News Archives - ICESCO

ICESCO Holds Pan-African Psychology Conference to Discuss Mental Health in the Context of Digital Transformations

Posted on 4 April 20264 April 2026 by MOHAMED.AQEIL

On Friday, 3 April 2026, the proceedings of the Pan-African International Conference on Psychology were launched. The Conference is organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Ibn Tofail University in the Kingdom of Morocco. It aims to strengthen academic research and develop scientific approaches to improving mental health prevention and care, with the participation of ministers, government officials, and experts from several African countries.

During the opening session, held at the Faculty’s headquarters in Kenitra, Ms. Ramata Almami Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector at ICESCO, affirmed that mental health is one of the Organization’s strategic priorities. She noted that youth are among the most vulnerable groups to psychological disorders in the context of social and digital transformations, pointing out that the misuse of social media has contributed to deepening manifestations of isolation among children and adolescents.

For his part, Dr. Mohamed Ebn Touhami, President of Ibn Tofail University, praised the importance of the partnership with ICESCO in organizing this scientific event, considering that mental health has become a priority issue in the current context, and stressing that it is no less important than physical health.

In turn, Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to the Director-General of ICESCO for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), emphasized that mental health issues are directly linked to the social lives of individuals and communities, underlining the importance of advancing the human and social sciences to better understand the rapid transformations experienced by societies. Meanwhile, Dr. Jamal Al Karkouri, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Ibn Tofail University, explained that these rapid social and economic transformations necessitate strengthening scientific research in psychology and producing studies with tangible field impact.

In a remote intervention, Mr. Ahamadi Sidi, Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Union of the Comoros, called for the integration of mental health into all levels of public policy and for increasing the budgets allocated to it, in order to support scientific research and strengthen related initiatives and programs.

The Conference will continue tomorrow, Saturday, with specialized scientific sessions addressing various themes related to mental health in Africa, fostering the exchange of expertise among researchers and institutions, and presenting approaches and recommendations that contribute to the development of relevant policies and practices.

ICESCO Headquarters Hosts Launch of First Edition of the Model United Nations on Digital Citizenship and Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity in Morocco

Posted on 4 April 20264 April 2026 by MOHAMED.AQEIL

On Friday, 3 April 2026, the first edition of the Model United Nations on digital citizenship, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity in Morocco was launched. The event is organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) at its headquarters in Rabat, in partnership with the Moroccan Center for Polytechnic Research and Innovation (CMRPI), under the patronage of the Moroccan Ministries of Justice and of Youth, Culture and Communication, as well as the Council of Europe Office in Rabat, and with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Morocco. Approximately 80 young men and women participated and discussed emerging issues related to the ethical governance of the digital space and the protection of human rights online.

During the opening session, which brought together representatives from several Moroccan institutions and leading international companies in the digital sector, Ms. Bahija Smidi, from the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards at ICESCO, emphasized that this initiative constitutes an academic exercise aimed at strengthening youth capacities and helping them understand the complexities of the digital age. She warned that electronic manipulation could lead to the destabilization and fragmentation of societies.

For his part, Dr. Youssef Bentaleb, President of CMRPI, explained that the meeting was held in the context of rapid digital transformations that have reshaped the fields of education, employment, communication, and decision-making. He noted that these transformations pose multidimensional challenges, particularly in the legal aspect, including the protection of personal data and digital rights.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hicham Mallati, Director of Criminal Affairs, Pardons, and Crime Monitoring at the Moroccan Ministry of Justice, pointed out that cybersecurity is no longer a purely technical matter but has become a sovereignty issue that directly affects the security of citizens and states, while reviewing the national efforts undertaken in this regard.

In turn, Mr. Javier Gómez Prieto, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Rabat, stressed that the world is undergoing profound digital transformations that are reshaping economies, institutions, and societies. He highlighted that these transformations raise major challenges related to security, governance, and the protection of fundamental rights, making it necessary to strengthen the culture of digital citizenship and build societal resilience against emerging risks.

The first day featured a panel discussion on digital safety mechanisms, the protection of minors, and the challenges of high-risk content. It brought together Ms. Chaimaa Sassi, Trust & Safety High Harm Policy Manager at Tiktok; Ms. Vida Hamad, Public Policy Manager at Meta for the Middle East and North Africa region; Ms. Gladys Yiadom, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Kaspersky; and Dr. El Mehdi Erroussafi, Cybersecurity Expert at CMRPI.

The simulation activities, which span two days, include the distribution of participants into six committees simulating the main bodies of the United Nations. The event will conclude with the drafting of practical outputs reflecting the role of youth as a driving force in promoting a rights-respecting digital culture.

ICESCO Organizes Regional Workshop on Assessment in Teaching Arabic for 191 Trainees from 15 Countries

Posted on 3 April 20263 April 2026 by MOHAMED.AQEIL

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, held a regional workshop on Wednesday and Thursday, 1 and 2 April 2026, titled “Assessment Systems in Programs for Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers.” The workshop benefited 191 trainees, attending in person and via videoconferencing, from among educational professionals working in the field of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers in 15 countries across Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.

During the workshop, hosted at the Mishkat Hall at ICESCO, Dr. Samir Jaafar, an expert in educational training, presented, explained, and applied the conceptual shift in training and assessment activities related to language achievement and the development of linguistic skills, moving from automated training to comprehensive formative assessment. Dr. Jaafar also reviewed the contributions of artificial intelligence to the design, diversification, and customization of assessment tools, as well as to the scientific and precise analysis of test and assessment results, enabling teachers and educational supervisors to make pedagogical decisions based on objective data.

The expert also facilitated practical sessions during which participants were trained on how to effectively employ artificial intelligence in an educational context for the preparation of exercises and assessments.

It is worth noting that this workshop is the seventh within the “Mishkat Educational Leadership” program for the 2025–2026 academic year, implemented by ICESCO in partnership with the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, and in academic cooperation with Sultan Moulay Slimane University of Beni Mellal in the Kingdom of Morocco. The program aims to train hundreds of leading professionals working in the field of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers.

In the Presence of the President of Senegal… ICESCO Director-General Takes Part in Celebrating Senegal’s National Daara Day

Posted on 1 April 20261 April 2026 by Soukaina Azzabi

Dr. AlMalik: The Organization Places Qur’anic Education and Its Institutions at the Forefront of Its Priorities

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), affirmed that the Organization places Quranic education and its institutions at the forefront of its priorities and areas of focus, underscoring the depth and historical dimension of the partnership between ICESCO and the Republic of Senegal and its multiple strategic dimensions, which have encompassed all fields of the Organization’s work and areas of competence. He described Senegal as a model to be followed in view of its seriousness, rigor, and effectiveness.

AlMalik made these statements during his address as guest of honor at the celebration of the National Day of Qur’anic Schools (Daaras) in the Republic of Senegal, held on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, in Dakar, under the chairmanship of His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and attended by Mr. Malick Ndiaye, President of the National Assembly of Senegal, Mr. Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, Minister of National Education, as well as a number of Islamic scholars and senior officials.

Dr. AlMalik began his address by expressing his appreciation for the gracious invitation extended by His Excellency the President of Senegal for ICESCO to take part in the celebration, recalling the civilizational history of the Republic of Senegal throughout the ages and its eminent standing in Africa and the Islamic world. He noted that Senegal has written illustrious chapters in the preservation, teaching, dissemination, interpretation, and translation of the Holy Qur’an through the legacy of its leading scholars who established a towering base of knowledge.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik commended Senegal’s pioneering initiatives, under the leadership of H.E. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to strengthen the role of the Arabic language and develop Quranic institutions. He highlighted the decision to integrate graduates of traditional education into the labor market and affirmed the Organization’s full readiness to support Senegal’s efforts in implementing its national project by providing technical and knowledge-based expertise to advance Qur’anic schools and by cooperating with the competent authorities to implement the recommendations of national conferences on the “Daaras,” particularly in light of the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and misleading digital content targeting the identity, culture, and religious values of youth.

In closing, Dr. AlMalik affirmed that the partnership between the two parties is witnessing a new launch through a number of educational initiatives, foremost among them the professional training program in Arab-Islamic education implemented by ICESCO in cooperation with Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar. He invited Senegalese experts and researchers to visit the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat and gain first-hand insight into ICESCO’s activities, initiatives, and programs.

The President of Senegal Receives Director-General of ICESCO at the Palace of the Republic in Dakar

Posted on 1 April 20261 April 2026 by Soukaina Azzabi

His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Palace of the Republic in Dakar, in his capacity as guest of honor at the celebration of the National Daara Day (Qur’anic Schools).

This meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the shared commitment to establishing a strong strategic partnership to support Senegal’s national efforts in the fields of education, science, and culture, with a particular focus on the development of Koranic schools in Senegal and their adaptation to technological advancements.

During this meeting, both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting an educational model based on the consolidation of the values of the Islamic world and the preservation of its identity and cultural distinctiveness—a model centered on knowledge and oriented toward a better future.

ICESCO was represented at this meeting by Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector, and by Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah, Advisor to the ICESCO Director-General.

ICESCO Director-General Meets with Senegalese Prime Minister

Posted on 31 March 202631 March 2026 by MOHAMED.AQEIL

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), began his visit to Senegal with a meeting with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. During his visit, Dr. AlMalik participated in the closing ceremony of the Fourth Session of the Quranic Schools.

During the meeting held on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Dakar, the two sides discussed areas of mutual cooperation and ways to strengthen the partnership between ICESCO and Senegal in education, culture, and science.

Mr. Sonko commended ICESCO’s programs and projects that benefit Senegal, emphasizing the importance of developing this cooperation and building a distinguished strategic partnership that serves national priorities in these fields.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik affirmed that Senegal is one of ICESCO’s distinguished Member States and praised the level of existing cooperation between the two sides.

Mr. Sonko also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to settling its arrears, thereby enabling it to benefit more fully from ICESCO’s programs and opportunities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to supporting joint programs and ICESCO’s interest in strengthening the role of Quranic Schools and implementing the recommendations issued by the Fourth Session of the Quranic Schools.

Senegal’s Minister of National Education, Mr. Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, attended the meeting.

ICESCO Director-General Takes Part in Closing Session of National Conference on Qur’anic Schools in Senegal

Posted on 31 March 202631 March 2026 by Soukaina Azzabi

Dr. AlMalik: We Strive to Build an Islamic World that Addresses Contemporary Challenges while Upholding the Principles of Peace and Coexistence

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the closing session of the National Conference on Qur’anic Schools (Daara) in the Republic of Senegal, held on Monday, 30 March 2026, in Dakar. The session was chaired by Mr. Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister of Senegal, and attended by Mr. Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, Minister of National Education, members of the technical committee overseeing the national forums, and a large gathering of founders and officials of Qur’anic schools, as well as academic, cultural, religious, and spiritual leaders.

In his address, Dr. AlMalik commended the ambitious vision underpinning the development and implementation of “Senegal Vision 2050,” which reflects a clear commitment to shaping a future marked by justice, prosperity, and sovereignty, guided by values that place education, equity, and human development at the core of national progress.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted Senegal’s efforts to strengthen an inclusive educational system in which the Qur’anic school (Daara) occupies a vital position as a bridge connecting spiritual foundations with modern competencies, contributing to the development of responsible and enlightened citizens.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to building an Islamic world capable of responding to contemporary challenges while upholding the principles of peace, coexistence, and mutual understanding.

He concluded by emphasizing the Organization’s aspiration to enhance its partnership with Senegal and work toward building a future grounded in knowledge and shared human values.

Second International Conference on Cancer Research 2026 Kicks off at ICESCO Headquarters

Posted on 31 March 202631 March 2026 by MOHAMED.AQEIL

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, the Second International Conference on Cancer Research (MCRS 2026) opened on Monday, 30 March 2026, at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat. The event is organized in partnership with Moulay Ismail University in Morocco and the Moroccan Association for Cancer Research, under the theme “Translational Research in Support of Clinical Advances,” with the participation of 180 researchers and specialists from 10 countries. It aims to highlight the crucial role of translational science in transforming laboratory findings into practical clinical applications.

During the opening session of the three-day conference, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, affirmed in a speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, that the Organization is guided by the principle of making science serve humanity and accessible to all. He stressed that ICESCO builds bridges of communication and cooperation between the global North and South to enhance the exchange of expertise and accelerate health solutions.

Dr. AlMalik noted that ICESCO has accumulated significant experience in supporting scientific research, particularly in health sciences. He emphasized that the Organization’s work goes beyond research funding to investing in people and building capacities, including support for training programs in human genome analysis, based on the conviction that prevention begins with knowledge.

For his part, Dr. Aboubakr Bouyaad, President of Moulay Ismail University, stated that hosting this event reflects growing recognition of the importance of translational research as a cornerstone of medical progress. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering an academic environment grounded in openness and innovation.

Dr. Lhoussain Hajji, Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Moulay Ismail University, underlined that the conference seeks to promote scientific exchange and develop new strategies to improve patient recovery prospects. Dr. Mouad Edderkaoui, Adjunct Professor at the University of California, highlighted that scientific research and collaboration among researchers constitute two fundamental pillars for transforming the challenge of combating cancer into a pathway for progress.

Dr. Saber Boutayeb, Director of the Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, warned against delays in translating scientific findings related to cancer research into practical applications. Dr. Taoufiq Fechtali, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at Moulay Ismail University, stressed that strengthening cooperation among researchers helps accelerate the transformation of scientific knowledge into solutions that improve treatment outcomes.

The first session of the conference was moderated by Dr. Adel Smeda, Supervisor of ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, with the participation of four international experts in the medical and oncology fields. The session featured specialized presentations and interactive discussions on the latest developments in translational research and clinical innovation in cancer treatment.

The first day also featured a presentation by Dr. Stephen Pandol, Professor of Medicine at the University of California, on modern approaches to cancer prediction and treatment outcome assessment. He highlighted the role of predictive models and clinical data in improving early diagnosis accuracy and guiding therapeutic decisions toward the most suitable options for each case, drawing strong engagement from attending experts and physicians.

The conference program includes a series of scientific and discussion sessions addressing key topics such as immunotherapy in cancer recovery, evolving cancer control models in Morocco, targeted radiotherapy biology, and prospects for developing clinical research.

ICESCO and Uzbekistan Launch Scholarship Programme for Outstanding Students in the Islamic World

Posted on 27 March 202627 March 2026 by MOHAMED.AQEIL

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is pleased to announce the launch of the ICESCO-Uzbekistan Scholarship Programme, in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Programme will enable outstanding students from ICESCO Member States to pursue their academic studies at a number of prestigious Uzbek universities.

In its first phase, the Programme offers five fully funded scholarships at two universities in Uzbekistan. Tashkent State Medical University will provide three scholarships for applicants to the bachelor’s program in General Medicine.

Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies will offer two bachelor’s scholarships in Environmental and Sustainable Management, Environment and Economics, and Environmental Science and Public Administration.

Each scholarship covers tuition fees, student housing, a monthly stipend, and access to health coverage through public healthcare institutions.

Interested candidates may review the requirements and submit their applications through the following link: https://icesco.org/en/international-scholarships/. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 15 May 2026.

This initiative is part of the Joint Action Plan signed between ICESCO and the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs in May 2025 in Tashkent.

ICESCO and National Autonomous University of Mexico Explore Prospects for Cooperation in Education, Environment, and AI

Posted on 27 March 202627 March 2026 by Soukaina Azzabi

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a meeting with the National Autonomous University of Mexico on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat during which both parties explored ways to strengthen South-South cooperation in the fields of education, space science, environmental studies, artificial intelligence, youth capacity building, and the provision of scholarships.

ICESCO was represented by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, Dr. Adel Smida, Supervisor of the Science and Environment Sector, and a group of advisors and experts, while the Mexican side was represented by Ms. Mabel Gómez Oliver, Mexico’s Ambassador to Rabat, and Dr. Ciro Murayama, professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

In line with its open-door policy, Mr. Karimov emphasized ICESCO’s commitment to developing cooperation mechanisms with organizations, institutions, and universities both within the Islamic world and beyond. For her part, Ms. Oliver commended ICESCO’s efforts to build bridges of cultural dialogue and scientific and knowledge exchange between the Islamic world and the rest of the world, while Dr. Muriyama highlighted the University’s role in promoting scientific research and innovation in Latin America.

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