The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) announces the start of application for the first edition of its Young Professionals Programme for 2022, which is an opportunity for young talents to spend 24 months of professional training at one of ICESCO’s Sectors, Departments or Specialized Centers, at the Organization’s Headquarters, in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco.
This Programme comes within the framework of ICESCO’s new vision and action strategy, which fosters young people’s visions, strengthen their capacities and develops their leadership and professional skills to build a responsible and professional generation and upgrade the fields of education, science and culture in the Islamic world.
To join ICESCO Young Professionals Programme 2022, the candidate must:
• Be a citizen of one of ICESCO Member States;
• Have less than 35 years of age at the application start date;
• Hold at least a BA degree or its equivalent in education, science, culture or any other field relevant to the Organization’s areas of action;
• Be proficient in at least one of the Organization’s working languages (Arabic, English or French);
Moreover, the candidates must fill in and send the application form to ICESCO before April 15, 2022, along with their CVs in either Arabic, English or French, copies of their academic diplomas and qualifications (at least a BA degree), a copy of the ID card or passport, a copy of the birth certificate and a personal photo. ICESCO will contact candidates to conduct remote written exams and interviews.
For more information on application conditions and the Programme’s privileges and benefits as well as the application form, please visit https://www.icesco.org/en/young-professionals-program/ or send your inquiries on hr@icesco.org
Under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, a major ceremony was held to mark the inauguration of the Celebration of Rabat as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022. Held by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in the Kingdom of Morocco and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), today, Thursday 24 March 2022, at the Mohammed V Theatre, the ceremony witnessed high-level participation including officials from the Moroccan Government, public figures, authors, intellectuals and artists in addition to a large audience.
The year-long celebration of Rabat as the 2022 Culture Capital in the Islamic World is organized as part of the ICESCO Programme for Culture Capitals in the Islamic World and will feature a large selection of programs and activities both in Rabat and other Moroccan cities. The celebration aims to highlight the civilizational status of Rabat and cast light on its abundant tangible and intangible heritage.
The ceremony was opened by an address by Mr. Mohamed Al-Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, who stated that the selection of Rabat as Culture capital in the Islamic World for 2022, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, reaffirms the special attention His Majesty accord to the Kingdom’s capital. He added that this selection also reflects Rabat’s special position in the African, Arab, Islamic and International levels as a model for cultural coexistence, a symbol of both authenticity and modernity, and a hub of several key developmental projects.
The Moroccan Minister also expressed his thanks to ICESCO and all the cooperating parties and media outlets for their efforts to ensure the success of this event and highlight the cultural image of the Kingdom as a land of respect, coexistence and tolerance.
Taking the floor next, was Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), who talked about Rabat’s long-standing landmarks, ten-century-long glorious history and diverse heritage sites including Udayas Castle, Hassan Tower, Challah, and Bouregreg River, noting that Rabat is the city of the past, present and future.
The DG expressed his deepest thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, may Allah assist him, for the royal attention ICESCO has been receiving since its inception by the late King Hassan II, may Allah rest his soul in peace.
In addition, Dr. AlMalik noted that the Rabat celebration will feature a large number of activities, cultural, literary and art exhibitions, most notably the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, in its first destination outside of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. The Director-General concluded his address with a poem he wrote hailing the history and glory of Rabat.
For her part, Ms. Asmaa Rhlalou, Mayor of Rabat, stated in her address that the cultural projects implemented in Rabat will contribute to its cultural outreach, in an embodiment of the royal keenness to render the Kingdom’s capital an international civilizational and cultural hub. She added that this celebration is a re-discovery of the Capital of Lights from various cultural and artistic dimensions, which would eventually promote the image of Morocco as a land of tolerance and diversity and contribute to highlighting its openness to various cultures nations.
Following the opening remark, a short video on the City of Rabat was screened, which was prepared by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, followed by Dr. AlMalik handing over the celebration flag to the Mayor of Rabat.
The inaugural celebration featured a music show by the Orchestra of Tetouan headed by Mr. Amine El-Akrami with the participation of the eminent Munshids Marouane Hajji from Fez, Abdeslam Sefiani from Sale, and Fouad Taibi from Rabat, in addition to the distinguished artist Samira Kadiri and her orchestra.
The delegation of the Science and Technology Sector at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) made a visit to some health facilities at Khoudiadiene School, in Tivaouane, Senegal, which were implemented within the framework of ICESCO’s Project for the Improvement of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services in rural schools, in cooperation with the Senegalese National Commission for Education, Science and Culture.
The delegation included Dr. Foued El-Ayni and Dr. Ismaila Diallo, experts at ICESCO Science and Technology Sector. Ms. Abibatou Sylla Sow, Education Program Manager and her team accompanied the ICESCO delegation during this visit.
During the visit, the students and teachers expressed their appreciation to ICESCO for the project, which will contribute to improving the school conditions and providing a healthy environment for students.
The Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a meeting with the Arabic Language and Reading Center at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI), and together they explored avenues of cooperation in the field of the Arabic language.
During the meeting, held on Thursday, March 24, 2022, via videoconference, the two parties discussed mechanisms for the joint launch of an Arabic short story writing competition for children and young people to encourage Arabic literary creativity and spread simplified knowledge for the benefit of rising generations.
The two parties also agreed on organizing a round table on the challenges of Arabic teaching and learning as part of the International Conference on “Education Development: Opportunities for Innovation,” to be held in July 2022 at AUI headquarters.
At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed on their respective roles in implementing the two proposed projects as well as the coordination procedures to be undertaken.
The meeting brought together Dr. Majdi Haji Ibrahim, Head of ICESCO Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, Dr. Youssef Ismaili, Expert at the Center, Dr. Abdelkrim Marzouk, Dean of Public Sector Partnerships and Continuing Education at AUI, and Dr. Abdellah Chekayri, Coordinator of AUI’s Arabic Language and Reading Center.
The Headquarters of Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) saw on Thursday, March 24, 2022, the signing of an agreement between ICESCO and the National Commission of Nigeria to ICESCO to launch a project to combat COVID-19 through supporting innovation and youth and women leadership in partnership with Alwaleed Philanthropies Foundation. ICESCO also signed an agreement with “Nigeria Arabic Language Village, Ngala” University Center in Borno State on establishing a Training Pole for Excellence in the field of Arabic Language in Nigeria.
Both agreements were signed for ICESCO by its Deputy Director-General (DG), Dr. Abdelilah Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa. Mr. Ibrahim Muhammad Bashir, Secretary-General of the Nigerian National Commission to ICESCO, signed the agreement on the launch of the project on combatting COVID-19, while Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad, Director of the University Center, Arabic Language Village Ngala, signed the Agreement on the establishment of the Arabic Pole.
In his address during the signing ceremony, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy DG, reaffirmed that ICESCO’s new vision and action strategy both rely on communication with the Member States to identify their specific priorities and needs. He added that ICESCO aims, through the signing of these two agreements, to build a strong partnership with Nigeria to mitigate the impact of the COVOD-19 pandemic, within the framework of the Organization’s cooperation with its Member States to promote education, science and culture.
In this connection, Mr. Ibrahim Muhammad Bashir stated that the signing of the agreement on the launch of the project to combat COVID-19 through supporting innovation and youth and women leadership in partnership with Alwaleed Philanthropies Foundation marks the starting point for building broad cooperation between ICESCO and Nigeria.
For his part, Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad stated that the establishment of the Training Pole for Excellence in the field of Arabic Language in Nigeria will allow for developing the field of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers, stressing the University Center’s keenness to build fruitful cooperation with ICESCO in this field.
The project to combat COVID-19 through supporting innovation and youth and women leadership in partnership with Alwaleed Philanthropies Foundation aims to support the efforts of 10 African countries to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. As for the Training Pole, it aims to build the educational capacities and hone the skills of professionals working in the field of Arabic education in Nigeria.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Mamadou Talla, Minister of National Education, President of the Senegalese National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, and together they explored prospects of cooperation and partnership between ICESCO and Senegal in the Organization’s areas of competence.
During the meeting, held on Tuesday, 22 March 2022, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dakar, the two parties reaffirmed their keenness to maintain the fruitful cooperation relations between ICESCO the competent Senegalese authorities as part of ICESCO’s fields of action. The two parties also highlighted the role of the Senegalese National Commission in coordinating cooperation, within the framework of ICESCO’s vision and action strategy, which both rely on communication with Member States in order to identify their priorities and needs in order to design appropriate programs and activities.
Held on the sidelines of ICESCO DG’s participation in the 9th World Water Forum (Dakar-2022), the meeting discussed proposals for cooperation between the Organization and Senegal during the next phase. In this regard, the two parties agreed to support the development of Quranic schools, and provide Senegal with more opportunities to benefit from ICESCO’s Leadership Training for Peace and Security Program as well as its Program to Improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services in 1000 Rural Schools in the Islamic World.
For his part, the Senegalese Minister expressed his thanks to ICESCO and its Director-General for the support for Senegal receives, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Talla also commended ICESCO’s practical and innovative initiatives and its great support for its Member States.
At the close of the meeting, the DG presented the Senegalese Minister with a copy of the book, “Peace 360°: Exploring the peace dimensions”, published by ICESCO, with a foreword by the President of Senegal, H.E. Mr. Macky Sall. Dr. AlMalik stated that the book features a number of messages from prominent international figures.
The DG extended an invitation to the Senegalese Minister of National Education to visit ICESCO headquarters in Rabat to take stock of ICESCO’s ambitious projects and programs for the next for years.
Tomorrow, Thursday, March 24, 2022, will mark the the inauguration of the Celebration of Rabat as 2022 Culture Capital in the Islamic world, at Mohammed V Theater in a major event that seeks to highlight the Kingdom’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. The ceremony is supervised by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in the Kingdom of Morocco, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him.
During the ceremony, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, will hand over the celebration flag of Rabat as 2022 Culture Capital in the Islamic World to Mr. Al-Mahdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, to mark the inauguration of the year-long and diverse celebration program.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI has given his royal directives to the esteemed Moroccan Government to accord utmost attention to this celebration, under the supervision of the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, which will coordinate and oversee the implementation of the general program of the celebration.
The selection of the city of Rabat as Culture Capital, within the framework of ICESCO’s Programme for Culture Capitals in the Islamic World, is based on the city’s long-standing and rich cultural heritage, international cultural and artistic institutions and presence in the Arab, Islamic, African and Mediterranean regions. Under the high royal directives, the city is also witnessing an urban resurgence aiming at rendering Rabat an international cultural center and a tourist destination to Moroccans and foreigners alike.
Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Ibrahim Muhammad Bashir, Secretary-General of the National Commission for Education, Science and Culture of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ICESCO, and a delegation from the “Nigeria Arabic Language Village, Ngala” University Center in Borno State, Nigeria. The meeting aimed at exploring avenues of cooperation between ICESCO and Nigeria.
During the meeting, held on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, the two parties agreed on signing an agreement that focuses on humanitarian, social and educational issues and seeks to launch a project geared towards addressing the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting innovation and youth and women leadership in partnership with Alwaleed Philanthropies Foundation. The two parties also agreed on concluding a second agreement to establish a Training Pole for Excellence in the field of Arabic Language in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
For his part, Mr. Ibrahim Muhammad Bashir expressed Nigeria’s keenness to build fruitful cooperation with ICESCO, commending the Organization’s notable roles in the fields of education, science and culture and its efforts to assist its Member States and humanity at large.
During their visit to ICESCO headquarters, the Nigerian National Commission Secretary-General and his accompanying delegation met with heads of the Organization’s sectors, departments and centers, for further cooperation and deeper understanding.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in a special session under the theme “Enhance Global Cooperation in the Field of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic”, on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, as part of the 9th World Water Forum, which is held by the World Water Council and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation of Senegal, in cooperation with ICESCO and several bodies and organizations, in, Dakar, Republic of Senegal, on March 21-26, 2022, with the participation of many institutions, research centers, experts and specialists in water resources management and environmental protection.
Dr. Foued El-Ayni, Expert at ICESCO Science and Technology Sector, reviewed ICESCO’s efforts in the field of water, sanitation and hygiene, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, including the production of sanitizers and detergents in a number of Member States, the implementation of ICESCO’s Program for Water and Sanitation Services Improvement in 1000 rural schools in Muslim countries, as well as the organization of several environmental awareness-raising workshops on , and the promotion of the ways and mechanisms for cooperation with research centers and universities in the Islamic world to develop scientific research and innovation in the fields of water resource management and health.
The session also discussed the key global initiatives, programs and projects, highlighting the need to unify efforts between international and regional organizations, institutions and universities, in order to preserve water resources and protect the environment through knowledge and expertise sharing.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Dr. Isatou Touray, Vice-President of the Republic of The Gambia, explored avenues of cooperation between the Organization and the Republic in ICESCO’s areas of competence.
During the meeting, which took place in the capital of Senegal, Dakar, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that, in light of its new vision and action strategy, ICESCO ensures constant and extensive communication with its Member States to identify their needs and priorities in relation to the Organization’s fields of competence, and devise programmes and activities accordingly in cooperation with the competent authorities in each country.
ICESCO DG reviewed the major programmes that the Organization is currently implementing, noting the special importance that ICESCO attaches to building youth and women capacities, anchoring the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue, promoting investment in space sciences and harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence for educational, scientific and cultural development.
For her part, Dr. Touray commended ICESCO’s roles and efforts in assisting its Member States, stressing The Gambia’s keenness to build fruitful cooperation with the Organization in its areas of competence.
At the close of the meeting, ICESCO DG invited The Gambia’s Vice-President to the closing ceremony of ICESCO’s Year of Women 2021 to be held at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat.
Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of ICESCO’s Human and Social Sciences Sector, attended the meeting.
