Category: News

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Bibliotheca Alexandrina in the Arab Republic of Egypt signed a cooperation agreement aimed at promoting civilizational dialogue among cultures and religions, publicizing the heritage of the Islamic world and contributing to its revival and dissemination. The agreement also seeks to support Arab and Islamic culture, foster new contributions and works, and accord due attention to building the creative capacities of young talents in areas of common interest.

The agreement was signed on Friday 20 December 2024, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director General, and Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Zayed, Director of Bibliotheca Alexandrina, at the close of the international symposium “Al-Aqqad and the Islamic World”, held by the Organization and the Library, to highlight the intellectual contributions of the great Egyptian writer and thinker Abbas Mahmoud Al-Aqqad, and shed light on his remarkable works characterized by innovation, originality and depth, which have enriched human culture and the world’s body of literature.

The five-year agreement provides for holding international conferences and the publishing books and research papers to support civilizational dialogue among different cultures and religions, raise awareness of Arab and Islamic civilizations, develop libraries in the Islamic world and train their staff. It also provides for co-implementing publishing and translation programs for works of common interest, particularly works on the history of Arabic calligraphy, disseminating ICESCO publications on the library’s electronic platforms, and exchanging invitations to take part in each other’s activities.

The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural (ICESCO) hosted on Friday, December 20, 2024, the International Symposium, “Al-Akkad and the Islamic World”, in celebration of 60th anniversary of the passing of this great figure. The Symposium is held as part of the Series of Figures of Modern Civilizational Thought, in cooperation between ICESCO and Bibliotheca Alexandrina, amid high-level participation including officials, ambassadors, intellectuals, writers and academics from several countries.

Amb. Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, gave an introductory overview of the Symposium, in which he stressed that the Organization was celebrating one of the key figures of the Islamic civilization. He added that Al-Akkad brought together science and literature and enriched the world’s body of literature with his unique cultural and intellectual contributions.

Afterwards, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director General, delivered an address on behalf of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General, where he emphasized that Al-Akkad was an encyclopedic thinker, well-versed in human history, philosophy, literature, psychology, and sociology, as evidenced by his more than 100 works exploring the highest spheres of science and knowledge.

Moreover, he stated that the Symposium is part of ICESCO’s celebration of the great thinkers and writers who have influenced the Islamic world with their great contributions and a rich legacy, in line with the Organization’s mission to become a beacon of civilizational outreach. He added that it is our responsibility to highlight the contributions of great thinkers and writers to all generations, commending ICESCO’s special partnership with Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the oldest library serving humanity in history, which culminated in holding this international Symposium.

In his address, Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Zayed, Director of Bibliotheca Alexandrina, stressed that Al-Akkad was an intellectual school in his own right, having provided the Islamic world with a rich and diverse intellectual heritage, combining Islamic heritage with originality and modernity. He added that Al-Akkad opened to different cultures, and sought to build bridges of intellectual communication with the West by presenting Islam as a universal civilization that celebrates tolerance and rationality.

Moreover, the Library Director reaffirmed that Al-Akkad had an extensive understanding of the central figures of Islamic history, offering unique analysis of their characters in his unique “Geniuses” series. He further explained that this great scholar also dedicated his work to defend Islam against currents spreading misconceptions about this faith.

Afterwards, the Symposium’s scientific session was moderated by Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Director General’s Office, and saw rich discussions between a host of leading Egyptian, Saudi and Moroccan writers and thinkers on a set of themes. These included “Compassion and Justice in Islam in Al-Akkad’s writing”, “The Islamic World in Al-Akkad’s Poetry”, “Al-Akkad and the values of Islamic unity”, “the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Al-Akkad’s works and poetry”, and “Al-Akkaad’s relationship with the Sudan”.

At the close of the Symposium, a cooperation agreement was signed between ICESCO and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina for the joint implementation of several international programs, initiatives and symposia in the fields of civilizational dialogue, the dissemination and restoration of the heritage of the Islamic world, and the promotion of Arab and Islamic culture, enriching them with new contributions.

Sultan Qaboos University in the Sultanate of Oman hosted a ceremony to announce the winners of the Second Edition of “My Thesis in 1,000 Words” Prize, organized by the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, which reports to the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The ceremony was organized in cooperation with ICESCO’s Chair on Machine Learning for Remote Sensing at Sultan Qaboos University, the Society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for Geoscience and Remote Sensing, and the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. This edition saw the participation of PhD researchers at 35 universities from 25 countries and was marked by a new prize in the fields of artificial intelligence.

During the finals, held Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the ten finalists presented their theses before a jury consisting of experts and academics specializing in various fields. The jury then held its deliberations and announced six winners: three in general specialties and three in the use of AI in remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

The winners in the general specialties were: Hajar Akhoutir from Ibn Zohr University in the Kingdom of Morocco (first place), Tahiyya bin Muhammad bin Saud Al-Tubiyya from Sultan Qaboos University (second place), and Soundous bint Nasser bin Said Al-Subhiyya, from Georgia State University, USA (third place).

As for the AI Prize, the three winners were: Khaled bin Mubarak Al-Jaberi from Sultan Qaboos University (first place), Alaa Ahmad Ismail Al-Nubi from Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (second place), and Mashael bint Abdulrahman Al-Luhaibi from King Saud University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (third place).

At the close of the ceremony, Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW) and Dr. Yaseen Al-Mulla, Director of the Remote Sensing Center at Sultan Qaboos University, presented the prizes to the six winners, which consisted of certificates of appreciations and monetary rewards of 2,000USD to first place winners, 1,500USD to second place winners, and 1,000USD to third place winners.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a series of training workshops on green education and sustainable development in Malé, Republic of Maldives, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the National Institute of Education. The workshops benefited a number of senior education officials, school principals and teachers, and are part of the activities of ICESCO’s “Framework for Greening Education in the Islamic World”, launched by the Organization at COP29 in Azerbaijan. The series marks the first set of activities held as part of the Framework in ICESCO Member States.

The first training workshop was held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, under the theme, “Inclusive education for sustainable development and the global perspective on green education”. The workshop saw high-level participation and was moderated by Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey, Head of ICESCO’s Education Sector, and Dr. Waqas Afridi, Expert at the same sector.

Likewise, the second workshop, titled “ICESCO-Maldives Workshop for the Training of Trainers in Climate and Green Education in Schools”, was held on 15—16 December, for the benefit of a number of teachers, and aimed at building their capacities in the field of greening school curricula, particularly in view of the negative impact of climate change on the Maldives.

In her statement at the workshops, Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey stressed the importance of transforming education to achieve the goals of the Education 2030 Agenda. She also presented ICESCO’s Greening Education Framework, which serves as a guidance document for policymakers and senior decision-makers, and aims to integrate scientific evidence on climate change as well as the socio-economic and behavioral aspects of climate justice into education.

On the sidelines of the workshops, the ICESCO delegation held talks with Dr. Ismail Shafeeu, Minister of Education of the Maldives, who welcomed this series of workshops on greening education in light of the climate change affecting his country. The two parties also discussed the organization of an ICESCO international education conference in Malé next year.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ms. Byashimova Myakhri, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, during her visit to the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The visit was part of her participation in a ceremony commemorating the 300th anniversary of the birth of the renowned Turkmen poet and thinker, Magtymguly Fragi. The event was organized by ICESCO in partnership with the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

The meeting, held on Wednesday 18 December 2024, was also attended by Ms. Chynar Rustamova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Executive Secretary of Turkmenistan’s National Commission for UNESCO. During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, as well as its ongoing initiatives, programs, and projects aimed at benefiting its Member States and Muslim communities worldwide.

Dr. AlMalik emphasized ICESCO’s keen interest in Turkmenistan joining as a Member State, particularly given that the country has been a Member State of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) since 1992.

In response, Ms. Byashimova expressed her gratitude to ICESCO Director-General for the warm reception and for hosting the commemorative ceremony of Magtymguly Fragi’s 300th birth anniversary. Ms. Byashimova stated that the Government of Turkmenistan is carefully considering joining ICESCO, recognizing its significant importance to Islamic countries in its areas of expertise. She further affirmed that all necessary legal procedures for membership would be finalized shortly, enabling Turkmenistan to enhance its cooperation with Islamic world countries in education, science, and culture.

Ms. Bashimova extended an official invitation to Dr. AlMalik to visit Turkmenistan and engage with senior officials. Dr. AlMalik affirmed his intention to accept the invitation following the announcement of Turkmenistan’s Membership in ICESCO, marking the beginning of a constructive partnership between both parties.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted, Today, Wednesday 18 December 2024, at its headquarters in Rabat, a ceremony to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly Fragi. The Event was organized in partnership with the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Celebration aimed to shed light on the cultural legacy of this great poet as part of ICESCO’s initiative to honor the icons of culture and heritage of the Islamic world.

In his opening address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, emphasized that the work of Magtymguly Fragi, considered the founder of Turkmen literature, represents an outstanding model of classical literature and a rich legacy deeply connected to the teachings of Islam. He noted that ICESCO is proud to participate in honoring this cultural figure who contributed to enriching the civilization of the Islamic world. The Event aligns with ICESCO’s ongoing efforts to bring to light exceptional figures who have played a role in advancing the fields of science, culture, and the arts.

Dr. AlMalik also highlighted that TURKSOY’s declaration of 2024 as the Year of the Poet and Thinker Magtymguly Fragi is an international recognition of the cultural significance of this great poet’s legacy. He added that the collaboration between ICESCO and TURKSOY would include building knowledge platforms, conducting joint research, and launching cultural programs to strengthen ties among the nations of the Islamic world.

Mr. Sultan Raev, Secretary-General of TURKSOY, stated that Magtymguly Pyragy’s poems have transcended time and built bridges between cultures and civilizations through his profound understanding of Islamic morals and values.

Ms. Mahri Bashimova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, stressed the importance of safeguarding national cultural heritage in an era of globalization and increased cultural exchange. She praised Fragi’s intellectual contributions as a national legacy that, through its uniqueness, has become an integral part of the global cultural library.

Before the ceremony’s opening session, Dr. AlMalik, accompanied by Mr. Raev, Ms. Bashimova, and other distinguished guests, toured an art exhibition accompanying the Event. The Exhibition showcased Turkmen heritage through textiles, handicrafts, renowned literary works by Pyragy, as well as artistic paintings and drawings reflecting the esteemed status of this legendary poet.

As part of the Event’s activities, a panel discussion titled “The Role of Magtymguly Fragi in Bridging Cultures” was held. The Session concluded with the screening of a documentary on the life and works of the Great Thinker, titled “The Journey of Magtymguly Fragi.”

In the closing remarks delivered by Ms. Chynar Rustamova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Executive Secretary of the Turkmenistan National Commission for UNESCO, and Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation at ICESCO, the importance of celebrating the legacy of the Great Turkmen Poet and Thinker Magtymguly Fragi as a symbol of Islamic cultural heritage was underscored.

The Ceremony concluded with a musical performance featuring Turkmen folkloric dances and traditional displays.