The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the 15th session of the international conference titled “The Ideals and Values of Islam: Preserving Traditional Spiritual and Moral Values in the Family, and Promoting Dialogue, Peace, and Harmony Among Religions and Ethnicities.” The Conference was organized by the Central Religious Administration of Muslims of Russia and the Russian Islamic University in Ufa, Bashkortostan, Russian Federation, on 25 – 26 September 2024. The Event was held in collaboration with several institutions and brought together a host of distinguished officials, educational researchers from Russia and the Islamic world, as well as Muslim and Christian religious leaders from various regions of Russia.
ICESCO was represented at the Conference by Mr. Adel Bouraoui, Advisor to the Director-General responsible for ICESCO’s external bodies related to the Arabic language. In his opening remarks, Mr. Bouraoui presented ICESCO’s vision, which places great emphasis on issues of social peace, family cohesion, and education on dialogue and coexistence. He highlighted the Organization’s call for enhancing the roles of both family and school in instilling values in younger generations and youth.
Mr. Bouraoui also outlined several of ICESCO’s new initiatives relevant to the theme of the Conference. These include the launch of its initiative to develop the concept of “civilizational diplomacy,” the establishment of the “ICESCO Chair for the Arabic Language in Service of Dialogue and Coexistence” at the Russian Islamic University in Ufa, and the release, in collaboration with the Mohammedia League of Ulema in Morocco, of the second and third volumes of the Encyclopedia for Dismantling Extremist Discourse.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has launched a series of lectures and training workshops for the benefit of its Member States, focusing on leadership in cultural policies. These initiatives are based on studies and research conducted by the Organization in areas such as the digital cultural economy, the purple economy, creative technologies, cultural rights and cultural indicators, as well as ICESCO’s indices for assessing cultural policies in its Member States.
The Series, set to run over a period of one and a half years, will feature one lecture or workshop each month, beginning today, Wednesday 25 September 2024, with the first training workshop held via video conference. The Session was chaired by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture and Communication Sector, and facilitated by Dr. Youma Fall, Minister-Counsellor to the Senegalese Presidency, along with Prof. Dr. Rim Jallouli, external expert with the Organization, specializing in cultural policies. Approximately 40 experts from ICESCO Member States participated in the session.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Zinelabidine outlined ICESCO’s new strategy for cultural policies in the Islamic world, emphasizing its importance in contributing to sustainable development efforts. He also highlighted the ICESCO indices related to cultural policies in Member States, and stressed the need for relevant authorities to adopt and implement these indices.
Following this, Dr. Rim Jallouli delivered a lecture focusing on the importance of cultural indicators and the goals of the Organization’s cultural strategy. She emphasized the need to collect and align the cultural needs and objectives of Member States, while tailoring the indicators to meet these needs and assist countries in formulating their cultural policies.
For her part, Dr. Fall underscored the significance of digitalization as a tool to support cultural development efforts by providing the data essential for shaping national cultural policies. She highlighted the necessity of training professionals in the cultural sector and raising their awareness about the importance of digitalization, commending ICESCO’s efforts in supporting cultural policy development.
The Workshop also featured rich discussions and contributions from ICESCO experts and specialists from Member States, addressing the importance of cultural indicators in sustainable development and their role in shaping national cultural policies.
On 2 – 3 October 2024, Muscat, Oman will host the 3rd ICESCO Education Ministers Conference, under the theme: “Beyond Transforming Education Summit: from Commitments to Actions.” The Event is held by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in collaboration with Oman’s Ministry of Education and in coordination with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science. The Conference will see the attendance of education ministers from Islamic countries, along with high-level delegations from 27 regional and international organizations, as well as civil society institutions focused on educational matters.
The Conference aims to strengthen the commitment to transforming education within ICESCO Member States, and to establish effective mechanisms for disseminating best practices and accelerating their implementation.
Additionally, it seeks to foster cooperation among Member States, build a network linking funding and donor bodies, develop mechanisms to monitor the outcomes of the Education Transformation Summit, and create programs that support Member States’ efforts in this field. The Conference will also highlight the ethical and value-based foundations underpinning education transformation in the Islamic world’s civilizational heritage.
The Conference will feature a scientific exhibition, with participation from leading global organizations and companies in the field of education, including NewGlobe, Avantis, Classera, Alef Education, and the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It will also involve academic partnerships with the International Baccalaureate Organization and the University of Cambridge.
Academic sessions will also be held during the Conference, addressing key educational topics such as: perspectives on global education, multilateral partnerships for transforming education, artificial intelligence in education, green education, and education during crises and emergencies. Several executive reports and technical documents will also be reviewed and adopted.
The Reports to be discussed include: ICESCO’s educational activities from January 2021 to July 2024, the current state of girls’ education, media literacy, outcomes of the High-Level Ministerial Meeting in London, early childhood education and care development, and ICESCO’s Charter on AI Ethics. Moreover, the technical documents to be presented include: progress on transforming education from commitments to implementation (2022-2024), green education in Member States, improving teaching quality, and adapting the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and digital education.
The Conference will conclude with the adoption of the “Muscat Declaration on Transforming Education in the Islamic World” and the announcement of the date and location for the next edition of the Conference.
Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the 20th International Islamic Forum, organized by the International Islamic Forum, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, and Russia Mufties Council. The Forum is being held from September 20 to 22, 2024, in the Russian capital, Moscow, under the theme: “The Path to Peace: Dialogue as a Foundation of Harmonious Coexistence.”
During the Conference, Dr. Benarafa delivered ICESCO’s address, in which he highlighted the Organization’s perspectives. The event brought together heads and representatives of international religious institutions, prominent scholars from research and educational institutions, and representatives of governmental bodies and social organizations from Islamic countries and traditional world religions.
As part of the Forum’s activities, ICESCO Deputy Director-General attended the opening ceremony of the “Quran of Uthman” and “Crimean Charters” exhibitions.
This year, the International Islamic Forum is being organized to mark the 1,200th anniversary of the birth of Imam al-Tirmidhi, the 200th anniversary of the historic Moscow Mosque, the 165th anniversary of the birth of Mufti Rizaeddin Fakhreddin, the 120th anniversary of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, the 30th anniversary of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, and the Moscow Islamic Institute, as well as the Year of the Muslim Family in Russia.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Mohammadia League of Scholars in Morocco have launched the second and third volumes of the “Encyclopedia of Deconstructing Extremist Discourse.” This initiative is part of the strategic partnership between the two institutions and includes a collection of specialized research and studies aimed at deconstructing the intellectual system underpinning extremist discourse. The goal is to reinforce the core values of Islam, which embrace moderation and tolerance, and to strengthen society’s resilience against extremism.
The launch event, held today, Friday, September 20, 2024, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, was attended by distinguished officials, ambassadors, thinkers, and experts in combating extremism. The event began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an introductory presentation by Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Civilizational Dialogue at ICESCO.
He emphasized that the Encyclopedia represents a significant step in developing intellectual and knowledge-based tools to promote a culture of moderation and provide new approaches to addressing the intellectual roots of extremism.
In his remarks, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), stated that stability is the key to the growth and prosperity of nations, and described it as a crucial condition for any society striving for a complete life and a hallmark of nations that have dedicated their efforts to construction, exploration, invention, and creativity. He also pointed out that the challenges facing humanity today are alarming, with current conflicts reflecting the ignorance and darkness of past eras.
He added that ICESCO and the Mohammadia League of Scholars have joined forces to take the most effective approach in combating the scourge of terrorism by scientifically addressing its roots. He expressed hope that the Encyclopedia would serve as a valuable tool in saving youth, countries, and humanity from the clutches of this devastating disease.
Dr. AlMalik highlighted that the second and third volumes of the Encyclopedia present a vision that recognizes extremism as a global phenomenon, funded and fueled by conspiracies aimed at destabilizing countries, noting that it is not a product of the region. He concluded by thanking several organizations that have collaborated with ICESCO in promoting enlightened thinking and combating extremism through knowledge, especially Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in Saudi Arabia and the Moroccan Observatory on Extremism and Violence.
In his speech, Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammadia League of Scholars, noted that most of the harm inflicted on humanity has been the result of interference by those lacking knowledge in areas where they have no expertise. He stressed that only knowledge can refute the claims of extremist ideologies and eliminate their influence.
Dr. Abbadi pointed out that the distortion of words from their original meaning and the interpretation of sacred texts without proper knowledge have led to the misappropriation of Allah’s words and the spread of extremism, resulting in the shedding of innocent blood. The Encyclopedia, he said, is part of the core mission of ICESCO and the Mohammadia League of Scholars to present the true image of Islam.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Mantar, Head of the Center for Quranic Studies at the Mohammadia League of Scholars, delivered a presentation on the key features of the second volume of the Encyclopedia and its methodology in refuting the mechanisms of extremist thought.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdessamad Ghazi, Director of the Center for Monitoring and Foresight Studies at the Mohammadia League of Scholars, outlined the themes of the third volume, focusing on strategies to build societal resilience against extremist ideologies.
The three volumes of the Encyclopedia can be accessed on ICESCO’s website through the following links:
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) seizes the occasion of the International Day of Peace, celebrated every year on September 21st, to call upon the international community to exert more coordinated efforts to guide, cultivate and promote the culture of peace for more resilient and prosperous societies in the face of the growing challenges to peace and security and the environmental, economic and social crises affecting a number of countries around the world.
On this day, celebrated this year under the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace”, ICESCO calls for complying with the humanitarian standards and principles during wars and conflicts to better protect vulnerable groups such as children, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities, and to provide to them all forms of material and moral support.
ICESCO reaffirms its commitment to cultivating the values of peace, tolerance and civilizational dialogue through ICESCO’s “Peace 360°” approach, which integrates all development-related factors to formulate a comprehensive approach to peace building through the implementation of various programs that mobilize policy makers, inspirational leaders, women and youth from civil society, based on a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on cultural, economic, psychological, social, educational and religious dimensions, and the integration of artificial intelligence and modern technologies.
In an effort to build healthy and resilient societies, ICESCO is committed to continue its efforts in the field of peace and security and renews its willingness to work with all to build strong partnerships in defense of peace and stability through synergy and coordination of efforts in this regard.
The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. Almalik, received Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail, Professor at the College of Islamic Studies and International Relations in Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, and renowned expert on international affairs, who discussed ways to develop cooperation between ICESCO and the University, within the framework of the in-depth study currently being prepared at the university, which will be published internationally, on ICESCO’s program to celebrate the Capitals of Culture in the Islamic world.
During the Meeting, which took place on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik stressed the Organization’s keenness to cooperate closely with universities, as they are centers of intellectual, cultural and educational influence, by supporting the efforts of these institutions in developing scientific research and establishing ICESCO research chairs in prestigious universities in Member States and beyond.
ICESCO Director-General further appreciated the great efforts made by Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail and his team over the past two years in preparing a comprehensive study on ICESCO’s program to celebrate the Capitals of Culture in the Islamic world.
Following the bilateral meeting, Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Ismail held an expanded meeting with a number of sector, department and center heads, as well as ICESCO experts. During the Meeting, Dr. Ismail presented an analytical overview of the study on the ICESCO program for celebrating the Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World. His presentation covered the overarching methodology, the stages the study has gone through so far, its main areas of focus, and the significant impact of this program in promoting cultural exchange and embodying the Organization’s role in preserving and valuing the heritage of the Islamic world. He also shared the Study’s recommendations for enhancing the Program, which has seen development in the last five years in terms of its philosophy, strategy, and objectives.
Furthermore, Dr. Mustafa Osman noted in his presentation that an agreement had been reached with a global publishing house to publish the study in a book in English, following its review, development, and the completion of some of its sections.
After the Presentation, ICESCO Director-General and the meeting participants, including organization officials and experts, praised the efforts put into the study and offered several remarks to enrich it and broaden the scope of its potential benefits.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Botan Dizayee, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Morocco, to explore ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Iraq in education, science, and culture.
During the meeting, held today, Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s keenness to strengthen collaboration with Iraq in areas of shared interest, and ensure Iraq’s participation in ICESCO’s conferences and activities, in line with its forward-looking vision and strategic objectives.
The Iraqi Chargé d’Affaires expressed his appreciation to ICESCO and its DG for gifting a large collection of the Organization’s publications to the library of Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as for its cooperation with Iraqi entities in the fields of education, science, and culture.
The meeting, which was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO’s Deputy DG, along with several directors and experts from the Organization, included discussions on the key ongoing cooperation programs and projects between ICESCO and Iraq, as well as proposals for future collaborative programs and projects, particularly in cultural sector.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented Dr. Botan Dizayee with certificates recognizing the inscription of several historical sites and cultural elements on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List.
Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, the Deputy Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), is participating as a guest of honor in the 25th Baghdad International Book Fair, which takes place on 12 – 22 September 2024, under the theme “Iraq Reads.” The Event is sponsored by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani and features high-level attendance from ministers, officials, writers, and intellectuals from both Iraq and abroad. Additionally, the President of Iraq, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, made an official visit to the fair.
Dr. Benarafa took part in a panel discussion at the Fair on the topic of “Imaginative Biography in Creative Writing,” held in the Exhibition’s seminar hall, which witnessed rich discussions and an open dialogue with the audience. The participation of ICESCO’s Deputy Director-General in this event aligns with the Organization’s approach to promoting education, science, and culture, as well as supporting creativity and creators through various initiatives, programs, and projects.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and National Economic and Social Development Board in Libya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing a cooperation and coordination mechanism for training youth in the fields of technical sciences and promoting the values of citizenship and the culture of peace, as well as enhancing cultural exchange between the two parties.
The MoU was signed on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Organization’s headquarters, in Rabat, by Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and Dr. Mahmoud El Fetisi, General Director of National Economic and Social Development Board, in the presence of Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy DG, as well as several heads and directors of ICESCO’s sectors and departments, Mohammed Ammari Zayed, Libya’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO, and members of the Council’s delegation.
The two-year MoU provides for leveraging ICESCO’s experts to support the Council’s strategy in the field of awareness-raising about the spread of drugs and psychotropic substances, designing professional training programs for Libyan youth in the field of technical sciences, diplomatic leadership and citizenship, promoting the culture of peace, supporting the Council in issuing international reports on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Libya, cultural exchange, and providing training opportunities for Libyan youth at ICESCO.
Prior to the signing ceremony, Dr. Al-Malik received Dr. El Fetisi and his delegation, during which he reviewed ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, and its major programs and initiatives, especially in the field of empowering youth for tomorrow’s professions, pointing out that youth are central in the Organization’s priorities with over 41% of ICESCO’s current employees below the age of 35, which has given the Organization an impetus for creativity and innovation in its areas of competence.
Dr. Al-Malik commended the willingness he witnessed during his last visit to Libya, of all the competent parties in Libya to implement programs and initiatives in cooperation with ICESCO to develop the fields of education, science and culture.
For his part, Dr. Mahmoud El Fetisi praised ICESCO’s roles in developing its areas of competence in Member States, stressing that the MoU will strengthen the outstanding partnership between Libya and the Organization.
