Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Khalifa Al-Suwaidi, Member of the Board of Trustees of Hamdan bin Rashed Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance, and together they discussed ways to promote cooperation between the Organization and the Foundation in the field of education.
During the meeting held today, Wednesday 4 November 2021, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, the two parties reviewed the arrangements for the award ceremony of the two editions of ICESCO—Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Prize for Voluntary Development of Education Facilities in the Islamic World, to be held during the 14 Session of the General Conference and the 42nd Session of the Executive Council, which will be both hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt, on December 6-9, 2021.
The two parties also discussed the preparations for launching the Prize’s third edition, a prize launched by the two institutions to encourage outstanding, sustainable and comprehensive education projects, and pay tribute to the people and institutions in charge of voluntary initiatives and charity works in the field of education.
The meeting discussed the Foundation’s participation in the international conference which ICESCO will hold in December, in celebration of the World Arabic Language Day, under the theme, “Women and the Arabic Language: Reality and Prospects”. This conference will pay tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashed Al Maktoum, in recognition of his efforts to promote Arabic.
At the close of the meeting, Dr. Al-Suwaidi presented the Director-General with a copy of “Al-Qalbu An-Naqiy”, a book issued by the Foundation, which documents the journey of the late Sheikh Hamdan, who was a prominent patron of educational and health initiatives and a devoted supporter of Arab and Islamic culture.
Dr. Ahmad Said Bah, Advisor to the DG for Partnerships and International Cooperation, also attended the meeting.
In conjunction with the Global Climate Conference “COP26” that the United Kingdom is hosting in Glasgow, Scotland, intending to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and discussing mechanisms and ways to contain the repercussions of global warming on Earth, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) reiterates its commitment to support the programs of governments and international organizations on environmental preservation to meet the challenges of climate change, protect biodiversity and contribute strongly to advancing sustainable development.
It is no secret that environmental challenges still exist while the progress made to confront them remains insufficient, particularly with the current priorities of countries in recovering from the socio-economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Such reality encourages ICESCO to further strive with its partners to enhance capacities in the field of disaster risk reduction and crisis management, enable and encourage countries to protect the ecosystems, enhance the use of modern technologies, find innovative solutions, design sensing and early warning systems, and develop its partnerships with the relevant national, regional, and international organizations.
To achieve real development in the preservation of global climate, ICESCO’s new programs aim to adapt to climate change to ensure water security, encourage smart, sustainable and resilient cities, and develop sustainable and smart agriculture.
Within the framework of ICESCO’s Science and Technology Strategy for 2022-2024, which aims at building a green future and promoting a positive climate action plan, the Organization emphasizes:
• Promoting innovative solutions and concepts to protect the environment by supporting and encouraging the establishment of smart, sustainable and resilient cities, and developing green, blue, and circular economies.
• Upgrading skills in the field of environmental technologies, preparing green projects and encouraging entrepreneurship.
• Developing the use of green technology to address the effects of climate change on various sectors.
• Encouraging scientific research and international cooperation in the environmental field.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Ambassador Mohamed El Nokaly, Senior International Relations Advisor at the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSa), discussed means to strengthen cooperation between the Organization and the Agency on promoting space science and technology and developing scientific research and innovation in this field in the countries of the Islamic world.
During the meeting, held on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, on the sidelines of Mr. Al Qubaisi’s participation in ICESCO’s Global Space Science Forum, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the great interest that the Organization attaches to supporting the efforts of its Member States in developing space science programs and related industries, and leveraging the potential of space applications to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable development.
ICESCO DG noted that the Organization, as part of its new vision and action strategy, endeavors to build close cooperation with all space science actors to work jointly on raising awareness of the importance of investing in space science and technology, integrating them into school curricula, benefiting from space applications, and providing opportunities for researchers and scientists to exchange ideas and experiences in these fields. He added that the Organization has signed several cooperation and partnership agreements with several international organizations, institutions, and bodies, and that joint programs and activities are being implemented with these partners along with various donors.
For his part, Ambassador El Nokaly commended ICESCO’s efforts to organize a global forum on the promising field of space science that has gained international momentum, affirming the Egyptian Space Agency’s willingness to cooperate with ICESCO on organizing activities and implementing initiatives and programmes relating to space science and applications.
Partnership and Investment in Space Science is Necessity to Face Challenges in Islamic World
The Global Space Science Forum, held in cooperation between the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the US Space Foundation, concluded its proceedings, yesterday. The Forum issued a set of practical recommendations to strengthen international partnership and cooperation to bridge the gap between the developed and developing countries in the field of space science and encourage countries of the Islamic world to invest in space science applications and related industries.
The Forum, held under the theme “Exploring the Space Science Future – Together” on November 1-2, 2021, both at ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat, and via videoconference, saw the participation of officials, experts, and policymakers in the field of space as well as astronauts. The participants unanimously stressed the need to strengthen human resources to carry out space exploration research and studies and provide the necessary financial resources to develop the appropriate infrastructures. They also focused on the need to set incentives for youth and women in the Islamic world to ensure their integration into space science and technology by providing support for start-ups and incubators and raising awareness about the importance of space science in improving life on planet Earth.
On the second day, the Forum witnessed a series of scientific sessions and discussions, where participants reviewed the most prominent milestones of space science history in several countries of the Islamic World, the areas of cooperation to develop scientific research and innovation to achieve sustainable development, and the importance of space sciences to have access to data and information to respond to humanitarian disasters and reduce poverty.
The first session tackled ways to strengthen the partnership between academic and industrial sectors in space science applications, highlighting the attention that Muslims have paid, throughout history, to space science and innovation. The participants stressed the importance of the openness of academic institutions and researchers to space technology and the need to establish partnerships and involve the private sector to capitalize on the advantages of space science, strengthen the innovative capacities of young people and urge all countries to integrate into the field of space science and its applications to break the monopoly of space knowledge.
The second session focused on developing space technology to ensure food security, develop agriculture and reduce poverty. The participants reviewed the salient programs of the international institutions for using space technology to collect information and data to achieve sustainable development through monitoring crops and developing navigation, stressing the need to join forces and engage in research activities to exchange experiences, policies and strategies in the field of space science and technology.
In the third session, the participants explored the relationship between communications systems, cybersecurity, and space sciences. They reviewed the experiences of the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) and Oukaimeden Observatory in Morocco as well as the field experiences in aeronautical engineering of the International University of Rabat. They also explored cybersecurity challenges in light of space science development and the new prospects for space science and its applications to improve life on Earth and encourage innovation.
At the end of the Forum, the participants exchanged ideas and opinions, in a roundtable discussion, on the role of ICESCO Member States’ space agencies to help spread awareness about space technology.
The Culture and Communication Sector at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the 25th Session of the Conference on Archeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World, held in partnership between the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Relations with Parliament of Mauritania and The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).
The three-day Conference kicked off on Monday, November 1, 2021, at the Congress Center, in Nouakchott, with the participation of Dr. Mokhtar Ould Dahi, Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports and Relations with Parliament; Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, ALECSO Director-General; the Governor of Nouakchott Region; the Secretary-General of the Mauritanian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science; and a host of specialists and experts in the field of heritage protection from the Arab world as well as representatives of Member States’ institutions in charge of heritage protection.
In his presentation delivered in the session dedicated to the efforts of international organizations, Mr. Bilel Chebbi, Expert at ICESCO Culture and Communication Sector, highlighted the role of ICESCO and the Center of Heritage in the Islamic World in promoting cultural heritage by ensuring the integrity of archaeological heritage. He also reviewed the efforts of the Organization and the Center in supporting, rehabilitating, and inscribing heritage sites and monuments on the Islamic World Heritage List while shedding light on ICESCO’s civilizational vision in the field of combating illegal trafficking of cultural property and ensuring its restoration.
The Conference, which is held every two years in one of the Arab capitals, explores the latest developments in the field of safeguarding and protecting the civilizational heritage of the Member States of the League of Arab States through the exchange of experiences and opinions between the officials and specialists concerned.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Mizanur Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO), discussed prospects for cooperation between the two Organizations in strengthening efforts to develop scientific research, innovation, and space science and technology.
During this meeting held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, on the sidelines of Mr. Rahman’s participation in ICESCO’s Global Space Science Forum, Dr. Al-Malik stressed that ICESCO attaches great importance to supporting the efforts of its Member States to leverage the potential of space science and applications and new technologies, in general, to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable development.
ICESCO DG noted that the Organization’s new vision and action strategy are based on openness and cooperation with all to serve its Member States and Muslim communities around the world. He added that the Organization has signed several cooperation and partnership agreements with several international organizations, institutions, and bodies, and that joint programs and activities are being implemented with these partners along with many donors.
Mr. Rahman commended ICESCO’s Global Space Science Forum and noted that it provides an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and share experiences among Bangladeshi experts and specialists, stressing SPARRSO’s willingness to cooperate with ICESCO in the promising field of space science.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Mr. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, DG of the United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAESA), discussed prospects for cooperation between the Organization and the Agency in the field of space science and applications and sharing the Emirati distinguished experience in this regard with the Islamic world.
During the meeting, held on Monday, November 1, 2021, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, on the sidelines of Mr. Al Qubaisi’s participation in ICESCO’s Global Space Science Forum, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the great interest that the Organization’s new vision and strategy attach to supporting the efforts of its Member States in developing scientific research and enhancing investment in space science and applications.
ICESCO DG noted that the Organization signed a partnership agreement with the Space Foundation in the USA to cooperate closely and raise awareness of the importance of investing in space science and technology, integrating them into educational programs, contributing to the use of space applications, and providing opportunities for researchers and scientists to exchange ideas and experiences in this field. He also pointed out that ICESCO’s Global Space Science Forum is held within the framework of this partnership agreement and in cooperation with the Space Foundation.
UAESA DG commended ICESCO’s new vision and tireless efforts in establishing cooperation between countries of the Islamic world in the field of space science. He also confirmed the Agency’s willingness to cooperate in this field as building international strategic partnerships is one of the Agency’s major actin approaches.
The meeting was also attended by Engineer Nasser Bin Hammad, Head International Relations and Chief Innovation Officer at UAESA.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Eng. Majed Al-Onazi, Chief Operating Officer at the Saudi Space Commission, who is taking part in ICESCO’s Global Space Science Forum.
During the meeting, held yesterday, Monday, November 1, 2021, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik and Eng. Alonazi discussed ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and the Saudi Space Commission, as part of the Organization’s vision, which accords great importance to supporting the efforts of countries of the Islamic World and encouraging them to invest in space sciences and applications as the science of the future.
Eng. Alonazi talked about the achievements of the Saudi Commission in the field of space, in the implementation of the Kingdom’s vision 2030, which was adopted by H.R.H. Prince Mohamed bin Salman, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. He added that the vision places great interest in investing in space sciences and applications given its importance as a key element in achieving sustainable development.
The DG commended the Kingdom’s leading vision, reaffirming that ICESCO stands ready to cooperate and partner with the Saudi Space Commission in launching and implementing space science initiatives, programs and activities.
The two parties reaffirmed the significance of joint action among countries of the Islamic world in the field of space and highlighted the need to open up to other countries that have made major strides in this field, with the aim of facing current and future challenges and contributing to improving people’s lives. They also reiterated the great benefits and potential of space sciences and applications in improving human abilities to deal with the crises and disasters the world is facing and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development.
Eng. Alonazi hailed the high level of organization of ICESCO’s Global Space Science Forum, which concludes its proceedings today, Thursday, November 2, 2021, noting that this event will be an opportunity to promote cooperation between countries of the Islamic world in this vital field.
The Education Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on Monday, November 1, 2021, participated in the 104th Meeting of the Committee of Educational Programs for Arab Students in the Occupied Arab Territories that the Sector of Palestine and the Occupied Arab Territories at the General Secretariat of the League Arab of States (LAS), in Cairo, held to discuss the educational process and the needs of the education sector in Palestine.
In his address at the meeting, Dr. Ahmed El-Zonfoli, Program Manager at ICESCO Education Sector, reviewed the Organization’s efforts to support education in Palestine during 2021, noting that the Organization’s vision pays particular attention to education in Palestine and lays emphasis on the right of the Palestinian people to education. This vision also underlines the key role of education as a fundamental pillar in empowering people, shaping the future, achieving sustainable development, improving living conditions, and ensuring human well-being.
Dr. El-Zonfoli also reviewed the salient educational projects and activities that ICESCO implemented, in cooperation with the Palestinian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, for the benefit of the State of Palestine, during 2021, to develop and advance the Palestinian educational institutions.
The first day of the joint ICESCO-Space Foundation Global Space Science Forum under the theme: “Exploring the Space Science Future – Together,” featured scientific tours aiming to explore the promising future of space science and applications, and saw the participation of officials, experts, and policymakers who brought new perspectives into the dialogue on space science, emphasizing that it is the science of the future in which humanity must invest to meet current and future challenges.
The Forum kicked off on Monday, November 1, 2021, face-to-face at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, and via videoconference, with a speech by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), in which he highlighted the need for the enhancement of investment in space science and technology and stressed the importance of raising collective awareness and building the capacity of young people, women, and girls to stimulate their participation in the growing space science activities to support the world’s efforts to achieve shared sustainable development goals.
The DG explained that the technological progress achieved in the past decades, which led to a surge in the global economy, requires meeting social and economic challenges, noting the pivotal role that space science and technology play in this field.
Dr. AlMalik reiterated the Organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting scientific, educational, and cultural activities in its Member States through the adoption of new technologies, capacity building, support of the technology-driven economy, awareness-raising, modern knowledge dissemination. The policy recommendations emanating from the ICESCO Global Space Science Forum can help achieve all these objectives as they serve as a foundation for national policies that promote the Islamic world’s use of space science technology.
In his address, Dr. Abdellatif Miraoui, Moroccan Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, commended ICESCO’s programs and activities aimed at developing scientific research and innovation in the Islamic world, highlighting the special attention accorded by His Majesty King Mohammed VI – may God assist him – to the field of space science, and the Moroccan Kingdom’s initiatives in this field, namely the hosting of the African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology and the establishment of the Royal Centre for Remote Sensing.
Mr. Thomas Zelibor, Space Foundation CEO, explained that space science is critical to understanding climate change and natural hazards and their impacts, stressing that the initiatives of all actors, partners and institutions are key to advancing innovation and technology. Dr. Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, emphasized the importance of investing in space science to overcome challenges and improve the quality of life on earth, commending the initiatives of the international community in this field and underlining the necessity to support efforts to leverage space technology for human growth and prosperity.
For her part, Dr. Pascale Ehrenfreund, President of the International Astronautical Federation, stressed the need to benefit from space science in a world that is witnessing constant changes and transformations, noting the importance of cooperation in this endeavour through the promotion of innovation and student exchange between universities around the world to combat poverty and achieve development.
At the outset of the opening session, the first session of the Forum began with a speech by Mr. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, in which he pointed out that space science is a wide and ever-developing field that requires cooperation, that is why international strategic partnerships have become common practice for the UAE Space Agency.
Mr. Samaddin Asadov, Chairman of the Board of Azerbaijan Space Agency “Azercosmos,” provided an overview of the agency’s mission and scope of activities, noting that the Azerbaijanian space agency has been witnessing developments in space science and industry for 50 years.
In his address, Mr. Majed Alonazi, Chief Operating Officer at the Saudi Space Commission, stressed that the ICESCO Global Forum would pave the way for cooperation between the Islamic world countries in the field of space science, noting that Saudi Arabia seeks to raise awareness of space science, invest in related industries, and develop applications that contribute to achieving sustainable development.
The second session of the first day of the Forum touched upon the role of space agencies in building knowledge based on space applications and featured a roundtable on the importance of space science in reducing disaster risks, facing humanitarian crises, and eradicating poverty. The thought-provoking discussions encouraged participants to reflect upon ways to overcome the current challenges and build a better future for humanity through genuine cooperation in the field of space applications and related industries.
