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    Category: Front Page

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    ICESCO, Arab Towns Organization Sign MoU on Shaping Future Cities

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Arab Towns Organization (ATO) signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, to cooperate in areas of shared interest, primarily artificial intelligence and strategic foresight for future cities.

    The agreement was signed via videoconference by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Eng. Abdulrahman Hisham Al-Asfour, Secretary-General of the Arab Towns Organization, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations.

    Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik said that cooperation with the Arab Towns Organization is an important step toward developing urban policies focused on heritage protection, building resilient and smart cities, and enhancing community partnerships. Dr. AlMalik noted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to more sustainable and human-centered cities.

    Dr. AlMalik reviewed data and insights on global urban growth, stressing the need to build sustainable smart cities that prioritize quality of life and human well-being. Moreover, he highlighted ICESCO’s ongoing initiatives to protect cultural and urban heritage and build local capacities in artificial intelligence and urban planning.

    For his part, Eng. Abdulrahman Al Asfour welcomed the signing of the MoU, describing it as a sign of both sides’ commitment to cooperation in support of cities and communities in the Arab and Islamic worlds. He noted that this partnership is grounded in ICESCO’s strong international reputation and leading role in education, science, and culture, and that it will help create new opportunities for impactful initiatives that enhance cities’ resilience to present and future challenges.

    Founded on 15 March 1967 and headquartered in Kuwait, ATO is a regional, non-governmental, and independent body that specializes in the affairs of cities and municipalities in the Arab world. It seeks to design future cities with contemporary architecture while preserving Arab-Islamic identity and heritage, and works to strengthen the role of modern cities as attractive places to live and work.

    ICESCO Publishes “Al-Farabi and His Contributions Throughout Human History”

    Posted on by mohamed.elmajdouby

    In a major ceremony held on Monday, June 23, 2025, on the sidelines of the Sixth Session of the Vice Chancellors’ Forum of Universities in the Islamic World, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) released an academic book titled “Al-Farabi and His Contributions Throughout Human History”.

    The book features several themes addressing Al-Farabi’s influence on human philosophy, his concept of the utopian state, and modern interpretations of his thought, along with his unique ability to unite the arts and sciences. It was authored by 25 researchers from various countries of the Islamic world.

    In his address at the ceremony, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, emphasized that the book serves as an invitation to revive encyclopedic thought and reclaim Islamic philosophy, which has contributed significantly to the development of human civilization and paved the way for the advancement of knowledge in both the East and West. He noted that Al-Farabi left behind a timeless scientific legacy that combined philosophy, logic, music, and politics.

    Dr. AlMalik also explained that the book’s four themes aim to highlight the diverse intellectual dimensions of Al-Farabi, including his contributions to the development of a comprehensive philosophical vision, his theories in political and scientific philosophy, and his work in the philosophy of music and the harmonization of art and science.

    The Director-General further stressed that this publication marks the first phase of an ambitious project through which ICESCO seeks to revive the legacy of leading thinkers and scientists of the Islamic world, through a series of conferences and academic publications designed to bring their contributions to life.

    For her part, Ms. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Morocco and Kazakhstan’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO, stated that the book is the result of tireless efforts to honor the legacy of a great thinker who profoundly impacted the spiritual heritage of humanity. She congratulated ICESCO on this outstanding publication, which coincides with the anniversary of Al-Farabi’s birth, and described it as a valuable addition to the intellectual and cultural repositories of the Islamic world’s libraries.

    Speaking next, Dr. Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Chairman of the Board of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, highlighted the university’s commitment to reviving Al-Farabi’s legacy on the global intellectual and cultural stage. He noted that the book is the product of international academic collaboration and stands as clear evidence of the growing interest in Al-Farabi’s enduring intellectual contributions.

    This publication is a key outcome of the International Conference on Islamic Scholars, organized by ICESCO in October 2023, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, represented by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Rabat, and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty. The Conference recommended the promotion of Al-Farabi’s rich intellectual legacy across various scientific fields.

    Launch of International ICESCO–Hamdan Bin Rashid Caravan for the Arabic Language in West African Countries

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    On Monday, 23 June 2025, Porto-Novo, the capital of the Republic of Benin, hosted the inauguration ceremony of the ICESCO–Hamdan Bin Rashid Global Arabic Language Caravan in non-Arabic-speaking West African countries. The Caravan sets off from Benin and will continue its journey through Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal.

    The Caravan aims to develop teachers’ language competencies and encourage the adoption of modern teaching methods that leverage digital technologies, thereby contributing to the advancement of Arabic language education programs in West Africa and strengthening the language’s presence in the region’s educational and cultural life. This initiative falls within ICESCO’s broader efforts to promote the Arabic language in multilingual African communities and to build the capacities of teachers specializing in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers.

    The inauguration ceremony was attended by numerous official and academic figures, including Dr. Okpeicha Abossèdé Paulette, Secretary-General of the Beninese National Commission for UNESCO and ICESCO (MEMP), along with officials from the Ministry of Education and Culture of Benin, university professors, and representatives of prominent religious, educational, and social organizations.

    ICESCO was represented at the ceremony by Dr. Anas Hossam Said Al-Nuaimi, expert at the Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, who is overseeing the linguistic program of the Caravan for five days, in collaboration with national expert Dr. Lassissi Bassirou.

    ICESCO and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Explore Prospects for Enhancing Cooperation

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Chairman of the Board of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat. The two parties discussed avenues for enhancing cooperation in knowledge exchange, artificial intelligence, youth capacity-building, and the promotion of peace and tolerance.

    At the outset of the meeting, which was also attended by Ms. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Morocco and Kazakhstan’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO, Dr. AlMalik praised the fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and Kazakh institutions. He highlighted joint efforts such as organizing conferences on prominent Muslim world figures and implementing youth training programmes in fields including technology, innovation, and smart agriculture.

    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to deepening partnerships with leading academic institutions in the Islamic world, recognizing their scientific and intellectual contributions. He expressed his intention to strengthen collaboration with Al-Farabi University through knowledge exchange initiatives and youth capacity-building programmes.

    For his part, Dr. Tuimebayev commended ICESCO’s recognized efforts to advance higher education and scientific research across its Member States. He proposed the establishment of an ICESCO office at Al-Farabi University in Almaty to help foster academic and research cooperation among universities in Kazakhstan and neighboring Member States.

    The two parties agreed to form a joint working group to explore the implementation of programmes and projects in artificial intelligence, sustainable peacebuilding, and preparing youth for future professions.

    At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Tuimebayev exchanged commemorative shields and gifts.

    The meeting was also attended by Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, and Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector.

    ICESCO Explores Opportunities with Three Gulf Universities to Advance Digitalization in Higher Education

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    On Monday, 23 June 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held three separate meetings at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat with presidents and representatives from Al Qasimia University and Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) of the United Arab Emirates, as well as the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) of the Sultanate of Oman. The meetings focused on exploring avenues for academic cooperation and the development of higher education in light of ongoing digital transformations.

    During the meetings, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that the future of higher education in the Islamic world depends on the ability of academic institutions to embrace digital transformation. He affirmed that smart universities represent an advanced model for addressing modern challenges. In this context, he reviewed ICESCO’s programs supporting open higher education and its initiatives aimed at training academic staff in the use of digital education tools and platforms. He also called for building effective bridges of cooperation between traditional and digital universities to close the gap and enhance integration.

    In his meeting with the ICESCO Director-General, which was also attended by Mr. Salim Omar Salim, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Sharjah, Dr. Mansoor Alawar, Chancellor of HBMSU, outlined the University’s vision of leveraging AI to develop future educational models. He stressed the importance of training academic personnel and modernizing university administrative systems to keep pace with the evolving educational landscape.

    Dr. Jamal Salim Al Turaifi, President of Al Qasimia University, highlighted during his meeting with Dr. AlMalik the importance of strengthening cooperation in the fields of intercultural dialogue and cultural convergence. He expressed his university’s keenness to develop academic partnerships with ICESCO aimed at promoting a culture of peace and embedding the values of understanding and coexistence within higher education institutions.

    In another meeting, Dr. Said Hamed Al Rubaii, Vice Chancellor of UTAS, affirmed his university’s readiness to expand cooperation with ICESCO by launching joint research and training programs that would enhance the digitalization of higher education and support efforts to build a knowledge-based economy in the Islamic world.

    FUIW and Pakistan’s Foundation University Islamabad Sign MoU

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) signed a memorandum of understanding with Foundation University Islamabad (FUI) to cooperate in the fields of science and technology, social sciences, arts, and management, in addition to organizing joint training sessions, workshops, academic meetings, and symposia.

    The MoU was signed by Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General for the FUIW, and Maj. Gen. Muhammad Kaleem Asif, FUI Rector. The two parties signed the MoU on the sidelines of the Sixth Session of the Vice Chancellors’ Forum of Universities in the Islamic World, held by ICESCO at its headquarters in Rabat, in partnership with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, and in cooperation with the FUIW and Baku State University, under the theme, “Reimagining Higher Education in the Islamic World: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Impact.”

    Pursuant to this MoU, the two parties agree to facilitate the exchange of faculty members and postgraduate students between FUI and the FUIW Member Universities, jointly develop scientific research and academic curricula in the agreed-upon disciplines, and organize academic meetings and seminars. They also agree to hold summer schools and scientific camps with the participation of specialists and students, exchange information and academic publications, and grant the Pakistani university access to the FUIW University Network.

    ICESCO Director-General Receives Pakistani Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives

    Posted on by mohamed.elmajdouby

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Vice Chancellors’ Forum of Universities in the Islamic World, organized by ICESCO in cooperation with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan on June 23–24, 2025, under the theme: “Reimagining Higher Education in the Islamic World: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Impact.”

    The meeting, held on Monday, 23 June 2025, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, focused on exploring ways to strengthen cooperation between ICESCO and Pakistan in the fields of education, capacity-building for youth, and developing bilateral partnerships in the upcoming phase.

    Dr. AlMalik reviewed the key programs and projects ICESCO is implementing in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, chief among them being the program for building and developing small-scale projects in technology and innovation, and the program for improving water and sanitation services in several rural schools. The discussion also addressed initiatives aimed at developing educational systems in Member States and the importance of providing the necessary support tailored to each country’s specific needs.

    For his part, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal stressed the importance of launching joint initiatives to promote reading among children and youth, with particular focus on learning the Holy Quran. He also highlighted the distinguished status of Islamic civilization and the remarkable achievements of Muslim scholars in fields such as astronomy and space sciences, whose knowledge was inspired by the Qur’an.

    Both sides also discussed unifying efforts among Islamic countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring a dignified life for individuals, and enhancing strategic communication through the exchange of expertise.

    Clarification Statement

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    ICESCO would like to clarify the recent reports circulated in some Pakistani media outlets regarding the Organization’s alleged awarding of a “Lifetime Achievement Award” to H.E. Dr. Ahsan Iqbal.

    We affirm that this information is inaccurate. ICESCO does not have an award under this name, nor has it granted such a distinction.

    The recognition presented to H.E. Dr. Ahsan Iqbal took place during the Vice Chancellors’ Forum, which is supervised by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. The sixth session of this Forum was hosted at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, where the Forum organizers presented an honorary shield to H.E. Dr. Ahsan Iqbal in appreciation of his contributions to the advancement of higher education.

    While ICESCO holds H.E. Dr. Ahsan Iqbal in high regard and values his efforts, we kindly urge all media outlets to verify information through official sources when reporting on matters related to the Organization.

    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.