On the occasion of the World Breast Cancer Awareness Month or “Pink October”, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held an awareness day for its female staff members, led by two doctors specialized in radiotherapy and oncology. The event featured a comprehensive lecture on breast cancer, the importance of early diagnosis, factors that increase the risk of cancer, as well as tips on healthy lifestyle and ways of prevention.
During this event, organized by ICESCO’s Human Capital Department, on Thursday, October 31st, 2024, Dr. Houda Mouzount, oncologist, reviewed the symbolism of Pink October as a global month to raise awareness about breast cancer, which is one of the most common cancers affecting women and is curable if diagnosed in the early stages.
She added that women should continue to do self-exam and visit their physician when noticing any redness, inflammation, swelling or change in the breast’s natural shape. She also detailed the four types of breast cancer, the causes of breast cancer, and the stages of medical and surgical treatment.
For her part, Dr. Hanane El Kacemi, Specialist in Radiotherapy, defined cancer, described the characteristics of a cancer cell that metastasizes to different parts of the body, and described radiotherapy and its characteristics.
Afterward, the two doctors shared some tips for preventing breast cancer, notably having a healthy diet, avoiding stress, exercising regularly, and conducting regular self-exams and medical checkups, especially after the age of 45.
Subsequently, awareness cards and roses were distributed to ICESCO’s female staff, before offering them medical checkups for early detection of cancer.
Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Omar Althumali, Principal of the Saudi Schools in Rabat, who visited ICESCO headquarters, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, leading a delegation of the Saudi Schools’ staff and pupils.
During the meeting, Dr. Al-Malik stressed ICESCO’s keenness to support educational institutions in the Islamic world, and highlighted its openness to cooperation to keep up with the rapid global developments, harnessing modern technologies to develop education and equiping learners with the adequate skills for tomorrow’s professions.
He also reviewed the pillars of ICESCO’s new vision and strategic orientations, particularly in the field of education and youth capacity-building, as well as the Organization’s initiatives, programs, projects and activities, implemented in cooperation with the competent parties in Member States and donor institutions and bodies.
For his part, the Principal of the Saudi Schools in Rabat commended ICESCO’s remarkable roles, expressing his desire to build cooperation between the two parties in areas of common interest, including the organization of contests and training programs.
The meeting saw the presence of Mr. Faraj AlDhafeeri, activity leader at the Saudi Schools in Rabat.
Following the meeting, Dr. Al-Malik had a discussion with the pupils of the Saudi Schools in Rabat, who visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO’s headquarters, and listened to their impressions about the explanations and the display of the Prophet’s seerah using the latest technologies, stressing that this exhibition is the fruition of a tripartite strategic partnership between ICESCO, the Muslim World League and the Muhammadia League of Scholars.
On October 31st of every year, the international community observes the World Cities Day, which is celebrated this year under the theme “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalyzing Local Action for Urban Sustainability”. It is an opportunity to highlight the role of youth in building sustainable urban societies, smart and green cities, and ensuring decent living conditions through innovative solutions to environmental challenges and urbanization.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) seizes this opportunity to call on the international community, including countries, international and regional organizations, international and regional bodies and the private sector, to promote youth contribution to environmental protection as one of the pillars of sustainable development by investing in building their capacities to adapt to climate change, developing youth and women initiatives and supporting projects that promote the shift towards smart, resilient and sustainable cities.
Responding to the efforts of the international community and Member States, ICESCO, as part of its new vision and strategic orientations, has launched a number of initiatives and programs, through its Science and Environment Sector, aimed at training youth to use modern technologies to innovate solutions likely to reduce the repercussions of climate change, such as the Youth Climate Leadership Training Camp, which aims to enhance youth capacities in developing and implementing innovative projects in the field of climate action, in addition to the Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Cities in the Islamic World Program, which seeks to promote these concepts in Member States and rational the use of natural resources, in addition to the youth training program on the development of small technology and innovation businesses.
Aware of the contributions of youth to building a better tomorrow, ICESCO stresses the need to hone their creative talent, passion and leadership skills to bring up new generations that can face the future challenges of climate change.
In a enthusiastic, joyful and optimistic graduation ceremony, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) celebrated the first cohort of the Young Professionals Program (2022-2024), at its headquarters, in Rabat, at the close of the first edition of the Program, which was supported and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Graduates from 10 of ICESCO’s Member States received their graduation certificates and shields in the high-level presence of several officials, ambassadors and representatives of international missions accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco.
The ceremony, held on Tuesday (October 29, 2024), kicked off with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the screening of a video documenting the professional journey of the graduates, who received vocational training over 24 months in ICESCO’s specialized sectors, departments and centers.
In his address, Ambassador Nazim Samadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Morocco, said that the program has prepared specialized young professionals qualified to serve the Islamic world in various fields, which is a source of pride for ICESCO in these young people, who will contribute to the efforts geared towards developing their countries and the world at large, noting that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan was keen to meet these young people during his visit to ICESCO headquarters in November 2023.
Afterwards, Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, presented the Organization’s shield to Ambassador Samadov in appreciation of Azerbaijan’s support for this program and many of ICESCO’s initiatives, programs and activities at the level of the Islamic world.
In his address, the DG of ICESCO stressed that youth are the pillar of development and progress, their visions are renaissance projects, and their dreams are nations’ future given the enormous human wealth they represent today; pointing out that grasping this fact is the way to own the present and the future. “ICESCO has made great strides in this context. It is now referred to as a young Organization, with youth representing 42% of its work force,” he added. He also indicated that this program, which was meticulously organized by ICESCO and supported by the generous sponsorship of Azerbaijan, has become a successful example to be followed, with more than 100 training activities organized through the program’s period, addressing several pieces of advice to the young professionals, and concluding his address by announcing the launch of the second edition of ICESCO’s Young Professionals Program.
For her part, Kenza Abourmane, Director of Youth at the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, stressed that the program demonstrates ICESCO’s commitment to building the capacities of young people in its Member States, noting that the Ministry implements several activities and programs in cooperation with the Organization to empower youth and inspire them to be leaders of positive change.
Then, Alaa Mawla Al-Duwaila and Masrané Reoukadji Dior, members of the Young Professionals Program, delivered speeches in which they emphasized their pride in receiving professional training in ICESCO’s sectors, centers and departments, noting that the training has paved their way to professional excellence and success.
Speaking on behalf of the program team, Ms. Rana Ezzeddine, expert at the Legal Affairs and International Standards Department of ICESCO, stressed that the program provided a unique experience for the young professionals and equipped them to build a unique professional future.
At the end of the ceremony, ICESCO DG along with a number of ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco presented the young professionals with the graduation certificates and honorary shields.
The Sector of Science and Environment at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, held a roundtable on ways to develop small projects in the field of renewable energies, given their roles in promoting sustainable development. The roundtable brought together a number of energy experts, academics and officials in international organizations.
During the opening session, held on Monday, October 2024, in person in Cairo and via videoconference, Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of the Sector of Science and Environment at ICESCO, reaffirmed the importance of promoting the transition to clean energies in the Islamic world to protect the environment and leverage this field’s potential to improve living conditions.
The roundtable reviewed ICESCO’s study on the best practices and standards to develop small projects in the field of renewable energies, which aim to promote renewable energies initiatives in ICESCO’s Member States.
Dr. Fahman Fathalrahman and Dr. Adel Smeda, Experts at ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sectors, took part in the roundtable proceedings.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a Palestinian delegation from the Popular National Conference of Jerusalem and the Higher Islamic-Christian Authority for Al-Quds and Holy Sites. The meeting included discussions on ICESCO’s prominent efforts to support the development of education, science, and culture in Palestine, as well as specific programs and projects for Al-Quds, particularly in education and heritage preservation.
The Palestinian delegation was led by Mr. Bilal Al-Natsheh, Secretary General of the Popular National Conference of Jerusalem, and Mr. Hatem Muhammad Abdel Qader Eid, Secretary General of the Higher Islamic-Christian Authority for Al-Quds and Holy Sites, along with other officials from both organizations.
During the meeting held on Friday 25 October 2024, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, and attended by Mr. Mohamed Salem Echarkaoui, Director of the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency, Dr. AlMalik emphasized ICESCO’s support for Palestine, especially Al-Quds, through the implementation of various programs and projects in its specialized fields.
Dr. AlMalik highlighted several initiatives launched by ICESCO to support Palestinian students studying at universities in Morocco and Egypt, offering assistance amid the difficult circumstances faced by their families in Palestine.
The delegation expressed appreciation for ICESCO’s efforts to support Palestine across its areas of expertise, noting that ICESCO consistently leads among international organizations in supporting the Palestinian people.
They also shared hopes that ICESCO would consider adopting several proposals aimed at bolstering resilience among Jerusalem residents in educational and cultural fields and encouraging Islamic nations worldwide to back these initiatives.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), emphasized that terrorism and violent extremism represent some of the most dangerous threats to global peace and security, affecting countries and communities across all cultures and religions indiscriminately. He noted that addressing the issue of terrorism requires a global commitment to cooperation, strategic knowledge exchange, and the development of specialized skills that adapt to continuously evolving threats.
This statement was part of Dr. AlMalik’s address today, Friday, October 25, 2024, during the graduation ceremony the 2024 Specialised Counter-Terrorism Investigations Training Programme (STOCTI). The Program was held at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat and organized by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and Training in Africa, in collaboration with Al Akhawayn University in Morocco. The event was attended by senior United Nations officials, ambassadors, and experts in the field. Certificates of graduation were awarded to 22 trainees from seven African countries.
Dr. AlMalik also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts over the years to counter violent extremism through a variety of initiatives, programs, and activities, including the International Conference on Combating Violent Extremism, which ICESCO headquarters hosted in its third edition in November 2023, as well as the launch of the “Encyclopedia on Deconstructing Extremist Discourse” in partnership with the Mohammadia League of Scholars in Morocco. The Publication aims to dismantle the ideological framework that underpins extremist rhetoric, foster values of moderation and tolerance, and bolster community resilience against extremism.
He further highlighted ICESCO’s work in promoting intercultural dialogue and the significant role that educational, religious, and intellectual institutions play in establishing an ethical value system based on a forward-looking scientific approach. Moreover, he warned that the increasing use of communication technologies, especially artificial intelligence applications, by extremist groups facilitates their future recruitment of children.
Dr. AlMalik concluded by reaffirming ICESCO’s continued commitment to combating violent extremism and eradicating radical ideologies at the root. He also commended the efforts of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism in Rabat, with the cooperation and support of Moroccan authorities.
As part of ICESCO’s Young Professionals Program, the Organization’s Human and Social Sciences Sector and the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards organized a workshop to empower youth in peacebuilding through combating violent extremism. Held in Parakou, Benin, the workshop aimed to educate participants and equip them with the tools necessary to promote peace, tolerance, and coexistence within their communities, particularly in border areas.
In his opening address on Thursday 24 October 2024, Mr. Salimane Karimou, Minister of Nursery and Primary Education, represented by Mr. Diwano Afodagbi, Chief of Staff at the Ministry, highlighted the workshop’s importance in supporting Benin’s efforts to combat violent extremism, especially among youth. Dr. Paulette Okpécha-Gnanvi, Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO and ICESCO in Benin, expressed her appreciation for the workshop and encouraged participating youth to contribute to peacebuilding.
ICESCO was represented by Mr. Ali Ndiaye, Head of the Peace Department in the Social and Human Sciences Sector, alongside young professionals Paul Kpakpanon, Raïssa Ramatoulaye Djassi, and Djifa Agbezoukin. Mr. Ndiaye presented ICESCO’s peace and security initiatives, and efforts to combat extremism, while Ms. Osnia Mannou Gbankoto, ICESCO Peace Ambassador, shared her experience in the Leadership Training in Peace and Security Program (LTIPS).
In parallel with the workshop, Mr. Salimane Karimou, Minister of Nursery and Primary Education, received ICESCO’s delegation.
During the meeting, he praised the cooperation between ICESCO and the Republic of Benin, and expressed appreciation for ICESCO’s initiatives and programs supporting education, science, and culture in his country. The Minister called for intensified collective efforts among Islamic countries to address economic challenges and high unemployment rates, which can drive youth towards violent extremism.
Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Shahabudeen Adam Shah, Ambassador of Malaysia to Morocco, and Dr. Mohd Farid Ravi, President of Selangor Islamic University (UIS). The meeting discussed ways to develop cooperation between ICESCO and Malaysia in the fields of education, science and culture, and tackled the proposal to establish ICESCO’s center for teaching Arabic language at the University’s headquarters.
At the outset of the meeting, held on Thursday (24 October 2024), at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, Dr. Al-Malik affirmed that the Organization, as part of its new vision and strategic orientations, is open to cooperation with all parties to benefit its Member States and Muslim communities around the world, expressing his aspiration to enhance cooperation with Malaysia.
He also reviewed ICESCO’s programs and projects on building women and youth capacities, promoting the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue, encouraging investment in technology, innovation, artificial intelligence and space science, disseminating the foresight culture, and promoting the status of Arabic language globally.
For his part, the Malaysian Ambassador commended ICESCO’s roles in contributing to the advancement of its areas of competence in the Islamic world, and invited Dr. Al-Malik to pay an official visit to Malaysia to meet the country’s senior officials and discuss developing cooperation in areas of common interest; an invitation that ICESCO Director General welcomed and affirmed that he would respond to it at the earliest convenience.
Dr. Ravi expressed his thanks to ICESCO for its continuous cooperation with UIS, reviewing the major areas of cooperation between the two parties, particularly in teaching Arabic language and harnessing the latest digital applications in this field, highlighting the training sessions organized by ICESCO Educational Center in Malaysia, in cooperation with UIS, for the benefit of hundreds of Arabic language teachers.
Moreover, the meeting tackled a number of proposals for future cooperation between ICESCO and the University, including the establishment of ICESCO’s center for teaching Arabic language at the University’s headquarters, and the provision of a number of scholarships by the Organization for Malaysian students in a number of prestigious universities in the Islamic world.
After the meeting, Dr. Al-Malik took Ambassador Adam Shah, Dr. Ravi and the accompanying delegation on a tour of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, which is currently housed at ICESCO’s headquarters.
As part of ICESCO’s Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS) program, the Social and Human Sciences Sector at the Organization held a seminar titled “AI and Peace: Harnessing Technology in Peacebuilding and Development” for ICESCO’s Young Peace Ambassadors. The event aimed to highlight the potential of artificial intelligence in promoting peace, development, and social cohesion, and to discuss global challenges impacting humanity worldwide.
At the opening of the seminar, held on Wednesday 23 October 2024 in-person and via videoconference, Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector, emphasized ICESCO’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive concept of peace by leveraging the vast potential offered by modern technology.
For his part, Mr. Isa Ali Ibrahim, former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy of Nigeria and Co-chairman of the African Council for Science, Research and Innovation, elaborated on ways technology is transforming peacekeeping efforts and conflict prevention globally.
Following the opening remarks, Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards at ICESCO, delivered a presentation on the ICESCO’s Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence, which aims to establish a comprehensive framework for the development of AI technologies in alignment with the values and principles of the Islamic world.
In addition, Ms. Lama Arabiat, Head of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies Directorate at the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship in Jordan, presented the Ministry’s initiatives to support capacity-building programs for youth in AI. Dr. Syed Iftikhar Shah, Director of Digital Research at the Digital Cooperation Organization in Saudi Arabia, discussed the role of AI in advancing the digital economy and fostering sustainable development. Additionally, Mr. Emad Kiyaei, Co-Founder of AiXist, addressed global challenges arising from the convergence of AI technologies with advanced weapon systems, such as nuclear and biological weapons.
The seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session during which ICESCO’s Young Peace Ambassadors posed questions to the speakers, who responded and engaged in a fruitful discussion.
