Category: News update

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, discussed Tuesday, August 18, with Mr. Abdullah bin Saad Al-Ghariri, Saudi Ambassador to Morocco, cooperation opportunities.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s major initiatives to counter the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Organization kickstarted “ICESCO Digital Home,” “Societies We Want,” “Comprehensive Humanitarian Coalition,” “Teaching of Arabic to non-Arabic Speakers,” and “Distance Culture” initiatives.

ICESCO also prepared awareness-raising videos on the prevention against the virus in the Organization’s official three languages of ICESCO (Arabic, English and French) along with several local African languages.

The Organization, in cooperation with donors, provided financial and logistical aid to 24 countries to contribute to the continuity of schooling and digitize educational content, explained Dr. AlMalik.

ICESCO also provided food assistance, health equipment, and protective materials to 10 countries. The financial and technical assistance ensured training for the use of sanitizers production units benefitting citizens in these countries.

The DG pointed out that ICESCO’s newly adopted strategy invited non-Member States to join the Organization as observers for active cooperation and partnerships. The end goal is to reach and benefit Muslim communities around the globe.

Ambassador Ghariri lauded ICESCO’s outstanding assistance to Member States during the pandemic, which positively reflected the leadership style in the organization.

The Saudi ambassador commented on the high-caliber participation while attending ICESCO’s videoconferences. The events involved not only participants from Member States but also world experts and specialists. He also commended the constructive debates and outcomes, while supporting ICESCO’s open-door policy in attaining the vision’s objectives.

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) explored with Mr. Julio Glinternick Bitelli, Brazilian Ambassador to Morocco, to explore cooperation opportunities between the Organization and Brazil.

The meeting brought forward the open-door policy in ICESCO’s strategy that sustains productive partnerships to effectively assist the Organization’s Member States and Muslim communities in non-Member States. ICESCO adopted a new regulations charter for Observer States, which ensures the active participation of non-Member States, excluding the right to vote, elaborated Dr. AlMalik. He seized the opportunity to invite Brazil to join ICESCO as an observer.

The DG also commented on the achievements of the last session of the Executive Council, which included the creation of the International Consultative Council. The Council’s members were 16 prominent international personalities, originating, at equal proportions, from Member States and non-Member States. The diversity in the members’ backgrounds will ensure more inclusion and a wider perspective, according to Dr. AlMalik.

The DG highlighted ICESCO’s substantial role among the initiatives, activities, and programs rolled out during the COVID-19 pandemic. He reaffirmed that the initiatives support Member States’ efforts to mitigate the impact of the outbreak, noting that ICESCO adopted “Let’s achieve the impossible” as a battle cry throughout the ongoing crisis.

The list of the initiatives includes “ICESCO Digital Home,” and the “Societies We Want.” “Comprehensive Humanitarian Coalition Initiative” also assists to the most vulnerable groups in many countries, particularly in Africa. Many countries, international organizations and donors joined the coalition, added Dr. AlMalik. He then invited Brazil’s institutions and major corporations to join the coalition.

The Brazilian Ambassador commended ICESCO’s new working mechanisms, which placed the Organization at the forefront of development work during the pandemic.

Ambassador Bitelli also reaffirmed his country’s willingness to cooperate with ICESCO, noting that the Brazilian and Islamic civilizations share multiple similarities.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Tuesday, August 18, with Mr. Ibrahim Al Khalil Seck, Ambassador of Senegal to Morocco to elaborate on cooperation opportunities between the Organization and the country.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that the recent ICESCO-Senegal projects are tangible examples of the organization’s and the country’s joint efforts to support Senegalese citizens, women, youth, and entrepreneurs. The participation of Senegalese officials in the Organization’s conferences and meetings and Senegal’s membership to the “Global Humanitarian Coalition” initiative further advances the commitment to sustained development, highlighted the DG.

He stated that ICESCO’s result-oriented strategy is based on effective communication with Member States. The purpose is to identify beneficiaries’ priorities and develop practical country-specific programs with measurable deliverables.

Dr. AlMalik also relayed the importance of the “9^th World Water Forum (Dakar, 2021),” which ICESCO will hold in cooperation with the Senegalese Ministry of Water and the Secretariat of the forum. He added that last July’s meeting on “Water Security for Peace and Development in the Islamic World” came amid the preparations for the “Dakar 2021” forum.

 The DG reviewed ICESCO’s major programs and initiatives to support Member States’ efforts in addressing the negative impacts of COVID-19 global pandemic. He noted that the African Member States were the primary beneficiaries.

The Senegalese Ambassador praised ICESCO’s distinguished performance during the pandemic, underscoring his country’s willingness to pursue and develop constructive cooperation with the Organization. Prior to the DG’s Tuesday visit to the Senegalese Embassy in Rabat, President Macky Sall welcomed him last January at the Presidential Palace in Dakar.

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) met on Monday, August 17, Mr. Jamal Al-Shobaki, Palestinian Ambassador to Morocco. The two officials explored future opportunities between the Organization and the country.

Dr. AlMalik talked about ICESCO’s new strategy that envisions a global outreach for programs in the fields of education, science, technology, and culture. He also highlighted ICESCO’s results-oriented initiatives, activities, and programs in support of Member States efforts to mitigate the impact COVID-19 pandemic.

ICESCO and Palestine enjoy special cooperation, the DG reaffirmed. He added that the Organization works closely with the Palestinian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture to tailor programs specific to the Palestinian needs.

He underlined that the Organization and donors supported the continuity of schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Palestine received IT equipment to support digital innovation and distance learning. He added that ICESCO also provided assistance and school grants to Palestinian students. 

As for culture, the DG stressed that ICESCO actively supports the preservation of Palestine’s civilizational heritage. The organization contributed to the restoration of several heritage sites in Al-Quds and its vicinity, noting that ICESCO’s Al-Quds Unit oversees the projects.

Ambassador Al-Shobaki expressed his thanks to ICESCO and its DG for their support to Palestine and their prompt response to Palestinian needs. He also commended the ICESCO’s remarkable presence during the pandemic, which positioned the organization at the forefront of the international development scene.

The Palestinian ambassador stated that cultural and civilizational heritage is a source of strength. He added that preserving heritage protects the national Palestinian identity, expressing his appreciation of ICESCO’s efforts in this regard.

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Thursday, August 13, received Mr. Mohamed Maouloud Ould Mohamed Salem, Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of Mauritania in Morocco. The two officials examined cooperation opportunities between the Organization and the country in the fields of education, science, and culture.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed cooperation aspects between the Organization and Mauritania. The DG listed the inscription of tangible and intangible heritage on the Islamic World Heritage List (IWHL). He also pointed out that ICESCO’s list particularly focused on the four ancient cities in Mauritania.

ICESCO’s DG recalled his visit last year to Mauritania where he met Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani along with other senior officials, at the Presidential Palace in Nouakchott. He then cited the major programs and activities benefitting Mauritania, particularly the promotion of mahdhra (traditional Quranic school). The latter is an exclusive Mauritanian heritage and a substantial addition to the IWHL.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed the initiatives, programs, and activities carried out by the Organization during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the “Societies We Want” which granted humanitarian relief and support for women, youth, and entrepreneurs in a Mauritania and other countries.

The Mauritanian Chargé d’affaires congratulated ICESCO on its progress and its new organizational structure. He then reiterated his country’s interest in cooperating with the Organization and supporting its initiatives and new vision.

He also communicated Mauritanian officials’ positive feedback on Dr. Al Malik’s visit to their country. Mr. Maouloud stressed the importance of ICESCO’s support to the mahdhras and the establishment of a training center for preachers and Imams to counter zealotry and extremism and instead promote tolerance and coexistence.

Ms. Hayt Mint Mamouni El-Moktar Mbarek, Advisor at the Embassy also attended the meeting.

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) received Thursday, August 13, Mr. Abu Bakr Ibrahim Wanis Al-Tawil, Chargé d’affaires of the Libyan Embassy to Morocco, to explore cooperation opportunities between the Organization and country.

At the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s open communication channels with the Member States to identify their specific needs. The goal is to cooperate in the implementation of educational, scientific, and cultural programs. 

The DG also talked about ICESCO’s initiatives, activities, and programs that curb the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The “Comprehensive Humanitarian Coalition Initiative” gained the support of many countries, international organizations, and institutions. He added that the coalition aids the countries most affected by the pandemic.

The two parties also talked about potential joint programs regarding heritage preservation, digital support to ensure the continuity of schooling in all circumstances, and universities and research centers assistance.

The Libyan official commended ICESCO’s role in supporting joint Islamic action in the fields of education, science, and culture. He also hailed the Organization’s sustained efforts to support its Member States in their quest to overcome the COVID-19 crisis.

The two parties agreed to work on inscribing Libyan heritage sites on the Islamic World Heritage List and develop cooperation between ICESCO and Libya in the fields of education, science, and culture. 

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) met Thursday, August 13, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, Mr. Aboubacar Dione, Ambassador of Guinea to Morocco. The discussions revolved around ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and Guinea in the fields of education, science, and culture.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s substantial initiatives, activities, and programs implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that a significant part of these efforts was geared toward helping African countries. The aid targeted educational assistance, sanitizer production units, and local workers training on sanitizer production. The programs also supported women and entrepreneurs and built youth’s capacities to face the repercussions of the pandemic.

The DG also expressed his delight to meet the Guinean president, H.E. Dr. Alpha Condé, at the Presidential Palace in Conakry, and multiple senior officials during his visit to the country last year.

ICESCO’s DG highlighted the special relations between the Organization and Guinea. He praised the chairmanship of Guinean Former Prime Minister Kabiné Komara during the Virtual Meeting on Water Security for Peace and Development in the Islamic World.

ICESCO recently held the meeting, in cooperation with the Moroccan National Office of Electricity and Water (ONEE), and the Secretariat of the 9^th World Water Forum (Dakar 2021). The meeting saw a high-caliber international participation.

Ambassador Dione expressed his delight at visiting ICESCO and expressed his country’s keenness to cooperate with the Organization. He also hailed the changes and developments ICESCO underwent under the leadership of Dr. AlMalik and the remarkable diversity of its experts’ nationalities.

He also reaffirmed that there are opportunities for developing cooperation between the Organization and Guinea in the field of education and teacher training, with 75% of his country’s population need to develop their skills. 

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, received Thursday, August 13, at the Organization’s headquarters, Mr. Mahamat Abderrasoul Mahamat Lamine, Ambassador of Chad to Morocco. The two officials examined ways to advance cooperation between ICESCO and Chad.

Dr. AlMalik seized the ambassador’s visit to thank the Chadian President Idriss Déby Itno for his commendable address during the “Role of Religious Leaderships in Face of Crises” Forum.

The DG reviewed the Organization’s newly implemented vision and strategy to best assist Member States and the implementation of country-specific programs. He cited ICESCO’s key initiatives and activities in the educational, scientific, and cultural fields that assisted many countries during the COVID-19 crisis. Among these initiatives “Societies We Want” which provided, in collaboration with ICESCO’s partners, humanitarian aid, sanitizers, and protective equipment to several African countries.

The talks also centered on the substantial role of ICESCO’s Center for Arabic Language in Chad in training the Arabic teaching staff. The Center’s new headquarters is nearing completion and will soon be opened.

The Chadian ambassador underlined President Itno’s great attention to ICESCO.  Ambassador Lamine cited the president’s participation in the “Role of Religious Leaderships in Face of Crises” Forum, which received wide coverage in the Chadian media.

The two parties agreed to boost cooperation between ICESCO and Chad in the fields of education, science, and culture and work toward implementing joint programs in view of strengthening the excellent relations between the Organization and the country.

Several directors of sectors at the Organization attended the meeting.

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, and the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Morocco, Dr. Said Ben Mohamed Al Baraami, explored Thursday, August 13, potential cooperation between organization and the country in education, science, and culture.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed the Organization’s major achievements over the past year, most notably the establishment of specialized centers for strategic foresight, heritage, artificial intelligence, and Arabic courses for non-native speakers.

He also reviewed ICESCO’s initiatives, activities, and programs to boost Member States’ efforts in face of the adverse repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiatives align with the Organization’s vision and strategy to tailor programs to the needs of the beneficiary Member State.

ICESCO’s DG lauded the strong ties binding the Organization and Oman, while noting the generous support His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq extended to the field of culture in Oman when he served as Minister of Heritage and Culture.

Dr. Al Baraami reaffirmed that he follows with interest ICESCO’s activities, conferences, and events, he also commended its initiatives and programs during the COVID-19 crisis and the importance it attaches to artificial intelligence, a field of paramount importance for the countries of Islamic world.

Ambassador Al Baraami underlined that conferences and specialized workshops in the fields of science, culture and foresight present opportunities of cooperation between ICESCO and Oman.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), discussed Wednesday, August 12, with Dr. Götz Schmidt-Bremme, Ambassador of Germany to Morocco, the cooperation prospects between the two parties in education, science, and culture.

Dr. AlMalik elaborated on ICESCO’s new, inclusive, and cooperation-oriented vision focusing on Member States and Muslim communities around the world. He added that the Organization redefined the administrative and financial regulations on its Charter and developed a new Observer Status. He then called on Germany to join ICESCO as an observer.

Discussions, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, also touched on ICESCO’s implemented initiatives, programs, and activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus was to enable Member States to overcome the negative repercussions of the crisis. The DG cited the “Comprehensive Humanitarian Coalition” initiative as an example of projects and programs targeting the most vulnerable countries affected by the pandemic. He then encouraged an active German participation.

The Ambassador Schmidt-Bremme underlined his country’s readiness to cooperate with ICESCO, in accordance with its new vision, and welcomed the ICESCO’s initiatives launched and the actions carried out during COVID-19.