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    Director General of ICESCO Visits the Headquarters of the Bangladesh National Commission

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited the headquarters of the Bangladeshi National Commission for UNESCO in Dhaka on Monday 6 October 2025.
    During the visit, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to strengthening its distinguished partnership with Bangladesh, noting that ongoing fruitful cooperation has resulted in joint programs, workshops, and initiatives over the recent months, including the “Green and Clean School Campus” contest and a workshop on “Robotic Surgery.”

    The ICESCO Director General presented the Organization’s approach of engaging with National Commissions in Member States to understand their priorities and design projects that respond to their needs while supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in ICESCO’s fields of competence.

    At the conclusion of the visit, Dr. AlMalik invited members of the Bangladeshi National Commission to undertake a week-long working visit to ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat. The visit would provide an opportunity to observe the operational mechanisms of ICESCO’s sectors and specialized centers, learn about recent updates to its administrative structure, and review its key programs and initiatives serving Member States.

    ICESCO DG Announces Establishment of Research chair for Women’s Empowerment and Equality at Dhaka University in Bangladesh

    Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Sharmeen Soneya Murshid, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser in the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The two parties discussed ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Bangladesh in promoting gender equality, building women’s capacities, and protecting children’s rights.

    During the meeting, held in Dhaka on Sunday, 5 October 2025, Dr. AlMalik announced the establishment of an ICESCO Chair for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality at Dhaka University. The aim of the chair is to conduct studies and research, develop initiatives to promote equal opportunities for both sexes in the Islamic world, and train women in leadership skills.
    ICESCO Director General also reviewed the Organization’s key initiatives, programs and projects in the fields of mental health, enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of youth and women, and reintegrating girls who have dropped out of school into education.

    For her part, Ms. Murshid emphasized the importance of cooperation between ICESCO and Bangladesh in promoting the rights of women and children, ensuring mental health and digital safety within society, developing pioneering programs to protect children and combat gender-based violence, and promoting women’s participation in achieving sustainable development.

    Both parties agreed to strengthen their cooperation in areas such as building the capacity of women and young people, promoting social inclusion, and developing gender-sensitive educational systems.

    Agreement to strengthen cooperation between ICESCO and Bangladesh in the fields of education, innovation support and digital transformation

    Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Education Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation in the areas of educational development, innovation support and capacity building.

    During the meeting, held on Sunday 5 October 2025 in Dhaka, Dr. Al-Malik praised Bangladesh’s significant progress in literacy, quality education provision and digital transformation support, stressing that ICESCO considers Dhaka a regional model for educational innovation and youth development in the Islamic world.

    For his part, Dr. Abrar expressed his deep appreciation for ICESCO’s continued support, emphasizing that his country wishes to benefit from ICESCO’s expertise to modernize its education system and develop the future skills of its young people.
    The meeting featured discussions on a series of programs and projects proposed for implementation by both parties, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence and digital literacy into school curricula, training teachers in emerging technologies, and strengthening partnerships between universities, research institutions and industry. A joint working group will be formed in the near future to explore ways of implementing these programs and initiatives.

    Dr. Abrar hosted a dinner in honor of Dr. Malik, attended by several senior officials, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations in Bangladesh.

    ICESCO Organizes Panel Discussion at MONDIACULT 2025 to Ensure Fair and Inclusive Access to Culture

    As part of the official program of the World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development MONDIACULT 2025, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a special session titled: “Cultural Rights in the Digital Age: Inclusive Access, Fair Participation, and Rights-Based Governance.” The session highlighted the place of culture within the sustainable development agenda, cultural rights in the digital era, and the opportunities and challenges brought about by technological transformations.

    The event, organized by ICESCO on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, in partnership with UNESCO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and UN Women, aimed at strengthening international cooperation to guarantee fair and inclusive access to culture and to achieve fair participation in shaping rights-based governance policies.

    The session addressed three main issues: emphasizing the centrality of cultural rights in the digital age; the cultural dimensions of digital divides related to language, accessibility, and representation; as well as presenting ICESCO’s digital initiatives, foremost among them the ICESCO Creative Platform and the ICESCO Index of Cultural and Creative Technologies.
    In this context, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector, and Ms. Somia Djacta, Head of ICESCO’s Delegation to UNESCO, renewed the call for the adoption of a specific goal on culture within the Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 18). They stressed the importance of recognizing culture as a strategic driver of social cohesion, innovation, and sustainable development. They also underscored the need to safeguard the rights of artists, promote the creativity of youth and women, and ensure fair and inclusive governance in the digital space.

    Participants in the event unanimously emphasized the importance of bridging digital and cultural divides, protecting the rights of creators, and guaranteeing fair and inclusive access to cultural technologies. The inputs also highlighted ICESCO’s innovative contributions in this field. Joint recommendations were presented, which will be incorporated into the final documents of MONDIACULT 2025 and into future pathways of cooperation among international organizations.

    ICESCO Participates in International Conference on AI Ethics in Doha

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the international conference “AI Ethics: The Convergence of Technology and Diverse Moral Traditions,” organized by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) on 28–29 September 2025 at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha. The event was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and aimed to discuss cross-border ethical foundations for AI governance.

    ICESCO was represented by Dr. Kaïs Hammami, Head of the Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, who participated in a session titled “Transnational AI Principles and Guidelines: Harmonizing Ethics Across Borders,” alongside international academics and researchers. He emphasized the importance of building inclusive ethical frameworks that embrace cultural diversity and harmonize reference points across nations.

    In his intervention, Dr. Hammami highlighted the significance of the “Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World,” developed by ICESCO in partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), describing it as a common reference for Member States to ensure responsible, sustainable, and equitable AI governance. He underlined that the Charter places human dignity, justice, equity, and solidarity at its core, while also contributing to the global dialogue on AI ethics.

    The conference addressed the impact of AI on six key sectors: healthcare, urban planning, security, education, finance, and the future of work. ICESCO reaffirmed its firm commitment to building global ethical frameworks and strengthening balanced governance that integrates innovation with respect for cultural diversity.

    ICESCO Reaffirms Its Commitment to Cultural Rights at “Mondiacult 2025” in Barcelona

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development “Mondiacult 2025,” which kicked off on Monday, 29 September 2025, in Barcelona. the Organization reaffirmed its commitment to cultural rights, calling for their recognition as a standalone goal within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ICESCO also reviewed its major international cultural initiatives and achievements over the past five years.

    Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector, representing ICESCO at the Conference, highlighted the Organization’s vision and key cultural accomplishments, including initiatives aimed at expanding access to culture as a driver of development and a source of knowledge capital.

    Dr. Zinelabidine also took part in a special session on cultural rights, which focused on three core themes: strengthening public policies and legislative frameworks; developing strategies to protect freedom of creative expression and elevate the role of artists in a rapidly changing environment; and achieving progress in cultural property restitution, thereby enabling communities to reconnect with their heritage and fostering dialogue among nations.

    During the session, Dr. Zinelabidine shared ICESCO’s position on these matters, stressing that the Organization views cultural rights as a cornerstone of human development, peace, and intercultural dialogue. He also highlighted ICESCO’s initiatives to promote the diversity of cultural expressions, both in-person and in the digital space, and its support for artists and communities in safeguarding and transmitting heritage.

    ICESCO’s participation in this conference aims to work hand-in-hand with Member States and international partners to develop innovative policies and practical tools that ensure the respect, protection, and advancement of cultural rights globally.

    ICESCO Participates in Third Ministerial Dialogue for Culture-Based Climate Action

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the third High-Level Ministerial Dialogue for Culture-Based Climate Action, held in Barcelona on Sunday, 28 September 2025, on the eve of the World Conference on Cultural Policies Mondiacult, organized there by UNESCO.

    This dialogue, convened at the invitation of the Brazilian Ministry of Culture, as the host of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) scheduled for November 2025, reaffirmed the growing momentum for integrating culture at the heart of international sustainable development agendas. The event brought together ministers of culture, policymakers, and international cultural leaders to discuss the role of culture as a catalyst for climate action and sustainability. It also adopted the Barcelona Declaration, considered a significant collective commitment to strengthening the role of culture in addressing the global climate crisis.

    ICESCO was represented at this event by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector, and Ms. Somia Djacta, Head of the ICESCO Delegation to UNESCO, who emphasized the Organization’s commitment to supporting cultural approaches that enhance resilience to climate change, in line with its strategic vision of promoting peace, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development in its Member States.

    ICESCO Participates in International Experts Forum in Tashkent

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the International Experts Forum, held on 26–27 September 2025 under the theme: “The Great Heritage of the Past is the Basis for an Enlightened Future”, at the headquarters of the Center for Islamic Civilization in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, under the patronage of H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

    ICESCO was represented at the Forum by Dr. Ahmed Abdel Basset, Expert at the Organization’s Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts, who conveyed in his speech the greetings of ICESCO Director-General, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, to all the staff of the Center for Islamic Civilization and the participants in the Forum. He also highlighted the strong relations between ICESCO and the Republic of Uzbekistan, noting that last May the Uzbek city of Samarkand was announced as the Islamic World Culture Capital for 2025.

    Dr. Abdel Basset further spoke about the nature of cooperation between ICESCO and the Center for Islamic Civilization, pointing out that a large space on the Center’s second floor has been designated for the inauguration of ICESCO’s Manuscripts Center, from which numerous scientific and cultural activities will be launched in conjunction with the official opening of the Center for Islamic Civilization.

    The Forum served as a prelude to the official opening of the Center for Islamic Civilization next year. It provided an opportunity for more than 200 scholars, researchers, and experts from 20 countries to discover the Center’s exhibitions, sections, and collections, in addition to discussing its mission and scope of work aimed at conveying the human essence of Islam to the international community.

    It should be noted that on 25 May 2025, ICESCO Director-General visited the new headquarters of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, where he met with Mr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center, to discuss the arrangements for inaugurating the ICESCO Manuscripts Center, which will be hosted within the Center for Islamic Civilization.

    ICESCO, Artist Mohamed Sarwat Agree to Collaborate on Purposeful Artistic Projects

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on Thursday, 25 September 2025, received the Egyptian artist Mohamed Sarwat at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The meeting explored opportunities for producing meaningful artistic and cultural works in the near future.

    Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s commitment to supporting culture and arts and safeguarding Arab and Islamic heritage, with a particular emphasis on poetry. He also reviewed the Organization’s key initiatives in this area, including the “Cities of Poetry” Competition, the World Poetry Day celebration, and various activities designed to preserve poetry’s place in the cultural memory of the Islamic world.

    Moreover, the two parties considered organizing a seminar on the role of art in promoting Islamic values among youth and families, aimed at reinforcing the positive image of arts. They also reached a preliminary agreement to collaborate on the production of sung poems composed by Dr. AlMalik in praise of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), to be performed by Mohamed Sarwat.

    At the close of the meeting, Mohamed Sarwat expressed his delight at visiting ICESCO and affirmed his willingness to contribute to the Organization’s cultural and artistic initiatives, particularly those targeting young people. He commended ICESCO’s efforts in preserving identity and promoting the values of peace and dialogue. The visit concluded with a tour of the Organization’s facilities and projects, as well as the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography, housed at ICESCO headquarters.

    ICESCO, Thailand Discuss Arrangements for Delegation Visit

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Fabio Chinda, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of Morocco, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat on Thursday, 25 September 2025. The meeting aimed to coordinate the arrangements for the upcoming visit of an ICESCO delegation, headed by Dr. AlMalik, to Thailand in October.

    The two parties discussed the main highlights of the visit, including Dr. AlMalik’s keynote address as Guest of Honor at the 3rd International Conference on the Arabic Language of International Islamic College Bangkok, in addition to holding a series of meetings with several ministers and prominent religious leaders in the Kingdom.

    Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s keenness to strengthen cooperation and build fruitful partnerships with its Observer Member States, in a way that allows the exchange of expertise across various fields, foremost among them heritage protection, scientific research development, fostering a culture of knowledge, and advancing the educational system both within and beyond the Islamic world.

    For his part, Ambassador Chinda emphasized that Thailand will work to ensure the success of ICESCO’s visit and to lay solid foundations for partnership and cooperation between the Organization and the Kingdom, with the aim of developing programs and projects in educational fields, youth capacity-building, and the promotion of peace.

    The meeting was attended by Dr. Hani Al Balawi, Expert at the Organization’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue.

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