Category: News update

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) expresses its deep sorrow and sincere condolences to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, its leadership, government, and people, over the devastating floods that claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands, and caused unprecedented destruction to property and infrastructure. A disaster of such scale calls for solidarity and support from all countries of the world, so that the people of Pakistan may overcome the tragic conditions left behind by the catastrophe.

While commending the responsible efforts made by the Pakistani authorities to mitigate the consequences of this painful calamity, the Organization conveys its full solidarity and support, affirming the depth of the ties binding ICESCO and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and reiterates its readiness to provide assistance that reflects its genuine stance during these difficult times.

In light of the escalating crisis in the Gaza Strip, fueled by the systematic war of starvation imposed by the Zionist occupation authorities, no one has been spared: neither the elderly nor the young, neither mothers nor infants. The scale of suffering has reached unimaginable heights, surpassing even the darkest chapters of human conflict throughout history.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in accordance with its mission and mandate, calls upon all forces of good from around the world, including decision-makers, leaders of international organizations, diplomats, civil society groups, scientists, writers, artists, and all those with a living conscience, to unite in solidarity and raise a collective voice that boldly proclaims the truth.

We must uphold the dignity of humanity, safeguard its conscience, and spare it the condemnation of history as it bears witness, with its own eyes, to the greatest tragedy in human memory. This disaster shows how far the world has fallen by staying silent, while the machinery of starvation continues to claim the lives of innocents who perish under relentless assault—on the brink of a meal that never comes, a sip that never quenches their thirst.

In accordance with its steadfast commitment to safeguarding human rights and humanitarian principles, and in response to international reports denouncing the war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocidal warfare perpetrated in the Gaza Strip, ICESCO categorically condemns the systematic brutality being visited upon Gaza. The Organization calls upon all parties concerned to oppose, through every available means, Israel’s policy of starvation and systematic slaughter—a policy that recognizes no boundaries of morality and operates with utter impunity.

May Allah Almighty protect our brothers and sisters in Gaza and deliver them from their suffering.

His Excellency Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on the afternoon of Wednesday, 23 July 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Rabat.

The meeting touched upon the fruitful cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and ICESCO, and the distinguished patronage and continuous attention the Organization enjoys from His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, which has been translated into tangible support from the Moroccan government for the Organization’s initiatives and programs. The Director-General praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its strong support and great interest in ICESCO, clearly demonstrated by the Headquarters Agreement, which has become a model for relations between international organizations and host countries.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented a brief overview of the key achievements realized since assuming leadership of the Organization. He highlighted ICESCO’s new strategic vision, which has positioned it as a leading institution at both regional and international levels. He also reviewed major activities carried out in the Kingdom of Morocco and outlined future areas of focus, chief among them: heritage preservation, exploration of artificial intelligence prospects, and capacity building in future-oriented professions.

The Director-General affirmed that ICESCO is confidently advancing toward global leadership under the high patronage of His Majesty, noting that the Organization has earned numerous international certifications and accreditations reflecting its commitment to transparency, good governance, and institutional excellence.

Dr. AlMalik further emphasized ICESCO’s dedication to attracting outstanding talent from across the Islamic world and empowering youth through training and employment in fields aligned with the future transformations of the job market.

For his part, Minister Bourita commended ICESCO’s efforts and its growing role in enhancing the presence of the Islamic world in the fields of education, science, and culture.

At the close of the meeting, the Director-General expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom of Morocco for its gracious hosting of the Organization and the continued support it provides to ensure the success of its work and initiatives.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) signed a high-level cooperation agreement with the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication (KACCC), at the Center’s headquarters in Riyadh.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Fawzan, KACCC Secretary-General, in the presence of several senior officials from both sides.

The meeting opened with welcoming remarks in which Dr. Al-Fawzan presented a comprehensive overview of KACCC’s vision, mission, and core values. He also highlighted key projects, initiatives, and publications that reflect its intellectual presence and active contribution to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s standing as a hub for dialogue and intercultural openness.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, for his part, outlined ICESCO’s new strategic directions and highlighted its initiatives in the field of civilizational dialogue. He underscored the key role of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, which was presented in detail by Dr. Hani Albalawi, expert at the Center. Dr. Albalawi explained the Center’s central mission in promoting a culture of peace and advancing mutual understanding across the Islamic world and beyond.

The agreement marks a new milestone in the strategic partnership between both parties, aiming to develop and implement innovative initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue, foster the values of tolerance and coexistence, support cultural diversity, disseminate scientific knowledge, and bridge culture with science to achieve sustainable development goals and serve communities in Member States.

The agreement also includes cooperation in organizing dialogue forums, exchanging studies and research, conducting surveys to support evidence-based decision-making, and implementing training programs and specialized workshops to build institutional capacities and enhance their knowledge resilience.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two parties exchanged commemorative shields. Dr. Salim AlMalik praised KACCC’s efforts and innovation in producing impactful studies and initiatives, describing it as a model think tank to be showcased across the Islamic world for its data-driven approach to decision-making and policy development.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Ibrahim Al-Asimi, KACCC Deputy Secretary-General, along with several senior officials from the Center. ICESCO was represented by Dr. Hani Albalawi, Expert at ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue.

The Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science also participated, represented by Dr. Rami Alharbi, Adviser to the Secretary-General of the Commission, and Ms. Rimas Aldayel, Adviser to the Head of the Education Sector at the Commission.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Mr. Chen Weiqing, Director-General of the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as part of the official visit of ICESCO’s Director-General and his delegation to the People’s Republic of China.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s renewed civilizational vision, which focuses on promoting intercultural dialogue, protecting heritage, developing education, supporting science and innovation, and smart handling of present-day technological transformations. He also introduced the 53 Member States of the Organization.

The meeting explored ways to expand cooperation between ICESCO and China, especially in the fields of culture, education, youth, and civilizational dialogue. It also discussed the possibility of China joining ICESCO as an “observer member,” which would enhance cultural convergence and open far-reaching avenues for cooperation between China and the Islamic world. Dr. AlMalik stressed that China’s accession as an observer member would represent a qualitative leap in the path of partnership with ICESCO and provide new opportunities for joint projects and initiatives.

For his part, Mr. Chen Weiqing expressed China’s real interest in joining the Organization, noting that this matter is currently subject to official procedures within the Chinese government.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his thanks to the Chinese government for the warm welcome and hospitality. Then, the two parties exchanged commemorative gifts to demonstrate the spirit of friendship and express mutual appreciation.

The meeting was attended by Anar Karimov, ICESCO’s Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, as well as a number of ministry officials.

As part of efforts to strengthen cultural ties between the Islamic world and the People’s Republic of China, a formal meeting took place on 10 July 2025 between the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Mr. Zheng Hao, Director-General of Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation of the Ministry.

The meeting began with a comprehensive presentation on ICESCO, in which Dr. AlMalik outlined the Organization’s civilizational vision and goals, highlighting its presence across 53 Member States. Moreover, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to preserving and promoting tangible and intangible cultural heritage within and beyond the Islamic world.

The two parties discussed several priority areas for cooperation, including the protection of heritage sites, exchange of expertise in cultural preservation, and review of ICESCO’s Cultural Index, adopted at the Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World.

The two parties also emphasized the importance of youth as a foundation for future development and the need to design targeted educational programs for them, stressing the central role of culture in shaping identity and strengthening belonging.

The meeting concluded with a preliminary agreement on a set of initiatives, notably the organization of joint cultural seminars and conferences, the participation of China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism in the upcoming session of the Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, and an official visit by a Ministry delegation to ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat. The discussions also explored the potential inclusion of Chinese youth in ICESCO’s cultural exchange programs, as well as the temporary secondment of two Chinese experts in culture and heritage to contribute to the Organization’s activities.

The proposal for China to join ICESCO as an observer member was also put forward, facilitating broader participation in the Organization’s programs.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts as a gesture of friendship and mutual respect.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, along with several officials from China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.