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    Category: News

    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.

    ICESCO and Indonesia Discuss Ways to Strengthen Cooperation in Education, Science and Culture

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Fazli Zon, Indonesian Minister of Culture, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan. The two officials discussed ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Indonesia in the fields of education, science, culture, and heritage preservation and promotion, and examined the programs and initiatives proposed for joint implementation in the coming period.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main pillars of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations, as well as its programs and projects on youth and women capacity building, consolidating the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue, countering extremist ideas, encouraging investment in technology, innovation, artificial intelligence and space sciences, spreading the culture of foresight, and enhancing the status of the Arabic language globally.

    ICESCO Director General expressed his aspiration to expand the scope of cooperation with Indonesia in the coming period, especially in the field of heritage preservation and promotion, calling for increasing the number of inscribed Indonesian tangible and intangible heritage sites on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List.

    For his part, Mr. Fazli Zon stressed his keenness to enhance cooperation with ICESCO given its esteemed status in the Islamic world, pointing out that the Ministry, as part of its new orientations, seeks to protect and promote all forms of heritage, which provides room for enhancing cooperation and joint work with the Organization.

    Tatarstan President Reaffirms Strengthened Cooperation with ICESCO

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan (Russian Federation), affirmed the enhancement of cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). This came during a meeting held on Thursday 15 May 2025, with Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, alongside a number of Ministers of Culture and heads of delegations participating in the Congress of the Minister of Culture of Islamic World Countries, held under the theme:“ Cultural Dialogue As A Foundation For Maintaining Identity And Diversity In The Multipolar World”, convened in Kazan with the participation of 37 countries, as part of the international economic forum Russia – Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2025.

    President Minnikhanov expressed his delight at the designation of Kazan as a Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2026, under ICESCO’s Capitals of Culture Program. He emphasized that hosting the Congress of the Minister of Culture of Islamic World Countries is part of the broader efforts to strengthen ties between Russia and ICESCO Member States. He also praised ICESCO’s initiatives in this context and the close and fruitful cooperation between his country and the Organization.

    President Minnikhanov further noted that the celebration will include a year-long series of major cultural events and activities. He extended an open invitation for wide participation in these events, which aim to highlight and celebrate the rich civilizational and cultural heritage of the Tatar capital.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to President Minnikhanov for the warm reception and generous hospitality. He commended the important role Tatarstan plays in the strategic relations between the Islamic world and the Russian Federation. He also reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to ensuring the success of the Kazan Capital of Culture celebration, which recognizes the City’s longstanding legacy of coexistence, cultural vitality, and steadfast dedication to building bridges between peoples and cultures.

    ICESCO Director-General Visits Several Cultural Sites in Kazan in Preparation for its Designation as Capital of Culture in Islamic World

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    On May 13 and 14, 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited several prominent cultural sites in Kazan, capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. The visit was part of the preparations for the Kazan’s designation as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for the year 2026. The sites visited included the Galiaskar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre, the National Library of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Grand Concert Hall, and the Fechin Art School.

    During his visit to the Galiaskar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre, recently relocated to a newly designed architectural building on the shores of Kaban Lake, Dr. AlMalik praised the Theatre’s unique design, which blends architectural innovation with authentic Tatar heritage. He described the Theatre as a distinguished cultural edifice that contributes to preserving heritage and promoting theatrical arts in the region, emphasizing its importance in showcasing the cultural and artistic diversity of Tatarstan.

    While visiting the National Library of the Republic of Tatarstan, which houses over 3.2 million books and publications, Dr. AlMalik expressed his appreciation for the Library’s pioneering role in promoting cultural dialogue and disseminating knowledge, as well as in providing modern spaces for creativity and innovation. He commended its efforts in preserving manuscripts and heritage documents that contribute to documenting the cultural memory of the region.

    The tour also included a visit to the Grand Concert Hall, where Dr. AlMalik admired the Hall’s artistic and cultural assets. He affirmed ICESCO’s readiness to support collaboration with cultural institutions in Tatarstan to enrich the cultural scene in the Islamic world and promote the exchange of artistic expertise between both sides.

    Dr. AlMalik concluded his tour with a visit to the Feshin Art School, where he viewed the works of students and faculty and toured various facilities of the institution. The school is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious art education institutions in Russia and the region, which has brought out many renowned artists, especially in the visual arts, including the world-famous Tatar painter Nikolaï Ivanovitch Fechin, after whom the school is named.

    ICESCO Participates in International Symposium on Anticipating Artificial Intelligence in Judicial Work in Muscat

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the international symposium titled “Anticipating Artificial Intelligence in Judicial Work,” organized by the Supreme Judicial Council of the Sultanate of Oman in Muscat, under the auspices of H.E. Shaikh Ghosn bin Hilal al Alawi, Chairman of the State Audit Institution (SAI). The event brought together senior-level judges, legal scholars, and AI experts from Oman and abroad.

    The two-day conference, which concluded on Thursday 15 May 2025, addressed the legal, technical, and ethical challenges associated with the integration of artificial intelligence into judicial systems. ICESCO was represented by Dr. Kaïs Hammami, Head of the Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, who delivered a presentation on “Comprehensive Foresight Approach to Artificial Intelligence in Judiciary.” Dr. Hammami underlined the importance of anticipating potential scenarios involving AI in judicial procedures, stressing that foresight enables the identification of opportunities, risks, and challenges, and contributes to developing proactive strategies that strengthen AI’s role in advancing justice.

    Additionally, Dr Hammami underscored the fast-paced evolution of the digital landscape and the increasing relevance of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of judicial systems. He emphasized that AI now constitutes a dynamic and influential force in today’s world, with a growing impact on the structures, ethical foundations, and operational functions of justice institutions globally.

    The conference featured eleven research papers presented across three main themes: legal, ethical, and security challenges of using AI in judicial work; AI applications in judicial procedures; and future developments and international cooperation in judicial AI integration.

    Rais of Republic of Tatarstan receives ICESCO Director-General

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    H.E. Mr. Rustam Minikhannov, Rais (Head) of Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan, received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and together they explored ways to promote strategic partnership in the fields of education, science and culture, as well as the arrangements of the launch of the celebration of Kazan as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2026, as part of ICESCO’s Culture Capitals Programme.

    During the meeting, held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in the Tatar capital, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to ensure the success of the celebration of Kazan as Culture Capital in the Islamic World. To this end, the Director-General stated that the Organization will carry out a rich and diverse year-long program featuring a series of activities and programs aimed at strengthening the city’s cultural and social capital, in cooperation with the relevant national authorities.

    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik thanked His Excellency for inviting ICESCO to take part in the activities of the Kazan 2025 International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World”, expressing ICESCO’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with Tatarstan, particularly in the areas of supporting and empowering creative youth, preserving and promoting heritage, and according due attention to components of creative and knowledge economy.

    For his part, the Head of the Republic stated that the Kazan celebration is an opportunity to highlight the city’s ancient heritage, diversity and status as a cultural hub in the Islamic world, since it was the first city where the Holy Quran was printed.

    His Excellency added that he had instructed the relevant authorities to mobilize all necessary resources to ensure the success of the celebration, in a way that reflects the city’s historical and cultural status.
    The two parties agreed to set up a joint working committee to draw up a program of activities and initiatives to be implemented throughout the celebration period. Dr. AlMalik specified that a large number of these activities will be devoted to youth, including leadership and entrepreneurship camps, and youth vocational training sessions. He further explained that the celebration will also feature several Tatar cultural weeks to be held in a number of cities around the Islamic world.

    The meeting was attended by Ms. Leyla Fazleeva, Deputy Prime Minister; Ms. Irada Ayupova, Minister of Culture; Mr. Ilsur Khadiullin, Minister of Education and Science; and Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Mr. Gazinur Bakirov and Mr. Marat Gatin, Assistants to the Rais of Tatarstan. Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the Director General of ICESCO, Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector, also attended the meeting.

    ICESCO DG Meets Gazprom Media CEO to Support Kazan as a Culture Capital in Islamic World

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Alexander Zharov, CEO of Gazprom-Media Holding, in Kazan, Tatarstan. The Meeting was also attended by Ms. Irada Ayupova, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan.

    The discussion focused on promotional plans for the “Kazan as a 2026 Culture Capital in the Islamic World” initiative. Both parties reviewed the outlines of a cultural and media strategy to be implemented over the following year, with the aim of showcasing Kazan as one of the most historically significant cities tied to Islamic civilization and highlighting its deep-rooted cultural and religious heritage—particularly as the city where the oldest printed copy of the Qur’an in Russia was produced.

    Dr. AlMalik commended the vital role that major media institutions such as Gazprom-Media can play in supporting cultural initiatives that foster mutual understanding and closeness among peoples. For his part, Mr. Zharov affirmed his company’s commitment to leveraging its media and technological assets to spotlight Kazan as a symbol of cultural and historical diversity in the Islamic world.

    This collaboration comes as part of ICESCO’s broader efforts to enhance the visibility of Islamic cultural heritage across the globe through partnerships with leading media and cultural organizations.

    The Gazprom-Media Holding is one of the largest media groups in Russia and Eastern Europe. It encompasses a vast network of media assets, including television channels, radio stations, publishing houses, film production and distribution companies, as well as digital platforms. The Company currently plays a pivotal role in the Russian and European media landscape through its investments in digital innovation and interactive media that cater to diverse audiences.

    ICESCO Participates in International Exhibition of Contemporary Art in Brazil

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the International Exhibition of Contemporary Art, in São Paulo, Brazil, from 28 April to 5 May 2025, through its Art and Nature Chair, hosted by the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) in Brazil, under the supervision of Professor Sandra Rey.

    The exhibition was organized as part of an international symposium held by the University of São Paulo, led by Professor Hugo Fortes, under the theme “HUMUS”, meaning “seeds,” in reference to the concept of natural fertilization and reviving the Earth. The exhibition brought together more than 54 local and international artists, including Sandra Rey and Ana Carolina Ralston, who exhibited artworks that reflect environmental issues, highlighting contemporary questions related to nature, the role of art in raising awareness of climate change and environmental degradation, and the importance of artists’ and intellectuals’ commitment to contributing to protecting the environment through art.

    In addition, ICESCO held an international symposium in Porto Alegre, at the invitation of the ICESCO Chair for Art and Nature and with the support of the Goethe-Institut Porto Alegre. The artist and writer Seham Essami, Director of the ICESCO Chair in Berlin, presented a lecture entitled “Encounter and Transfer of Art and Knowledge from East to West,” in the presence of a group of academics, artists, and art students.

    It is worth mentioning that this collaboration is part of the partnership between the ICESCO Chair of Art and Nature in Brazil and the ICESCO Chair in Berlin. Their joint work began with the Incertitudes à Gaïa Exhibition, organized at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Porto Alegre in 2023, with the participation of the Bahraini visual artist, Hala Al Khalifa.

    ICESCO Holds Regional Workshop on Cybersecurity Enhancement Skills in Cairo

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in collaboration with the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS), and El Sewedy University of Technology, organized a regional workshop titled “Cybersecurity and Trust Engineering: Enhancing Knowledge and Skills in Cyber Threats and Cybersecurity.”

    The event aimed to strengthen the capacities of participants from ICESCO Member States by providing advanced training in managing cyber threats and deepening their understanding of the impact of artificial intelligence and quantum computing technologies on cybersecurity systems. The workshop brought together several experts and specialists from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Iraq, Kuwait, and Somalia.

    ICESCO was represented at the three-day workshop, which concluded on Thursday 8 May 2025, by Dr. Adel Smeda, expert at the Science and Environment Sector. Dr. Smeda reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to assisting its Member States in prioritizing digital security as a key developmental and strategic objective.

    Representatives of the organizing institutions highlighted the importance of bridging the skills gap and fostering a culture of continuous learning to cultivate talents capable of responding to the escalating challenges in the digital landscape. They also stressed the need to enhance regional cooperation in addressing emerging security threats.

    The workshop featured hands-on training sessions and practical exercises covering a range of topics, including malware detection, penetration testing, post-incident recovery, and the protection of digital infrastructure and cloud computing environments. One session was dedicated to examining the impact of artificial intelligence and quantum computing on cybersecurity, with a focus on strategies to strengthen national systems in the future. The programme also included a panel discussion with executives from leading companies in the sector, during which participants explored current challenges and shared best practices in the field of cybersecurity.

    At the end of the workshop, the participants took part in a field visit to several specialized centers in cybersecurity and innovation in Egypt, including the Electronics Research Institute (ERI) and the National Center for Computer and Network Emergency Preparedness (EG-CERT).