Dr. Salim M. AlMalik,
Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Sultan Bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of
the Saudi Fund for Development, who paid a visit to the Organization’s
headquarters, in Rabat, today, Friday, June 11, 2021.
During the meeting, which
also brought together some directors of ICESCO’s sector, Dr. AlMalik reviewed
the salient programs and projects that the Organization is implementing, in
cooperation with the competent authorities in several Member States. The DG
also reviewed the new vision and action strategy of ICESCO, which seek further
communication with the Member States to identify their priorities and needs,
develop programs and activities that meet these needs, open up to non-Member
States, international and donor organizations, bodies and institutions, and
build partnerships with them for the benefit of the countries of the Islamic
world and Muslim communities around the world.
ICESCO DG also highlighted
the key initiatives, programs, and projects that the Organization launched and
implemented to support the efforts geared towards addressing the COVID-19
pandemic and assisting many countries in facing the effects of the pandemic on
the fields of education, science, and culture.
For his part, the CEO of
the Saudi Fund for Development praised the roles of ICESCO in its areas of
competence and its support to its Member States during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Saudi Fund for
Development was established in 1974. Its objectives include financing development
projects by granting loans to developing countries and providing grants for
technical aid to finance studies and institutional support.
The Islamic World Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) welcomes the decision of His
Majesty King Mohammed VI to facilitate the return of all unaccompanied Moroccan
minors, who have an illegal status in some EU countries.
The royal decision confirms the
responsible humanitarian approach of Morocco in dealing with the migration
issue and its commitment to the laws, conventions, and guidelines aimed at
protecting children, including the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Organization calls for the
necessity of building a bridge of rational dialogue between EU countries and
the Southern Mediterranean countries regarding the critical issue and avoiding
any considerations that would hinder international efforts to enhance the
protection of migrants’ rights.
ICESCO asserts that the Kingdom is a
distinguished model of successful regional cooperation in many vital issues, as
it is both a country of transit and stability for migrants. H.M. King Mohammed
VI took the initiative at the 30th Africa Union Summit in January 2018, to
propose the establishment of a body to monitor the migration phenomenon in
Africa. The proposal resulted in the establishment of the African Migration
Observatory in Rabat in December 2020, a body that responds to the urgent needs
related to migration by collecting data, analyzing them, and exchanging
information among African countries.
The decision of H.M. King Mohammed
VI to facilitate the return of Moroccan minors reflects the strong and sincere
involvement of Morocco in all humanitarian and international issues.
The Organization expresses its full
support to the decision and to the rational approach stemming from the spirit
of true partnership between Morocco and EU countries to achieve peace,
stability, and decent living.
Innovative
ideas and rich discussions during the First International Symposium on Space
Science
The First International Symposium on “Space Science:
Importance, Challenges, and Emerging Opportunities in the Space Industry and
Islamic World” that the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (ICESCO) held, on Thursday, June 10, 2021, in partnership with the
American Space Foundation, under the theme: “Building tomorrow’s innovators.”
The Symposium brought together a powerhouse of high-level
space program officials and experts, scientists, and astronauts from around the
world, who exchanged innovative ideas, explored vital questions, and rich
discussions on the challenges and opportunities of space science and development
of space-related applications and industries.
The Symposium, organized both at ICESCO headquarters,
in Rabat, and on the Zoom platform, aimed at spreading awareness of the
importance of space science and technology, and the enormous potential of space
technology applications in achieving sustainable development and reinforcing the
drive of the countries of the Islamic world towards developing space programs
and using space technology in the fields of education, science, and innovation.
At the opening session, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO
Director-General (DG), gave an address, wherein he stressed that space science
and technology offer broad prospects that can help us overcome the challenges
facing our planet, which is why space science should be a major part of the
long-term plans and strategies of all countries.
Dr. AlMalik explained that data derived from space
science can help improve agriculture, increase crop productivity, discover new
sources of energy, contribute to safe waste recycling, and protect and monitor
the environment, and other vital areas of human activities.
ICESCO DG also considered that “the drive towards
space science in the 21st century heralds a new global industrial
revolution, which could be called “space industrial revolution” and constitute
in bringing about engineering and revolutionary changes able to create new
space markets, systems and technologies.”
In his address, Mr. Thomas E. Zelibor, Chief Executive
Officer of Space Foundation, called on all countries to direct their attention
towards space science, which should not be limited to certain countries, to
achieve a balance in this field, stressing that the world today hinges upon data
that space can provide.
On his part, Dr. Driss Ouaouicha, Minister Delegate in
charge of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Morocco, confirmed that 50
years of human activity in space enhanced life quality on Earth, noting that
Muslim scientists were pioneers in space sciences and planetary exploration,
including Al-Khwarizmi. He also reviewed Morocco’s projects in the field of
space science development.
Dr. Fawad Hussain Chaudhry, Federal Minister of Information and
Broadcasting, Pakistan, stated that stars and space have always been a source
of inspiration for humans through monitoring their motion and shifts and
developing telescopes. He also congratulated ICESCO for organizing such a key
event.
In his address, Dr. Modibo Diarra, Chairman of Africa Legal Network
(ALN), described space
exploration as an opportunity to bring together different civilizations,
cultures, and individuals. He added that space sciences should be accessible to everyone and that the Global South countries should work on
bridging the North-South gaps which prevent them from gaining access to the
space industry. Dr. Diarra also noted that space sciences could contribute to
the development of the African continent.
The Symposium’s first session, under the theme
“Space ecosystem awareness: the importance of space technology for humanity,”
saw the participation of Ms. Shelli Brunswick, COO of Space Foundation; Maj.
Gen. Jose Vagner Vital, Brazilian Air Force Executive Vice President; Maj. Gen.
Amer Nadem, Inter Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET),
Chairman at Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
(SUPARCO); and Dr. Farouk El-Baz, Director of Center for Remote Sensing at
Boston University, NASA Astronaut Trainer.
The second session tackled space commerce and
career opportunities in the space industry for young graduates. The
participants then took part in the first roundtable discussion on developing
leadership thinking in the fields of sciences and space among university
researchers, which witnessed the participation of several experts, including
Moroccan inventor Rachid Yazami. The second roundtable discussion touched upon
the importance of strategic relationships between the space industry and
academia in developing countries, while the last session explored ways of
creating the future space innovation workforce.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), underscored that
the Organization’s new vision, embodied in its renewed strategic documents,
accords great attention to the National Commissions for Education, Science and
Culture as a special strategic partner. The DG stated that National Commissions
shoulder the great responsibilities of outlining ICESCO’s future orientations
and identifying its programs and activities to meet Member States’ priorities.
Dr. AlMalik made the statement during the inauguration of the new
headquarters of the General Secretariat of the National Commission for
Education, Science and Culture of Morocco in Rabat, on Thursday, June 10, 2021.
The inauguration saw the participation of Dr. Saaïd Amzazi, Minister of
National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research,
President of the Moroccan National Commission; Mr. Jamal Eddine El-Aloua, Secretary-General
of the Commission; Mr. Abdeljalil Lahjomri, Permanent Secretary of the Academy
of Morocco; Mr. Alexander Scheschlik, Acting Director of the UNESCO Maghreb; Mr.
Abdelfattah Lahjomri, Representative of ALECSO, in addition to a host of the
National Commission’s officials and members.
Dr. AlMalik expressed his delight that ICESCO is part of such an event,
noting that the Organization takes great pride in having its permanent
headquarters in Rabat. He added that ICESCO greatly treasures the honor of the
high patronage of His Majesty King Mohamed VI. The Monarch granted his
patronage to ICESCO’s initiative to proclaim 2021 as the Year of Women, as well
as to the International Conference on the Civilizational Values in the
Prophet’s Seerah, held in partnership with the Mohammedan League of Scholars in
Morocco and the Muslim World League.
The DG stated that the Moroccan National Commission for Education,
Science and Culture is one of the major institutions that reflect the gains and
success Morocco scores in the sectors of education, science, technology, culture,
and communication, noting that cooperation between ICESCO and the Commission
took a major leap in 2020 and 2021 despite the impact of the pandemic.
At the close of his address, the DG reiterated the Organization’s
commitment towards the Seat country to provide through cooperation and
coordination with the National Commission to provide more venues for Moroccan
institutions and specialists to share expertise and leading initiatives in the
fields of education, science and culture with the rest of the world.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, the first session of its Leadership Training Program for Peace and Security, implemented in partnership with the UNESCO Office for the Maghreb, the Conference of the Ministers of Education of French Speaking Countries (CONFEMEN), and the Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sports of French Speaking Countries (CONFEJES).
The program aims to train young people on leadership for achieving peace and building the societies we want by providing them with knowledge tools through exchange with inspirational leaders and experts to become true ambassadors of peace in their societies.
At the outset of the opening session, held face-to-face at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat and on Zoom platform, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), gave a recorded speech, wherein he stressed the importance of training young people to build peace and contribute to the prosperity of their societies, noting that we should encourage our young people and instill in them the values of tolerance and coexistence.
In his address, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy DG of ICESCO, welcomed the participants in the training session and stressed that young people are better able to ensure civilizational mediation to achieve social cohesion, adding that leadership requires real peace. Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Director of Culture and Communication Sector at ICESCO, expressed his pleasure to take part in the training with young people, who represent hope for a better future, pointing out that Islam is a reference for the ethics and conditions for achieving and sustaining peace.
For his part, Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Senegal, Special Envoy of the International Organization of La Francophonie in Mali, stressed the need for peace and security to achieve development and prosperity. He also stressed the importance of the role of African women and youth, who are ready to lead the continent towards a secure and prosperous future thanks to their academic training and professional capabilities. In his address, Dr. Ahmed Senouni, Deputy Secretary-General of Mohammadia League of Scholars, stressed that faith in human brotherhood ensures further coexistence while stressing the need to find intellectual, value-based and cultural elements that strengthen the immunity of individuals and societies against all threats to peace.
Ms. Ramata Almami Mbaye, Director of Human and Social Sciences Sector at ICESCO, stressed that the Organization’s Leadership Training Program for Peace and Security constitutes an important opportunity to share expertise and experiences among experts, inspiring young leaders, adding that ICESCO attaches utmost importance to empowering and integrating women and youth in decision-making circles.
The training session began with the participation of 30 young ambassadors of peace representing 22 countries along with experts in the fields of education, peace, security, and strategic foresight. The event witnessed rich discussions and innovative ideas to achieve peace and promote the values of coexistence and dialogue.
ICESCO will continue the series of virtual training seminars between June and September 2021, which will focus on 10 modules related to peace issues. These young trainees will form the first cohort of ICESCO Youth and Women Network for Peace.
In line with its new vision and action strategy, and in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of space science and technology and highlight the enormous potential of its technological application in achieving sustainable development, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) will hold on Thursday, 10 June 2021, the First Symposium on “Space Sciences: Importance, Challenges and Emerging Opportunities in the Space Industry and Islamic World.” The Symposium will be held in cooperation with the American Space Foundation, under the theme, “Building Future Innovators,” which will be an opportunity to discuss and exchange views and knowledge about the latest trends in space technology and sciences and the relevant industries. The event also aims to promote the Islamic world’s embrace of this field by setting up space programs and capitalizing on space technology in the fields of education, science and innovation.
The Symposium will kick off at 10:00 a.m (UCT) at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat and via videoconference and will bring together a host of prominent experts in space sciences and relevant industries, astronauts, representatives of several ICESCO Member States’ Ministries of Science and Technology, in addition to researchers and entrepreneurs from the Islamic world and beyond.
The Symposium’s agenda features the respective opening addresses of Mr. Thomas E. Zelibor, Chief Executive Officer of the American Space Foundation; Dr. Driss Ouaouicha, Minister Delegate in Charge of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Kingdom of Morocco; and Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General.
The symposium is divided into the following three working sessions: “Space ecosystem awareness and the importance of space technology for humanity,” “Space commerce and career opportunities in the space industry for young graduates,” and, “Space workforce development, creating the future space innovation workforce.” Moreover, the Symposium will include two roundtables to discuss two key topics namely: “Development of space-science entrepreneurial mindset among researchers at universities,” and, “Importance of strategic relationships between the space industry and academia in developing countries.”
The participants in the
International Seminar on “Smart and Resilient Sustainable Cities” stressed the
importance of transition towards such type of cities to overcome current
challenges facing humanity. These challenges
may include the over-exploitation of natural resources, energy and water as
well as the increasing amounts of waste and the ensuing air pollution worsen in
the future. The participants considered smart cities as an alternative that can
help rationalize the use of resources and improve the quality of life using
modern technologies.
The two-day hybrid Seminar
that ICESCO organized, in partnership with UNESCO Maghreb Bureau and the United
Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa), on June 3-4, 2021, at
ICESCO Headquarters and on Zoom platform, witnessed rich discussions and
innovative ideas from experts in the fields of technology and sustainable
development in addition to the representatives of several urban development
bodies and institutions. The participants explored the best methods and the
stages for developing transition action plans towards smart and sustainable
cities. They also underscored that there are no specific plans that could be
mainstreamed as different experiences are needed in adopting smart tools.
The participants
reaffirmed the importance of cooperation, joint action and sharing different
experiences of transition towards sustainable cities. This could be done through the promotion of
policies, strategies, programs and initiatives to raise awareness about the concept
of smart green cities. This joint effort
will enhance technical capacities, and facilitate access to financial resources
necessary for the transition and institutional restructuring.
The Seminar concluded its
proceedings by issuing several recommendations, including:
Taking into account citizens’
environmental and socio-economic needs while implementing the concept of “Smart
and Resilient Sustainable Cities;”
Adopting an integrated approach to
raise awareness about smart and sustainable cities and ensuring the
participation of all stakeholders in the implementation of the models;
Developing a network to promote
cooperation among various cities in the Islamic world as to build smart and
resilient sustainable cities;
Transferring knowledge and technologies,
and setting up a committee to work on a guide for smart cities and communities;
Considering issues related to data
governance and opting for a comprehensive economic model within a clear legal
framework to ensure the protection of personal data in the promotion of
sustainable cities.
The agenda of
the first day of the Seminar featured the “Introduction of Sustainable and
Smart Cities Concept” and the
presentation of several countries’ smart cities transition experiences.
The International Seminar on “Smart and Resilient Smart Cities” kicked off yesterday, Thursday, June 3, 2021, at ICESCO Headquarters. The Islamic World Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is organizing the Seminar in partnership with UNESCO Maghreb Bureau and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa).
The two-day hybrid event seeks to shed light on the good practices of environmentally friendly cities and promote the development of cities in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General (DG), opened the Seminar and noted that the event is held as part of the celebration of World Environment Day, observed each year on June 5, a celebration hosted this year by Pakistan under the slogan “Restoring the Ecosystem.” Dr. Benarafa stated that the presence of representatives from several international institutions bears witness to the importance of this Seminar.
ICESCO Deputy DG reaffirmed that the Organization recognizes the importance of urban development in line with sustainable development strategies, stressing that ICESCO strives to promote the concept of smart, sustainable and resilient green cities among its Member States. “This paradigm shift could play a pivotal role in improving the quality of urban life and providing a model for cities seeking to achieve sustainable development,” Dr. Benarafa added.
In his address, Mr. Mohamed Benyahia, Secretary-General of the Environment Department at the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Sustainable Development, stated that the Seminar is an opportunity to discuss challenges facing sustainable cities, highlighting the importance of coming up with comprehensive and integrated solutions to these challenges, especially those related to climate change.
Jean-Pierre Elong Mbassi, UCLG Africa Secretary-General, explained that a large part of the urban population lives in vulnerable conditions, making cities less resilient and less likely to overcome crises, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that smart and sustainable cities will be more prepared to face such crises.
Mr. Alexander Schischlik, Acting Director of UNESCO Office in Rabat, thanked ICESCO for holding the Seminar, underscoring that smart cities have become a necessity for both human development and his ability to cope with crises.
Mr. Saleh Al-Malouki, Mayor of Agadir, highlighted the city’s experience in environmental protection and noted that the city of Agadir received local and international awards for implementing innovative ideas, particularly in solving the issue of waste disposal.
Dr. Raheel Qamar, Director of the Science and Technology Sector at ICESCO, closed the opening session which he moderated. The first working session was dedicated to the “Introduction of Sustainable & Smart Cities Concept,” while the second session featured the presentation of several countries’ smart cities transition experiences, followed by a general discussion.
The agenda for the second day of the Seminar includes a panel discussion and the preparation of action plans for the transition to smart and sustainable cities, followed by a general discussion. The Seminar will conclude its proceedings by issuing its recommendations.
In contribution to the efforts geared toward
building educational and scientific communication in the field of teaching
Arabic for non-Arabic speakers between experts, educational staff and students,
the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO)
launches the 2nd video series “Zidni ‘Ilman” for 2021. During the series,
experts will answer questions from teachers and educators working in the field
of teaching Arabic for non-Arabic speakers.
As part of
ICESCO’s proclamation of 2021 as the Year of Women, the current series will
invite women experts in the field of teaching Arabic from inside and outside
the Islamic world to contribute to the development of teachers’ knowledge and
skills. ICESCO will post one video every Thursday on its social media network
starting from tomorrow, June 3, 2021.
Through the
educational program, ICESCO seeks to achieve several objectives, including:
Training
teachers and students in the field of teaching Arabic for non-Arabic
speakers and providing distance learning programs that meet their needs;
Developing
and revising the pedagogical materials of the teachers of Arabic for
non-Arabic speakers;
Creating
channels of communication between students from different racial and
cultural backgrounds and the experts in the field of teaching Arabic;
Promoting
dialogue and collaborative learning among learners of Arabic and
developing their research skills;
Providing
pedagogical and linguistic references for the most frequently asked
questions.
The Islamic World Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hails Morocco’s New Development Model, which focuses on developing the fields of education, scientific research, innovation, and culture.
The Organization congratulates His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan people and the government for elaborating a comprehensive report that focuses on human capital development as leverage to build a prosperous future for Morocco.
ICESCO stresses that the goals and recommendations included in the report, especially concerning the fields of education, science, and culture, are in line with the Organization’s new vision and strategy of foreseeing the future. ICESCO expresses its willingness to cooperate with competent parties in Morocco to contribute to the implementation of the exceptional model, as well as collaborating with all Member States to promote the implementation of their national plans in connection with the Organization’s areas of competence to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
The Organization highlights that the report paid special attention to the importance of the human capital which aims to ensure that 75% of Moroccan pupils reach a certain level of proficiency in reading, mathematics and science; enhance health services, provide health care for all citizens by 2025, put an end to the underage marriage, enable 35% of women to access the labor market and allow for 35% of them to hold senior positions.
ICESCO commends the work of the Special Commission on the Development Model and the mechanisms used over two years including consultations and intensive meetings with the nation’s active forces and large segments of Moroccan citizens through extensive hearings.
The Organization also praised the importance the report attaches to improving governance, digitizing services, enhancing the quality of distance learning, improving internet access and other objectives.
ICESCO considers Morocco’s Report on the New Development Model highly significant as it suggests practical measures to achieve its goals as well as mechanisms to ensure larger participation of citizens and the nation’s active forces and promote development.
