The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Senegalese National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture have signed an agreement to launch the Project “Countering COVID-19 Effects through Supporting Innovation and Entrepreneurship among Women and Youth” in Senegal, in partnership with Alwaleed Philanthropies to help 10 African countries fight the adverse repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The virtual signing ceremony took place today in the presence of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, and Mr. Mamadou Talla, Minister of National Education and President of the Senegalese National Commission.
In his address at the ceremony, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik reaffirmed that ICESCO will continue supporting its Member States in addressing the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure is part of ICESCO’s new vision that adopts more communication with countries to identify their respective needs and priorities and thus design and implement relevant programs and projects.
The DG expressed his sincere thanks and deep appreciation to ICESCO’s permanent partner, Alwaleed Philanthropies, whose Board of Directors is chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, for its generous support to ICESCO’s humanitarian and social initiatives to assist 10 African countries, including Senegal.
Mr. Talla commended ICESCO’s excellent work, in particular the initiatives, programs, and activities the Organization launched and implemented during COVID-19, aimed at strengthening the efforts of Member States to address the negative impacts of the pandemic. Mr. Talla also appreciated Alwaleed Philanthropies’ assistance to Senegal through its partnership with ICESCO.
At the end of the ceremony, the two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the implementation phases of the project. The aim is to develop a sense of innovation and entrepreneurship among women and youth in Senegal and support the private sector, entrepreneurs, and small enterprises.
For four decades, the Foundation has spent more than SAR 15 billion and carried out thousands of projects in over 189 countries. Ten Saudi female members manage the projects, benefiting more than one billion people around the world, regardless of gender, race, or religion. Alwaleed Philanthropies collaborates with a range of philanthropic, governmental, and educational organizations to combat poverty, empower women and youth, develop communities, provide disaster relief, and create cultural understanding through education. The goal is to build bridges for a more compassionate, tolerant, and accepting world.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
Organization (ICESCO) took part in the 7th International Conference that the Kulliyyah
of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences held on Tuesday, December 22, at
the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The theme of the
videoconference was the “Criticism and Innovation in Linguistics and Literary
Works.”
Mr. Adil Bouraoui, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General (DG) for
Arabic Language Centers Abroad and Academic Chairs, represented ICESCO in the
event. He delivered the second keynote speech on “ICESCO’s vision and efforts
to promote and disseminate Arabic in non-Arabic speaking countries.”
During his presentation, the ICESCO representative highlighted the
key aspects of the Organization’s new vision relating to Arabic and its roles
in an ever-changing world. He also talked about the attention the General
Directorate’s policies accord to teaching Arabic to its non-speakers. The
measures include the creation of the Center of Arabic for non-Arabic Speakers
in 2020, as part of ICESCO’s new organizational structure.
Mr. Bouraoui also discussed ICESCO’s efforts in the field as well
as the digital initiatives it launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of
the “ICESCO Digital Home” for the benefit of learners of Arabic as a foreign
language and Arabic language teachers.
ICESCO set up in 2015 an educational center in Malaysia
specializing in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers, to build the national
educational capacities in Malaysia and Southeast Asian countries in the field. The
center provides, in cooperation with the Malaysian Ministry of National
Education, numerous educational training programs for the benefit of education
professionals in the field, both in Malaysia and neighboring countries.
The
participants in the roundtable on “Foresight Attitude in the Philosophical
Spirit of Ibn Khaldun,” agreed unanimously that the ideas and books of Ibn
Khaldoun will remain valuable references adapted to all eras and places while
calling for the resources’ profound examination to understand and analyze the
present and anticipate the future. The Islamic World Educational, Scientific,
and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held yesterday the roundtable in partnership
with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation Morocco, at ICESCO’s headquarters.
The
Organizers held the event both face-to-face and remotely. The roundtable hosted
high-level participants including ambassadors, experts, researchers, and
academics from several countries.
Dr. Salim M.
AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), delivered an opening address wherein he revealed
that the Organization would carry out a study on the foresight thought of Ibn
Khaldun and his biography. The study will touch on the main phases of the
renowned scholar’s life, his intellectual journey, and enduring achievements
and works, the DG continued.
Dr. AlMalik
reaffirmed that roundtables, such as ICESCO’s, seek to highlight the major role
of intellectuals and scholars who left visible imprints in the history of the
Islamic world and humanity at large. The emphasis, Dr. AlMalik went on, should
be done through the recognition of the scholars’ efforts, examining their ideas,
and learning from their intellectual achievement heritage.
Mr. Steffen
Krüger, Representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation Morocco,
pointed out that the Berlin-based foundation, with offices in more than 100
countries, conducts studies in languages. The foundation’s interests include
foresight, sciences, innovation, security, and the thoughts of outstanding
thinkers similar to Ibn Khaldun.
Dr. Kaïs
Hammami, Director of ICESCO Strategic Foresight Center, underscored the
importance of the roundtable, listed its objectives and topics. He also stated
that COVID-19 uncovered the important role of foresight today as it is key to implementing
the desired change.
Dr. Mohamed
Zine El Abidine, Director of Culture and Communication Sector of ICESCO, moderated
the first working session “History perception in Ibn Khaldun’s writings.” Dr.
Sohail Inayatullah, Visiting Lecturer at Futures Studies Institute at Tamkang
University in Taiwan, stated that Ibn Khaldun was the first to use the term
“future.” The Russian Orientalist Dr. Anna Belikova then explored the evolutionary
context of Ibn Khaldun’s critical thought. Dr. Hassan Haj Ali Al Azrak,
Professor of Political Science at the University of Khartoum, said that Ibn
Khaldun’s analysis of clannism contributes largely to the studies of
civilizational analysis studies that emerged over the last two decades.
At the same
session, Dr. Nadeem Omar Tarar, Executive Director of the Center for Cultural
and Development, Islamabad, provided a critical view of Ibn Khaldun’s approach
to the exegesis of the Holy Quran. Dr. Heba Raouf Mohamed Ezzat, Researcher and
university professor at Ibn Haldun University in Turkey, then pointed out that
the works of Ibn Khaldun remain of utmost importance, namely his
sociobiological approach to understanding life in general.
Ambassador
Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of Partnership and International Cooperation Sector
of ICESCO, moderated the second session “Empires and states theory of power.” Mr.
Victor V. Motti, Director of World Futures Studies Federation, gave a short
biography of Ibn Khaldun. Dr. Mohammed Ait Hammou, Researcher and university
professor of Islamic Philosophy and Modern Arabic Thoughts at the Dhar El
Mahraz University of Fes, made a comparative presentation between the realistic
and conceptual history of Ibn Khaldun. Dr. Faouzi Boukhriss, Researcher and
university professor of sociology at Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra, talked
about foresight in Ibn Khaldun’s thought through the education philosophy. Dr.
Mohamed Cherif Ferjani, Tunisian France-based political scientist, Islamologist,
and researcher, positioned Ibn Khaldun’s theories among anterior theories.
Dr.
Abdelilah Benarafa, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General (DG), moderated the
third session. The third session titled “Ibn Khaldun’s foresight thinking under
the framework of modern Islamic thoughts,” discussed foresight thought in Ibn
Khaldun’s philosophy.
Dr.
Abdessamad Ghazi, Director of the Center for Monitoring and Foresight Studies
at the Rabita Mohammadia of Ulemas, said that Ibn Khaldun was more than a history
commentator and that his books give an in-depth analysis on the course of
history.
Dr. Hanane
Hamoda, University Professor of sociology and anthropology at Mohammed V
University in Rabat, presented Ibn Khaldun’s thought model. Dr. Mohamed
Messouadi, University Professor of Philosophy at Mohammed V University in Rabat
and Researcher in political philosophy, stressed that Ibn Khaldun had predicted
the reality of our era. Dr. Allen Fromherz, Professor of History and director
of the Middle East Studies Center at Georgia State University, provided a
theoretical approach to Ibn Khaldun through his biography. Dr. Faouzi Skali, a Doctor
in anthropology, ethnology, and religious sciences, founder of the Festival of
Sufi Culture of Fes, touched on the Sufi thought in Ibn Khaldun’s philosophy.
At the close
of the roundtable, Dr. Kaïs Hammami thanked the participants, ICESCO’s guests
and team.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG)
of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
(ICESCO), received yesterday at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, Ms.
Mabel Gomez Oliver, Ambassador of Mexico to Morocco. The meeting touched upon the
cooperation prospects between ICESCO and Mexico in the fields of education,
science, and culture. Several Directors of ICESCO’s sectors joined the meeting.
During the meeting, Dr. Al-Malik reaffirmed
that ICESCO’s vision and action strategy adopts an open-door policy towards all
countries, including non-Member States. The goal is to cooperate and hold
partnerships for the benefit of the Member States and Muslim communities around
the world. He also pointed out that ICESCO’s
non-Member States may enjoy observer status while calling upon Mexico to join the
Organization as an observer.
ICESCO DG reviewed the salient initiatives,
projects, and programs that the Organization launched and implemented to
support Member States in countering the negative repercussions of the COVID-19
pandemic in the fields of education, science, and culture.
“These initiatives include “ICESCO Digital
Home,” “The Societies We Want,” and “Global Humanitarian Coalition,” which aim
at helping the neediest countries, particularly in Africa. Several countries, international
organizations, and donor institutions have joined this coalition. Mexico and
its major institutions are welcome to join this coalition,” he added.
The meeting explored the proposed areas of
cooperation between ICESCO and the educational, scientific, and cultural
authorities in Mexico to share expertise with the competent authorities as well
as universities and research centers in the ICESCO Member States,
The Ambassador of Mexico thanked ICESCO for
the meeting and commended the Organization’s outstanding work during the COVID-19
pandemic while stressing that Mexico will exert every effort to ensure cooperation
with ICESCO in its areas of competence.
The Islamic
World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part on
Wednesday, December 22, in the launch of the 3rd Exhibition of
Environmental Art that the Moroccan Federation of Poetry and Arts organized in
Rabat.
Ambassador Khalid
Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO Department of Dialogue and Cultural Diversity, represented
ICESCO in the event on behalf of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General
(DG). Ambassador Fathalrahman delivered an address wherein he greeted the
exhibition’s organizers and reviewed the close relationship between the arts
and the environment.
The
Ambassador emphasized ICESCO’s interest in environmental affairs and referred
to the 8th Islamic Conference of Environment Ministers that the
Organization hosted in October 2019. He also expressed the Organization’s support
of programs and projects relevant to environment protection and development, namely
the Environmental Arts Exhibition.
The Director-General (DG) of the
Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr.
Salim M. AlMalik, called for recognizing the major efforts of H.R.H. Prince
Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two
Holy Mosques, Prince of the Makkah Al-Mukkaramah Region, in promoting the
Arabic language and spreading the Arab-Islamic culture. The DG stated that Prince
Khalid Al-Faisal’s works need to be academically documented and publicized,
adding that extensive studies need to be conducted on the Prince’s
intellectual, literary, and artistic materials.
Dr. AlMalik called for drawing
inspiration from the factors of success and excellence in Prince Khalid
Al-Faisal’s intellectual and cultural endeavors to anchor an authentic identity
that is founded on the Arabic language and the Arab-Islamic culture, and openness
to other languages and cultures. He added that the balance between authenticity
and openness in the Arab Islamic culture is the essence of the vision upon
which the Prince’s intellectual, literary, and civilizational project is based.
The DG made the statement during his
participation in a videoconference on Tuesday, December 22. The King Abdulaziz
University in Saudi Arabia held the seminar, in cooperation with ICESCO and the
Cultural Attaché Office at the Embassy of the Kingdom in Rabat. The seminar was
held under the theme, “Efforts of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal in service of
promoting the Arabic language and spreading the Arab culture.”
ICESCO DG moderated both academic
sessions of the seminar. The event saw high-level participation including
prominent religious and academic figures, and Saudi university presidents and
faculty deans. His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdurahman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais,
General President of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques; delivered his address
during the first session along with Dr. Abdullah bin Salim Al-Mutani, Former
Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council; and Dr. Mansoor bin Mohammad Al-Harthey,
Director of the Academy of Arabic Poetry.
The speakers during the first
session attested to the key features that characterize the Prince’s journey as
a human, an intellectual, and an artist and his roles in defending Arabic and
ensuring the language receive the due attention in our societies.
The second session saw addresses that
Prof. Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, Former Secretary-General of the King
Abdulaziz International Center for Arabic Language (KAICAl); delivered along
with Abdullah Owaiqil Al-Sulami, President of the Jeddah Literary and Cultural
Club; and Prof. Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Sabil, Secretary-General of King Faisal Award.
The speakers highlighted the factors and reasons leading to elements of
intellectual and literary excellence in Prince Khalid Al-Faisal’s character.
At the close of the seminar, ICESCO DG
pushes for the recognition, appreciation, and tribute from the Arabic language
institutions, setting forth a suggestion to the General Secretariat of the King
Faisal Award to present the Prince with the prominent international award. The
step is in recognition for his leading efforts in service of the Arabic
language and thought. Dr. AlMalik also commended the participants’ proposals to
further publicize the prince’s efforts in the service of Arabic and expressed
the Organization’s readiness to cooperate with King Abdulaziz University in
Saudi Arabia.
The Islamic
World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in
partnership with the COMSATS Center for Climate and Sustainability (CCCS) in
Pakistan held yesterday a webinar under the theme: “Air Quality Under
South-South Cooperation: What Works for Developing Countries through the Lens
of Science, Technology, and Governance?” The webinar brought together experts
and specialized researchers to explore efforts to promote awareness about air
quality preservation in the countries of the Global South.
In his
opening address, Ambassador Shahid Kamal, CCCS President, thanked Dr. Salim M.
AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), for the Organization’s support of the Center.
The ambassador noted that the webinar was the 9th in the CCCS’ series over the
past four months to examine climate issues in the countries of the Global South,
through the valuable contributions of experts and policymakers.
Dr. Raheel
Qamar, Head of ICESCO Science and Technology Sector, reviewed the objectives
and topics of the webinar and stressed the need to preserve the resources that
supply oxygen and break with the practices that contribute to air pollution to
ensure survival on the planet.
The webinar’s
sessions featured the latest efforts to raise awareness on the danger of air
pollution and find solutions to the phenomenon in the countries of the Global
South. The presentations also focused on air quality as an issue of interest to
the countries of the Islamic world. Dr. Foued El Ayni, an Expert at ICESCO
Science and Technology Sector, reviewed the Organization’s efforts and strategy
in encouraging the Member States to build green cities through good management
of water resources, waste, and green spaces.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific,
and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) will hold a roundtable on foresight thought
in Ibn Khaldun’s philosophy, on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. GMT+1,
at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, as well as on Zoom platform. The event will
bring together a host of experts and researchers from several countries.
ICESCO’s Strategic Foresight Center
organizes the roundtable, in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Foundation, to explore
the notion of history in Ibn Khaldun’s writings, as well as his skepticism
approach in studying the past and refuting speculative practices. The roundtable
will touch on Ibn Khaldun’s theory on civilization and the rotation of power
between empires and states, as well as his foresight thought within the
framework of modern Islamic thought.
The roundtable aims to analyze Ibn Khaldun’s
perception of the Arab and Islamic worlds to develop a good understanding of civic
policies in the Arab world, find solutions to future challenges, and consider
Ibn Khaldun’s methodology in his books ‘al-Muqadimmah’ and ‘Kitab
al-Ibar.’ The participants will also explore Ibn Khaldun’s ideas and views,
share information on the plural history in his writings, and examine the potential
approaches for using such tools in the current situations.
The roundtable’s agenda features an opening
session and three other working sessions respectively on ‘History analysis through
Ibn Khaldun’s approach,’ ‘States and empires cycle in Ibn Khaldun’s writings,’
and ‘Kitab al-Ibar a rich reference with lessons.’
People interested in the roundtable can
join the discussion via the link below:
Ibn Khaldun is one of the prominent
philosophers, historians, and sociologists in Arab and Islamic history. He was
born in Tunisia where he pursued his studies and died in Egypt, in March 1406
A.D., aged 76. He left several books, literary works, and many studies on his
biography. His books, most notably ‘al-Muqadimmah,’ have become
references in philosophy, history, and literature.
The celebration of the Islamic World
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded its
proceedings, following deliberations and presentations on the future of the
Arabic language. High-profile participation marked the celebration, which
lasted for more than four hours.
H.R.H. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud honored the celebration with his attendance and delivered the
opening address. H.E. Prof. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Former President of Mauritius;
Mr. Aboubakar Siddick Choroma, Minister of National Education and Civic
Promotion of Chad; and Dr. Ali Mohamed Shumo, Former Minister of Culture and
Information of Sudan, also took part in the opening ceremony.
ICESCO held the major celebration in
observance of the World Arabic Language Day, yesterday, December 21, via
videoconferencing. The Organization cooperated with King Abdulaziz University
in Saudi Arabia, the Cultural Attaché Office at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Rabat,
the Regional UNESCO Office in Rabat, and Al-Akhawayn University in Morocco.
H.R.H. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud gave the opening address, as the Conference’s most revered guest.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG) then moderated the opening
session, during which he read a poem he authored, titled “The Richness of
Arabic.” The opening session also featured the addresses of H.E. Prof. Ameenah
Gurib-Fakim, who highlighted the great value of the Arabic Language within and
beyond its social circles, calling for rethinking our approach to languages in
general, as many are on the verge of extinction and taking away cultural
treasures with them.
Mr. Aboubakar Siddick Choroma,
Minister of National Education and Civic Promotion of Chad called for using the
modern digital revolution in the field of Arabic teaching. Ms. Angela Melo then
gave the address on behalf of the UNESCO DG, who underscored that protecting
languages is a shared responsibility. Dr. Ali Mohamed Shumo stated that
millions of Muslims speak Arabic, given that it is the language of the Holy
Quran and the Sunnah.
The conference, held under the theme
“Arabic Language: Foresight in a Changing World,” featured five working
sessions. Dr. Abdulah Al-Ubaid, Honorary President of ICESCO Center of Arabic for non-Arabic
Speakers, moderated the first session on the future roles of academic
institutions in promoting Arabic.
Dr. Yussra bint Hussain Al-Jazairi,
Cultural Attaché of Saudi Arabia in Rabat, moderated the second session on the
future of the Arabic language in educational systems. Dr. Abdulilah Benarafa,
Cultural Advisor to ICESCO DG, moderated the third session that focused on the
opportunities of the Arabic language in the era of the fourth industrial
revolution. Mr. Adil Bouraoui, Advisor to ICESCO DG for Arabic Language Centers
Abroad and Academic Chairs, moderated the fourth session, which discussed the
topic of digital applications in aid of the Arabic language. Dr. Majdi bin
Hajji Ibrahim, Head of ICESCO Center of Arabic for non-Arabic Speakers, chaired
the fifth session, which focused on the topic of “Arabic language academies: an
absolute necessity.”
At the close of the ceremony, ICESCO
DG expressed his thanks and appreciation to the guests of honor, all
participants, and cooperating institutions for accepting ICESCO’s invitation,
reaffirming that the Organization undertakes to give all proposals,
recommendations, and visions set forth during the Conference the due attention
they deserve.
At the International Conference that the
Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held
in celebration of the World Arabic Language Day, Dr. Salim AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General
(DG), surprised the participants with his poem “Richness of Arabic” as a token
of his love for Arabic language.
Dr.
AlMalik stated, “my address today will neither be similar to the usual opening
addresses, nor remind us of the centuries-old glories and the unique genius of the
Arabic language as many books, research, and literary works on Arabic language
will give enough evidence thereon.”
“I do not want my address to be a review of
ICESCO’s achievements or anticipation of our future projects. The information
is already available on our websites. In this address, I would like to express
my great and undying love for the Arabic language,” he continued.
Dr. AlMalik added: “As I see poetry as the
most adequate, valuable, and expressive genre, I composed a poem on this
occasion, entitled ‘Richness of Arabic.’ In the poem, the DG
shows the richness of the Arabic language, particularly its vocabulary, rhetoric,
and aesthetics as well as the capacity of its syntax and lexicon to adapt to
scientific and technological developments.
