The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the 8th International Arabic Language Conference entitled “Teaching and Learning Arabic: Looking Towards the Future: Requirements, Opportunities, and Challenges,” organized by the Arabic Language Educational Sharjah Centre for Gulf States (ALECGS), under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Education.
The conference, held on 28-29 January 2026 at the Center’s headquarters in Sharjah University City, saw the participation of 118 researchers and experts from 24 countries and representatives of five international organizations, with 85 research papers and studies presented, and 20 outstanding practices were presented during 33 scientific sessions, which discussed issues, studies, best practices, and scientific and practical experiences related to the reality of teaching Arabic.
ICESCO was represented at the conference by Dr. Majdi Haji Ibrahim, Head of ICESCO’s Center of Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers and Mr. Salem Omar Salem, Director of the Organization’s Regional Office in Sharjah. Dr. Majdi presented a scientific paper reviewing ICESCO’s key achievements and contributions in the field of Arabic language teaching and learning in line with its new forward-looking vision, leveraging all possible technological applications, methods, and techniques to disseminate Arabic across the world.
At the close of the symposium, Dr. Issa Al-Hammadi, Director of ALECGS, presented a shield of honor to Mr. Salem Omar Salem and Dr. Majdi Haj Ibrahim.
As part of the ICESCO Forum “Culture for Rethinking the World,” the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) launched a new series of dialogue sessions entitled “World Artists, Guests of ICESCO,” with the aim of harnessing artistic creativity in efforts to promote intercultural dialogue by hosting contemporary artistic figures who contribute to enriching cultural debate and affirming the status of art as a universal language for peace and coexistence.
Dr. Mohammed Zine El Abidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, opened the first discussion session, held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, with a speech highlighting that this series is part of the forum’s vision to make culture a space for action and reflection, stressing that artists are not merely creators, but partners in producing meaning, transferring experiences, and promoting rapprochement between peoples.
After that, the discussion session kicked off, featuring two prominent figures from the international art scene via video conferencing, Amadi Lagha, a world-renowned opera singer, and Manuel Delgado, a Spanish flamenco guitarist and composer, who presented their experiences and artistic careers in an interactive discussion with participants.
During his presentation, Amadi Lagha reviewed his academic and artistic career, which took shape in Tunisia, France, and Italy, emphasizing the need to renew approaches to music education in order to give emerging artists greater freedom and scope for innovation.
For his part, Manuel Delgado highlighted his career, rooted in Andalusian heritage, which he shaped through his education in several European cities, considering that fidelity to artistic identity is not incompatible with openness and emphasizing that music has a unique ability to bridge cultures.
The session was moderated by Mr. Frédéric Jambu, expert in cultural diplomacy at ICESCO, who presented the general framework of the new concept and its objectives, highlighting the strategic role of art in renewing contemporary cultural dialogue and promoting understanding between peoples.
At the invitation of the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, which opened its third edition on Friday, January 30, 2026, in Diriyah, under the theme “In Interludes and Transitions,” with the participation of sixty-eight artists from more than 37 countries.
On this occasion, Dr. AlMalik said that the Diriyah Biennale affirms the status and presence of contemporary art and its ability to be a mirror of the memory of peoples and a human language that transcends borders, noting that the third edition of the Biennale reveals the deep roots of art in peoples’ cultures and memories, and its role in shaping their consciousness and future.
The Director-General of ICESCO emphasized that the Biennale is the fruit of concerted efforts that reflect some of the prospects of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision as a forward-looking cultural vision that strides confidently toward a future shaped by culture and arts as one of the pillars of the Saudi renaissance.
Dr. AlMalik congratulated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on this achievement, calling on Member States to promote contemporary art and place it at the forefront of their national agendas.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a panel discussion on the historical manuscripts of Kazakhstan, as part of a series of panel discussions organized by the Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts under the title “Islamic Manuscripts in the World”. This comes within the framework of a scientific initiative aimed at surveying the state of Islamic manuscripts worldwide, gaining precise knowledge of each country’s manuscript inventory, discussing ways of preserving, safeguarding, and promoting them, and exploring means of integrating them into contemporary research within the fields of heritage studies and the humanities.
The first session of this series was held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, under the title “Islamic Manuscripts in Kazakhstan: Reality and Aspirations”. It was attended by H.E. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Morocco and her country’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO, alongside a number of ambassadors accredited in Rabat, Dr. Ahmed Chaouki Binebine, Director of the Royal Hassania Library at the Royal Palace in Rabat, as well as researchers and specialists interested in the field of manuscript heritage.
In his opening address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized that the manuscript represents one of the foundational pillars of the history of human knowledge, as its texts intersect intellectual experience with its cultural context, and, through its transmission across generations, it remains a living record of written consciousness and evidence of the formation and development of civilizational identity.
Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik pointed out that the most recent comprehensive survey of Kazakhstan’s manuscript holdings dates back approximately 35 years, during which more than 5,300 manuscripts preserved in nine institutional libraries were identified. He considered that these data open broad horizons for completing the inventory, re-description, and updating of catalogues.
The Session was moderated by Dr. Idham Hanash, Director of ICESCO’s Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts, who explained that the launch of this series aims to provide a platform bringing together researchers and manuscript-holding institutions, and to enhance cooperation in the fields of inventorying, documentation, preservation, and valorization.
Subsequently, Dr. Ikhtiyar Balturi, Director of the Manuscript Studies Centre at the Central Scientific Library in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Dr. Rashid Mukhitdinov, Associate Professor at the Egyptian University of Islamic Culture “Nur-Mubarak” in Kazakhstan, and Dr. Aydingul Haban, Professor at the Department of the Middle East and South Asia at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, delivered academic presentations highlighting the state of Islamic manuscripts in Kazakhstan.
The speakers also highlighted that the manuscript corpus in Kazakhstan is characterized by linguistic diversity, as it was written in Arabic, Persian, Chagatai, and Turkish, in addition to Old Kazakh, affirming that its study reveals the trajectories of the transmission of Islamic knowledge in Central Asia.
At the conclusion of the panel discussion, a closed meeting was held bringing together experts from ICESCO’s Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts and the delegation of professors from Kazakhstan to explore avenues for future cooperation on Islamic manuscripts and their sciences in Kazakhstan.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a replica of a rare manuscript of the Holy Quran penned by Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Hilal ibn Abdulaziz, widely known as Ibn al-Bawwab, from Ms. Ratiba Sefrioui, a retired university professor, in recognition of ICESCO’s pioneering roles in preserving and promoting manuscript heritage in the Islamic world.
During the meeting, held on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik commended this initiative, describing it as a commendable step towards the protection of manuscripts of the Islamic world. He affirmed that such initiatives, which encourage the dissemination of knowledge, strengthen ICESCO’s efforts to preserve cultural elements from disappearance and deterioration, and to introduce the heritage of Muslim societies and their cultural, scientific, and civilizational contributions.
For her part, Ms. Sefrioui provided a detailed explanation of the components of the manuscript, which came into her possession from her late brother, Mr. Abdelhay Sefrioui. The manuscript includes an introductory booklet and a translated version of the meanings of some Quran surahs into French. Mrs. Sefrioui praised ICESCO’s role in promoting the civilization of the Islamic world and in raising awareness of the importance of preserving Arab and Islamic identity among future generations.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy ICESCO Director-General, and Mr. Amine Debbi.
Ibn al-Bawwab is one of the most prominent calligraphers of the third and fourth Hijri centuries. He developed the principles of the Naskh script and established aesthetic proportions governing the components of each letter. He also wrote 64 copies of the Quran, the most famous of which is the only surviving manuscript among the Qurans he penned. It was written in Baghdad in 391 AH and is preserved at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, Ireland, from which the replica donated to the Organization was produced.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the conference “Artificial Intelligence and the characteristics of the Arabic Language,” organized by the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language in cooperation with the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. The event aimed at exploring the complex relationship between the characteristics of Arabic and AI language models, contributing to the development of an integrated Arab knowledge system in AI related to language.
ICESCO was represented at the two-day conference, which concluded on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, by Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Head of the Arabic Language Center for Non-Arabic Speakers. He delivered a presentation titled “Teaching Arabic and Artificial Intelligence in Light of Educational Policies,” in which he proposed several recommendations for improving educational and linguistic policies linked to curricula.
Dr. Hajj also outlined the requirements for integrating AI into Arabic language teaching, including establishing a digital infrastructure, offering necessary equipment, expanding awareness and training programs through seminars and workshops, and the allocation of research grants to support studies related to AI and modern technologies.
The Culture Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held the fifth periodic meeting of the ICESCO Network of International Chairs for Thought, Heritage, Letters and Arts. The meeting reviewed the chairs’ scientific and cultural achievements, which included releasing more than 30 scientific publications and holding over 50 international events, such as conferences, seminars, and art exhibitions. These events were organized in collaboration with international universities and institutions between 2021 and 2025.
At the beginning of the meeting, held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, with the chairs participating in person and via video conferencing, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, commended the great efforts made by the chairs, urging them to continue their work. He also praised Dr. Bouazza Ben Achir, professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat, for his chairmanship of the regular meeting.
Notably, the ICESCO International Network of Chairs for Thought, Heritage, Letters, and Arts spans several countries across three continents, including Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Germany, and Brazil.
The ICESCO International Platform, “Culture for Rethinking the World,” has strengthened the network’s efforts and influence by publishing more than 200 articles. The important contribution of the 15 research teams affiliated with the chairs is also notable. These teams include approximately 200 researchers and students who specialize in thought, heritage, literature, and the arts.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received on Thursday, 18 December 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, Mr. Saud Al-Musaed, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Sierra Leone.
Dr. AlMalik congratulated the Saudi Ambassador on the royal trust placed in him through his appointment as Ambassador to Sierra Leone, commending his diplomatic efforts and contributions during his tenure as Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the Kingdom of Morocco.
The two parties discussed possible areas of cooperation between the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Sierra Leone and ICESCO, particularly in education, culture, and science, with a view to supporting the implementation of development programs and projects in Member States.
Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s sustained engagement in Sierra Leone, outlining the programs, activities, and projects the Organization has implemented over the past five years in education, culture, and science, and reaffirming its commitment to expanding its initiatives and strengthening institutional partnerships.
At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his appreciation to Mr. Saud Al-Musaed for his visit and his dedication to fostering cooperation between both sides in support of education, science, and culture.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AGRI EDGE, the economic unit of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco, specialized in the digital agriculture sector. The MoU aims to promote cooperation to support sustainable agriculture in the Islamic world.
The MoU was signed on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Rabat, and provides for establishing a partnership framework in the areas of climate-smart agriculture, agricultural innovation, digital transformation, and capacity building, through the exchange of experiences, joint training programs, and agricultural solutions that capitalize on modern technologies and data.
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General at the signing ceremony, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, emphasized that this partnership reflects the Organization’s commitment to supporting innovation-driven development and assisting Member States in addressing agricultural and environmental challenges.
Dr. Benarfa added that this partnership is an opportunity to leverage both expertise and action to support farmers, cooperatives, and local institutions, and to develop scalable solutions that increase productivity, resilience, and sustainability.
For his part, Mr. Faissal Sehbaoui, AgriEdge CEO, explained that institutional cooperation with ICESCO will contribute to expanding capacity-building programs and supporting the dissemination of digital solutions in the agricultural sector in a manner that serves food security and sustainable development.
The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, along with Dr. Essam Karimi, Dr. Adel Smeda, Dr. Wissam Chehade, and Dr. Fahman Fathurrahman, experts from the same Sector. Ms. Rim Jirari, Head of International Organizations and Bodies at the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, also attended the ceremony.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in a symposium titled “Multilingualism in International Organizations,” held on Monday, 15 December 2025, at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris. The event, which was organized by the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) in cooperation with UNESCO, aims at highlighting the civilizational values and cultural achievements of Arabic language presence in international organizations and launching the “Multilingualism Framework.”
The symposium brought together representatives of international organizations and institutions concerned with the Arabic language, along with a group of experts and specialists in language planning and policy, to discuss the efforts of these organizations and institutions to preserve Arabic within the context of multilingualism.
ICESCO was represented by Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Head of the Arabic Language Center for Non-Arabic Speakers, who delivered a presentation titled “ICESCO’s Experience in Promoting the Presence of Arabic.” He noted that the Organization, which adopted Arabic, English, and French as the three main languages for communication with its Member States, treats Arabic not only as a means of communication but also as a cultural objective.
Dr. Majdi explained that through many of its programs and activities, ICESCO advocates for shifting Arabic from being merely a communication tool to becoming a cultural objective, a process that can be described as the cultural globalization of Arabic. He pointed out that ICESCO has established centers dedicated to this purpose, including the Arabic Language Center for Non-Arabic Speakers, the Calligraphy and Manuscript Center, and the Poetry and Literature Center, in addition to the ICESCO-Hamdan bin Rashid Arabic Language for Non-Arabic Speakers Program “Mishkat.”
