Category: News update

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Mohammadia League of Scholars in Morocco have launched the second and third volumes of the “Encyclopedia of Deconstructing Extremist Discourse.” This initiative is part of the strategic partnership between the two institutions and includes a collection of specialized research and studies aimed at deconstructing the intellectual system underpinning extremist discourse. The goal is to reinforce the core values of Islam, which embrace moderation and tolerance, and to strengthen society’s resilience against extremism.

The launch event, held today, Friday, September 20, 2024, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, was attended by distinguished officials, ambassadors, thinkers, and experts in combating extremism.
The event began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an introductory presentation by Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Civilizational Dialogue at ICESCO.

He emphasized that the Encyclopedia represents a significant step in developing intellectual and knowledge-based tools to promote a culture of moderation and provide new approaches to addressing the intellectual roots of extremism.

In his remarks, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), stated that stability is the key to the growth and prosperity of nations, and described it as a crucial condition for any society striving for a complete life and a hallmark of nations that have dedicated their efforts to construction, exploration, invention, and creativity. He also pointed out that the challenges facing humanity today are alarming, with current conflicts reflecting the ignorance and darkness of past eras.

He added that ICESCO and the Mohammadia League of Scholars have joined forces to take the most effective approach in combating the scourge of terrorism by scientifically addressing its roots. He expressed hope that the Encyclopedia would serve as a valuable tool in saving youth, countries, and humanity from the clutches of this devastating disease.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted that the second and third volumes of the Encyclopedia present a vision that recognizes extremism as a global phenomenon, funded and fueled by conspiracies aimed at destabilizing countries, noting that it is not a product of the region. He concluded by thanking several organizations that have collaborated with ICESCO in promoting enlightened thinking and combating extremism through knowledge, especially Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in Saudi Arabia and the Moroccan Observatory on Extremism and Violence.

In his speech, Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammadia League of Scholars, noted that most of the harm inflicted on humanity has been the result of interference by those lacking knowledge in areas where they have no expertise. He stressed that only knowledge can refute the claims of extremist ideologies and eliminate their influence.

Dr. Abbadi pointed out that the distortion of words from their original meaning and the interpretation of sacred texts without proper knowledge have led to the misappropriation of Allah’s words and the spread of extremism, resulting in the shedding of innocent blood. The Encyclopedia, he said, is part of the core mission of ICESCO and the Mohammadia League of Scholars to present the true image of Islam.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Mantar, Head of the Center for Quranic Studies at the Mohammadia League of Scholars, delivered a presentation on the key features of the second volume of the Encyclopedia and its methodology in refuting the mechanisms of extremist thought.

Meanwhile, Dr. Abdessamad Ghazi, Director of the Center for Monitoring and Foresight Studies at the Mohammadia League of Scholars, outlined the themes of the third volume, focusing on strategies to build societal resilience against extremist ideologies.

The three volumes of the Encyclopedia can be accessed on ICESCO’s website through the following links:

• First Volume: https://icesco.org/ar-pwhl01
• Second Volume: https://icesco.org/ar-f6ej02
• Third Volume: https://icesco.org/ar-szlj03

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. Almalik, received Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail, Professor at the College of Islamic Studies and International Relations in Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, and renowned expert on international affairs, who discussed ways to develop cooperation between ICESCO and the University, within the framework of the in-depth study currently being prepared at the university, which will be published internationally, on ICESCO’s program to celebrate the Capitals of Culture in the Islamic world.

During the Meeting, which took place on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik stressed the Organization’s keenness to cooperate closely with universities, as they are centers of intellectual, cultural and educational influence, by supporting the efforts of these institutions in developing scientific research and establishing ICESCO research chairs in prestigious universities in Member States and beyond.

ICESCO Director-General further appreciated the great efforts made by Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail and his team over the past two years in preparing a comprehensive study on ICESCO’s program to celebrate the Capitals of Culture in the Islamic world.

Following the bilateral meeting, Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Ismail held an expanded meeting with a number of sector, department and center heads, as well as ICESCO experts. During the Meeting, Dr. Ismail presented an analytical overview of the study on the ICESCO program for celebrating the Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World. His presentation covered the overarching methodology, the stages the study has gone through so far, its main areas of focus, and the significant impact of this program in promoting cultural exchange and embodying the Organization’s role in preserving and valuing the heritage of the Islamic world. He also shared the Study’s recommendations for enhancing the Program, which has seen development in the last five years in terms of its philosophy, strategy, and objectives.

Furthermore, Dr. Mustafa Osman noted in his presentation that an agreement had been reached with a global publishing house to publish the study in a book in English, following its review, development, and the completion of some of its sections.

After the Presentation, ICESCO Director-General and the meeting participants, including organization officials and experts, praised the efforts put into the study and offered several remarks to enrich it and broaden the scope of its potential benefits.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Botan Dizayee, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Morocco, to explore ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Iraq in education, science, and culture.

During the meeting, held today, Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s keenness to strengthen collaboration with Iraq in areas of shared interest, and ensure Iraq’s participation in ICESCO’s conferences and activities, in line with its forward-looking vision and strategic objectives.

The Iraqi Chargé d’Affaires expressed his appreciation to ICESCO and its DG for gifting a large collection of the Organization’s publications to the library of Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as for its cooperation with Iraqi entities in the fields of education, science, and culture.

The meeting, which was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO’s Deputy DG, along with several directors and experts from the Organization, included discussions on the key ongoing cooperation programs and projects between ICESCO and Iraq, as well as proposals for future collaborative programs and projects, particularly in cultural sector.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented Dr. Botan Dizayee with certificates recognizing the inscription of several historical sites and cultural elements on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and National Economic and Social Development Board in Libya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing a cooperation and coordination mechanism for training youth in the fields of technical sciences and promoting the values of citizenship and the culture of peace, as well as enhancing cultural exchange between the two parties.

The MoU was signed on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Organization’s headquarters, in Rabat, by Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and Dr. Mahmoud El Fetisi, General Director of National Economic and Social Development Board, in the presence of Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy DG, as well as several heads and directors of ICESCO’s sectors and departments, Mohammed Ammari Zayed, Libya’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO, and members of the Council’s delegation.

The two-year MoU provides for leveraging ICESCO’s experts to support the Council’s strategy in the field of awareness-raising about the spread of drugs and psychotropic substances, designing professional training programs for Libyan youth in the field of technical sciences, diplomatic leadership and citizenship, promoting the culture of peace, supporting the Council in issuing international reports on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Libya, cultural exchange, and providing training opportunities for Libyan youth at ICESCO.

Prior to the signing ceremony, Dr. Al-Malik received Dr. El Fetisi and his delegation, during which he reviewed ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, and its major programs and initiatives, especially in the field of empowering youth for tomorrow’s professions, pointing out that youth are central in the Organization’s priorities with over 41% of ICESCO’s current employees below the age of 35, which has given the Organization an impetus for creativity and innovation in its areas of competence.

Dr. Al-Malik commended the willingness he witnessed during his last visit to Libya, of all the competent parties in Libya to implement programs and initiatives in cooperation with ICESCO to develop the fields of education, science and culture.

For his part, Dr. Mahmoud El Fetisi praised ICESCO’s roles in developing its areas of competence in Member States, stressing that the MoU will strengthen the outstanding partnership between Libya and the Organization.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) launched Riyadh AI Ethics Charter for the Islamic World, which aims at outlining a global framework for the development of AI technologies in line with the values and ethics of the Islamic world, and promoting inclusive and sustainable development as well as international cooperation in this field.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, announced the launch of the Charter on Wednesday, 11 September 2024, at the third Global AI Summit (GAIN), held by SDAIA, at King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, in Riyadh, in the presence of princes, ministers, senior international officials, thought leaders and heads of leading AI and technology companies from 100 countries around the world.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that the launch of Riyadh AI Ethics Charter for the Islamic World is a historic moment, showcasing the great strategic partnership between ICESCO and SDAIA. On this occasion, he expressed his warm thanks and gratitude to all the partners who contributed to drawing up the Charter through a series of specialized workshops, including the Omani University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), which hosts ICESCO’s Chair on AI Ethics, the Moroccan Polytechnic University Mohammed VI (UM6P), the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, as well as experts and researchers from various ICESCO Member States.

He stressed that AI offers tremendous opportunities and solutions to the most pressing problems facing our societies, but also presents challenges to human creativity and the originality of scientific research. He also noted that Riyadh Charter encompasses the principles of truth and originality, and provides a comprehensive framework within which the use of AI is compatible with ethical values, including respect for privacy and human dignity, and the promotion of equity and solidarity.

ICESCO Director General added that the Charter aims to integrate AI into the societies of the Islamic world in such a way as to preserve the values and central role of the family. “It also features proposals to ensure the development of AI, including the creation of an AI Monitoring Committee to oversee progress in this field and provide strategic recommendations to policymakers based on the advice of qualified experts. Similarly, ICESCO will lead a consortium of international governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions to help its Member States build the necessary infrastructure for the development of the digital economy; and cooperate with SDAIA to launch an initiative to train 25,000 young people in the Islamic world in AI science and applications,” he explained.

Dr. AlMalik concluded his speech by recalling that Riyadh AI Ethics Charter is the outcome of ICESCO’s commitment to the outstanding civilizational values of the Islamic world.