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.