Category: News update

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Li Changlin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Morocco. The two parties discussed ways to promote partnership between ICESCO and China, the prospects of organizing several joint initiatives, and arrangements for the participation of ICESCO’s delegation, led by Dr. AlMalik, in the Ministerial Meeting on Civilizational Dialogue, to be held on July 10-11, 2025, in Beijing.

During this meeting, held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik commended the flourishing partnership between the Organization and China, emphasizing that ICESCO’s openness to non-Member States contributes to strengthening cooperation between these countries and the Islamic world. He explained that the upcoming meeting in Beijing will include a visit to Shaanxi Province, renowned for its historical significance, rich cultural heritage, and pioneering institutions in the development of advanced technological industries.

The DG also thanked his guest for extending the invitation to him and the ICESCO delegation to take part in this grand event. He emphasized that the theme of the ministerial meeting, “Protecting the Diversity of Human Civilizations for Global Peace and Development,” aligns with the Organization’s vision of promoting civilizational dialogue, cultural diversity, and mutual understanding among peoples. He further noted that it also corresponds with its educational and cultural initiatives aimed at consolidating peace in the Member States.

For his part, the Chinese Ambassador reaffirmed that ICESCO’s participation in this event will reflect its efforts to promote dialogue of civilizations and will provide an opportunity to exchange best practices in this field. He added that it will introduce the relevant Chinese authorities to the Organization’s activities and role across its various fields of competence.
The discussion covered the joint organization of scientific conferences and the preparation of Chinese cultural days at ICESCO’s headquarters to strengthen the rapprochement between China and the Islamic world, in addition to helping young people from the Islamic world learn the Chinese language.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat with Dr. Marat Gatin and Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Aides to the Rais of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, to discuss preparations for the celebration of “Kazan, Cultural Capital in the Islamic World for 2026,” and explore avenues for strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to the success of this major cultural event, outlining the programmes and activities that the Organization’s Culture Sector plans to implement to highlight Kazan’s civilizational depth and enhance its cultural and social capital.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik expressed confidence that the celebration of Kazan as the Cultural Capital in the Islamic World would be one of the most successful, thanks to Tatarstan’s wise leadership, strong enthusiasm, extensive experience, and the well-coordinated efforts of all stakeholders involved.

For his part, Mr. Timur Suleymanov spoke about the diverse and rich cultural programme planned for the celebration, commending ICESCO’s continued support to ensure its success.

Dr. Marat Gatin praised the strong relationship between ICESCO and the Republic of Tatarstan, affirming his country’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in education, scientific research, and academic training, as well as promoting intercultural dialogue and values of tolerance.

The meeting also addressed the creation of a joint coordination committee for the celebration, the organization of conferences and events at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, and the reception of young trainees from Tatarstan who will serve as ICESCO ambassadors within their communities.

The International Symposium on “Translation and Security: The Role of Translation in Enhancing National and International Security” kicked off on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat. The event is jointly organized by ICESCO and Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) in Saudi Arabia, with the participation of government officials and experts in translation and security.

The symposium aims to explore the role of translation in enhancing national and international security, discuss the linguistic and cultural challenges affecting translation in security contexts, and highlight how translation supports security operations and addresses cross-border threats. It also reviews the latest tools, methods, and practices in security-related translation, and its role in improving communication between countries and international organizations.

During the opening session, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, emphasized that translation is now regarded as a soft power that shapes global security discourse, fortifies societies, and builds bridges of knowledge between civilizations. Dr. AlMalik announced a series of initiatives by ICESCO’s Centre for Translation and Publishing to translate research and knowledge into multiple languages in order to preserve the presence of Islamic world cultures in international fora.

Following, Mr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Alharfash, Secretary of NAUSS Supreme Council, and Vice-President for External Relations, stated that the University launched the “Translated Book Initiative” as part of its research strategy to support evidence-based security policies and crime prevention. He noted that the symposium is intended to address linguistic and cultural challenges in security-related translation, while also showcasing how translation can support security operations and counter cross-border threats.

For his part, Mr. Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director General of National Security (DGSN), Director-General of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) of Morocco, emphasized, through remarks delivered on his behalf by Mr. Boubker Sabik, Superintendent General of Police, the central role of translators in aligning linguistic context with legal standards. He described translators as key partners in reinforcing security and stability, ensuring fair trials, and legitimizing legal procedures.

Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of ICESCO’s Centre for Translation and Publishing, noted that translation is no longer a mere linguistic process but rather a strategic bridge linking security, cultural, and technological domains. It serves as a central tool for shaping security, protecting societies, and achieving stability in an increasingly complex, multilingual world.

The opening session also featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding between ICESCO’s Centre for Translation and Publishing and King Fahd School of Translation of Abdelmalek Essaâdi University in Morocco to enhance academic cooperation and mutual training. Over the course of two days, the symposium will include a specialized workshop on the use of modern translation technologies and the training of translators for sensitive environments, along with five thematic sessions on translation in crises, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and multilateral institutional partnerships.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, Advisor to the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, in the presence of Her Excellency Mrs. Sadia Faizunnesa, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of Morocco. The two parties discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between ICESCO and Bangladesh, particularly in the fields of youth empowerment and cultural development.

At the outset of the meeting, which took place on Tuesday 1 July 2025, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik expressed his satisfaction with the close cooperation between ICESCO and Bangladesh, highlighting the initiatives and projects implemented in several areas, foremost among them: organizing workshops to develop competencies in the field of genomics; implementing a program for evaluating technological innovations aimed at strengthening the health sector in Bangladesh; organizing training programs on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD); in addition to organizing the “Green and Clean School” competition, which aims to transform schools into centers for sustainability.

The Director-General of ICESCO also emphasized the Organization’s interest in supporting its Member States’ efforts in developing education, science, and culture, building the capacities of youth and women, and training them in leadership for peace and security. Dr. AlMalik also referred to the Organization’s work in preserving and safeguarding heritage, by registering it on the ICESCO Islamic World Heritage List, along with the attention ICESCO gives to investing in artificial intelligence and modern technologies to advance efforts toward achieving sustainable development.

Furthermore, the meeting saw discussions on future areas of cooperation, especially with regard to organizing joint activities, mutual participation in each other’s events, and training youth from Bangladesh at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat.

For his part, Mr. Shojib Bhuiyan affirmed his country’s keenness to strengthen its standing partnership with ICESCO and develop cooperation in the field of youth capacity building and skill development, particularly in the cultural field, promoting civilizational dialogue, and combating extremist ideologies, noting that Bangladesh possesses many talents specializing in ICESCO’s areas of work.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), delivered a series of inspiring messages to the youth of the Islamic world during the opening ceremony of “Marrakech, Capital of Islamic World Youth 2025.”

Dr. AlMalik emphasized that success is not defined by titles or positions, but by the impact one has on the lives of others. He urged young people to “walk steadily and with great humility, for the tree, when it bears fruit, bends down. If you fall, do not despair, for falling is not the end but a lesson to learn and a driving force for success.”

He also called on youth to remain rooted in their values and to cherish their homelands, reminding them that every achievement brings a smile to a mother’s face and reassurance to the heart of a nation that awaits the contributions of its children. He encouraged them to leave a lasting mark in life, likening the compassionate doctor and the dedicated engineer to those who create enduring human legacies.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik stressed the importance of mastering future skills. “Those who prepare today will be among the builders of tomorrow, while those who lag behind may find no place for themselves in a fast-paced world that waits for no one. Learn the languages of tomorrow—coding, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity—and remember that learning is a lifelong journey.”

This message formed part of his address at the official launch of “Marrakech, Capital of Islamic World Youth 2025,” held on Monday, June 30, 2025, as part of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum. The event is held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, and brings together around 200 young men and women from 48 countries.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s strong belief in the vital role of youth in building prosperous futures for their nations and reviving the glory of Islamic civilization. He emphasized the need to trust young people and provide them with real spaces for creativity and innovation.

He also praised the tremendous efforts of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco for bringing culture to life in every street and square of the country. He commended the unwavering support of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who views youth as the nation’s greatest wealth and considers culture a bridge to development and peace.

In closing, Dr. AlMalik lauded Marrakech’s unique status and well-earned titles, calling it a capital of dreams, youth, and innovation. He noted that ICESCO had previously designated Marrakech as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024, a celebration marked by rich cultural and artistic programming that showcased the city’s vibrant heritage and civilizational diversity.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Omar Sherif Abdoelrahman, Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname to the Kingdom of Morocco, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the fields of civilizational dialogue and the promotion of the values of peace, diversity, and coexistence among young people in the Islamic world.

Both sides also stressed the importance of continued and direct communication between them, as well as the implementation of joint programs and initiatives in the educational, scientific, and cultural fields. In this vein, Dr. AlMalik reiterated ICESCO’s openness to learning more about Suriname’s priorities and needs in its fields of competence in order to design projects that meet those priorities.

The ICESCO Director-General also pointed out that building a strategic partnership with Suriname would provide a bridge to effective communication with the countries of the Islamic world and enable the implementation of joint programs with Member States in areas of common interest.

For his part, Mr. Abdoelrahman expressed his country’s willingness to cooperate with ICESCO and engage with the innovative initiatives and activities it offers to its Member States. He stressed the importance of supporting the diversity that characterizes the Islamic world and strengthening its unity, praising the Organization’s efforts in this field.

During the meeting, a number of suggested programs and projects were discussed, including the launch of two civilizational dialogue programs between Suriname and the Islamic world: “Exploring Paths to Understanding and Dialogue” and “Dialogue Between the Youth of Suriname and the Youth of the Islamic World.”

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Chairman of the Board of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat. The two parties discussed avenues for enhancing cooperation in knowledge exchange, artificial intelligence, youth capacity-building, and the promotion of peace and tolerance.

At the outset of the meeting, which was also attended by Ms. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Morocco and Kazakhstan’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO, Dr. AlMalik praised the fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and Kazakh institutions. He highlighted joint efforts such as organizing conferences on prominent Muslim world figures and implementing youth training programmes in fields including technology, innovation, and smart agriculture.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to deepening partnerships with leading academic institutions in the Islamic world, recognizing their scientific and intellectual contributions. He expressed his intention to strengthen collaboration with Al-Farabi University through knowledge exchange initiatives and youth capacity-building programmes.

For his part, Dr. Tuimebayev commended ICESCO’s recognized efforts to advance higher education and scientific research across its Member States. He proposed the establishment of an ICESCO office at Al-Farabi University in Almaty to help foster academic and research cooperation among universities in Kazakhstan and neighboring Member States.

The two parties agreed to form a joint working group to explore the implementation of programmes and projects in artificial intelligence, sustainable peacebuilding, and preparing youth for future professions.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Tuimebayev exchanged commemorative shields and gifts.

The meeting was also attended by Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, and Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated as a keynote speaker in the opening session of the Roundtable of Ministers of Education and Higher Education of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), held in Langkawi, Malaysia. Dr. AlMalik delivered a comprehensive address entitled “From Dropout to Opportunity: Reclaiming the Future through Inclusive Education.”

At the outset, Dr. AlMalik warned that the increasing dropout of children and youth poses a growing threat to social stability and sustainable development, noting that over 250 million children and adolescents are currently out of school worldwide, including 98 million in sub-Saharan Africa—the highest figure globally.
Dr. AlMalik stressed that this crisis demands urgent collective action, emphasizing that the consequences of school dropout extend beyond individuals, affecting families, communities, and nations through widening poverty gaps, reduced empowerment opportunities, and heightened risks of early marriage, child labor, and marginalization.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s key initiatives in this field, including reintegrating over 19,000 girls into education in Yemen with support from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief); providing psychosocial, technical, and logistical support to internally displaced girls and boarders in Burkina Faso in cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; improving sanitation and educational facilities in 240 schools across eight countries under the WASH programme, benefiting over 240,000 students; and deploying mobile education units for girls in remote areas of Nigeria.

In sum, Dr. AlMalik outlined five strategic recommendations to address school dropout:

• Integrate the goal of keeping boys and girls in school, especially during adolescence, into national education strategies;
• Create alternative pathways to reintegrate those who left school due to early marriage, labor, displacement, or conflict;
• Foster safe and inclusive school environments and develop gender-sensitive curricula that include inspiring female role models;
• Empower local communities, especially women-led initiatives, to drive education solutions;
• Bridge the digital divide to ensure equal access to digital education and future learning opportunities for all children.

Dr. AlMalik called on education ministers to adopt a regional roadmap that can be updated at each ASEAN conference cycle, affirming ICESCO’s readiness to serve as a key partner in designing and implementing this vision.

In closing, he extended an open invitation to all participants to attend ICESCO’s upcoming Education Ministers’ Conference, set for September 2026, and to visit the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, where policies are crafted and partnerships are built to promote more inclusive, equitable, and empowering education.

The opening session also featured keynote addresses by H.E Dr. Fadhlina Sidek, Malaysia’s Minister of Education; H.E. San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Socio-Cultural Community; and Ms. Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, UNESCO Representative to several Asian countries. They emphasized innovative approaches to closing education gaps and ensuring that every child and youth has equal access to quality education as a vital investment in their potential and in building a better future.