Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), underlined that the high royal patronage that His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, may Allah protect him, grants to Al-Quds Committee, which is honored by his chairmanship and direct supervision, has had a great impact on supporting the steadfastness of Al Quds’ Palestinians through the launch of several social, educational, cultural, medical and humanitarian projects through its executive arm ‘Bayt Mal Al Quds Al Sharif’ Agency despite the obstacles resulting from the difficult occupation conditions.
This came in Dr. AlMalik’s article published in the 28th issue of “Sada Al-Quds Committee” on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Throne Day in the Kingdom of Morocco, which is published by Bayt Mal Al-Quds Al-Sharif Agency in both Arabic and English. The new issue includes articles by heads of international organizations and bodies, ministers and senior religious leaders in Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
Dr. Malik praised the programs, initiatives and projects implemented by Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency for the benefit of children, women and educational institutions, as well as the preservation and protection of Al Quds’ cultural archives, as well as the upcoming inauguration of the Moroccan Cultural Center in Al Quds, which is the first of its kind in the city, as well as the Agency’s efforts in dispatching medical and food convoys every time the Palestinians suffer a calamity or hardship caused by the brutal occupation.
Moreover, ICESCO DG hailed the comprehensive renaissance witnessed by the Kingdom of Morocco under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has provided for his people all the means of a decent life with dedication, sincerity, wisdom and foresight as demonstrated by the comprehensive modernization of all the Kingdom’s regions, which is noticeable to every visitor to Morocco, concluding his article by extending his sincere congratulations to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people on the Throne Day anniversary, beseeching Allah Almighty to bring further progress and prosperity to Morocco and expedite the liberation of Palestine.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), represented by its Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, held a scientific seminar titled, “Arabic Language and Hassaniya Dialect: Origins, Interrelations, and Spread.” The Seminar was organized in collaboration with Cadi Ayyad Center for Humanities and Legal Studies (CCSHEJ) and Sahara Center for Human and Social Studies, at the National School of Business and Management of Dakhla in Morocco.
The opening session of the Seminar, which took place on July 1-2 , 2024, featured remarks by Mr. Mohamed Salem Hammia, President of the Regional Council of Oued Ed-Dahab, Morocco, and representatives of the Seminar organizers.
In his address, Dr. Majdi Haji Ibrahim, Head of ICESCO Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, emphasized the significance of the Seminar as it reflects ICESCO’s commitment to extending its projects, programs, and activities in the Organization’s Seat Country, while also focusing on the intangible heritage of its Member States. Dr. Majdi noted that the Hassaniya dialect is a vital resource for cultural exchange across continents, nations, ethnicities, identities, and civilizations, as it exemplifies coexistence and the rejection of intolerance, thus promoting the principles of human fraternity and social security.
The Seminar, which saw the participation of Dr. Adham Muhammad Ali, Expert at the said Center, featured several research papers that explored the heritage of Hassaniya dialect, its history, cross-cultural exchange and influence, and proposals for its preservation.
The remarkable successes and achievements of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and the development and modernization it has undergone in the past five years under its new foresighted vision, were highly praised by speakers, including intellectuals and experts, at the seminar “ICESCO and the issue of Evolution and Reform.” The Event was organized by the Abdallah Guennoun Foundation for Culture and Scientific Research and the International Civil Society Organization for Values of Citizenship, Development, and Dialogue in Tangier, Morocco, to honor Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO.
The Seminar kicked off today, Saturday 8 June 2024, in the lecture hall of Tangier’s Council of Ulema, with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. This was followed by an address from Dr. Mohammed Guennoun, President of the Abdallah Guennoun Foundation for Culture and Scientific Research, who emphasized that honoring ICESCO and its Director-General is an anchoring of the value of justice and Islamic principles by recognizing and rewarding diligent and sincere work, thereby encouraging further contributions.
Dr. Mustapha Zebakh, President of the International Civil Society Organization for Values of Citizenship, Development, and Dialogue, stated in his speech that ICESCO, under the leadership of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, is currently experiencing a phase of development and reform. He noted that it is challenging to summarize the Organization’s accomplishments, which the seminar aimed to provide an evaluative and appreciative reading of.
Dr. AlMalik began his address by expressing his gratitude for the initiative by the Abdallah Guennoun Foundation and the Civil Society Organization to honor ICESCO and its Director-General. He noted that this recognition of the Organization’s work is a prized accolade, enhanced by the distinguished attendance at the seminar in radiant and influential Tangier.
His Excellency explained that the moment of honoring ICESCO and its Director-General is a moment to reflect on every great challenge, sharpening the motivation of all ICESCO staff to continue their dedication and hard work. He concluded his address by reciting the poem “Glorious Tangier,” which he composed in admiration of the Moroccan “Bride of the North.”
Mr. Hani Mansi, Advisor to the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, expressed his great pride in the partnership between ICESCO and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ambassador Azzedine Saeed Al-Asbahi, Ambassador of Yemen to Morocco, began the praise and testimonials by noting that ICESCO’s modernization and development experience in recent years warrants reflection. He mentioned that ICESCO has undergone significant changes in its vision and legislative structure, including organizational and operational updates.
Dr. Khalid Samadi, President of the Moroccan Center for Educational Studies and Research, summarized his testimony on ICESCO’s new era under Dr. AlMalik’s leadership in several points, including the Organization’s ability to communicate, its openness, and its commitment to building bridges and embracing various fields to keep up with modern developments and challenges.
Dr. Abdullah Bennaceur Alawi, President of the Moroccan Association for Academic Arab Studies, highlighted in his testimony that ICESCO’s new vision projects its sight towards the future, and Dr. AlMalik’s leadership has propelled the Organization into new horizons.
The Seminar also featured several poetic recitations by Dr. Abdellatif Chehboun, a professor of higher education in Morocco; Dr. Souad Nasser, a professor at Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Tetouan; and Dr. Ahmed Hachim Raissouni, Head of the Department of Literary Studies at the same university.
In his remarks, Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, emphasized that civilizational dialogue shapes ICESCO’s new comprehensive vision, aspiring to be an organization of international civilizational influence. He explained that the idea of establishing a Civilizational Dialogue Center, extending beyond religious dialogue, was Dr. AlMalik’s initiative, ensuring the uniqueness of the Center’s activity.
For his part, Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO’s Director-General for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, noted that the Organization’s new vision aligns with global transformations, providing it with the ability to address new developments in higher education, particularly in medicine, engineering, and future professions.
Dr. Mahjoub Bensaid, a researcher in communication sciences and civilizational dialogue, considered honoring ICESCO’s Director-General as an embodiment of recognition and appreciation, as ICESCO has become a major international organization and a beacon of global cultural influence.
Mr. Rachid El-Bakkali, Director of Cultural and Educational Islamic Affairs at ICSO, stated that ICESCO has made significant efforts to develop e-learning in its Member States.
Mr. Najib Rhiati, former cultural advisor to ICESCO’s Director-General, mentioned that Dr. AlMalik successfully managed the Organization by diagnosing its needs and making it an ambitious entity with boundless aspirations. Mr. Mohamed Salem Echarkaoui, Acting Director of Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency, praised ICESCO’s development and modernization over the past years.
At the conclusion of the seminar, Dr. Mohammed Guennoun, President of the Abdallah Guennoun Foundation, and Dr. Mustaphaa Zabakh, President of the International Civil Society Organization, presented a commemorative shield and a certificate of appreciation to Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO.
In his closing remarks, Dr. AlMalik thanked the seminar organizers and attendees, emphasizing that ICESCO’s achievements are a continuation of the work of its predecessors. He acknowledged the contributions of the late Dr. Abdelhadi Boutaleb, ICESCO’s first Director-General, and Dr. Abdelaziz Touijri, the Organization’s former Director-General.
