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    Category: News update

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    On World Science Day for Peace and Development: ICESCO Calls for Raising Awareness of Role of Scientific Diplomacy

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) seizes the occasion of the World Science Day for Peace and Development, celebrated annually on November 10th, to call on the international community to exert more efforts to raise awareness of the role of scientific diplomacy in promoting knowledge and building peace across the globe, and work towards improving the quality of scientific research, given the significant role of sciences in advancing societies and achieving sustainable development.

    Stemming from its firm belief in the importance of leveraging sciences to build peace, and as part of its vision and strategic orientations, ICESCO seeks to anchor the concept of scientific diplomacy through conducting the study, “Promoting Scientific Diplomacy: Roadmap to the Strategy of ICESCO Member States”. The study provides insights into mechanisms to develop scientific cooperation mechanisms and knowledge exchange in the Islamic world, with the aim of addressing the standing challenges the Member States face in a number of fields, particularly in climate change, healthcare and sustainable development.

    Moreover, to contribute to fostering the role of scientific research and innovation in ensuring the societal prosperity and natural resources sustainability, ICESCO implements a number of programs and activities, including ICESCO’s Contest for Transforming Bio-Waste into Food Bars to achieve food security, and ICESCO’s Program to Produce 500,000 Seedlings in the Islamic World in order ensure the afforestation of areas affected by desertification, promote good governance in natural resources use, and reclaim degraded lands.

    In a world marked by fast-paced technological advancements, ICESCO calls for establishing training practices that adhere to an up-to-date and skill-based scientific approach to anticipate the needs of professions of the future, and promote sciences as a tool for achieving development, building peace and attaining prosperity.

    ICESCO Deputy Director-General Participates in 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Abdelilah Benarfa, Deputy Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), is participating in the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair in the United Arab Emirates. The Event was inaugurated on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council, and Ruler of Sharjah, under the theme “It Starts with a Book.” The Fair, held at the Sharjah Expo Center, will continue through November 17 and features 2,522 publishers and exhibitors hailing from 108 countries, with Morocco as this year’s Guest of Honor.

    Dr. Benarfa attended the official opening ceremony of the Fair alongside other distinguished guests. The Ceremony included the announcement of the publication of the Historical Arabic Language Dictionary, a monumental work comprising 127 volumes. This major cultural achievement was celebrated alongside the recognition of several figures who have significantly contributed to the intellectual and literary landscape.

    As part of the Fair’s events, Dr. Benarfa participated in an interactive panel on “Writing and Freedom,” hosted by the Sharjah Book Authority on the opening day. This session, attended by prominent writers and authors from various countries, offered a rich discussion on the intrinsic connection between creativity and freedom and the organic bond that unites them.

    Additionally, Dr. Benarfa will be joining a symposium titled “the Moroccan Character in History, Civilization and Heritage,” organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication. This event is part of Morocco’s extensive cultural program celebrating its role as Guest of Honor at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair.

    This year’s edition will host over 1,357 diverse activities, with 250 guests participating from 63 countries. Among these, 500 are cultural events, including sessions, workshops, and symposia wherein leading creatives will explore major cultural and literary issues, along with the latest trends in the Arab and global cultural spheres.

    International Thinkers Guests of ICESCO” Holds Two Events on the Role of Music in Therapy

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    As part of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (ICESCO) International Open Days, the ICESCO Chairs Network for Thought, Literature, and Arts hosted the fourth edition of the program ” International Thinkers Guests of ICESCO” under the theme “Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Disability, and the Right to Culture.” This program was organized in partnership with the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez, Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra, Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, the Sorbonne University, and the European Center for Cultural Accessibility in France.

    The two-day event, held on 4 – 5 November 2024, featured two intellectual forums: the first at the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez and the second at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat. Both sessions brought together an array of international academics and specialists in therapeutic fields to explore ways of integrating arts into therapy and rehabilitation programs for people with disabilities, supporting their right to cultural access, and emphasizing the role of arts in fostering social inclusion.


    Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture and Communication Sector, opened the sessions by emphasizing the importance of ICESCO’s programs and activities as a global center of expertise that addresses key contemporary issues, including cultural rights and therapy through art.

    Following his remarks, Dr. Édith Lecourt, Professor of Psychology at Paris Cité University, shared France’s experience in introducing music therapy into university programs, highlighting music’s unique ability to transcend language barriers and translation difficulties.


    Composer and musician Mr. André Fertier spoke of the significance of art therapy, detailing his career and his dedication to therapeutic art practices.

    Mr. François-Xavier Vrait, a music therapy specialist, spoke on the intersections of psychology, neuroscience, and community communication through music. Dr. Frank Pecquet, Professor at the Sorbonne University, then discussed the evolving aesthetics of contemporary arts.

    The Sessions were moderated by Dr. Sanae Ghouati, Supervisor of ICESCO Chair at Ibn Tofail University; Dr. Asma Abbas, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities at Al Akhawayn University; Dr. Majda Nniya El Berdai, Professor at the Euro-Mediterranean University; and Dr. Bouazza Benachir, Professor at Ibn Tofail University.

    ICESCO Director-General Meets Kuwaiti Minister of Education

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, Minister of Education, Chairman of the Kuwaiti National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, held a meeting to discuss ways to develop cooperation between ICESCO and Kuwait in education, science and culture.

    At the outset of the meeting, held on Tuesday 5 November 2024, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Education in Kuwaiti city, Dr. Al-Malik congratulated Eng. Al-Tabtabaei on receiving the Amiri trust and his appointment as Kuwait’s Minister of Education, wishing him success in his new role.
    Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main lines of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations, highlighting its ongoing programs, projects, and activities. Dr. AlMalik focused particularly on efforts in developing educational systems and curricula, empowering women and youth, preparing them for future careers, promoting values of coexistence, peace, and intercultural dialogue, and encouraging investment in technology, innovation, artificial intelligence applications, and space sciences. Additionally, Dr. AlMalik stressed the importance of fostering a culture of foresight and enhancing the global standing of the Arabic language.

    ICESCO DG expressed the Organization’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Kuwait, in coordination with the Kuwaiti National Commission, and other relevant bodies, through implementing initiatives, programs, and projects in ICESCO’s areas of action that align with Kuwait’s priorities in these fields.

    For his part, Eng. Al-Tabtabaei praised ICESCO’s role in supporting its Member States across its fields of expertise and expressed his eagerness to leverage ICESCO’s experience in contributing to the development of Kuwait’s educational system.

    The meeting also included discussions on several proposed programs and projects for joint implementation, with both parties agreeing to continue coordinating on a set of educational projects. At the end of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented Eng. Al-Tabtabaei with ICESCO shield.

    The meeting was attended by Ms. Awatef Al-Anzi, Head of Technical Office Department to the Kuwaiti National Commission.

    Exploring Cooperation Prospects between ICESCO and Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Bader Al-Saad, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. The Meeting focused on exploring opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest between ICESCO, the Arab Fund, and the Coordination Group of the Arab National and Regional Development Institutions, for which the fund serves as the coordination secretariat.

    During the Meeting, held today, TuesdaY, November 5, 2024, in Kuwait City, Dr. AlMalik reviewed key aspects of ICESCO’s foresighted vision, highlighting ongoing initiatives, programs, and activities that emphasize youth and women capacity-building, leveraging modern technology, and contributing to social, economic, environmental, and cultural development across its Member States.

    At the close of the Meeting, both parties expressed their anticipation of establishing a productive partnership between ICESCO and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, through the launch of initiatives and programs that will positively impact economic and social development in the Islamic world.

    Signing of the Agreement on Libya’s Hosting of ICESCO’s 45th Executive Council

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Libyan National Commission for Education, Culture and Science signed an agreement on Libya’s hosting of the 45th session of ICESCO Executive Council, due to be held in January 2025, in Tripoli.

    The agreement was signed at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, on Tuesday (5 November 2024), by Dr. Salim Al-Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat for National Commissions and Conferences of ICESCO, and Dr. Mohammed Amari Zayed, Libya’s Permanent Representative at ICESCO, on behalf of the Libyan National Commission.

    Following the signing, Dr. Al-Habsi expressed his confidence in the ability of the competent parties in Libya to ensure the success of ICESCO Executive Council, noting that it will feature a consultative meeting of Member States to tackle the opportunities and challenges facing the Islamic world.

    For his part, Dr. Zayed affirmed that the Libyan authorities will spare no effort to successfully host and organize ICESCO Executive Council in Tripoli, commending the distinguished cooperation relations between ICESCO and the State of Libya in the Organization’s areas of competence.

    It is worth mentioning that ICESCO Executive Council is convened on an annual basis, bringing together its members and the delegations of ICESCO’s 53 Member States, with the Secretaries-General of National Commissions heading their delegations, to examine and approve the activity reports and action plans submitted by ICESCO’s General Directorate.

    ICESCO Calls for Reassessment of Education Reforms to Meet Modern Needs

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), emphasized that the profound transformations currently shaping global society demand an unprecedented focus on advancing and modernizing educational systems, policies, and orientations. These changes, driven by the emergence of knowledge economy, rooted in intellectual capital and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence with its implications for education, call for a comprehensive evaluation of the education reforms undertaken over the past two decades, discarding elements no longer aligned with the needs of the modern era.

    This statement was made as part of the DG’s address today, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, during the opening session of the Fourth International Educational Conference, titled “Transforming Education: Opportunities and Challenges to Enhance the Future of Education in the Gulf Countries.” Organized by the Gulf Arab States’ Educational Research Center, under the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, the two-day conference in Kuwait City is held under the patronage of Kuwaiti Minister of Education Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei. The Event is attended by heads of academic institutions, international and regional organizations that focus on education, and a selection of esteemed international experts.

    Dr. AlMalik highlighted that advancing education in the Gulf requires consideration of several key factors, including the demographic impact of the education sector, with students making up 17% of the population, and the need to reevaluate reform methodologies, especially as Gulf studies have questioned the effectiveness of imported curricula as substitutes for national efforts. He stressed the importance of developing a new educational thinking that embraces the philosophy of digital transformation and addresses digital literacy challenges.

    He also noted the critical role of the family in the educational process, acknowledging the unique cohesiveness of families in the Gulf region, and the central role of teachers. Furthermore, Dr. Al-Malik commended Gulf countries on their achievements in teacher training and development.

    Moreover, ICESCO Director-General recognized significant disparities in the quality of education among Islamic countries, while praising the Gulf states for supporting educational systems in less developed nations. He urged further collaboration with ICESCO to assess the educational needs of the Islamic world, leveraging the Organization’s in-depth knowledge of its Member States’ conditions.

    Dr. AlMalik concluded by encouraging a thorough review of the UN questionnaire on transforming education, suggesting its adaptation to the Region’s educational and cultural framework in order to glean important insights.
    At the close of the Conference’s opening session, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik was honored with the Conference’s commemorative shield, presented by Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Assimi, DG of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, in the presence of Mr. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Engineer Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, the Kuwaiti Minister of Education.

    ICESCO Set for a Standout Participation at COP 29 in Azerbaijan

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 29), to be hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan from November 11 to 22, 2024, in Baku, will see an exceptional level of participation from the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The Organization will contribute both to the main program of this global event and through its dedicated pavilion in the Blue Zone. The pavilion will host around 50 diverse activities organized by the Organization’s various sectors and departments, addressing the impacts of climate change on education, science, culture, and related fields.

    ICESCO’s delegation to COP 29 will be led by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, accompanied by sector heads, department directors, and experts.

    Speakers from ICESCO, as well as external experts, will participate in sessions organized at ICESCO’s pavilion via videoconferencing. This participation aligns with ICESCO’s strategic priorities and new vision, emphasizing its commitment to supporting global efforts to protect the environment and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

    ICESCO’s COP 29 agenda includes a ministerial meeting titled “Heritage and Cultural Sustainability in the Face of Climate Change,” organized in partnership with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. This meeting will bring together ministers of culture and environment from across the Islamic world, as well as representatives of international organizations focused on heritage preservation, to explore ways to employ modern technologies in minimizing climate change’s impacts on cultural assets and to develop sustainable solutions.


    ICESCO will also co-host a panel discussion with the Islamic Organization for Food Security and the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), focusing on advancing water security, biodiversity, and peace through innovation and earth observation. The session, which will feature experts and representatives from various international organizations, aims to address challenges related to water scarcity, and environmental peace, and issue actionable recommendations.

    ICESCO’s pavilion in the Blue Zone, a designated area for all parties to the convention, official state delegations led by heads of state, and delegations of accredited observers, a status ICESCO obtained in December 2023, will feature a substantial program. This includes the launch of ICESCO’s “Mediathon” initiative to strengthen media, in collaboration with the OIC Islamic Broadcasting Union.

    Additionally, the pavilion will host panel discussions, workshops, seminars, and networking sessions, with contributions from ICESCO experts, prominent international specialists, and global climate action leaders. Key topics of discussion will include food and water security, the development of smart agriculture, natural disaster management, education advancement, human capital capacity-building, youth inclusion, and showcasing ICESCO’s efforts and initiatives in these vital areas.

    ICESCO Delegation Follows Up on Developments in the International Professional Teaching Certification Project in Egypt

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    A delegation from the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) visited the Arab Republic of Egypt to follow up on the progress of the International Professional Teaching Certification Project. This Project is a collaborative effort between ICESCO, the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, the Ministry of Education and Technical Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Egypt, King Saud University in Saudi Arabia, and the Saleh Kamel Humanitarian Foundation. The Delegation evaluated the quality of training processes, assessed outcomes, and reviewed alignment with the Project’s goals and needs.

    During the visit, on 2-3 November 2024, ICESCO’s delegation reviewed the ongoing preparations for the final assessment of the Project’s first cohort. Part of a three-year initiative to train 2,000 teachers across various Egyptian governorates, this first cohort is set to finish by the end of 2024, graduating with a diverse toolkit of modern teaching skills.

    ICESCO delegation, which included Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey, Head of the Education Sector; Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of the Legal Affairs and International Standards; and Dr. Zaid Abu Shama’a, Expert at the Education Sector, met with Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister of Higher Education for Strategic Planning, Supervisor of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, along with the commission members. They discussed Egypt’s strategic plan for education and explored avenues for cooperation between ICESCO and Egypt, particularly in supporting the development of educational policies across the Islamic world and implementing effective strategies for educational transformation and modernization.

    ICESCO Director-General receives delegation of Moroccan content creators and influencers

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a delegation of content creators and influencers from the Kingdom of Morocco, during their visit to the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat.

    During the meeting, held on Friday, November 1, 2024, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the main axes of ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, and talked about the Organization’s key initiatives, programs and projects, especially in the field of youth capacity building. He further explained that the Organization has dedicated an entire year to celebrating young people, in firm belief of their key role in developing their societies and building a better future for the Islamic world.

    Moreover, the Director-General mentioned key initiatives, notably Youth Training Project on Creating Small Projects in the Fields of Technology and Innovation, Can-Sat training workshop, held in Morocco, Burkina Faso and Türkiye, and Leadership Training for Peace and Security Program (LTIPS), through which 180 young men and women graduated as ICESCO Young Peace Ambassadors.

    For their part, the delegation expressed its appreciation of ICESCO’s programs and projects targeting the youth of the Islamic world, conveying its keenness to take part in the Organization’s activities and contribute to the promotion of its leading roles within its areas of competence, as well as its efforts to support young people and prepare them for the professions of the future.

    Afterwards, Dr. AlMalik took the delegation on a tour of the Exhibition and Museum, where they received detailed explanations on the content of its pavilions and sections, which all employ modern technology and capitalize on AI and augmented reality’s applications to transport the visitor to the time of the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him.