The Science and Environment Sector at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Islamic Organization for Food Security and the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, held a training workshop on “The Use of Biotechnology for Sustainable Farming: Harnessing the Potential of Biochar.”
ICESCO was represented at the workshop, held over two days on 28-29 August 2024, by Dr. Fahman Fathurrahman, expert at ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, who reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to supporting and assisting its Member States in investing in sustainable agricultural practices.
The workshop aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge on the use of biochar technology in agriculture. The first day featured presentations on biochar benefits to soil health and agricultural productivity, along with sharing experiences from Central Asian countries on the use of biochar and the opportunities and challenges in promoting sustainable agriculture in the region.
On the second day, the participants visited the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing, where they observed the practical stages of biochar production and the machinery used in the process.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) announces the appointment of Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey, former Minister of Basic and Secondary Education of the Republic of the Gambia, as new Head of its Education Sector.
Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey was selected for this prestigious position given her outstanding experience and distinguished career in the fields of education, community development, and international cooperation. She served as an international consultant for the African Development Bank and held several prominent positions at the World Bank since joining in 1996, including Senior Specialist in Social Development and later as an international consultant at the esteemed institution until 2022. Additionally, she has worked as a consultant specializing in gender and education at the American Institute for Research in Virginia over the period 1997-2001, and at Creative Associates International over the period 1999-2003. Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey has also authored numerous research publications on topics related to girls’ education, gender, and participatory education.
In her capacity as Head of the Education Sector, a key pillar within ICESCO, the newly appointed official will lead the efforts to advance the Organization’s mission to develop and enhance educational systems across the Member States. Her work will also center on fostering the provision of high-quality, equitable, and inclusive education and ensuring lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Additionally, she will focus on the development of curricula and teaching methods that harness the latest advancements in technology and AI, while also ensuring quality and good governance within educational systems throughout the Islamic world.
On this occasion, ICESCO’s General Directorate extends its congratulations to the new Head of the Education Sector, wishing her success in her mission to contribute to achieving the Organization’s noble objectives.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Albino Jopela, Executive Director of the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF), and together they discussed prospects for cooperation between the two institutions in the fields of preservation and promotion of heritage and archaeological sites in Africa.
During the meeting, held this Monday, August 26, 2024, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the main axes of ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, which give particular priority to the preservation, protection and promotion of heritage in the Member States. Dr. AlMalik also stressed that ICESCO has implemented a set of programs, initiatives and projects in the fields of heritage preservation and promotion in the Islamic world, mentioning ICESCO’s recent achievements which include the publication of a study entitled, “Legislative Mechanisms to Combat Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property in Arab States”. This study, he explained, will be followed by other research focusing on ICESCO Member States in the Asian and African regions.
Likewise, the Director-General stated that ICESCO inscribed 634 historical sites and cultural elements in 45 countries on its heritage lists in the Islamic world, sharing the Organization’s goal to inscribe a total of 1,000 sites and elements by 2025. He further explained that the Organization is committed to supporting its Member States in this area by training heritage professionals in preparing heritage nomination files, and launching initiatives to capitalize on AI technologies in the processes of preserving and promoting archaeological and heritage sites.
For his part, Dr. Jopela commended ICESCO’s pioneering efforts in the fields of heritage preservation and promotion, expressing his keenness to draw on the Organization’s expertise to address the needs of African countries in the field of heritage, and support them in submitting nomination files for the inscription of their archaeological sites and cultural elements on heritage lists.
During the meeting, the two parties discussed the possibility of signing a MoU between ICESCO and AWHF to kick start the cooperation relations and implement future programs in the fields of heritage preservation and promotion.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture and Communication Sector, Dr. Webber Ndoro, Director of the Center for Heritage in the Islamic World, and Dr. Mahamat Abba Ousman, Expert at the Culture and Communication Sector.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Imad Hamdan, Palestinian Minister of Culture, and together they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation relations in the fields of culture, heritage preservation and promotion of heritage, and training workshop organization for the benefit of heritage professionals.
At the beginning of the meeting, held on Monday, August 26, 2024 at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of Mr. Jamal Shobaki, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Kingdom of Morocco, and his accompanying delegation, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s steadfast and long-standing position in support of the State of Palestine in the fields of education, science and culture, stressing that the Organization has spared no effort to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. He added that ICESCO’s endeavors especially focus on youth, women and children, through implementing programs, projects and initiatives, highlighting key relevant projects implemented over the past period.
Likewise, Dr. AlMalik expressed the Organization’s constant readiness to provide all necessary support to strengthen Palestinian cultural, heritage and educational institutions and other bearers of Palestinian identity, stressing ICESCO’s keenness to address the needs and expectations of the Palestinian relevant authorities in order to implement programs and projects and ensure optimal benefit for Palestinian communities.
For his part, Mr. Hamdan commended ICESCO’s efforts and role in supporting the education, science and culture sectors in Palestine, expressing his eagerness to strengthen cooperation relations in the coming period, especially in light of the celebration of Al-Khalil as the 2026 Culture Capital in the Islamic World.
The meeting discussed proposals for programs and projects to be implemented in the coming period, in the fields of preserving and promoting heritage, training professionals, inaugurating the ICESCO Research Chair in one of the Palestinian universities, and the possibility of sending an ICESCO delegation to prepare a detailed report on the extent of the destruction of Palestinian heritage and archaeological sites as a result of the brutal Israeli aggression.
At the close of the meeting, the Palestinian Minister offered ICESCO Director-General a commemorative shield, in recognition of his efforts to preserve and promote the heritage of the Islamic world.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture and Communication Sector, Amb. Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, and Dr. Nidal Abu Zuhri, Head of the Department of Administrative Operations.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has published a study on monkeypox issued by the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hama University, Syria. The study was prepared by Professor Dr. Darem Tabbaa, based on 91 scientific references.
The study provides an overview of monkeypox, its causative factors, modes of transmission, symptoms, signs of infection, as well as prevention methods and treatment.
The study highlights that monkeypox is a viral zoonosis caused by a virus primarily infecting animals in the tropical rainforest regions of Central and West Africa. Transmission occurs when a person or animal comes into contact with the virus from an infected animal, human, or contaminated materials, entering the body through skin lesions, the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes. Furthermore, the study details the symptoms and signs of monkeypox infection in both animals and humans, noting that there are generally three forms of infection. It begins with mild upper respiratory tract symptoms followed by a skin rash, then lesions in the mucous membranes and choking, and finally, bronchial pneumonia.
The study underscores that effective primary prevention of monkeypox infection requires ensuring that the country or region where a person resides is free of the disease in both animals and humans. In regions where the disease has appeared, it is essential to monitor imported animals or those accompanying travelers, while also implementing joint national strategies between public health and veterinary health institutions.
The Science and Environment Sector at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Department of Chemistry at the School of Natural Sciences at the National University of Sciences and Technology in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, organized the International Conference on Research Advancements in Chemistry, under the theme: “Chemistry for a Green Future.”
The three-day Conference, which kicked off on Wednesday, 21 August, 2024, in Islamabad, saw the participation of more than 600 researchers, doctoral students, and international speakers from various Member States of the Organization. During the opening session, Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, emphasized the Conference’s importance in finding comprehensive and sustainable solutions to current challenges in natural sciences, aligning with ICESCO’s vision and objectives.
For her part, Mrs. Razia Ramzan Dossa, Secretary General of the Pakistani National Commission for UNESCO and ICESCO, highlighted the Pakistani Government’s support for such conferences that strengthen scientific cooperation among the Member States. The opening session also included remarks from several prominent academic figures.
On the sidelines of the Conference, Dr. Sharif held a meeting with Mr. Muhammad Yousuf Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, to discuss the development of joint space sciences programs. The ICESCO official held another meeting with Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission in Pakistan, to discuss the organization of the Sixth Vice-Chancellors’ Forum of Universities in the Islamic World in 2025.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) issued a new study entitled “Legislative Mechanisms to Combat the Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property in Arab States.” This study provides an assessment of the current legal framework for combatting the illegal trafficking of cultural assets in Arab countries and offers an analysis of international experiences and national laws that form a solid legal framework for protecting cultural property. The study aims to strengthen legislative mechanisms in ICESCO Member States in this domain.
The study, developed by ICESCO’s Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards, reflects the Organization’s commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage and strengthening the legal frameworks necessary to counter the growing threats posed by the illicit trafficking of cultural property. It aims to offer practical solutions to enhance the legal and institutional capacities of Arab countries in light of increasing challenges, such as the inadequacy of national legislation, conflicts and wars, and a lack of awareness about the value of this precious heritage. Additionally, the study seeks to promote coordination and the sharing of best legislative practices among countries, addressing gaps in national laws to establish a solid legal framework that reinforces efforts to protect cultural property and strengthens the capacities of states to face current and future threats.
This study is part of ICESCO’s “Strategy to Combat the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property in the Islamic World,” which was approved during the 12th Conference of the Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, held in September 2023 in Doha, Qatar. The Strategy focuses on three main pillars: legislative mechanisms and legal guarantees, operational mechanisms related to maintenance, restoration, and protection, and international cooperation to ensure the recovery of cultural property and the prosecution of offenders.
This publication will be followed by similar studies covering ICESCO Member States in the Asian and African regions, marking the completion of the first pillar of ICESCO’s strategy against the illicit trafficking of cultural property. Through these ongoing efforts, ICESCO continues to provide comprehensive support in combatting the threats to cultural property and bolstering the preservation of the identities and civilizational values of the peoples of the Islamic world.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is pleased to extend its heartfelt congratulations to the Islamic world’s medalists, who proudly raised their national flags during the Paris 2024 Olympics, which concluded in Paris on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
ICESCO commends the historic achievements of Member States’ athletes, breaking numerous world records in their respective disciplines, and lauds their inspiring stories of perseverance and determination in overcoming challenges at this globally renowned sporting event. The Organization highly values the efforts of the Islamic world in promoting sports, recognizing its role in nurturing healthy, prosperous, and resilient societies.
On this occasion, ICESCO reaffirms its strategic vision of leveraging sports as a powerful tool for peacebuilding and promoting the values of coexistence and intercultural dialogue. The Organization continues to support its Member States’ efforts to enhance sports participation, particularly among the younger generations, through collaboration with relevant authorities in implementing various initiatives, programs, and projects that harness the power of sports to improve lives.
ICESCO also calls on the international community to seize the opportunity presented by such global sporting events to counter extremist ideologies and violent tendencies, and to promote humanitarian and civilizational values. As a form of soft power, sports are instrumental in fostering coexistence and tolerance among individuals from diverse societies and cultures.
The workshop, organized by the Culture and Communication Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Burkina Faso, the Burkinabe National Commission for UNESCO and ICESCO, concluded on Saturday (10 August 2024) in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, to enhance the skills and build the capacities of plastic artists in painting, sculpture, engraving, videotaping and photography.
The workshop, which lasted for four days and was supervised by two specialized trainers, aimed to provide the participating artists with theoretical and practical information on new artistic tools and the skills needed to keep up with relevant international standards, and enhance their knowledge of local and imported raw materials and new models of contemporary plastic creativity.
In his speech, Mr. Adjima Thiombiano, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, President of the National Commission of Burkina Faso, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Vanson Sidogo, Secretary General of the Burkinabe National Commission, commended ICESCO’s efforts in continuously supporting Burkina Faso in the fields of education, science and culture, stressing that most plastic artists in the country are self-taught, adding that this workshop will contribute to equipping participants with the necessary skills to keep up with global developments in the cultural and artistic fields.
For his part, Mr. Slaka Sano, Regional Director of Culture, Arts and Tourism of Hauts-Bassins, pointed out that Bobo-Dioulasso is considered the cultural capital of Burkina Faso, and encouraged plastic artists to participate in such important workshops, thanking ICESCO for its efforts in upgrading the skills of artists.
In the presence of Ms. Fatoumata Bah Barrow, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Gambian National Commission for UNESCO and ICESCO, and the Forestry Department of the Gambian Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, launched the initiative to produce 10,000 seedlings in the Gambia, as part of the Organization’s ambitious program to produce 500,000 seedlings in the Islamic world.
The opening of the launch ceremony of the project, held in Banjul, on Thursday (8 August 2024), saw the presence of a number of high-level figures, officials and specialists in the field of environmental and biodiversity conservation. In his address, Dr. Fahman Fathurrahman, expert at the Science and Environment Sector, reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to support and protect the environment and sustainable development in Member States, reviewing ICESCO’s efforts and multiple initiatives in the field, aiming to restore degraded ecosystems, enhance natural resources and support sustainable development in rural communities.
The Gambian version of the project aims to produce 10,000 seedlings, reforest 20 hectares of degraded land spanning three regions in eight communities, distribute mango and orange seedlings, and plant mangrove seedlings in coastal areas to support youth and women in rural areas, contribute to job creation, and strengthen local ecosystems.
It is worth mentioning that the project has achieved great success in Mauritania and Togo, planting 40,000 seedlings of different varieties and reforesting 85 hectares of degraded land.
