The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has published a scientific policy recommendation titled “The Role of Digital Technologies in Inclusive and Sustainable Development: Focus on SMEs and Cooperatives.” The publication was supervised by ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector and prepared with contributions from experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Zeroe, and Act4Community.
This publication draws on practical experience and the views of international experts to provide a strategic reference for leveraging digital technologies to strengthen the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives in creating employment opportunities, supporting social cohesion, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
The publication aims to support the efforts of policymakers and institutions to develop inclusive digital transformation strategies capable of responding to local needs. It also seeks to place SMEs and cooperatives at the heart of national development agendas in order to promote the inclusion of women, youth, and communities in technological advancement.
It is worth noting that this recommendation reflects ICESCO’s commitment to supporting scientific research and innovation and to enhancing the participation of SMEs in achieving economic and social development.
The scientific recommendation can be accessed via the following link:
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) launched the ICESCO Quantum Science Experts Network to strengthen collaboration in scientific research and innovation in quantum technologies, promote knowledge exchange, and build the capacities of professionals working in the field across the Organization’s Member States. The launch took place during a high-level dialogue held virtually on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, with the participation of 30 experts, researchers, academics, and specialists in quantum technologies from 21 countries.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Yergaliyev Kuanysh, Head of the Science and Environment Sector at ICESCO, stressed the importance of raising awareness of quantum technologies and advancing their application. He noted that the launch of the network marks an important step toward establishing a collaborative quantum technology ecosystem across the Islamic world and developing human capital in this strategic field.
During the first session, Dr. Adel Smeda, expert at the Science and Environment Sector of ICESCO, explained that the ICESCO Quantum Science Experts Network operates within the framework of the ICESCO Center for Quantum Technologies. He outlined the Center’s roles, strategic objectives, and action plan, highlighting the establishment of the ICESCO Quantum Technologies Alliance Platform and the assessment of Member States’ readiness in this area among its key priorities.
In the second session, participants delivered presentations on recent developments in quantum technologies, quantum computing, quantum algorithms, and cybersecurity, as well as the principles and ethics governing cooperation in the field of quantum technologies.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held an introductory meeting to present its new “Culture International Smart City” project on Wednesday, 22 July 2026. The meeting was organized in cooperation with the General Delegation of Wallonie-Bruxelles in Morocco, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University of Saudi Arabia, and the Arts et Métiers Institute of Technology (ENSAM) in Paris. It brought together 40 representatives of ICESCO National Commissions, along with a number of experts from the Organization.
The virtual meeting, chaired by Ms. Chiraz El Fassi, General Delegate of Wallonie-Bruxelles in Morocco, opened with remarks by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector. In his address, he reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to developing innovative cultural policies founded on international cooperation, digital transformation, and sustainable development. He noted that the new program represents a major step in implementing ICESCO’s strategic vision of positioning culture as a driver of development.
This was followed by a detailed presentation on the “Culture International Smart City” project delivered by Dr. Mohamed Amine Hammami, an expert in cultural and creative technologies, and Mr. Christophe Claramunt, a professor at ENSAM in Paris. They explained that the project seeks to harness digital technologies and artificial intelligence to support the preservation, valorization, and promotion of cultural heritage while stimulating the creative economy and fostering innovation across ICESCO Member States.
The presentation emphasized that the project goes beyond the digitalization of cultural heritage. It aims to establish a smart cultural ecosystem in which heritage, innovation, scientific research, cultural entrepreneurship, and citizen participation interact within an integrated and holistic framework.
Representatives of the National Commissions welcomed the innovative initiative and expressed their interest in implementing it in their respective countries. Discussions focused on mechanisms for appointing focal points between ICESCO and its Member States to identify pilot cities, mobilize local partners, and develop a joint action plan to ensure the gradual implementation of the program at the national level.
The “Culture International Smart City” project is part of ICESCO’s broader efforts to place culture at the heart of digital transformation by developing an innovative model for smart cultural cities capable of strengthening cultural heritage protection, supporting the creative economy, and promoting scientific research.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), paid tribute to Dr. Ayman Ashour, former Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Arab Republic of Egypt, on the occasion of the end of his term as President of the Organization’s 14th General Conference.
During the ceremony held at ICESCO headquarters on Friday, 17 July 2026, and attended by H.E. Ahmed Nihad Abdel Latif, Ambassador of Egypt to Rabat, Dr. AlMalik described Dr. Ashour as a key Egyptian figure whose name is closely associated with support for scientific research and the promotion of creativity and innovation. He added that Dr. Ashour is one of the renowned academic leaders in the Arab and Islamic worlds.
Dr. AlMalik stated that Dr. Ashour presided over the General Conference during a period that marked a significant milestone in ICESCO’s transformation and development. “The achievements and tireless efforts of Dr. Ashour will remain a testament to what he has contributed to the Organization and its Member States, and will always be a source of pride for ICESCO and its General Directorate,” he further explained.
The Director General also commended the stronger bilateral relations between ICESCO and Egypt during Dr. Ashour’s presidency, praising Egypt’s generous support for the Organization, manifested in hosting the General Conference in 2021 under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and sponsoring numerous ICESCO conferences and initiatives benefiting the youth of the Islamic world.
In the same vein, Dr. AlMalik expressed his confidence that Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt and current President of ICESCO’s General Conference, will continue to advance the strategic cooperation between Egypt and ICESCO, expressing his hope that this collaboration will yield positive results across the fields of education, science, culture, and media in the Islamic world.
For his part, Dr. Ashour expressed his delight at this tribute and expressed his appreciation to the Organization, stating that he had witnessed firsthand ICESCO’s commitment to joint and institutional action, which has driven its journey to become a leading international organization. He also praised Dr. AlMalik’s wise leadership in translating the Organization’s vision and strategic objectives into tangible outcomes, highlighting Egypt’s support, under the guidance of President El-Sisi, geared towards fulfilling ICESCO’s new vision.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Ahmed Nihad Abdel Latif affirmed Egypt’s pride in presiding over ICESCO’s General Conference during the previous and current terms, underscoring the importance of sustaining the strategic partnership between Egypt and ICESCO.
The ceremony was attended by ICESCO leadership, heads of sectors, and directors of centers and departments.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the Transforming Education Summit (TES+4), organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at its headquarters in Paris, on Friday, 10 July 2026. The Summit, themed “System Transformation and Resilience for SDG 4,” brought together a distinguished group of ministers, officials, representatives of international and regional organizations, and education decision-makers.
Speaking during the high-level panel discussion titled “Persisting Gaps and the Way Forward,” Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector at ICESCO, called for accelerating the transition from international commitments to tangible impact in education. He noted that the next phase requires building education systems capable of preparing learners to address climate change challenges and strengthening their ability to contribute to sustainable development.
Dr. Albanyan presented ICESCO’s vision of the key challenges facing efforts to accelerate the development of climate-ready education systems, drawing on the Organization’s regional expertise and its monitoring of progress in Member States.
Additionally, Dr. Albanyan emphasized that the four years following the TES have seen notable progress in positioning climate education within policy priorities, strengthening international cooperation, and launching national initiatives to support education transformation. He noted that the main challenge is no longer securing political commitments, but translating them into concrete educational practices.
Subsequently, Dr. Albanyan reviewed the Greening Education Partnership (GEP) Dashboard for Member States, developed jointly by ICESCO and UNESCO. He highlighted key findings of ICESCO’s regional report titled “Beyond the Transforming Education Summit: From Commitments to Action,” which monitors progress made by Member States in implementing their commitments and identifies areas of advancement, particularly in digital transformation, governance and financing, equity and inclusion, and teachers’ professional development.
In closing, Dr. Albanyan called for focusing on integrating climate education within national education systems, strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and enhancing the exchange of data and expertise.
The Islamic civilisation stands out among other civilisations for its unique continuity and development.
Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Advisor at the Royal Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars, and Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, affirmed that the Islamic civilisation stands out among other civilisations for its unique continuity and development. It has never been merely a historical legacy; rather, it has consistently preserved knowledge and sciences while adapting to evolving circumstances across different eras. This has established a humanistic and civilizational approach that has contributed to strengthening the values of knowledge, ethics, and development, while underscoring the importance of safeguarding this civilizational and spiritual heritage.
He made these remarks during his address, on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, as part of the International Forum “Islamic Civilization: Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” co-organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.
Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid explained that the forum serves as an international platform to highlight the rich scientific, intellectual, and cultural legacy of the Islamic civilization, which has contributed over centuries to serving humanity and promoting the values of moderation, tolerance, and openness. He added that preserving and transmitting the Islamic heritage to future generations is a shared responsibility that requires strengthening cooperation among religious, scientific, and cultural institutions.
He noted that the Islamic civilization is a civilization of knowledge and intellectual endeavor; it has never embraced stagnation that hinders the understanding of texts. It is founded on interpreting the Quran and Sunnah in accordance with the understanding of the early generations of Islam, while taking into account contemporary realities and fulfilling the objectives of Sharia.
He emphasized that the Islamic civilization does not fear beneficial progress nor oppose modern means, but rather evaluates them through the framework and objectives of Sharia. The Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and to the participants in the forum. He also highlighted the depth of relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, as well as their ongoing cooperation in advancing shared cultural and civilizational causes.
Earlier, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, accompanied Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid on a tour of the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent to explore its sections, pavilions, and collection of manuscripts, documents, and rare historical artifacts, as well as its distinctive architectural design and modern display technologies, which present the Islamic civilization in a way that blends authenticity with modernity.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the second edition of the International Solidarity Culinary Arts Festival, held on Saturday, 16 May 2026, at the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco in Rabat, with the participation of diplomatic missions and international organizations.
The opening of the festival was attended by Ms. Naima Ben Yahia, Minister of Solidarity, Social Inclusion and Family; Mr. Abdelilah Bouzidi, President of the Agdal-Riad District Council; and Ms. Oniel Obolo, President of the Diplomatic Club in Morocco, along with a number of ambassadors and representatives of foreign missions.
ICESCO’s participation in this edition reflected the cultural richness and diversity that characterize the countries of the Islamic world and highlighted the importance of using culinary arts as a means of cultural exchange and support for social action. This year’s participation also featured a dedicated children’s area with a variety of awareness-raising and educational activities, traditional games, and the screening of the animated film “Show Me Your Smile,” produced by ICESCO as part of its program to combat bullying in schools. Children were given an explanation of the phenomenon and received motivational gifts.
The festival, the proceeds of which were allocated to support a project of the Girls’ Schooling Committee, was organized within the framework of promoting the values of solidarity and rapprochement among peoples through the use of culinary arts as a means to enhance cultural exchange and support social and humanitarian initiatives.
The training program “Utilizing of AI Tools in News Writing and Quality Content Creation”, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the KUNA Media Development Center, kicked off on Sunday, February 1st, 2026, with the participation of 16 media professionals and content creators from eight Member States of the Organization.
The training program, sponsored by Kuwait Airways and Bukhamseen Holding Group – Crowne Plaza, aims to raise awareness of ways to employ artificial intelligence tools in news writing and digital content creation, foster ethics in the use of artificial intelligence in media and meaningful content creation, and develop participants’ skills in big data analysis through a series of lectures, panel discussions, and practical training sessions.
The five-day training program began with a lecture on the basics of artificial intelligence technology and its applications, presented by Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Khamis, director and expert in creative artificial intelligence, in which he reviewed the opportunities and challenges of mainstreaming the use of artificial intelligence in various professional fields.
At the end of the first day, Dr. Barakat Al Wegyan, Director of Communication Department at ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector, stressed the need to hone young people’s skills to keep pace with rapid technological developments, given their pivotal role in renewing media work.
For his part, Mr. Thamer Al-Furaih, Head of the Kuna Media Development Center, pointed out the importance of developing cooperation between international organizations, institutions, and training centers to build a promising generation of media professionals in the Islamic world.
As part of the program’s activities, participants met with officials from the General Department of International Media of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information. They reviewed the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with countries from the Islamic world and mechanisms for communicating with media professionals and experts.
This is the second training program organized by ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector for media professionals, content creators, and content creators in the Islamic world as part of the Sector’s strategic plan to enhance the capacities of media professionals to keep pace with media and technological developments.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the 8th International Arabic Language Conference entitled “Teaching and Learning Arabic: Looking Towards the Future: Requirements, Opportunities, and Challenges,” organized by the Arabic Language Educational Sharjah Centre for Gulf States (ALECGS), under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Education.
The conference, held on 28-29 January 2026 at the Center’s headquarters in Sharjah University City, saw the participation of 118 researchers and experts from 24 countries and representatives of five international organizations, with 85 research papers and studies presented, and 20 outstanding practices were presented during 33 scientific sessions, which discussed issues, studies, best practices, and scientific and practical experiences related to the reality of teaching Arabic.
ICESCO was represented at the conference by Dr. Majdi Haji Ibrahim, Head of ICESCO’s Center of Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers and Mr. Salem Omar Salem, Director of the Organization’s Regional Office in Sharjah. Dr. Majdi presented a scientific paper reviewing ICESCO’s key achievements and contributions in the field of Arabic language teaching and learning in line with its new forward-looking vision, leveraging all possible technological applications, methods, and techniques to disseminate Arabic across the world.
At the close of the symposium, Dr. Issa Al-Hammadi, Director of ALECGS, presented a shield of honor to Mr. Salem Omar Salem and Dr. Majdi Haj Ibrahim.
As part of the ICESCO Forum “Culture for Rethinking the World,” the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) launched a new series of dialogue sessions entitled “World Artists, Guests of ICESCO,” with the aim of harnessing artistic creativity in efforts to promote intercultural dialogue by hosting contemporary artistic figures who contribute to enriching cultural debate and affirming the status of art as a universal language for peace and coexistence.
Dr. Mohammed Zine El Abidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, opened the first discussion session, held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, with a speech highlighting that this series is part of the forum’s vision to make culture a space for action and reflection, stressing that artists are not merely creators, but partners in producing meaning, transferring experiences, and promoting rapprochement between peoples.
After that, the discussion session kicked off, featuring two prominent figures from the international art scene via video conferencing, Amadi Lagha, a world-renowned opera singer, and Manuel Delgado, a Spanish flamenco guitarist and composer, who presented their experiences and artistic careers in an interactive discussion with participants.
During his presentation, Amadi Lagha reviewed his academic and artistic career, which took shape in Tunisia, France, and Italy, emphasizing the need to renew approaches to music education in order to give emerging artists greater freedom and scope for innovation.
For his part, Manuel Delgado highlighted his career, rooted in Andalusian heritage, which he shaped through his education in several European cities, considering that fidelity to artistic identity is not incompatible with openness and emphasizing that music has a unique ability to bridge cultures.
The session was moderated by Mr. Frédéric Jambu, expert in cultural diplomacy at ICESCO, who presented the general framework of the new concept and its objectives, highlighting the strategic role of art in renewing contemporary cultural dialogue and promoting understanding between peoples.
