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    ICESCO Director-General Receives Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, a subsidiary organ of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Koutoub discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two parties in areas of shared interest.

    During the meeting, which took place on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik expressed his pride in being selected as a member of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, a prestigious global institution that brings together distinguished jurists, scholars and thinkers from various fields of Islamic jurisprudence, culture, science, and economics across the Islamic world.

    Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to promoting the civilization of Islam worldwide through a series of initiatives that enrich civilization dialogue. These initiatives included hosting the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization at ICESCO’s headquarters, as well as the “Read it to Understand it” initiative, aimed at countering the desperate attempts disrespecting the Holy Quran, and bringing to light western stances that provide positive views of the Quran.

    For his part, Dr. Koutoub commended ICESCO’s roles and its efforts in supporting its Member States across its areas of expertise. He also reiterated his invitation to Dr. AlMalik to attend the 26th Session of the Academy, which will be hosted in Doha, in the State of Qatar next November.

    The meeting also discussed proposals for cooperation between ICESCO and IIFA, which was established in 1981 and includes the 57 Member States of the OIC.

    The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO’s Deputy DG, and Dr. Hani Al Balawi, Expert at the Organization’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue.

    Introductory Workshop on “Hamdan-ICESCO Prize for Voluntary Development of Education Facilities in Islamic world”

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    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in collaboration with the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, held an introductory workshop on the Hamdan-ICESCO Prize for Voluntary Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World. The Workshop aimed to highlight the significance of this Prize and to review the eligibility criteria for nominations and competition.

    The Workshop, held on Monday, October 14, 2024, via videoconferencing, was hosted at “Mishkat” Hall at ICESCO headquarters. It saw the participation of several members of national commissions from Member States, along with representatives from associations, organizations, and institutions involved in educational facility development.

    The Workshop featured a general presentation on the partnership program between ICESCO and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences. It also included discussions on the ICESCO-Hamdan system for educational proficiency in the field of Arabic for non-Arabic speakers, known as “Mishkat,” as well as a detailed presentation on the Hamdan-ICESCO Prize for Voluntary Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World. This presentation covered the Prize’s achievements, criteria, and future prospects.

    During the Workshop, attendees heard a testimonial from the Royal Humanitarian Foundation of the Kingdom of Bahrain, one of the institutions that won the Prize in its 3rd edition.

    The Workshop was supervised by Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah, Advisor to the DG for Partnerships and International Cooperation, Mr. Adel Bouraoui, Advisor to the DG responsible for ICESCO’s external bodies in the field of Arabic language, and Mr. Mohammed Al Owais from the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, who provided an overview of the technical steps for applying for the Prize through its official website.

    ICESCO Director-General Receives Vice-President of Azerbaijani Haydar Aliyev Foundation

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    Dr. Salim. M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) received Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the Republic of Azerbaijan, who visited ICESCO headquarters on Monday, October 14, 2024, accompanied by Mr. Anar Alakbarov, Executive Director of the Foundation, and Amb. Nazim Samadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Morocco.

    At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik welcomed Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, stressing that her visit reaffirms the special partnership relations between ICESCO and Azerbaijan in the fields of education, science and culture. The Director-General also commended the sustained support for ICESCO’s initiatives, programs and projects extended by H.E. President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and H.E. Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva, Azerbaijan’s First Lady, First Vice-President of the Republic, ICESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.


    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik stated that these special cooperation relations between ICESCO and Azerbaijan are reflected in the projects and activities being implemented to promote joint action in the Organization’s areas of competence, particularly those implemented as part of the celebration of Shusha as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024.

    The DG also highlighted ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, stating that these new instruments adopt openness, strategic foresight and support for the Member States to address future challenges, through capitalizing on modern technology and AI applications, promoting innovation, and building the capacities and developing the skills of women and youth to keep up with the demands of the professions of the future.

    For her part, Ms. Aliyeva commended ICESCO’s roles and efforts to support its Member States in its areas of competence, and conveyed Azerbaijan’s great appreciation for the Organization’s work, stressing the Foundation’s keenness to promote cooperation with ICESCO.

    Following the meeting, the two parties signed an agreement providing for the Foundation’s sponsorship of ICESCO’s project, “Educational and Social Support for Internally Displaced and Girls and Boarders in Burkina Faso”. The Director-General then took Ms. Aliyeva and her accompanying delegation on a tour to the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO.

    Inscription of 91 historical sites and cultural elements on ICESCO Heritage Lists in Islamic World

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    The Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC) announced the inscription of 91 historical sites and cultural elements on the tentative and final lists of tangible and intangible heritage in the Islamic world. This announcement was part of the Final Report of the 12th IWHC Meeting, held in Shusha, Republic of Azerbaijan, on 8-9 October 2024. With this latest addition, the number of cultural properties inscribed has reached 724 sites and elements.

    Upon examining the nomination files submitted by ICESCO Member States, the IWHC adopted the inscription of 69 historical sites and cultural elements in the Final List from 23 countries, namely, Jordan, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Oman, Nigeria, Palestine, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, Iran, Burkina Faso, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Russia, Afghanistan, Guinea, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Niger, and Syria.

    The Committee also adopted the inscription of 22 files on the Tentative List submitted by four countries, namely Uzbekistan, Palestine, Mauritania and Egypt.

    Likewise, the 12th IWHC adopted the Report of the Activities of the Heritage Centre for 2024; the Heritage Center Vision and Strategies for the Next Biennium; and the Proposal Methods and Process of Inscription on the Islamic World Heritage List. The Committee also issued decisions to adopt the “Heritage Fund in the Islamic World”; “Green heritage”; “Museums and illicit trafficking in cultural property in the Islamic World”; and “The Cultural and Intellectual Register of the Islamic World”.

    At the close of the meeting, hosted by Shusha as part of its celebration at the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024, the Committee issued a number of recommendations, notably, dedicating a number of programs to raise the awareness of students and youth of the importance of cultural heritage; holding intensive training workshops for workers in heritage sites and museums in the Member States; and submitting more files on heritage sites and cultural elements for inscription on the Islamic World Heritage List. The Committee also recommended publicizing heritage sites, and cultural elements inscribed on the Final List of Heritage in the Islamic World; ensuring their update using alternative means and modern technologies; and enriching the Portal of Heritage in the Islamic World.

    ICESCO participates in organizing a round-table on occasion of World Mental Health Day

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    In celebration of the World Mental Health Day, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, WHO, European Union Delegation in Morocco, Arab Voluntary Union in Bahrain held a round-table under the theme: “All for the Mental Health and Well-Being of Youth”, to raise awareness of the importance of concerting efforts at all levels to address mental health issues and support people suffering from mental disorders.

    In his speech at the opening of the round-table, today, Wednesday (9 October 2024) at the headquarters of the Ministry of Youth and Culture – Youth Sector – in Rabat, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, touched upon the relationship between mental health and culture, stating that cultural activities contribute to reducing mental illnesses and disorders. He gave an overview of ICESCO’s anti-bullying programme, which includes holding a series of educational workshops, lectures and various competitions.

    For her part, Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector at ICESCO, praised the fruitful partnership between ICESCO, the Ministry and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, which culminated in holding this roundtable. She also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts in the field of health and psychological care.

    Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Mr. Mustafa Al-Masoudi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Youth Sector, praised the distinguished partnership between the Ministry and ICESCO, translated in a number of programmes and projects.

    For his part, Mr. Ismail Taqi, Head of Trade Facilitation Department at the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, pointed out that mental health is one of the determinants of social balance to achieve development at various levels, and that the Centre pays great attention to youth.

    Mr. Fouad Chafiqi, Inspector General of Educational Affairs at the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports in the Kingdom of Morocco, reviewed the Ministry’s strategy to combat school violence.

    Following the opening session, the participants officially launched the Psychological First Aid Guide, and the graphic story “Show Me Your Smile”, by the Egyptian writer Hegra Mahmoud Al-Sawy Ahmed, which deals with the phenomenon of bullying in schools. Then the winners of the story illustrations competition were announced, with artist Badr Rahawi came first, Osama Otrot second, and Youssef Rahali from the Kingdom of Morocco came third.

    The winners of the Innovation Lab-Youth Changemakers Initiative 2024, launched in partnership between ICESCO, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, were also announced as part of ICESCO’s International Forum “From Youth for Youth”.

    For the record, the first session of the roundtable discussed “Confronting Mental Health Challenges in Times of Crisis: Drawing Lessons from Best Practices and Case Studies”, while the second session debated: “ICESCO’s Anti-Bullying Programme: Enhancing Shared Knowledge to Build a Strong Psychological Future for Children and Youth”.

    Twelfth Meeting of Islamic World Heritage Committee kicks off in Shusha

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    The 12th meeting of the Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC), being hosted in Shusha, Republic of Azerbaijan, as part of the celebration of Shusha as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024, kicked off on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The meeting will examine Member States’ nomination files of historical sites and cultural elements for inscription on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List, review the vision and activities of ICESCO’s Heritage Center, present its 2024 publications, and discuss major challenges facing the Center.

    The meeting began with the address of Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), delivered on his behalf by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture and Communication Sector, in which he reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to support efforts aimed at preserving the Islamic world’s heritage through a series of books published to identify endangered archaeological sites and cultural elements, and inscribe more historical sites and cultural elements on the Islamic world heritage lists, which so far include a total of 637 sites and cultural elements.

    He explained that ICESCO, in cooperation with specialists and experts from various countries, is striving to achieve a qualitative leap in heritage preservation, and seeks through its action plans and its Islamic World Heritage Center to strengthen the capacities of heritage stakeholders by providing them with the necessary knowledge tools to carry out their activities in conformity with international standards.

    In his address, Eng. Mohammed Al-Aidarous, Chairman of the Islamic World Heritage Committee, thanked the Republic of Azerbaijan for hosting the meeting, indicating that the meeting will discuss a number of major issues affecting the Islamic world’s heritage, which will support the restoration and preservation of heritage.

    In her address, Ms. Saadet Yusifova, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, pointed out that heritage faces a number of challenges that may threaten its existence, particularly conflicts and wars, and that the preservation of this heritage is a right for future generations.

    Dr. Webber Ndoro, Head of ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Center, presented the Center’s next two-year strategy, its vision and priorities, and its key programs and activities. The Center’s experts presented a number of documents and reports on the finalization of the Islamic World Heritage Portal and highlighted the Center’s partnerships, in addition to a presentation on the major publications of ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Center for 2024.

    ICESCO Deputy Director-General participates in Moulay Ali Sharif International Spiritual Forum in Marrakech

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    Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the fourth edition of the International Spiritual Forum of Moulay Ali Cherif, who was buried in Marrakech, organized by the Moulay Ali Cherif Al Mourrakouchi Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in the Kingdom of Morocco, Cadi Ayyad University, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Regional Academy of Education and Training in Marrakech, in cooperation with Mohammed V University in Rabat, on the topic: “The Spiritual Heritage of the Prophet’s Family: Fundamentals and Innovations in the Contemporary Era: Study and Evaluation.”

    During the opening session of the forum held on Thursday (3 October 2024) at the Mohammed VI Museum of Water Civilization in Marrakech, Dr. Benarafa commended the topic of the Forum, which is held as part of the celebration of Marrakech as the Capital of culture in the Islamic world, noting that it is witnessing an intensive participation of a number of faculties, scholars and researchers from Morocco and several Arab, African and Western countries.

    The Forum featured two scientific sessions to reflect upon the origins of the spiritual legacy of the noble Prophet’s family and the extent of its importance and manifestations among Moroccans, as well as its effects on the Moroccan Sufism and its enlightened influence in its African and human sphere.

    The Forum concluded with a spiritual ceremony celebrating the birth anniversary of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. The Moulay Ali Sharif Prize for Scientific Studies and Research was also presented at its first founding session.

    ICESCO Director-General Holds a Series of Meetings with Participants in ICESCO Education Ministers Conference in Muscat

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a series of meetings with officials and representatives of major global organizations and companies specializing in education, on the sidelines of ICESCO Education Ministers Conference, held in Muscat, Oman, on October 2-3, 2024.

    These meetings centered on strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and the entities represented by the Conference attendees, in line with the Organization’s vision and strategic directions, particularly in transforming education.

    The first meeting featured representatives of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), including Mr. Olli-Pekka, Director General, Mr. Haif Bannayan, Global Director of Business Development, and Dr. Shehzad Jeeva, Chief Education Officer. The discussions focused on cooperation to develop a joint policy paper on improving teaching quality and mechanisms for teacher training.

    Dr. AlMalik also met with Ms. Christine Ozden, Global Director of Climate Education at the University of Cambridge, and Ms. Jane Mann, Managing Director at the University’s Partnership for Education, and discussed the Green Education Project in ICESCO Member States.

    Additionally, Dr. AlMalik received a delegation from NewGlobe Education, which included Dr. Shannon May, President of the company, Mr. Jay Kimmelman, CEO, and Mr. Isfundiar Kasuri, Director of Policy and Partnerships. The meeting tackled a project aimed at improving the quality of education.


    Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Wendy Kopp, CEO of the Teach For All Network, where they discussed their commitment to developing and improving education in ICESCO Member States, and emphasized the importance of diverse partnerships in transforming education.

    Finally, Dr. AlMalik also met with a delegation from Avantis, which included Mr. David Fairbairn-Day, Head of Education Strategy, and Mr. Alistair Hayward, Chief Revenue Officer. The meeting explored the academic aspects of educational technologies and their impact on students.

    ICESCO Director-General meets with Ministers of Education of Iran and Pakistan

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held two separate meetings with the respective Ministers of Education of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The meetings focused on ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and the two countries in educational fields through the joint implementation of a number of initiatives, programs, projects and activities.

    The two meetings took place in Muscat, on the sidelines of the Third ICESCO Education Ministers Conference, held by the Organization in cooperation with the Ministry of Education in the Sultanate of Oman, and in coordination with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. The Conference was held on October 2-3, 2024, under the theme: “Beyond the Transforming Education Summit: From Commitments to Actions”, and saw high-level participation.

    During the two meetings, Dr. AlMalik stressed the Organization’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with its Member States, as part of its new vision and strategic orientations, in all areas of the Organization’s competence, especially education.

    The DG also held a meeting with Mr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister of Education and Vocational Training in Pakistan, and together they discussed the latest developments of cooperation between ICESCO and Pakistan in education, training and scholarships.

    The meeting focused on a set of proposals for cooperation between ICESCO and Pakistan in areas of common interest. At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to sustain coordination to implement a number of these proposals.

    During his meeting with Alireza Kazemi, Minister of Education of Iran, and his accompanying delegation, the Director General explained that the Organization attaches great importance to supporting the efforts of its Member States in developing their educational systems, in accordance with the orientations and needs of each country.

    For his part, the Iranian Minister praised the success of the ICESCO Education Ministers Conference and the Organization’s roles in supporting the efforts of its Member States in its areas of competence. The meeting discussed a number of ideas for joint cooperation between ICESCO and Iran, agreeing to work on examining and implementing some of them.

    ICESCO and UAE Discuss Strengthening Cooperation in Education

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education, to explore new avenues for strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and the UAE in education.

    The meeting was held in Muscat, Oman, on the sidelines of the 3rd ICESCO Education Ministers Conference, hosted by Oman on October 2-3, 2024, under the theme: “Beyond Transforming Education: From Commitments to Actions.”


    Dr. AlMalik opened the discussion by congratulating Ms. Al Amiri on her appointment as Minister of Education, expressing his best wishes for her success in this key role. He reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the UAE within the Organization’s areas of competence, particularly in education, in line with its new vision and strategic directions, and in light of the outcomes of the Conference.

    Ms. Al Amiri, in turn, praised ICESCO’s efforts in the field of education and commended the valuable discussions and documents presented at the Conference. She also reiterated the UAE’s support for ICESCO’s contribution to advancing educational systems in its Member States.

    The meeting touched on key programs and projects under consideration for cooperation between ICESCO and the UAE in the coming period, particularly in the areas of education, training, and youth capacity-building.