshop on Sound Art and Critical Thinking in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Culture Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) organized the fourth online training workshop in the “ICESCO Immersive Art” (IIA) series, themed “Listening, Creating, Thinking”. The event explored the intersection of art with scientific and technological research through interdisciplinary approaches that combine creativity and knowledge.

    The opening session, chaired by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO Culture Sector, saw the participation of renowned French Teacher-researcher and composer Mr. Frank Pecquet, who gave a presentation on the philosophical and artistic dimensions of musical sound, and its role in fostering creativity and analyzing sensory environments. His presentation was grounded in creative research methodologies, psychoacoustics, the philosophy of listening, and auditory anthropology.

    The workshop was then facilitated by Ms. Zineb Bougrine, expert at the Culture Sector, and Dr. Amine El Hamami, ICESCO’s external international expert in digital creativity and culture. It included remote participation by specialized researchers, young professionals, and experts from ICESCO national commissions in Member States.

    The discussions revolved around two main themes: the first addressed sound as a medium for artistic and cognitive creativity, while the second focused on the “school of critical perception” as a space for learning and educational transformation.

    It also explored the impact of artificial intelligence on artistic creativity and the authenticity of expression in the digital era. Participants emphasized the importance of rethinking traditional aesthetic concepts by integrating the arts with technology and the humanities, in order to develop more inclusive and adaptable cultural policies that meet the needs of contemporary societies, especially in the fields of education and artistic training.

    This workshop aligns with ICESCO’s vision to reposition culture as a driving force for comprehensive development and a means of strengthening social cohesion, through the adoption of innovative and open cultural models that respond to the aspirations of future generations amid rapid digital transformations.

    ICESCO Receives Student Delegation from Duke University in the United States

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) received a student delegation from Duke University—one of the most prestigious universities in the United States—on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, as part of its efforts to promote cultural dialogue and academic exchange with leading international academic institutions.

    Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, welcomed the delegation and delivered an address highlighting the Organization’s mission, strategic objectives, and role in supporting its Member States and strengthening international cooperation.

    For his part, Mr. Mohammed Hedi Shili, Head of Legal Affairs and International Standards at ICESCO, emphasized Duke University’s global reputation and its excellence in education and scientific research.

    Professor Mbaye Bashir Lo, faculty member at Duke University and Director of the “Duke in the Arab World” Academic Program, gave an overview of the university and its history, noting that it currently ranks sixth among top U.S. universities in terms of academic excellence and research output.

    Moreover, Dr. Said El Hassan, Director of Studies and Research at the Khalid El Hassan Foundation in the Kingdom of Morocco, emphasized that the visit was organized as part of a tailored academic program for the visiting students. He highlighted the academic cooperation between the Foundation and Duke University, and expressed his appreciation to ICESCO for its warm welcome.

    ICESCO experts also delivered presentations on the Organization’s key programs and initiatives in education, science, and culture, as well as its ongoing efforts to empower youth and promote civilizational dialogue.

    The visit concluded with a tour of ICESCO’s Mishkat Hall, where Dr. Adel Bouraoui, Advisor to the ICESCO Director-General, presented an overview of the Mishkat training programs, which focus on enhancing Arabic language proficiency among non-Arabic speakers.

    ICESCO Honors Graduates of Its Training Program on Civilizational Diplomacy and the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Conflict Resolution

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    As part of the cooperation between the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), represented by its Center for Civilizational Dialogue, and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Chair at the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez (UEMF), ICESCO headquarters in Rabat hosted, on Monday, 2 June 2025, a graduation ceremony for trainees who successfully completed a specialized training program on civilizational diplomacy and its role in conflict resolution using artificial intelligence tools and techniques.

    The ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General; Dr. Abdelhak Azzouzi, President of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Chair; Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue; along with a number of ICESCO heads and program trainees.

    The event opened with remarks by Ambassador Fathalrahman, who highlighted the strength of ICESCO’s ties with international institutions and organizations, and the importance of such partnerships in developing the skills of youth and those involved in dialogue and civilizational diplomacy.

    In his remarks, Dr. Benarafa underscored ICESCO’s commitment to developing advanced tools that serve the Islamic world in addressing growing challenges, particularly in the fields of civilizational dialogue and intercultural communication.

    For his part, Dr. Azzouzi emphasized the importance of promoting religious and cultural diversity among postgraduate students specializing in law and conflict resolution, noting the need to integrate this dimension into academic curricula.

    In his remarks, Dr. Abdelfettah Belamchi, Director of the Moroccan Center for Development and Parallel Diplomacy (CMDPDC) in Rabat, commended ICESCO’s efforts to institutionalize the concept of civilizational diplomacy and praised the publication of its new book titled Civilizational Diplomacy: A New Concept.

    Furthermore, Mr. Mohammed Hedi Shili, Head of Legal Affairs and International Standards at ICESCO, stressed the importance of such training programs in establishing a clear legal methodology for trainees, and called for the adoption of an ethical code on artificial intelligence to ensure its responsible use, warning against risks associated with bias in AI applications.

    Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah, Advisor to the ICESCO Director-General, affirmed the added value of these training programs, which yield direct benefits for participants and contribute to fostering a culture of dialogue and enhancing effective communication.

    The ceremony concluded with remarks by Dr. Mohammed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, who shed light on the evolution of civilizational dialogue and its close connection to civilizational diplomacy, affirming that constructive intercultural dialogue is key to success and positive global impact.

    ICESCO Mourns the Passing of Abdelhak El Mrini, Historian of the Kingdom of Morocco

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has learned with great sadness of the passing of Dr. Abdelhak El Mrini, Historian of the Kingdom of Morocco and former Royal Palace Spokesperson, on Monday evening, 2 June 2025, at the age of 91.

    On this sorrowful occasion, ICESCO’s Director-General, leadership, and staff extend their deepest condolences to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, to the family of the deceased, and to the Moroccan people. They beseech Allah Almighty to shower him with mercy and grant him a place in Paradise.

    Renowned for his distinguished scholarly and intellectual contributions, Dr. El Mrini was one of the prominent figures in Moroccan thought, history, and literature. He held several high-ranking positions, most notably Director of Royal Palaces, Honors, and Decorations.

    Born in 1934 in Rabat, Dr. El Mrini distinguished himself early on in the fields of education and research. He earned several advanced degrees in Morocco and France, including a PhD in Literature. His pioneering works include The Moroccan Army Throughout History, Jihad Poetry in Moroccan Literature, and Introduction to the History of Modern Morocco.

    Dr. El Mrini maintained a special relationship with ICESCO, participating in several of its cultural and intellectual events. He was a distinguished guest in ICESCO’s Ramadan series Ramadan Whiffs and Intellectual Sparks in 1443 AH / 2022 AD, where he delivered a lecture titled Highlights about Tea in Morocco. He was also a regular attendee at the ICESCO Cultural Forum, alongside leading intellectuals, underscoring his esteemed status in the Moroccan and Islamic cultural spheres.

    May Allah have mercy on the departed. To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.