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    Category: News update

    News

    ICESCO Celebrates African World Heritage Day

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    On the occasion of African World Heritage Day 2021 and as part of its celebration of Islamic World Heritage Month under the theme “United for Art and Heritage,” the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a symposium on the theme: “International Organizations at the Service of African Heritage: Pleading for a Fruitful Cooperation,” to exchange views on forms of cooperation and partnership strategies between organizations concerned with African cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible.

    The symposium, which was held on Wednesday (May 6, 2020) via videoconference, saw the participation of Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Director of Culture and Communication Sector at ICESCO; Mr. Souayibou Varissou, Executive Director of the African World Heritage Fund, South Africa; Dr. Lupwishi Mbuyamba, Executive Director of the Observatory of Cultural Policies in Africa, the Republic of Mozambique; Ms. Samia Djacta, Director of ICESCO Office and Permanent Delegation to UNESCO and Komi N’kegbe Foga Tublu, Coordinator of the Center for Linguistic and Historical Studies by Oral Tradition, Niger. The event was moderated by Dr. Mahamat Abba Ousman, Expert in the Culture and Communication Sector at ICESCO.

    During the symposium, the participants revealed the importance of celebrating African World Heritage Day which aims to raise awareness among decision-makers and professionals about the field of African heritage, to highlight the importance of encouraging the registration of natural and cultural sites and to develop mechanisms for the valuation and sustainability of cultural properties. They also stressed the importance of cooperation between African institutions specialized in the field of African heritage.

    Under High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco ICESCO Will Hold International Conference on Civilizational Values in Prophet’s Seerah

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    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) announced that the International Conference on the Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah, due to be held under the theme “Towards a future vision for the Prophet’s Seerah,” on May 27, 2021, will be organized under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), stated that the high royal patronage for such a key event, held in cooperation with the Mohammadia League of Scholars and the Muslim World League (MWL), is an honor for ICESCO, which receives the constant support of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him.

    ICESCO DG reaffirmed that the Conference will witness high-level participation of the heads of States, distinguished international figures from the Islamic world and abroad, international institutions and organizations, Ulama and professors specialized in the Prophet’s Seerah, media and communication specialist, as well as the holders of prominent media and cultural initiatives for publicizing the Prophet’s Seerah.

    Dr. AlMalik pointed out that the Conference is a practical and scientific response to defamation of the Prophet (PBUH) within the frame of ICESCO’s vision and new strategy as the Organization is striving to present the true image of the Islamic culture and civilization and enshrine the values of coexistence and dialogue to achieve peace and build a bright future for the world.

    The DG added that the Conference aims at drafting an outreach strategy to highlight the functional dimensions of the Prophet’s Seerah, tackle relevant subjective and objective issues, collect research works on the Prophet’s Seerah to build a renewed vision for its prospects. The Conference also aims at providing the organizations and bodies operating in the field of education, culture, science, and communication with systematic mechanisms and tools for the development of action plans and expertise in the field of publicizing the Prophet’s Seerah.

    He also clarified that the Conference will tackle four major topics: the Prophet’s Seerah and scientific efforts; the Prophet’s Seerah and the functional dimensions; the Prophet’s Seerah and contemporary issues; and, international living testimonies on the Prophet and Islam.  Several Ulama and professors from other religions accepted ICESCO’s invitation to attend the Conference as credible specialists in the Prophet’s Seerah.

    The Conference will issue a declaration and a set of recommendations which will be shared with all international organizations, institutions and bodies specialized in cultural and intercultural dialogue.  

    ICESCO Takes Part in Meeting of Steering Committee of Implementation of National Action Plan Project in Field of Democracy and Human Rights in Morocco

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    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the meeting of the Steering Committee of the Implementation of the National Action Plan Project in the Field of Democracy and Human Rights in Morocco, yesterday, Thursday, May 6, 2021. The meeting was part of implementing the outputs of the partnership framework agreement that ICESCO signed with the Ministry of State in Charge of Human Rights and Relations with the Parliament.

    Representing ICESCO in the meeting, held via videoconference, Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of the Department of Legal Affairs, gave an address hailing the remarkable significance of the partnership between ICESCO and the Ministry of State in Charge of Human Rights and Relations with the Parliament. He reaffirmed ICESCO’s intention to embrace the action plan, which, he stated, falls within the Organization’s areas of competence, particularly with regard to education on human rights and protection of human rights in cyberspace. The ICESCO representative also highlighted the importance of cooperation with all partners represented in the Project’s Steering Committee.

    ICESCO and the Ministry of State in Charge of Human Rights and Relations with the Parliament have signed a partnership framework agreement for coordination and cooperation to give essence to the common goals of the National Action Plan in the Field of Democracy and Human Rights in Morocco.

    ICESCO Participates in “Towards a New Vision for Cultural Heritage Management” Workshop

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    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the Workshop on “Towards a new vision for cultural heritage management,” that the Moroccan Economic, Social and Environmental Council held yesterday, May 6, 2021, to explore the role of international organizations in preserving and promoting heritage.

    Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Cultural Advisor to ICESCO Director-General, along with Dr. Osama Al-Nahas, Heritage Expert at the Culture and Communication Sector, represented the Organization during the workshop. Dr. Benarafa delivered an address wherein he reviewed ICESCO’s efforts in preserving heritage in the Islamic world, including the establishment of the Islamic World Heritage Committee, the Committee of Archaeological Experts in Charge of Monitoring the Israeli Excavations in the Vicinity of Al Aqsa Mosque, the Heritage Observatory, and the Heritage Projects Support Fund.

    ICESCO also launched a new strategic vision for heritage management in the Islamic world, which pays increasing attention to all forms of heritage, through the establishment of its Heritage Center, which is entrusted with preserving, rehabilitating, and promoting heritage and training the people working in all disciplines and branches of heritage.

    Dr. Benarafa reviewed the efforts of ICESCO in the fields of heritage during the COVID-19 pandemic. “ICESCO has been among the first international organizations to launch and implement numerous distance initiatives, programmes and training courses, most notably ICESCO Digital Home and the virtual visits to the museums and heritage sites in the Member States,” he underscored.

    Regarding ICESCO’s efforts in preserving and promoting the Moroccan cultural heritage, Dr. Benarafa indicated that the Organization fulfills an important supporting role to the relevant efforts of the Kingdom of Morocco. “The Organization has inscribed 21 sites and elements of the Moroccan cultural and natural heritage on the Tentative and Final Islamic World Heritage Lists,” he added.

     ICESCO also provides technical and material support to Morocco for restoring and establishing several museums and heritage projects, including the project of the first museum of intangible heritage, in Marrakesh, as well as the project of “Nuzhati: nature and culture,” in cooperation with Agdal District.

    In conclusion, Dr. Benarafa reaffirmed that ICESCO is exerting every effort to support Morocco in preserving and promoting its cultural heritage.

    Exploring Arrangements for Holding International Symposium on Smart and Resilient Sustainable Cities

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    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the Regional Environment Department of Agadir, Agadir Prefecture, Agadir Municipality, and Ibn Zohr University in Morocco held a coordination meeting to explore the arrangements for organizing an international symposium on smart and resilient sustainable cities on June 3-4, 2021. The parties discussed holding the meeting face-to-face and via videoconferencing, in Agadir, Morocco, in celebration of the World Environment Day (observed on June 5).

    ICESCO took part in the meeting via videoconference, on May 5, 2021, and was represented by Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Adviser at the Sector of Science and Technology, and Dr. Foued El-Ayni, Expert at the Sector. Dr. Mohammad Alaoui, Head of the Department of Natural and Exact Sciences at the UNESCO Maghreb Office represented UNESCO, while Dr. Najat Zarrouk, Director of the Development Pole and the African Local Governments Academy (ALGA), represented UCLG.

    Dr. Mohamed Saidi from Mohamed V University in Rabat, Ms. Khadija Sami, Regional Director of Environment of the Souss Massa Region, Mr. Ahmad Sharmata, President of the Environment Department at Agadir Prefecture, Ms. Laila Ouabaali, Head of the Department of Environment Protection at Agadir City Council, and Prof. Dr. Abdelhamid Al-Mussadaq, Vice President of Ibn Zohr University in Charge of Scientific Research attended the meeting.

    Participants in the meeting discussed the possibility of implementing field awareness-raising activities on June 5, in cooperation with the civil society, organizations and other stakeholders, in a bid to contribute to the global efforts to protect the environment, raise awareness of environmental issues and ensure a better future for the next generations.

    At the close of the meeting, the parties agreed to pool efforts to allocate all logistic resources to ensure the success of the symposium, held as part of the celebration of Agadir as the Islamic World Environmental Capital for 2020-2021 and the celebration of World Environment Day, that Pakistan will host this year, under the slogan “Restoring the Ecosystem.” The celebration of World Environment Day aims to raise environmental awareness across the globe and shed light on pressing and current environmental issues.

    ICESCO Director-General Meets the Director of Saudia Airlines in Morocco

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, received Dr. Mohammed al-Samrani, Director of Saudia Airlines Office in Morocco. The two parties explored the prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and Saudia.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed some of ICESCO’s efforts in supporting its Member States in the fields of education, science, technology, culture, and communication, highlighting the main programmes and activities of ICESCO in 2021 to support women and youth and consolidate the values ​​of coexistence and dialogue.

    Dr. AlMalik stressed that the new vision and action strategy of ICESCO adopt an open-door policy with all organizations, bodies, and institutions to further promote cooperation and partnerships with them for the benefit of countries of the Islamic World.

    For his part, Dr. Al-Samrani praised ICESCO’s roles while stressing his aspiration for constructive cooperation between Saudia Airlines and the Organization in areas of common interest.

    ICESCO Director-General Meets Chargé d’Affaires of Zambia in Rabat

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Eliphas Chinyonga, Chargé d’Affaires of Zambia in Morocco. The two parties explored the prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and Zambia in the fields of education, science and culture.

    During the meeting, held today, May 04, 2021, at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, with the participation of some of the heads of ICESCO’s sectors, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed that the Organization’s action strategy adopts an open-door policy with all parties, including non-Member States, to ensure cooperation and partnership for the benefit of the Member States and Muslim communities around the globe. The DG also pointed out that ICESCO has amended its Charter to allow non-Member States to join the Organization on a Observer Status.

    Dr. AlMalik indicated that the Organization gives special priority to the African Member States and has provided support for many of them during the COVID-19 pandemic, in cooperation with donor agencies and institutions, to enhance their efforts in facing the negative repercussions of the pandemic.

    The meeting also touched upon ICESCO’s efforts in various fields, including strategic foresight and intercivilizational and intercultural dialogue to promote the values ​​of tolerance and coexistence.  Furthermore, the Organization also proclaimed 2021 as the Year of Women, in recognition of their roles during the pandemic as well as training young people on leadership skills and building their capabilities to meet future requirements.

    For his part, Mr. Eliphas Chinyonga praised the pivotal roles of ICESCO in its areas of competence, indicating that he was keen to visit the Organization and discover its programmes and activities in the upcoming period, a few weeks after he started his mission as the Chargé d’Affaires of Zambia in Morocco, on the beginning of March 2021.

    Mr. Chinyonga expressed his keenness to build cooperation between Zambia and ICESCO in its fields of action and with the countries of the Islamic world through the Organization given that the Muslim community in Zambia is growing significantly. He also stressed his interest in participating in the future activities of ICESCO.

    ICESCO and Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University Sign Partnership Agreement on Strategic Foresight and Scientific Research

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    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) in Saudi Arabia, yesterday, May 3, 2021, signed a partnership agreement on scientific research and strategic foresight studies, and cooperation in implementing practical programmes and activities to promote technology and innovation in the countries of the Islamic world.

    During the meeting, held through videoconference, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and Dr. Issa Al-Ansari, PMU President, signed the agreement. The meeting also brought together several directors and officials at ICESCO and the University.

    In his address at the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik expressed his happiness at the signing of the agreement, stressing that it will unite the efforts of ICESCO and PMU to strengthen their cooperation and partnership through practical projects and forward-looking studies such as “The Possible Futures of the Islamic World” study, “The Future imagined by the Youth” project, “Population and demography at the horizon of 2050: Islamic Population Inside and Outside the Islamic World” study, “The impact of Covid-19 on Hajj and Umrah study,” “the Futures of Education” study.

    Dr. AlMalik added that ICESCO, through the Center for Strategic Foresight and the Science and Technology Sector, will collaborate with PMU to conduct studies and implement programmes and projects for the benefit of the Islamic world.

    For his part, Dr. Al-Ansari stressed that the agreement addresses important areas for cooperation between the University and ICESCO, noting that the partnership agreement should not only target countries of the Islamic World but should benefit the whole world in its entirety.

    He added that ICESCO and PMU complement one another in the field of foresight and Artificial Intelligence, highlighting that the University prepares its young graduates to meet the requirements of both the local and international job markets.

    It is noteworthy to mention that the agreement between ICESCO and PMU provides for cooperation in developing specialized programmes and research activities, building the capacities of the staff of Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Center for Futuristic Studies (PMFCFS) and ICESCO Center for Strategic Foresight, and seeking to give an international relevance for the achievements of the two centers in the field of forward-looking studies, Artificial Intelligence, youth, and entrepreneurship.

    On 39th Anniversary: ICESCO Reiterates its Commitment to Preserve Educational, Scientific and Cultural Treasures of the Islamic world

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    Today, May 03, 2021, ICESCO celebrates its 39th anniversary. On 03 May 1982, the Organization held its Founding Conference, in Fez, Morocco, which approved its Charter, in the implementation of the decision of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, held in Fez, in May 1979, and the decision of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Makkah and Taif, in January 1981, which called on and urged Member States to support and join ICESCO.

    Since then, ICESCO has endeavored to promote joint Islamic action in the fields of education, science, and culture, seeking to achieve noble objectives for the Member States and showcase their outstanding civilization potentials and remarkable contributions to human progress.

    Despite the various regional and international transformations, ICESCO has exerted every effort to fulfill the aspirations of the Islamic world for a bright and prosperous future for its young generations in the fields of education, science and culture.

    During the previous year, which witnessed major global changes, ICESCO passed a milestone through its wide range of activities, programmes, and improvements in the light of the urgent need for crucial changes in its vision and regulations. These changes have allowed the Organization to counter the negative aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of these efforts, ICESCO has regained respect from similar organizations and the approval of its Member States.  The Organization is determined to consolidate these achievements and further expresses its gratitude and appreciation to everyone who contributed to this successful process, in particular the unwavering support from the seat country, Morocco.

    On this great occasion, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) reaffirms its commitment to preserve and promote the educational, scientific and cultural treasures of the Islamic world.

    ICESCO Director-General Participates in Book Launch Ceremony of “Ramadan Tastes”

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    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), yesterday, April 29, 2021, participated in the launch ceremony of the book “Ramadan Tastes” that the charitable Diplomatic Circle in Morocco published with ICESCO’s support. The book includes 56 recipes from 27 countries for delicious dishes that celebrate tolerance and generosity and value the cultural treasures of the Islamic world.

    The ceremony that the charitable Diplomatic Circle organized at the headquarters of Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, in Rabat, saw the participation of Ms. Jamila Elmossalli, Minister of Solidarity, Social Development, Equality and Family of Morocco, along with several ambassadors and wives of ambassadors accredited to Morocco as well as the wives of several heads and directors of international organizations in the country.

    In his address, Dr. AlMalik stressed that the publication of the book is a new and important approach. “All the publications that aim at highlighting the national heritage constitutes a valuable human and civilizational contribution on the level of customs and traditions as well as food and clothing, which are both elements of intangible heritage,” he added.

    Dr. AlMalik also expressed the Organization’s willingness to support the dissemination of the book on a large scale through ICESCO Digital Home, noting that all the support that ICESCO provides in this context reaffirms its successful approach, particularly with the celebration of 2021 as the Year of Women.

    For her part, Ms. Elmossalli commended the idea of ​​the book, noting that cooking is an inherited art. “Throughout history, women have excelled in the culinary arts. It is high time to take further steps to preserve this art through documentation to ensure its transmission to future generations,” she underscored. Ms. Elmossalli also expressed her gratitude to the Diplomatic Circle for publishing the book and to ICESCO DG for the efforts of the Organization in supporting women and enhancing their status.

    Furthermore, Ms. Alessandra Mancini, wife of the Ambassador of Peru, Head of the Diplomatic Circle, delivered an address wherein she stated that the kitchen plays an important role as a catalyst for a sense of collective identity, which gives people a sense of belonging to a specific community and fosters a series of common cultural values.

    Ms. Zeina Barakat Atallah, wife of the Ambassador of Lebanon, Treasurer of the Diplomatic Circle, said that the book is the fruit of six months of work during which 27 countries of the Islamic World contributed to highlighting and illustrating their cultural habits and culinary arts.

    Ms. Yolanda Jah, wife of the President of the Islamic Culture Foundation, Secretary-General of the Diplomatic Circle, indicated that the book aims to bring the reader closer to the cultural richness of countries of the Islamic World through the cooking traditions and practices related to the month of Ramadan.

    The charitable Diplomatic Circle is a non-profit association, established 30 years ago, to support social projects, whose members include the wives of accredited ambassadors and representatives of international organizations in Morocco. The sales proceeds of “Ramadan Tastes” will be allocated to support several humanitarian programmes in Morocco.