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    Launch of International ICESCO–Hamdan Bin Rashid Caravan for the Arabic Language in West African Countries

    On Monday, 23 June 2025, Porto-Novo, the capital of the Republic of Benin, hosted the inauguration ceremony of the ICESCO–Hamdan Bin Rashid Global Arabic Language Caravan in non-Arabic-speaking West African countries. The Caravan sets off from Benin and will continue its journey through Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal.

    The Caravan aims to develop teachers’ language competencies and encourage the adoption of modern teaching methods that leverage digital technologies, thereby contributing to the advancement of Arabic language education programs in West Africa and strengthening the language’s presence in the region’s educational and cultural life. This initiative falls within ICESCO’s broader efforts to promote the Arabic language in multilingual African communities and to build the capacities of teachers specializing in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers.

    The inauguration ceremony was attended by numerous official and academic figures, including Dr. Okpeicha Abossèdé Paulette, Secretary-General of the Beninese National Commission for UNESCO and ICESCO (MEMP), along with officials from the Ministry of Education and Culture of Benin, university professors, and representatives of prominent religious, educational, and social organizations.

    ICESCO was represented at the ceremony by Dr. Anas Hossam Said Al-Nuaimi, expert at the Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, who is overseeing the linguistic program of the Caravan for five days, in collaboration with national expert Dr. Lassissi Bassirou.

    ICESCO and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Explore Prospects for Enhancing Cooperation

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Chairman of the Board of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat. The two parties discussed avenues for enhancing cooperation in knowledge exchange, artificial intelligence, youth capacity-building, and the promotion of peace and tolerance.

    At the outset of the meeting, which was also attended by Ms. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Morocco and Kazakhstan’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO, Dr. AlMalik praised the fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and Kazakh institutions. He highlighted joint efforts such as organizing conferences on prominent Muslim world figures and implementing youth training programmes in fields including technology, innovation, and smart agriculture.

    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to deepening partnerships with leading academic institutions in the Islamic world, recognizing their scientific and intellectual contributions. He expressed his intention to strengthen collaboration with Al-Farabi University through knowledge exchange initiatives and youth capacity-building programmes.

    For his part, Dr. Tuimebayev commended ICESCO’s recognized efforts to advance higher education and scientific research across its Member States. He proposed the establishment of an ICESCO office at Al-Farabi University in Almaty to help foster academic and research cooperation among universities in Kazakhstan and neighboring Member States.

    The two parties agreed to form a joint working group to explore the implementation of programmes and projects in artificial intelligence, sustainable peacebuilding, and preparing youth for future professions.

    At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Tuimebayev exchanged commemorative shields and gifts.

    The meeting was also attended by Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, and Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector.

    ICESCO Director-General Presents Five Strategic Recommendations to Address School Dropout at ASEAN Education Ministers’ Roundtable

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated as a keynote speaker in the opening session of the Roundtable of Ministers of Education and Higher Education of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), held in Langkawi, Malaysia. Dr. AlMalik delivered a comprehensive address entitled “From Dropout to Opportunity: Reclaiming the Future through Inclusive Education.”

    At the outset, Dr. AlMalik warned that the increasing dropout of children and youth poses a growing threat to social stability and sustainable development, noting that over 250 million children and adolescents are currently out of school worldwide, including 98 million in sub-Saharan Africa—the highest figure globally.
    Dr. AlMalik stressed that this crisis demands urgent collective action, emphasizing that the consequences of school dropout extend beyond individuals, affecting families, communities, and nations through widening poverty gaps, reduced empowerment opportunities, and heightened risks of early marriage, child labor, and marginalization.

    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s key initiatives in this field, including reintegrating over 19,000 girls into education in Yemen with support from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief); providing psychosocial, technical, and logistical support to internally displaced girls and boarders in Burkina Faso in cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; improving sanitation and educational facilities in 240 schools across eight countries under the WASH programme, benefiting over 240,000 students; and deploying mobile education units for girls in remote areas of Nigeria.

    In sum, Dr. AlMalik outlined five strategic recommendations to address school dropout:

    • Integrate the goal of keeping boys and girls in school, especially during adolescence, into national education strategies;
    • Create alternative pathways to reintegrate those who left school due to early marriage, labor, displacement, or conflict;
    • Foster safe and inclusive school environments and develop gender-sensitive curricula that include inspiring female role models;
    • Empower local communities, especially women-led initiatives, to drive education solutions;
    • Bridge the digital divide to ensure equal access to digital education and future learning opportunities for all children.

    Dr. AlMalik called on education ministers to adopt a regional roadmap that can be updated at each ASEAN conference cycle, affirming ICESCO’s readiness to serve as a key partner in designing and implementing this vision.

    In closing, he extended an open invitation to all participants to attend ICESCO’s upcoming Education Ministers’ Conference, set for September 2026, and to visit the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, where policies are crafted and partnerships are built to promote more inclusive, equitable, and empowering education.

    The opening session also featured keynote addresses by H.E Dr. Fadhlina Sidek, Malaysia’s Minister of Education; H.E. San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Socio-Cultural Community; and Ms. Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, UNESCO Representative to several Asian countries. They emphasized innovative approaches to closing education gaps and ensuring that every child and youth has equal access to quality education as a vital investment in their potential and in building a better future.

    Three Winning Technological Projects at Close of ICESCO Youth Training Program in Sierra Leone

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded its program on training youth on setting up and developing small projects in the fields of technology and innovation in the Republic of Sierra Leone. The close of the training program, implemented by ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, in partnership with the Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone, was marked by the announcement of three winning projects, out of the 49 participating teams at the national level.

    During the two-day event, contestants presented their projects before a jury. During his remarks at the opening session, Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at the Sector of Science and Environment, stressed the importance of integrating the youth of the Islamic world in the fields of entrepreneurship, modern technology and innovation to contribute to achieving sustainable development in their communities.

    Winning first place, the Mamawa Muyengay Agric Business team presented their project to integrate and improve the living conditions of youth, women and the elderly in rural areas through building their capacities in the fields of cassava farming. The second place went to Mujehva Plastic and Sand Paving Enterprise, for their projects to recycle plastic to make sustainable pavements, while the third place went to MS Agro Rice Farming, a project dedicated to rice farming in inland valleys to promote best practices in the field of agriculture.

    ICESCO Receives Student Delegation from Duke University in the United States

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) received a student delegation from Duke University—one of the most prestigious universities in the United States—on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, as part of its efforts to promote cultural dialogue and academic exchange with leading international academic institutions.

    Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, welcomed the delegation and delivered an address highlighting the Organization’s mission, strategic objectives, and role in supporting its Member States and strengthening international cooperation.

    For his part, Mr. Mohammed Hedi Shili, Head of Legal Affairs and International Standards at ICESCO, emphasized Duke University’s global reputation and its excellence in education and scientific research.

    Professor Mbaye Bashir Lo, faculty member at Duke University and Director of the “Duke in the Arab World” Academic Program, gave an overview of the university and its history, noting that it currently ranks sixth among top U.S. universities in terms of academic excellence and research output.

    Moreover, Dr. Said El Hassan, Director of Studies and Research at the Khalid El Hassan Foundation in the Kingdom of Morocco, emphasized that the visit was organized as part of a tailored academic program for the visiting students. He highlighted the academic cooperation between the Foundation and Duke University, and expressed his appreciation to ICESCO for its warm welcome.

    ICESCO experts also delivered presentations on the Organization’s key programs and initiatives in education, science, and culture, as well as its ongoing efforts to empower youth and promote civilizational dialogue.

    The visit concluded with a tour of ICESCO’s Mishkat Hall, where Dr. Adel Bouraoui, Advisor to the ICESCO Director-General, presented an overview of the Mishkat training programs, which focus on enhancing Arabic language proficiency among non-Arabic speakers.

    ICESCO Honors Graduates of Its Training Program on Civilizational Diplomacy and the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Conflict Resolution

    As part of the cooperation between the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), represented by its Center for Civilizational Dialogue, and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Chair at the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez (UEMF), ICESCO headquarters in Rabat hosted, on Monday, 2 June 2025, a graduation ceremony for trainees who successfully completed a specialized training program on civilizational diplomacy and its role in conflict resolution using artificial intelligence tools and techniques.

    The ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General; Dr. Abdelhak Azzouzi, President of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Chair; Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue; along with a number of ICESCO heads and program trainees.

    The event opened with remarks by Ambassador Fathalrahman, who highlighted the strength of ICESCO’s ties with international institutions and organizations, and the importance of such partnerships in developing the skills of youth and those involved in dialogue and civilizational diplomacy.

    In his remarks, Dr. Benarafa underscored ICESCO’s commitment to developing advanced tools that serve the Islamic world in addressing growing challenges, particularly in the fields of civilizational dialogue and intercultural communication.

    For his part, Dr. Azzouzi emphasized the importance of promoting religious and cultural diversity among postgraduate students specializing in law and conflict resolution, noting the need to integrate this dimension into academic curricula.

    In his remarks, Dr. Abdelfettah Belamchi, Director of the Moroccan Center for Development and Parallel Diplomacy (CMDPDC) in Rabat, commended ICESCO’s efforts to institutionalize the concept of civilizational diplomacy and praised the publication of its new book titled Civilizational Diplomacy: A New Concept.

    Furthermore, Mr. Mohammed Hedi Shili, Head of Legal Affairs and International Standards at ICESCO, stressed the importance of such training programs in establishing a clear legal methodology for trainees, and called for the adoption of an ethical code on artificial intelligence to ensure its responsible use, warning against risks associated with bias in AI applications.

    Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah, Advisor to the ICESCO Director-General, affirmed the added value of these training programs, which yield direct benefits for participants and contribute to fostering a culture of dialogue and enhancing effective communication.

    The ceremony concluded with remarks by Dr. Mohammed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, who shed light on the evolution of civilizational dialogue and its close connection to civilizational diplomacy, affirming that constructive intercultural dialogue is key to success and positive global impact.

    ICESCO Mourns the Passing of Abdelhak El Mrini, Historian of the Kingdom of Morocco

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has learned with great sadness of the passing of Dr. Abdelhak El Mrini, Historian of the Kingdom of Morocco and former Royal Palace Spokesperson, on Monday evening, 2 June 2025, at the age of 91.

    On this sorrowful occasion, ICESCO’s Director-General, leadership, and staff extend their deepest condolences to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, to the family of the deceased, and to the Moroccan people. They beseech Allah Almighty to shower him with mercy and grant him a place in Paradise.

    Renowned for his distinguished scholarly and intellectual contributions, Dr. El Mrini was one of the prominent figures in Moroccan thought, history, and literature. He held several high-ranking positions, most notably Director of Royal Palaces, Honors, and Decorations.

    Born in 1934 in Rabat, Dr. El Mrini distinguished himself early on in the fields of education and research. He earned several advanced degrees in Morocco and France, including a PhD in Literature. His pioneering works include The Moroccan Army Throughout History, Jihad Poetry in Moroccan Literature, and Introduction to the History of Modern Morocco.

    Dr. El Mrini maintained a special relationship with ICESCO, participating in several of its cultural and intellectual events. He was a distinguished guest in ICESCO’s Ramadan series Ramadan Whiffs and Intellectual Sparks in 1443 AH / 2022 AD, where he delivered a lecture titled Highlights about Tea in Morocco. He was also a regular attendee at the ICESCO Cultural Forum, alongside leading intellectuals, underscoring his esteemed status in the Moroccan and Islamic cultural spheres.

    May Allah have mercy on the departed. To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.

    ICESCO Participates in AfDB’s 60th Annual Meetings in Côte d’Ivoire

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the 60th Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB), held in Abidjan, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, from May 26 to 30, 2025. The Organization was represented by Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey, Head of the Education Sector, and Mr. Omer Hamid, Head of the Strategic Partnerships Division.

    On the sidelines of the meetings, the ICESCO delegation held bilateral talks with senior officials from the African Development Bank, including Dr. Hendrina Doroba, Manager of the Education and Skills Development Division, and Mr. Joel Molel, Principal Resources Mobilization and Partnerships, RDNG. Discussions focused on ways to strengthen cooperation between the two parties, in line with ICESCO’s 2026–2030 Strategy and the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033).

    These meetings resulted in a preliminary agreement to sign a Letter of Intent in the near future, which would enable ICESCO to act as an executive partner in Member States common to both institutions—particularly those facing challenges due to conflict or institutional fragility. The agreement also includes the immediate launch of several priority projects in the fields of education, water and sanitation, regional capacity building, and skills development.

    The two sides also explored the possibility of developing medium- and long-term strategic joint projects to be implemented on the ground, with ICESCO contributing to the financing of selected project components, thereby enhancing their effectiveness and generating tangible impact in Member States.

    At the conclusion of the meetings, both parties agreed to establish a procedural pathway for drafting a new cooperation framework, to be presented shortly to the leadership of both institutions for approval and adoption. This step is expected to mark a new phase in the cooperative relationship between ICESCO and the AfDB, in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals across Africa and in Member States.

    ICESCO Celebrates World Day for Cultural Diversity

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) celebrated the World Day for Cultural Diversity by holding a virtual meeting of its International Network of Chairs for Thought, Heritage, Literature, and Arts. The event brought together the directors of ten academic chairs based in Paris, Berlin, Porto Alegre, Tunis, Rabat, Dakar, Beirut, and Geneva, along with a select group of academics and intellectuals from around the world.

    During the opening session, held on 21 May 2025, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, affirmed that the meeting served as a unique intellectual platform that reinforces the Organization’s international presence and reflects its commitment to promoting cultural diversity and fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples. Dr. Zinelabidine emphasized the central role of culture in building cohesive and safe societies.

    The chairs’ directors presented a range of projects and research activities carried out during the year and offered comprehensive assessments of their experiences and intellectual contributions on issues of multiculturalism, thought, heritage, and identity. They also discussed ways to overcome cultural and religious misunderstandings in pursuit of a more peaceful and inclusive future.

    The meeting was moderated by Ms. Zineb Bougrine and Mr. Frédéric Jambu, experts from the Culture Sector, alongside Dr. Bouazza Benachir, Professor at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh. They outlined the principles underpinning ICESCO’s vision for strengthening cultural cohesion and coexistence, underscoring the Organization’s growing international stature as a reference in this field.

    The event also featured the launch of ICESCO’s new publication, The Critical Dictionary of the Cultural Unthinkable , a five-volume encyclopedic work comprising 60 essays by thinkers and artists from 40 countries. The contributions address global cultural observances celebrated by ICESCO, such as the International Day for the Future, World Philosophy Day, and International Women’s Rights Day.

    Grand Ceremony Marks Celebration of Samarkand as Culture Capital in the Islamic World

    The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan organized, on Tuesday, May 26, 2025, a major ceremony on the occasion of the celebration of Samarkand as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2025. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, along with a number of dignitaries, ambassadors, and Ministers of Culture of ICESCO Member States.

    The ceremony opened with a field tour of the traditional handicrafts areas in the historical city of Samarkand, where guests were introduced to ancient heritage industries, notably plant-based papermaking, high-end traditional handmade knives, and decorative pottery—all reflecting the authenticity of the city’s crafts.

    Following the tour, H.E. Minister Nazarbekov accompanied the visiting delegation to a dinner reception, followed by an art show featuring a host of local artists and musicians. The show included traditional dances performed to the tune of folk music and highlighted the colorful and intricate designs of Samarkand’s traditional garments.

    In a special feature, the Uzbek Minister of Culture presented one of his famous songs, a performance received with admiration by the attendees. Prior to assuming his ministerial position, Mr. Nazarbekov was one of the country’s renowned singers.

    The ceremony concluded with a fireworks display that lit up the sky of the historic city. The spectacle brought together locals and visitors alike in a celebration aimed at highlighting Samarkand’s civilizational status as a cultural and historical hub throughout history.

    The celebration of Samarkand is part of ICESCO’s Programme for Culture Capitals in the Islamic World, which aims to promote cities known for their rich cultural and civilizational heritage. It also seeks to enhance these cities’ presence on the global cultural scene by offering a platform for cultural and artistic exchange among peoples and an opportunity to highlight the contributions of Muslim cities in advancing human civilization.