Category: News update

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) met on September 23, with Mr. Traore Idrissa, Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Morocco.

The Officials explored cooperation and partnership opportunities between ICESCO and the Republic in education, science, and culture.

ICESCO’s new strategy gives priority to and is expanding cooperation with the African Member States, underlined Dr. AlMalik.

The DG listed the major aspects of ICESCO’s new vision, including enhanced communication with the Member States for country-specific programs that are implemented in cooperation with each Member State’s local authorities.

 The DG noted that ICESCO’s initiatives, programs, and activities provided technological devices and equipment to 25 countries to support the production of educational content. The goal was to ensure the continuity of distance schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ICESCO also provided preventive equipment and hygiene products to 10 other countries, elaborated Dr. AlMalik. The Organization granted financial and technical aid to produce best-cost sanitizers units in several countries along with training for local communities.

Dr. AlMalik also highlighted the endeavors to modernize ICESCO’s work by introducing new operational models and implementing efficient strategies. One measure was to create specialized centers for strategic foresight, artificial intelligence, Arabic courses to non-native speakers, heritage, dialogue, and cultural diversity.

He stated that the aim is to turn ICESCO into an active contributor in guaranteeing the right to inclusive and equitable education and supporting scientific research and innovation.

The Organization also targets safeguarding cultural and civilizational heritage as a key element in preserving identity, while it. supports cultural dialogue to achieve peace and coexistence. The Organization assists the Member States in attaining sustainable development by building capacities among women and young people.

The DG lauded the active participation of Ivoirian officials in ICESCO’s conferences and international forums. The events bring together high-caliber participants including heads of states and prominent international figures.  

The Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire commended the Organization’s distinguished work carried out during the pandemic. He also lauded the assistance ICESCO provided to the Member States, especially in Africa.

The Ambassador reaffirmed his country’s willingness to develop cooperation with ICESCO and benefit from its outstanding programs.

Habib El Malki: “ICESCO is a soft power with whom we share the same values and orientations.”

Mr. Habib El Malki, President of the Moroccan House of Representatives, commended the initiatives of the Islamic World Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) to support cultural development and international outreach.

Mr. El Malki expressed his confidence in ICESCO’s approach to promote inter-civilizational dialogue, asserting that “ICESCO is a soft power with whom we share the same values and orientations.”

The statement was part of Mr. El Malki’s Tuesday meeting with Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO’s Director-General (DG), at the headquarters of the House of Representatives in Rabat.

Mr. El Malki highlighted the major role of the Late King Hassan II in ICESCO’s establishment in 1982.

“The Organization has significant international importance with its 54 Member States from all regions. The Organization’s efforts should be directed toward supporting the African countries in particular,” he stressed.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed Morocco’s status as a founding and supportive country of the Organization. He also reviewed the of ICESCO’s strategic framework and upcoming projects, while highlighting the transparent vision.

Morocco is a key partner for ICESCO, underlined Dr. AlMalik while commending the Organization’s project in Morocco in education, culture, and heritage conservation.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received on September 22, Mr. Nikolaj Harris, Ambassador Denmark to Morocco. The discussions explored cooperation opportunities between the Organization and Denmark in education, science, and culture.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted the main aspects of ICESCO’s development and progress following the re-engineered strategy. The Organization implemented an inclusive partnership policy with Member and non-Member States, international organizations, and civil society institutions.

ICESCO adopted a new Charter allowing non-Member States to join the Organization as observers, explained the DG. The membership gives full access to ICESCO’s activities, albeit not voting rights.

Observers can also hold partnerships and exchange expertise with countries of the Islamic world. Dr. AlMalik called on Denmark to join ICESCO as an observer state.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s major initiatives, programs, and activities during the COVID-19 pandemic to aid Member States in sustaining schooling continuity, accessing prevention tools, and training in best-cost sanitizer production units.

ICESCO also organized ministerial videoconferences and virtual international forums during the pandemic, with a notable participation from the heads of states and renowned international figures.

Dr. AlMalik listed the Organization’s specialized centers for strategic foresight, Artificial Intelligence, Arabic courses for non-native speakers, heritage and cultural diversity.

“Denmark is one of the advanced countries in education and vocational training. Cooperation in this field can contribute to the development of educational systems in ICESCO’s Member States,” the DG stressed.

Ambassador Harris reaffirmed Denmark’s keenness to cooperate with ICESCO. He also commended ICESCO’s efforts and work during the pandemic and for the promotion of intercultural dialogue to achieve a much-needed coexistence worldwide.

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim AlMalik, and the President of the General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection in Saudi Arabia, Ali bin Saeed Al-Ghamdi, explored ways to develop the mechanisms of the “Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Award for Environmental Management” (KSAAEM). ICESCO oversees the General Secretariat for the award.

The two officials discussed the upcoming submission of applications for the 2020-2021 award. They also reviewed the preparations for the 9th Conference for Environment Ministers in the Islamic World, to be held in Jeddah in 2021.

Today’s videoconference discussed the ongoing preparations for KSAAEM’s 3rd staging and the roadmap for online applications. The meeting underlined the launch of the Award’s new website, the media plan, as well as academic, technical, administrative, financial, and logistical supervision.

The two parties also reviewed proposals to increase the award’s outreach at both the regional and international levels. The proposals will be discussed with local authorities in Member States to promote their efforts in environment protection and sustainable development.

One proposal is to nominate international figures as members of the award’s High Committee. The plan is also to invite institutions and corporations active on the environmental front to take part in the award.

The ceremony will be held during the 9th Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World.

The parties discussed the preparations both for Jeddah’s conference and Rabat’s the Islamic Executive Bureau for the Environment in 2021.

KSAAEM aims to consolidate the broad concept of environmental management, raise environmental awareness, and encourage civil society to protect the environment for future generations.
Nominees can submit their own applications or can be nominated by third parties (individuals or institutions). Eligible nominees include experts in environmental management and sustainable development from the Islamic world. They can be individuals, institutions, organizations, corporations, bodies, associations, both governmental and non-governmental entities.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received yesterday, September 21, Mr. Nicolaos Argyos, Ambassador of Greece to Morocco.

The two officials explored cooperation prospects between ICESCO and Greece.

At Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s great progress over the past year following the Executive Council’s adoption of the General Directorate’s plans.

The reshuffling included the modification of Organization’s name, becoming the “Islamic World Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).” The update reflected the nature of the civilizational message and objectives, widening its international influence and opportunities.

Dr. AlMalik also highlighted ICESCO’s recent strategy to ensure effective communication and inclusion with Member and non-Member States, international organizations, and civil society institutions.

“ICESCO seeks partnerships that ensure the right to inclusive and equal education for all, support scientific research and innovation benefitting humanity, and preserve cultural and civilizational heritage as a mean to preserve identity,” elaborated the Dr. AlMalik.

He continued that “Greece has an extensive background in the preservation and conservation of heritage. We should cooperate and capitalize on its experience in this field.”

Ms. Elena Vlachogianni, representative of the Minister of Culture and Sports of Greece, took part in the International Virtual Conference on “Combating Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property and its Restitution, held by ICESCO last July.”

ICESCO adopted a new Charter allowing non-Member States to join the Organization as observers. The membership gives full access to ICESCO’s activities, albeit not the right to vote.

Observers can also hold agreements and partnerships, and exchange expertise with countries of the Islamic world. The DG invited Greece to join ICESCO as an observer state.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s major initiatives, programs, and activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Organization and donors supported Member States to ensure schooling continuity, access to prevention tools, training in best-cost sanitizer production units.

The Organization established specialized centers for strategic foresight, Artificial Intelligence, Arabic courses for non-native speakers, heritage, dialogue, and cultural diversity, added Dr. AlMalik.

ICESCO also organized ministerial conferences and international forums during the pandemic, with the participation of the heads of states and renowned international figures.

Ambassador Argyos commended ICESCO’s work during the outbreak and the promotion of intercultural, inter-civilizational and inter-religious dialogues.

The Greek ambassador also stressed his country’s interest in cooperating with ICESCO and his intention to take an active step in moving forward with it.

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) explored today, September 21, with Mr. Pekka Hyvönen, Ambassador of Finland to Morocco cooperation prospects between the Organization and Finland.
The discussions focused on education, given the republic’s pioneering successful educational system.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s open-door policy. He added that the Organization seeks to sustain productive partnerships in education, science, and culture with non-Member States, international organizations, and civil society institutions. The desired outcome is to benefit countries of the Islamic world and Muslim communities in non-Member States.
Dr. AlMalik also listed the amendments to ICESCO’s Charter, internal regulations, and the recent observer status. The measure ensures the active participation of non-Member States in the Organization’s activities, programs, and conferences, except the right to vote.
He seized the opportunity to invite Finland to join ICESCO as an Observer State.
The DG underlined ICESCO’s substantial initiatives, activities, and programs to support Member States’ efforts mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Comprehensive Humanitarian Coalition” is one of ICESCO’s major initiatives, stated the DG, noting that Finland’s institutions and major corporations are welcome to join the coalition.
The talks also revolved around ICESCO’s specialized centers for strategic foresight, artificial intelligence, Arabic courses for its non-native speakers, heritage, dialogue and cultural diversity.
The DG underscored the vital role the centers play in foreseeing the progress and changes in the Islamic world, based on sound scientific foundations and in-depth studies. He added that these centers also seek to consolidate peaceful coexistence and safeguard cultural and civilizational heritage.

Dr. AlMalik stated that the ICESCO’s recent videoconferences and international forums yielded strong outcomes. Heads of states, ministers, and prominent international figures brought a significant added value to the events.
The meeting also addressed education as one of the main prospective areas of cooperation between ICESCO and Finland.
The country’s robust educational system is based on three key pillars: great respect and appreciation for teachers, premium training for teachers, and harnessing students’ creativity and honing their skills.

ICESCO’s DG and the Finnish Ambassador explored ways for the Organization’s Member States to benefit from Finland’s success story.
The two parties also reviewed the participation of Finnish officials in ICESCO’s future events, especially in the field of education.
The Ambassador reaffirmed his country’s willingness to cooperate with ICESCO. He also commended the Organization’s new strategy and the work carried out throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first training workshop on strategic planning for decision-making kicked off today, September 17, in Ifrane, Morocco. The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held the workshop in cooperation with the German Konrad-Adenauer Foundation.
The workshop benefitted executive directors and faculty members of Al-Akhawayn University.

The two-day workshop comes as part of ICESCO’s Strategic Foresight Center program. Similar workshops will benefit other universities, companies, and civil society stakeholders in the Organization’s Member States.

The purpose is to train executives on decision-making skills based on scientific studies. The event comes amid the COVID-19 crisis that proved foresight to be an efficient tool in addressing changes.

Dr. AlMalik, ICESCO’s Director-General (DG), stated at the opening session that adopting proactive and foresight skills is no longer a luxury but is instead a strategic choice.

“We live in a rapidly changing world and face immense challenges. To unleash its full potential, we must study its future,” he underlined.

Dr. AlMalik pointed out that ICESCO works to mainstream and entrench foresight thinking in the Islamic world to assist its countries in achieving sustainable development.
He emphasized that foresight is not a new concept in the Islamic world, however countries in the region face the challenge of reviving the practice.

Dr. Amine Bensaid, President of Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, said that the training session aligns with the university’s interest in strategic planning.
The training is particularly relevant in the current circumstances as the university reconsiders its strategies in times of crises, added Dr. Bensaid.
He commended ICESCO’s activities and reshuffling, as well as the innovative initiatives it launched during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr. Steffen Krüger, Representative of the German Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Morocco, stated that cooperation with ICESCO is very constructive. The location of the workshop is a clear statement on the strong relations between the two parties, he continued.

Dr. Kais Hammami, Director of the Strategic Foresight Center, supervisor of the training, and PhD holder in strategic foresight, said that modern studies confirm that the development and the prosperity of civilizations should only be evaluated in future terms.

ICESCO seeks to revive and entrench foresight thought in the Islamic world

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), reaffirmed that “the adoption of proactive and foresight skills is no longer a luxury. It is a strategic decision.”
“We live in a rapidly changing world and face immense challenges. We will not survive without studying its future in detail,” he continued.

The statement came as part of the DG’s address at the opening session of the two-day training workshop on strategic planning for decision-making. The event started today at Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane, Morocco.

ICESCO held the event, in cooperation with Konrad-Adenauer Foundation, to benefit several executive directors and teaching staff at the university.
Dr. AlMalik stated that the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the ensuing ambiguity and fears facing the future of humanity, revealed the systemic weaknesses in dealing with the challenges of foresight.

Foresight and planning require different and innovative methods and models to respond and address them, Dr. AlMalik stated.
In his address he specified that “foresight is not a new concept to the Islamic culture. Today, we face the challenge of reviving this heritage.”
ICESCO disseminates the foresight thinking and knowledge within the codes of ethics, which connect the current generations to future ones.

“It is evident that future foresight is one of the most efficient ways to preserve, develop, and support the cultural, intellectual, social, scientific, and economic heritage to achieve welfare and prosperity. Its importance even increases amid the scientific forecasts of the rise of poverty and illiteracy rates around the globe with the high demographic growth. The world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion people by 2050 and 11.2 billion people by 2100,” added ICESCO’s DG.

Dr. AlMalik also highlighted that foresight is a rational tool to overcome the prevailing ambiguity about the future, dispel fear because of crises, and bring hope, and urge people to invent new working means.
He also suggested teaching people lessons to build a brighter and more sustainable future, adding that ICESCO seeks to achieve these objectives throughout the Islamic world. The Organization employs peer-reviewed studies, scientific forums, and training sessions to build a better future.
Dr. AlMalik stressed that “a strong connection between foresight and the strategic dimension” will “provide the foundations for a collective mobilization and thinking, reflecting the participatory decision-making approach.”

This training is the start of ICESCO’s series of sessions to disseminate and entrench foresight thinking in the Islamic world. “The practice will ensure sustainable and knowledge dissemination,” commented the DG.