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    Category: News update

    News

    ICESCO proceeds with implementation of Supporting Displaced Girls’ Education Project in Burkina Faso

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    In furtherance of its efforts to promote girls’ education and empowerment, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) launched the Project, “Educational and Social Support for Displaced and Boarding School Girls” in the Republic of Burkina Faso, in cooperation with the Burkinabe National Commission for UNESCO and with funding from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation of the Republic of Azerbaijan
    The project aims to provide basic educational resources, counseling and life skills training for girls experiencing displacement and economic hardship in Burkina Faso, in a bid to advance their education and develop the education system in Burkina Faso.

    The project was officially launched on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 in the Burkinabe capital Ouagadougou, in the presence of an ICESCO delegation consisting of Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey, Head of the Education Sector, Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Faizah Alaoui, Education Sector Expert in charge of the Project, in addition to high-level Burkinabe officials, education workers, and civil society representatives.

    The ceremony featured an overview on the Project and its objectives, namely, improving educational outcomes, providing safe learning space, and equipping girls with leadership and digital skills. It also featured a presentation of the Project’s aspects of support such as building and renovating sanitation facilities in schools, and providing tutoring programs and counseling sessions to empower young girls to overcome challenges and build a brighter future for themselves.


    In her address at the opening ceremony, Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey, reiterated ICESCO’s firm commitment to promoting inclusive education and praised the generous support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, stating that the initiative will not only improve academic performance, but will also equip young girls with the skills and confidence to become future leaders.

    For his part, Mr. Anar Karimov highlighted the importance of education as a driver of social transformation and sustainable development, explaining that the project seeks to remove barriers to girls’ education by providing safe and inclusive learning environments in the cities of Kaya, Ouahigouya, Gaoua and Banfora. He emphasized the need to ensure the success and sustainability of the Project within the educational policies in Burkina Faso, stressing that an educated girl is a catalyst for change in her community and beyond.

    The official opening ceremony was followed by a meeting between the ICESCO delegation and Dr. Zakaria Soré, Secretary General of the Burkina Faso Presidential Office, to discuss the prospects of bilateral cooperation. The two parties expressed their keenness to continue strengthening the strategic partnership in the fields of girls’ education, teacher training, technical and vocational training, and other areas of common interest.

    ICESCO: Social justice is key to sustainable and inclusive development

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), underlined that social justice is the cornerstone of societal stability and development, stressing the need for the concerted efforts of governments, parliaments, and economic and social institutions to achieve it.

    Dr. AlMalik made this statement on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the opening session of the Ninth International Parliamentary Forum on Social Justice, organized by the Moroccan Parliament under the theme, “The Generalization of Social Protection in Morocco: A Vision of Development in Line with International Standards.”

    Dr. AlMalik explained that the concept of justice transcends the mere distribution of wealth to encompass providing equal opportunities, guaranteeing the basic rights of citizens, and striking a balance between economic development and social protection. In this connection, the Director-General highlighted ICESCO’s role in supporting Member States’ efforts to consolidate social justice through policies that foster wage equality, expand health coverage, and promote innovation in development.

    The Director-General also discussed the concept of social justice throughout history, recalling the values of Islamic teachings in balancing the various segments of society. He also commended the pioneering initiatives launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in the field of social protection, which have made Morocco a role model in this field.

    ICESCO Holds Third Workshop on “Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Cultural and Creative Industries”

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    As part of its Culture for Rethinking the World initiative, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held its third workshop on “Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Cultural and Creative Industries” on Monday, February 3, 2025. The session, organized for experts from ICESCO Member States and National Commissions, explored the latest advancements in AI and its potential to support cultural and creative industries.

    During the workshop, held via videoconference, Dr. Amin Hammami, an external ICESCO expert in digital creativity and digital culture, delivered a presentation on the role of AI in cultural industries. Dr. Hammami emphasized ICESCO’s contribution to cultural transformation and the promotion of cultural and creative industries through the integration of emerging technologies.

    Moderating the session, Ms. Zineb Bougrine, expert in creative intelligence in ICESCO’s Culture Sector, addressed the rapid progress of technology giants, especially in the fields of artificial intelligence. The participants highlighted the remarkable development in augmented and virtual reality and their applications in culture, including virtual museums and interactive exhibitions.

    Moreover, the workshop explored the ethical and technical challenges associated with AI technologies and their applications in the cultural and creative industries. Discussions covered generative tools for organizing virtual events and their current limitations.

    The workshop concluded with an emphasis on ICESCO’s commitment to advancing the transformation of creative industries, particularly as artificial intelligence technology reshapes cultural practices.

    ICESCO Executive Council to Be Held in February Under the Patronage of the Tunisian President

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Under the patronage of His Excellency Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed, the Republic of Tunisia will host the 45th Executive Council of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) on February 25-26, 2025, with the participation of delegations from the Organization’s Member States.

    The announcement was made following a meeting between President Kaïs Saïed and Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, along with his accompanying delegation, on Tuesday, 27 January 2025, at the Carthage Palace in Tunis. The meeting was part of the delegation’s official visit to the Republic of Tunisia.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to President Kaïs Saïed and conveyed his profound delight at this significant step. He emphasized that it reflects the President’s and Tunisia’s confidence in the Organization’s role over the past five years, as well as its pioneering efforts in education, science, and culture.

    Dr. AlMalik added that Tunisia’s hosting of the ICESCO Executive Council provides a strong boost to enhancing cooperation between the Organization and Tunisia. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Tunisian authorities to ensure the Council’s success.

    It is worth noting that ICESCO’s Executive Council meetings are held annually, with delegations from all 53 Member States in attendance. These delegations are typically led by the secretaries-general of the national commissions. The Executive Council is tasked with reviewing and evaluating ICESCO’s annual performance reports and approving future work plans proposed by the General Directorate.

    ICESCO Director-General, Tunisian Minister of Education explore ways to strengthen cooperation and integration of AI in education

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), discussed with Mr. Noureddine Nouri, the Tunisian Minister of Education, ways to promote cooperation in education and invest in artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the quality of the sector, as part of the visit of the ICESCO delegation led by its Director-General to the Republic of Tunisia.

    During the meeting, which took place on Tuesday, 28 January 2025, at the headquarters of the Ministry, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main thrusts and strategic orientations of ICESCO’s vision, stressing the importance of integrating AI into the various stages of the educational process, developing curricula, and proposing innovative solutions to improve the performance of teachers and students. He also provided a comprehensive overview of the programs, projects, and activities of the Education Sector and the main roles played by ICESCO in the development of this field in its Member States.

    Dr. AlMalik highlighted the Organization’s initiatives to improve the quality of education, develop education policies, support education systems, promote digital education and scientific research, and train education leaders. He stressed that the Organization is adopting the latest technologies to improve the sector and that it is up to us to build more inclusive and sustainable education systems that aim to train leaders capable of managing change and improving education.

    For his part, the Tunisian Minister praised ICESCO’s pioneering efforts, projects, and programs that support Member States in several areas, including education, and the establishment of sustainable education systems that meet the needs of the present and pave the way for a better future. He also emphasized the Ministry’s keenness to work closely with ICESCO to implement joint programs and initiatives focused on capacity building for students and teachers, particularly in the area of AI, and called for an expanded conference in partnership with ICESCO to explore the impact of AI on the future of education.

    At the end of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their cooperation in the development of education-related strategies and policies, and the implementation of joint programs and projects in this field.

    ICESCO Director-General receives Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and together they discussed ways to promote cooperation between the Organization and the Committee, within the framework of the special partnership relations between ICESCO and Azerbaijan in areas of common interest.

    The meeting was held on Monday, December 16, 2024, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of Amb. Nazim Samadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Morocco. During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik commended the strong relations between ICESCO and Azerbaijan, which led to a number of joint programs and projects and a remarkable participation of ICESCO at COP29, held in Baku last November.

    The DG also stated that the International Conference, “Inter-Faith Harmony: Nurturing Peaceful Coexistence”, to be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at ICESCO headquarters, in cooperation with the Committee and the Azerbaijani Embassy in Rabat, represents another addition to the series of partnerships between ICESCO and Azerbaijani institutions, and aligns with the Organization’s vision to anchor the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue.

    The two parties discussed a proposal for cooperation between ICESCO and the Committee to implement several programs in the fields of education, health and social services for the benefit of countries in need, agreeing to review a set of projects in this regard.

    At the close of the meeting, Mr. Mammadov gifted Dr. AlMalik a copy of the Holy Quran printed in Azerbaijan.
    The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Sector of Partnerships and International Cooperation, and Amb. Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue.

    ICESCO and World Bank Explore Cooperation Prospects in MENA Region

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ms. Fadia Saadeh, Regional Director for Human Development in Middle East and North Africa Region at the World Bank, and her accompanying delegation. The Meeting focused on exploring avenues for cooperation between ICESCO and the World Bank for the benefit of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Member States of the Organization.

    During the Meeting, held on Monday, December 16, 2024, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik highlighted that ICESCO adopts an open approach to engaging with international organizations and bodies in order to support its Member States in advancing education, science, and culture, as well as building the capacities of women and youth.

    He reviewed ICESCO’s key strategic vision and objectives, and highlighted the Organization’s flagship programs and projects implemented in collaboration with relevant authorities in its Member States. He also expressed the Organization’s readiness to cooperate with the World Bank in areas of mutual interest.

    For her part, Ms. Saadeh praised ICESCO’s efforts, emphasizing that cooperation between the Two Parties could involve sharing expertise, particularly in the fields of education, teacher capacity building, and the joint organization of forums and activities in these areas.

    The Meeting was attended by ICESCO officials, including Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector; Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; and Dr. Zaid Abshama, Expert at the Education Sector. From the World Bank’s Morocco team, attendees included Ms. Fadila Caillaud, Regional Manager in Education Global Practice; Ms. Debbie Newitter Mikesell, Senior Education Specialist; and Ms. Léa Iungmann, Education Specialist.

    ICESCO and CAFRAD Agree to Enhance Cooperation

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Coffi Dieudonné Assouvi, DG of the African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD), held a meeting to discuss prospects of strengthening cooperation between the two organizations, particularly in building the capacities of professionals in the scientific, cultural, and educational fields.

    Dr. AlMalik opened the meeting, held on Monday, December 16, 2024, by emphasizing ICESCO’s commitment to advancing collaboration with CAFRAD through the joint implementation of practical programs and projects benefiting the Member States of both organizations.

    For his part, Dr. Assouvi expressed his gratitude to ICESCO’s Director-General for the meeting and highlighted the strong alignment between the missions of ICESCO and CAFRAD. Established in 1964 as an intergovernmental organization, CAFRAD now comprises 36 African Member States, making it the second-largest African organization by membership after the African Union, with its headquarters relocated from Tangier to Rabat, Morocco, in 2020.
    Dr. Assouvi highlighted that CAFRAD’s work focuses on four pillars: training and scientific research, publishing and documentation, organization, and consultancy. He reaffirmed CAFRAD’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with ICESCO, especially in capacity-building initiatives targeting professionals in education, science, and culture. Additionally, he highlighted CAFRAD’s dedication to supporting emerging economies, such as the purple economy, green economy, and solidarity economy, to achieve sustainable development.

    In conclusion, Dr. AlMalik underscored ICESCO’s open-door policy to a new phase of collaboration with CAFRAD, and invited Dr. Assouvi to hold meetings with the heads of ICESCO’s sectors to agree on a series of projects that the two organizations could jointly implement.

    ICESCO restores historic mosque of Chinguetti in Mauritania

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), has unveiled the Organization’s project to restore the ancient mosque of Chinguetti in Mauritania, in the historic district classified as an Islamic and world heritage site, including the Imam’s house and the mosque’s interior and exterior courtyards. This initiative has been launched in agreement with the Mauritanian Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament, in total compliance with the cultural heritage technical requirements.

    This decision comes following Dr. AlMalik’s visit to the mosque, on the sidelines of his participation in the opening of the 13th session of “Madayn Heritage Festival”, which kicked off on 13 December 2024 in Chinguetti, under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.

    During the visit, the Director General toured the various sections of the mosque and its interior and exterior courtyards. He also learned about the history and great historical symbolism of this Islamic architecture, a monument that has taught thousands of scholars over more than ten centuries and a key departure point for pilgrims from West Africa.

    He added that the decision to restore the ancient mosque of Chinguetti falls within the framework of the outstanding partnership between ICESCO and Mauritania, as well as ICESCO’s commitment to heritage preservation.

    The ancient mosque of Chinguetti is one of the most prominent monuments in the ancient city, representing a unique architectural model that combines simplicity and precise architectural design. It was first founded in 160 A.H. in ancient Chinguetti, before being re-founded in 660 A.H. in its present location.

    Various activities at ICESCO’s pavilion at 2nd Casablanca International Children and Youth Book Fair

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is participating with a special pavilion in the second International Children and Youth Book Fair, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, in Casablanca, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, from 14 through 22 December 2024.

    During the official opening, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, alongside a group of senior personalities visited ICESCO’s pavilion, where Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director General, and Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO Culture and Communication Sector, welcomed and briefed them on the main activities that will be offered to the young visitors of the pavilion.

    ICESCO’s pavilion will feature a rich cultural, artistic and entertainment program, including dozens of activities, discussions and talks, with the participation of a distinguished group of thinkers, intellectuals, writers and poets.

    This annual features an intensive cultural program with 405 workshops and 66 cultural activities, including workshops and awareness-raising programs, with the participation of 340 publishing houses from 29 countries, with Wallonie-Bruxelles Edition as a special guest.