Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), will participate on August 2021 in the 36th session of the Space Forum, held annually by the American Space Foundation since 1984 in the State of Colorado, USA. This event is considered the first American Forum for the discussion of space policies and programs and the discovery of the latest developments in this field.
The Director-General will be a keynote speaker at the Forum, which will bring together a large number of leaders, decision-makers, and all sectors of the space community from several spacefaring nations, as well as space agencies, commercial space companies, cyber-security companies, federal government agencies and organizations, and the state governments of the U.S. Also participating will be R&D centers, educational institutions, space entrepreneurs, private spaceflight service providers, companies involved in the adaptation, manufacture or sale of space technologies for commercial use, in addition to specialized media.
The Forum’s agenda includes the discussion of many important topics, most notably a “forward-looking agenda,” as well as a wide range of parallel activities, including an exhibition on the latest innovations in space and major advances in space technology, from nanotechnology to spacecraft, with the participation of over 200 exhibitors.
For the record, ICESCO and the American Space Foundation are bound together by ties of close cooperation for the promotion of space sciences and programs in the Islamic world, as part of ICESCO’s new vision and strategy to raise awareness of the importance of space sciences and technologies and the huge potential offered by their technological applications to achieve sustainable development. The two parties co-organized the 1st International Forum on “Space Science: Importance, Challenges and New Opportunities in the Space Industry and the Islamic World” on 10 June 2021 under the theme: “Innovators of Tomorrow,” which was attended by an elite space program managers and experts, scientists and astronauts from around the world.
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ICESCO takes part in the 8th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the 8th Ministerial Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Women, which was opened by H.H. Mr. Abdelfattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, today, Thursday 8 July 2021, at the new Administrative Capital. The Conference saw the participation of Dr. Youssef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, OIC Secretary-General, and a host of ministers in charge of women affairs in the OIC Member States.
The Conference, which was held under the high patronage of President El-Sisi, under the theme “Preserving the Achievements of Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women in the Lights of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond,” featured the launch of the Women’s Development Organization (WDO) at its permanent headquarters in Egypt. The WDO will be the first international organization, within the framework of the OIC, specialized in promoting and protecting women’s rights in all OIC Member States. Ms. Hélène Marie Laurence, Minister of Women, National Solidarity and Family in Burkina Faso, President of the 7th Session of the Conference, handed over the presidency of the 8th session of the Conference to Dr. Maya Morsy, President of the National Council for women in Egypt.
ICESCO was represented by a delegation including Ms. Sally Mabrook, Director of the Office of ICESCO Director-General, and Ms. Zineb Iraqi, Supervisor of ICESCO General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences. The ICESCO representatives gave an overview of ICESCO’s vision and strategy on supporting women and promoting their roles in achieving sustainable development. The representatives also highlighted key activities the Organization implemented in close cooperation with the ICESCO Member States and several strategic partners in the areas of education, culture and science, focusing on activities carried out as part of ICESCO’s proclamation of 2021 as the Year of Women, which was granted the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohamed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco.
The Conference issued a resolution highly commending ICESCO’s initiative to proclaim 2021 as the Year of Women and called on OIC organs and institutions to follow the steps and cooperate with ICESCO.
Opening of registration for the Challenge and Innovation Forum (CIF) within the activities of Doha as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2021
With the framework of the activities of the celebration of Doha as the Arab Region’s Capital of Islamic Culture for 2021, being held under the theme “Our Culture is Light,” which is part of the cultural capitals program of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Ministry of Culture and Sports in the State of Qatar announced the opening of registration for the Challenge and Innovation Forum (CIF) that Qatar Scientific Club will organize, on 9-11 November 2021, under the slogan “With The Mind, We Untie The Knots.”
The Forum will bring together young innovators and inventors from around the world. It includes several interactive scientific competitions and programs, which aim at promoting Qatar’s role in supporting science and innovation locally and internationally. The forum will constitute an opportunity for young innovators and inventors from different countries to exchange knowledge and expertise. It will contribute to attracting the attention of the international community to learn more about the latest developments in the fields of innovation and modern technologies.
The competition is based on the participation of all the registered innovators, who will showcase their individual inventions during an exhibition that will be held in the first two days of the event. CIF includes two major competitions (Invention Exhibition and Hackathon) over a whole week with international participation. Besides, there are individual and group competitions for young people to enhance their talents in the fields of invention, innovation and manufacturing.
Afterward, the innovators will be divided into groups to participate in the Hackathon to be held in the last two days of the forum, which will also include other activities, such as the exhibition of interactive intelligence devices, and workshops to attract and motivate young people to engage in science and innovation.
People desiring to participate in the Forum can register, during the period from 7 July to 30 August 2021, via the link below:
ICESCO signs a MoU with 3 international technology companies for cooperation in education
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding with Hewlett-Packard (HP), Classera and Mirai for cooperation in implementing education programs in the countries of the Islamic world, aiming to build a new educational model that will support distance learning, contribute to the development of the digital transformation process in education and promote digital education.
The memorandum was signed by Ambassador Khaled Fathalrahman, Supervisor of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, Mr. Salah Ouardi, Director General of HP Morocco, Mr. Mahmoud El-Gabry, Director of International Partnerships at Classera, and Ms. Christine Carlin Nasser Qudsi, Co-Director of Mirai.
The MoU aims to provide a set of teaching materials to develop skills in information culture and to provide systems for managing the learning process, information systems for students, a digital library, and virtual solutions. It also aims to develop digital teaching and learning, and strategies for mastering distance learning.
The provisions of the MoU include cooperation in achieving the common goals through several means such as exchanging of information and experiences between the different parties, sharing expertise in training, improving national educational data systems in the ICESCO Member States, as well as providing models for optimal experiences and establishing development centers for digital transformation in the Member States.
ICESCO participates in a capacity building workshop on teacher policy development in Africa
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the Regional Workshop on Capacity Building of Teacher Policy Development in Africa that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held, on Wednesday (7 July 2021), via videoconferencing, in cooperation with UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA) and the International Task Force on Teachers.
The workshop aimed to enhance the participants’ knowledge concerning the process of teachers policies development and ways to improve the relevant efforts, provide various useful resources and tools, create a platform for educational specialists in regional offices and other stakeholders to share the best practices and challenges when providing technical support for developing teacher national policies.
During this workshop, Dr. Barry Koumbou, Head of Education Sector at ICESCO, reviewed the experiences and efforts of ICESCO in supporting the African countries to develop their educational systems. She pointed out that education systems in Africa today face challenges of quality, governance, and financing.
Dr. Koumbou called for developing teacher policies in Africa in a gender-sensitive manner, stressing the importance of developing effective mechanisms for collecting information and statistics relevant to teachers, and providing the necessary funding for education while ensuring sound management and commitment to transparency and good governance. Besides, she called for taking care of refugees, women and people with disabilities without bias or discrimination.
Moreover, Dr. Koumbou stressed the need to build the capacity of teachers according to new ICTs methods, taking into account the African cultures, including history, art, poetry, literature, languages and customs.
ICESCO hosts exhibition of rare historical manuscripts on loan from Al-Qarawiyyin Library
In cooperation with the Ministry of Haboos and Islamic Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Library of Al-Qarawiyyin University, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is hosting, at its headquarters in Rabat, a first of its kind exhibition of rare historical manuscripts spanning various fields of knowledge and featuring a treasure trove of Al-Qarawiyyin University Library’s most prized possessions.
The exhibition, which opens today, Wednesday 7 July 2021, features more than 20 rare manuscripts including a copy of the Holy Quran in the Kufi Script without dots or diacritical marks, which dates back to the third century A.H.; an Arabic version of the Gospel of Luke from the fifth century A.H.; and Kitab Az-Zohd by Abu Daoud As-Sejestani. The exhibition also displays Al-Hidaya Fi Tawhid by Al-Qadi Al-Baqalani; Al-Muwattaa by Yahya bin Mohamed bin Abbad Al-Lakhmi, which dates back to the sixth century A.H.; Al-Mukhtassar Al-Fiqhi by Abu Musaab Al-Zahri; Al-Jamiaa Al-Sahih by Muhammad bin Ibrahim; Al-Bayan Wa Tahssil by Ibn Rushd Al-Jadd, a copy made for the Sultan; Jarru Ath-Thayl Fi Ilm Al-Khayl by Jalal Dine As-Sayuti; and the Book of Ethics by Aristotle. Likewise, the exhibition includes a manuscript on astronomy that was written by Ptolemy and translated by Al-Farabi, in addition to a selection of knowledge treasures in various fields including religious sciences, astronomy, medicine, philosophy, and history authored by prominent science and intellect figures from the Islamic world and abroad.
The exhibition is open to visitors, concurrently with the ICESCO Scientific Symposium on the release of the First Volume of the Encyclopedia of Deconstructing Extremist Discourse. The Symposium was held in cooperation with the Mohammadia League of Scholars of the Kingdom of Morocco, as part of the Framework Partnership Agreement between ICESCO and the League aiming to intellectually shield the Muslim youth against the different forms of extremist and hate discourse in the Islamic world and beyond.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, a team specializing in manuscript restoration from the Manuscript Restoration Lab at Al-Qarawiyyin University will give a practical demonstration to visitors on the latest trends in manuscript restoration using advanced technology.
Al-Qarawiyyin Library in Fez is one of the oldest heritage libraries in Morocco. It was established in 750 A.H. and has been subject to numerous restoration and repair operations. The library has maintained its key role in the fields of science and knowledge, making it a reliable destination for researchers and students. Its collection has been enriched by Sultans, princes, and scholars who donated rare and invaluable books.
ICESCO and Mohammadia League of Scholars launch the first volume of the Encyclopedia on Deconstructing the Discourse of Extremism
With high-level participation of officials, diplomats, intellectuals, scholars and specialists in combating extremist ideology, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Mohammadia League of Scholars, on Wednesday (7 July 2021), launched the first volume of the Encyclopedia on Deconstructing the Discourse of Extremism, entitled “Deconstructing the intellectual backgrounds of the discourses of extremism,” which is part of the partnership agreement between ICESCO and the League, for protecting Muslim youth from the various forms of the discourse of extremism and hatred inside and outside the Islamic world.
ICESCO presented the first volume during a major scientific symposium, at its headquarters, in Rabat, which began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an; then Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, gave a welcome address wherein he reaffirmed that terrorism has become a worrisome phenomenon that obscures the major goals of our existence, which consist in peacebuilding, calling for strengthening this value to become a source of inspiration by spreading peace to become a central concept.
Besides, Dr. AlMalik noted that the Organization and the League issued this encyclopedia to invest in all the scientific efforts made in addressing the misinterpretations of religious texts to serve as a reference for researchers, scholars, university institutions, research centers, specialized observatories and international organizations to address the effects of extremism around the world.
Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of Mohammadia League of Scholars, gave the main lecture, wherein he stated that the encyclopedia aims to protect young people from the discourse of extremism as well as other related concepts. “The encyclopedia is based on the idea that religion aims to develop secure societies. The first volume of this encyclopedia is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of the complex phenomenon of extremism, while the second volume deals with the tools for deconstructing the discourse of extremism. The third volume takes into account the nature of the current reality. Moreover, there is a conflict between the real and the digital world. Thus, it is essential to have an expert in the digital field for countering the extremist ideology because its promoters are strongly active in the digital space,” he underscored.
Afterward, the participants and attendees expressed their views during which Dr. Driss Fassi Fihri, Al-Qarawiyyin University Vice-President, stated that deconstructing extremist discourse entails identifying the components under which radical ideas are being disseminated.
Mr. Mohammed Ben Ayed, Ambassador of Tunisia to Morocco, noted that Islam, a religion of moderation and middle stance, urges people to use reason. “Extremism is an extremely complex and dangerous phenomenon that can severely impact humanity. The encyclopedia touches upon the different aspects of such phenomenon,” added Mr. Ben Ayed.
For his part, Dr. Ahmad Sennouni, Assistant Secretary-General of Mohammadia League of Scholars, praised the encyclopedia as it provides a detailed description of the changes Muslim communities have undergone and has a clear vision for deconstructing extremist discourse. While Dr. Farida Zoumroud, a Member of the Executive Board of Mohammadia League of Scholars, explained that criticism is one of the most important means to countering extremism since extremists usually seek religious pretexts for their acts through misinterpretation of texts. She also added that the encyclopedia strives to correct some misconceptions for deconstructing extremist discourse while analyzing its psychological dimension.
Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, moderator of the Symposium, noted that Islamic civilization is the source of science and knowledge. “Understanding Arabic language and the connotations of the word “terrorism” is a key element to deconstructing extremist discourse; Al-Munjid dictionary was one of the first dictionaries to include the word terrorism back in 1960,” he added.
At the close of the symposium, Dr. AlMalik delivered a closing address wherein he praised all the efforts that contributed to bringing the encyclopedia into existence and thanked all the attendees and participants. He also noted that the Organization works toward incorporating the concept of peace into the primary level educational curriculum, which will be part of its recommendations during conferences and meetings with Member States’ education ministers.
ICESCO congratulates Morocco on the launch of the project to produce COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines
On July 5, 2021, in Fez, King Mohammed VI of Morocco attended the signing ceremony of three agreements to launch the project of manufacturing and packing COVID-19 vaccine as well as other vaccines, in partnership with international companies, including the Swedish company (Recipharm), which is the fifth largest pharmaceutical manufacturer worldwide, the Chinese company “Sinopharm” and the Société de Thérapeutique Marocaine (Sothema).
This project will ensure self-sufficiency, enhance health security and make the Kingdom of Morocco among the major regional and international platforms in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries.
Within the framework of the royal solidarity vision, the African and sister countries will benefit from this project, particularly that the COVID-19 crisis has shown stark disparities between countries in access to vaccines, medicines, masks, and means of disinfection in what has become known as the “vaccine war.”
In its first phase, this project will produce 5 million vaccines per month while seeking to double the production capacity in the medium term, with a total investment value of $500 million.
This leading royal initiative comes amid the global crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic that has largely affected the fields of education, culture, science and other vital sectors. It aims to give hope to those suffering in times of crisis to achieve gains and accomplish the necessary transformations.
On this occasion, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is pleased to congratulate the Kingdom of Morocco on this great scientific and industrial achievement, calling on the Member States to cooperate to achieve health security for the benefit of Muslim peoples.
ICESCO and Oxford Center for Islamic Studies explore cooperation prospects
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Farhan Nizami, Director of the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies, explored the prospects of wider cooperation between the Organization and the Center, especially in the fields of building youth’s capacities, scholarships, scientific research and ICESCO Academic Chairs.
During the meeting, held today, Tuesday 6 July 2021, via videoconference, the two parties expressed their keenness to promote partnership between ICESCO and the Center, reaffirming the importance of developing cooperation in the field of conducting specialized studies and implementing practical and goal-oriented programs and activities within the two institutions’ shared areas of interest.
Dr. AlMalik noted that ICESCO’s new vision and action strategy positions peace at the forefront of its priorities, highlighting the Organization’s numerous programs in this regard including the Program of Training Young Leadership for Peace and Security. He added that ICESCO opened up to world countries, regional and international organizations, and bodies and civil society institutions by capitalizing on its Academic Chairs Program. He further explained that in addition to chairs at universities and research centers within the Islamic world, the Program provides for setting up chairs in prominent universities outside the Islamic world in countries such as Germany and Brazil.
Dr. Nizami expressed his delight to explore cooperation prospects with a major organization such as ICESCO, which enjoys great presence and outreach within the Islamic world, conveying his honor to take part in ICESCO Conference on the Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah, held on 27 May 2021. He also reaffirmed that cooperation between ICESCO and the Center must keep up with the current changes and consider the values of quality and continuity in view of achieving the set goals, noting that joint action is the way to making a difference.
The meeting saw the participation of senior ICESCO officials, namely Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, and Dr. Said Bah, Advisor to the Director-General for Partnerships and International Cooperation.
The Oxford Center for Islamic Studies is an Oxford University-affiliated research center. It was created in 1985 under the patronage of H.R.H. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. The Center aims to encourage Islamic studies and it is the first center in British history to specialize in this kind of study under the patronage of a member of the British Royal Family.
Next Wednesday.. Launch of the First International Encyclopedia on Deconstructing Extremist Discourse, at ICESCO Headquarters
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Mohammadia League of Scholars, will hold a scientific symposium to introduce the first part of “the Encyclopedia on Deconstructing Extremist Discourse” which was prepared under the framework of the partnership agreement signed between the Organization and the League to protect Muslim youth against various forms of extremist discourse within and outside the Islamic World.
The Symposium, due to be held on Wednesday (7 July 2021), both at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, and through videoconferencing, will start at 10:00 UTC (11.00 Rabat time) with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a welcoming address of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG). Afterward, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, will give a general overview of the Symposium. Dr. Ahmed Abaddi, Secretary-General of Mohammadia League of Scholars, will deliver the main lecture, which will include a definition of the encyclopedia and its characteristics and distinctive components.
The encyclopedia, the first part of which was completed, is the first scientific initiative that aims to monitor and deconstruct the various forms of zealotry and extremism in Muslim countries and highlight the aspects of misinterpretation and misuse of many religious concepts to sow division and spread a distorted image about the teachings of Islam across the world.
The first part of the encyclopedia lays out the theoretical framework for dismantling the intellectual backgrounds of extremist discourses through several academic research works under the four following themes:
• Deconstruction of extremist discourse: Concepts and methodology
• Deconstruction of the intellectual backgrounds of extremist discourse
• Refutation of the foundations of extremist discourse
• Critique of the extremist discourse
You can follow the live streaming of the Symposium on the official Facebook page of ICESCO via the link below: