Disclaimer: You are using Google Translate. The ICESCO is not responsible for the accuracy of the information in the translated language .

your opinion

User Feedback

Overall, how satisfied are you about the website?

    Extremely Dissatisfied Extremely Satisfied

    Category: Front Page

    Front Page

    ICESCO Organizes International Workshop on “Water Use Management for Agriculture in OIC Member States”

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat, Morocco, hosted the launch of an international workshop on “Water Use Management for Agriculture in OIC Member States.” The workshop, held over the period of 26–28 May 2025, was organized by ICESCO in cooperation with the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), and the Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM). The event was attended by a number of ambassadors, officials, and experts from various Member States.

    The first day of the workshop featured a series of specialized presentations, including one addressing the current situation of water scarcity in Member States. The agenda also included two sessions on water recycling, desalination, and the efficient use of water in agriculture. The day concluded with a panel discussion on emerging technologies and investment opportunities in this vital sector.

    In his opening remarks, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized that the workshop aims to discuss the challenges of water scarcity and food security, and to explore scientific solutions that include smart irrigation technologies, drought-resistant crops, and water reuse. He noted that the outcomes of the workshop would contribute to a reference report to be presented at the upcoming Islamic Conference of Ministers Responsible for Water (ICMW).

    Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of the Science and Environment Sector at ICESCO, stressed the importance of coordinated efforts in light of the worsening impacts of climate change, rapid population growth, and increasing water stress. He affirmed that collective solutions and modern technologies have become indispensable for addressing these challenges.

    Mr. Abdunur M. Sekindi, Director General of the Science & Technology Department at the OIC General Secretariat, stated that achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) related to water requires intensifying research efforts, developing policies, supporting innovation, and building strategic partnerships with international organizations and the private sector.

    For her part, Ms. Hanane Baghdad, Director at the Ministry’s Water Sector, delivered an address on behalf of Mr. Nizar Baraka, the Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water, wherein she reviewed the features of Morocco’s proactive water policy. She highlighted the country’s focus on strengthening desalination projects, interconnecting water basins, improving service network efficiency, and meeting the demand for drinking water and irrigation.

    Meanwhile, Marwan Alraggad, Executive Director of the Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM), highlighted the importance of integrated approaches such as the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus in building sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

    Ms. Khazima Muazim, Program Manager at COMSTECH, speaking on behalf of Dr. Iqbal Choudhary, COMSTECH Coordinator-General, affirmed that this workshop is part of ongoing international efforts linking the water, energy, and food sectors to find innovative scientific solutions to environmental challenges, in addition to enhancing South-South cooperation in developing water recycling technologies.

    ICESCO Director-General Visits Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent Ahead of Year-End Opening

    Posted on by mohamed.elmajdouby

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), accompanied by his delegation, visited the new premises of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Sunday, 25 May 2025. He was received by Mr. Firdavs Abdulkhalikov, Director of the Center, which is currently nearing completion in preparation for its official opening at the end of the year.

    The visit included discussions on enhancing cooperation between ICESCO and the Center, particularly regarding preparations for the inauguration of the ICESCO Manuscripts Center, which will be housed within the new Center.

    The visit began with a tour of the facility, during which detailed presentations were provided on the project. The Center enjoys direct support from H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Dr. AlMalik expressed his admiration for the outstanding efforts made to ensure the Center reflects the grandeur of Islamic civilization and its contributions to humanity. He affirmed that it will serve as a distinguished academic institution and a beacon of cultural heritage.

    Dr. AlMalik also held talks with the Center’s Director on the final arrangements for inaugurating the ICESCO Manuscripts Center, as well as the organization of the upcoming International Scientific Conference on “Al-Jami’ Al-Musnad As-Sahih by Imam Al-Bukhari,” which ICESCO will host at the Center’s headquarters. Both sides agreed to elevate the level of coordination over the coming period and to develop a joint action plan that will serve as a strategic framework for their collaboration.

    At the end of the visit, commemorative shields and gifts were exchanged. Mr. Abdulkhalikov presented Dr. AlMalik with a copy of the Holy Qur’an, written in the Ottoman script.

    The ICESCO delegation included Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. AbdulHakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku.

    ICESCO Organizes Strategic Workshop on Developing Sustainable Cultural and Creative Economies

    Posted on by mohamed.elmajdouby

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a strategic workshop on “Sustainable and Innovative Cultural and Creative Economies (EDICC)” at its headquarters in Rabat, on Thursday, 22 May 2025. The event was part of the activities of ICESCO’s Center for Inclusive Policy within the Culture Sector and brought together a distinguished group of experts and stakeholders from the fields of culture, economy, education, and relevant institutions. The workshop aimed to explore prospects for developing innovative development models based on cultural diversity and creativity.

    In his opening remarks, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, emphasized the need to rethink cultural policies and traditional economic models in light of rapid digital, environmental, and technological transformations. He stressed the importance of integrating the concepts of the “purple” and “orange” economies into public policy, given the critical role that advanced cultural industries play in supporting economic and social development.

    Dr. Rim Jellouli, ICESCO external expert in cultural policy and sustainable development, delivered an in-depth analytical presentation on sustainable and innovative cultural and creative economies. She called for the adoption of assessment tools based on precise quantitative and qualitative indicators to guide cultural policy in a more effective and sustainable direction. She also highlighted ICESCO’s efforts in this domain, including the development of specialized metrics such as “ICESCO’s Index for New Cultural Economies” and “ICESCO’s Index for Cultural and Creative Technologies.”

    Ms. Zineb Bougrine, ICESCO expert in cultural and creative industries and facilitator of the workshop, discussed the concept of “colors of the economy” and their link to the circular economy, artistic creativity, and technological advancement. She emphasized that digital culture has become a foundational pillar in responding to the demands of the modern era and improving cultural accessibility.

    The workshop concluded with a series of recommendations underscoring the need to recognize the economic value of cultural diversity, develop mechanisms for measuring cultural performance, and enhance regional cooperation among cultural markets in Member States. These efforts aim to establish creative industries as a fundamental component of the economies of the future.

    ICESCO Convenes Second High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Transforming Education Across Member States

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) convened its Second High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Education in its Member States in London, United Kingdom, under the theme “Transforming Education for Sustainable Development and Knowledge Economies.” The Dialogue aimed to facilitate the exchange of perspectives and experiences concerning the opportunities and challenges of educational transformation, and to explore avenues for strengthening international partnerships in this context.

    In his opening remarks on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, underscored the importance of harnessing rapid technological advancements—particularly in artificial intelligence and digital learning—to create new pathways for innovation, connectivity, and inclusive access to education. He emphasized that global disruptions have exposed the pitfalls in education systems and highlighted the urgent need to build more resilient and adaptive structures.

    Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik noted that in recent years, ICESCO has worked on developing a robust network of active international partnerships to implement hundreds of projects and programs benefiting thousands of students, teachers, and experts. These initiatives have focused on empowering youth and women by equipping them with digital skills and essential knowledge in economics and entrepreneurship. He added that this ministerial gathering positions Member States to play a pivotal role in contributing comprehensive and diverse solutions to the global education agenda.

    Following his remarks, Dr. Hady Jatou Sey, Head of the Education Sector at ICESCO, delivered a statement emphasizing the significance of this meeting as a key step toward educational transformation across the Islamic world. She also noted that the Dialogue would address mechanisms for implementing the outcomes of last year’s ICESCO Conference of Education Ministers, held in the Sultanate of Oman.

    The proceedings included a series of brainstorming sessions focused on the challenges and opportunities in transforming education systems, best practices for knowledge exchange among countries, strategies for integrating social and cultural values into curricula, and effective mechanisms to empower Member States through enhanced public-private partnerships.

    In his closing remarks, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to supporting its Member States in their efforts to reform and advance education and to helping them achieve their goals through innovative programs and initiatives.

    ICESCO Expert Faizah Alaoui Nominated to UNESCO’s Advisory Board for the Global Education Monitoring Report

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is proud to announce that Ms. Faizah Alaoui, Expert at the Organization’s Education Sector, has been appointed as a member of the Advisory Board for the Global Education Monitoring Report (GEMR). This flagship initiative by UNESCO monitors progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on quality education.

    Ms. Alaoui will represent ICESCO at the 10th Annual Meeting of the GEMR Advisory Board, to be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 10–11 June 2025.

    This appointment reflects ICESCO’s growing influence in shaping global education policy and its commitment to ensuring that the voice and priorities of the Islamic world are effectively represented in the international arena. It also reaffirms the Organization’s active engagement in the global dialogue on education.

    ICESCO Director-General, Syrian Minister of Education Discuss Ways to Support Education in Syria

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Mohammed Abdulrahman Turko, Syrian Minister of Education, on the sidelines of the 21st edition of the Education World Forum (EWF), held in London, United Kingdom, from May 19 to 22, 2025.

    The meeting delved into avenues for supporting the education sector in Syria and explored several proposed initiatives designed to enhance the quality of education and respond to the escalating demands imposed by the country’s complex and evolving challenges.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s programs and initiatives within its fields of competence, highlighting the Organization’s new vision rooted in openness and international cooperation, as well as its development strategy aimed at capacity building and fostering innovation in its Member States, including Syria. He also expressed his delight at Syria’s reinstated membership in the Organization.

    Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to providing comprehensive support for education in Syria. This includes curriculum development, teacher training, modern technology transfer, as well as mobilizing resources in support of educational institutions, promoting the use of advanced technologies, and assisting in the training of Syrian educational personnel.

    For his part, Minister Turko emphasized that schools are a fundamental pillar of societal reconstruction. He stressed the importance of Syria’s engagement with international educational organizations and expressed his country’s contentment with rejoining ICESCO, especially given the Organization’s prominent international standing and leading role in its fields of action. He conveyed Syria’s eagerness to benefit from ICESCO’s expertise to strengthen and rehabilitate the Syrian educational system.

    He also revealed alarming statistics concerning the country’s current educational situation: approximately 4.2 million students are enrolled in schools across Syria, while an estimated 2.4 million remain out of school. Furthermore, 8,000 schools are either completely or partially destroyed, with only 103 having been restored so far.

    The Minister addressed the key challenges facing the Ministry, particularly the severe shortage of school resources and the expected pressure due to the return of refugees from abroad. He also noted that many returning students, especially from Turkey, received their education in Turkish, necessitating specialized programs to linguistically requalify and integrate them into the Syrian educational system. He affirmed Syria’s willingness to cooperate with ICESCO and benefit from its capabilities and programs to overcome the crises affecting the country’s education system.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties stressed the need to resume joint efforts. Minister Turko extended an invitation to Dr. Salim AlMalik to visit Syria. Dr. AlMalik, in turn, confirmed the initiation of a plan to form an ICESCO delegation under his leadership to visit Syria at the earliest opportunity in order to assess educational and cultural needs on the ground and explore mechanisms for providing effective support.

    ICESCO, British Council Discuss Prospects for Cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training

    Posted on by mohamed.elmajdouby

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, to discuss prospects for cooperation between the two parties in developing technical and vocational education and training, implementing advanced training programs for Palestinian students, and expanding the refugee program targeting girls’ education to include conflict-affected countries.

    During the meeting, held on Monday, 20 May 2025, in London on the sidelines of the 21st session of the Education World Forum (EWF), both sides expressed their aspiration to build a strategic partnership through the implementation of a wide range of innovative programs and initiatives in the educational field for the benefit of ICESCO Member States.

    Dr. AlMalik invited Mr. McDonald to visit ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat to gain a closer understanding of the Organization’s working mechanisms and its most prominent initiatives and programs across Islamic world countries, and to explore the possibility of jointly implementing several of these key activities.

    In attendance from ICESCO were Ms. Haddy Jatou Sey, Head of the Education Sector, along with sector experts Ms. Faizah Alaoui and Mr. Waqas Afridi. Representing the British Council were Ms. Maddalaine Ansell, Director of Education, and Ms. Alexandra Balafrej, the Council’s representative in Morocco.

    ICESCO Launches Université des Nouveaux Savoirs Seminar Series to Train Youth in Morocco

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with HEM Business & Engineering School in Morocco, and in collaboration with the Institut Français in Morocco and the Heinrich Böll Foundation, launched the Université des Nouveaux Savoirs seminar series. The initiative offers free lectures on key themes including solidarity economy, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, design, urban space, and architecture.

    Running for a full month across four Moroccan universities, the series forms part of ICESCO’s “Skills and Jobs of Tomorrow” program, which seeks to expand access to knowledge, improve the quality of education, and promote equal opportunities in learning.

    Speaking at the launch event on 19 May 2025, Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), reviewed the Organization’s efforts, through FUIW, to strengthen cooperation, foster knowledge exchange, and advance scientific research among universities in the Islamic world. Dr. Halli underscored the importance of this initiative in preparing youth to enter the labour market and enhancing their skills.

    For his part, Dr. Kaïs Hammami, Head of the Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, outlined the goals of the seminar series, notably to help youth meet future challenges and seize new opportunities, while providing open platforms that nurture knowledge among future generations. He emphasized the vital role of foresight thinking in driving positive change.

    The seminar sessions will be led by international experts, specialists, and university faculty, and will be hosted by Mohammed V University in Rabat, Hassan I University in Settat, Hassan II University in Casablanca, and Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra.

    The ICESCO Director-General Participates in « Russia-Islamic World » Strategic Vision Group Meeting in Kazan

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the annual meeting of the Strategic Vision Group « Russia – Islamic World,» held on Friday, 16 May 2025, in Kazan. The meeting was attended by H.E. President Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, along with a group of high-level officials and decision-makers from the Russian Federation and several Islamic countries, in addition to presidents and representatives of relevant international and regional organizations.

    In his address during the meeting, which was held under the theme « The Experience of Russia and the Islamic World in the Field of Youth Policy, » Dr. AlMalik emphasized that over the past five years, ICESCO has implemented a range of innovative initiatives and activities reflecting the Organization’s keen interest in youth, convinced of their crucial role in shaping the present and building the future. He also noted that youth constitute 45% of ICESCO’s staff, which reflects the Organization’s strategic vision regarding the importance of youth participation.

    Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s initiatives and programs targeting youth in the Islamic world, notably the ICESCO Year of Youth. He stated that the Organization’s investment in youth is not limited to leveraging their capacities, but also aims to elevate their visions in projects related to AI, the green economy, and the digital transformation of education, with the goal of shaping a generation equipped to meet the challenges of its time and grounded in civilizational values.

    Dr. AlMalik announced the launch of four initiatives aimed at strengthening youth cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world: the organization of a youth forum simulating the current Strategic Vision Group meeting; the establishment of a permanent platform dedicated to youth policies to develop joint strategies on entrepreneurship and innovative education; the launch of cultural and diplomatic exchange programs for youth; the implementation of forward-looking research projects by young people to identify major transformations and contribute to building the world of tomorrow.

    At the conclusion of his address, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to H.E. President Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and H.E. the President of Tatarstan for their continuous support in promoting cultural dialogue and for their enlightened vision, which has enabled Kazan to play a leading role in fostering understanding among civilizations and to become a beacon of tolerance.

    On the Sidelines of Russia – Islamic World: Kazan Forum… ICESCO Participates in Ministerial Congress on Cultural Dialogue: Promoting Identity and Diversity

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the international ministerial congress held in Kazan on Thursday 15 May 2025, under the theme: “Cultural Dialogue as a Foundation for Maintaining Identity and Diversity in a Multipolar World.” The Congress was attended by ministers of culture from Russia, Indonesia, Somalia, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau and Pakistan, along with representatives from 37 countries.

    The congress was held on the sidelines of the 2025 Kazan International Economic Forum, “Russia – Islamic World” and featured opening remarks by Ms. Olga Lyubimova, Culture Minister of Russia; Ms. Leyla Fazleeva, Deputy Prime Minister of Tatarstan; Dr. Walid Hamed Shiltag, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to Russia; Ambassador Turko Daudov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the OIC; and Mr. Al-Hussein Al-Ghazawi, Director of Cultural Affairs at the OIC.

    In his address, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that the congress aimed to discuss the evolving cultural landscape, defend and empower culture, and mobilize it as a driving force for peace, dignity, and sustainable development. He highlighted the deep belief of ICESCO in the central role of culture in the development process within its Member States.

    Dr. AlMalik explained that this belief is embodied in several pioneering initiatives launched by the Organization, starting with the introduction of the multidimensional “360° Approach to Peace,” aimed to instill the values of peace in societies and public policies. He also mentioned the Leadership Training for Peace and Security Program (LTIPS), which has so far graduated 180 young men and women as peace ambassadors representing 68 countries. Additionally, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s launch of its innovative concept of “civilizational diplomacy.”

    Dr. AlMalik noted that ICESCO has become a frontline advocate for the shared heritage of its Member States, as reflected in the establishment of ICESCO Heritage Center in the Islamic World, which has inscribed more than 730 heritage sites on its Islamic World heritage List. He also noted ongoing efforts to update national legislation in the field and support Member States in the removal of properties from the List of World Heritage in Danger. Dr. AlMalik concluded his speech by calling for support for ICESCO’s efforts and initiatives in heritage preservation.

    The congress also featured interventions from representatives of ICESCO Member States, who focused on national efforts to support culture as a driver of development, strengthen its role in preserving identity, maintain cultural diversity, and promote coexistence among different cultures. Participating delegations also extended their congratulations to Tatarstan on the designation of Kazan as the 2026 Culture Capital in Islamic World.