Category: News update

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and its affiliated Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW) held the International Conference on the Role of Women Leaderships in Empowering Women in the Digital Field, under the patronage and in the presence of Dr. Maryam Fadel Al-Dah, the First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. The event aims at exploring ways to enhance women’s capacities in the digital transformation and economy, and sharing the relevant best practices.

The opening of the conference, which kicked off on Thursday (December 21, 2023), in Nouakchott, witnessed a high-level participation, including first ladies, ministers, women leaders and experts in the fields of technology, innovation and digital transformation, most notably Ms. Marieme Faye Sall, First Lady of the Republic of Senegal.

The conference began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a documentary about the Mauritanian experience and efforts to enhance digital transformation through the establishment of a number of bodies and platforms to protect data and encourage innovation.

In her address, the First Lady of Mauritania stressed that the advancement of societies and the achievement of development are linked to the empowerment of women and the achievement of equality in all fields, stating that additional efforts must be made in the field of education, training, scientific research and innovation to ensure women access to digital and entrepreneurial fields to which the conference’s sessions and discussions will contribute significantly.

In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, FUIW Secretary-General, underscored that empowerment is an act that anticipates the future, identifies needs, determines priorities, predicts risks and incorporates new developments, adding that the digital transformation has become the key to modern areas, which all women leaders must be equipped with.

“Women worldwide have achieved a significant leap in digital entrepreneurship, which would open new prospects for startups. However, there are many challenges facing women on the path to their digital empowerment, particularly the lack of innovation, the limited ability to develop new ideas and projects, lack of knowledge about the society’s needs, and the poor financial and administrative awareness” underscored Dr. AlMalik.

For her part, Ms. Fatima bint Abdelmalek, President of the Nouakchott Regional Council, reaffirmed that the conference is in line with the orientations of the Mauritanian government, which endeavors to integrate women into the economic sector and provide them with job opportunities in the digital field.

In his address, Mr. Mohamed Abdallah Louli, Minister of Mauritanian Digital Transformation, Innovation and Modernization of Administration, highlighted the major objectives and axes of the digital transformation strategy in the Republic to provide an appropriate environment for women in the digital field. For her part, Ms. Safiya bint Intah, Minister of Mauritanian Social Affairs, Children and Family, indicated that nearly four thousand projects of women have been funded and more than five thousand girls have been trained in the digital field, in addition to a number of other development programs.

Following the opening session, the Mauritanian First Lady and the Director-General of ICESCO along with the conference guests visited the exhibition, in which the entities and companies operating in the field of digital transformation in Mauritania provided explanations about their efforts to enhance the role of women in digital transformation and provide them with job opportunities.

Afterwards, the conference started its working sessions. The first session discussed ‘Digitization and gender: towards bridging the gender gap in the field of technology’. The second session addressed the topic of ‘Digitization: challenges and opportunities’ while the third session tackled ‘Women for information technology: the path toward success stories of women leaders in digital field’.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited the 3rd edition of “Joussour” Exhibition, being held in Casablanca, from 13 to 31 December 2023, by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Hassan II Mosque Foundation. This exhibition comes after its first edition in Thailand and the second in Albania.

During the visit, the exhibition organizers provided Dr. AlMalik with a detailed explanation of the rare books and manuscripts displayed at the exhibition. They also presented a hall illustrating the historical journey of Hajj throughout the ages, the role of the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, Library of the Great Mosque of Mecca, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts in serving Muslims worldwide, as well as a pavilion dedicated to highlighting the historical relations between Saudi Arabia and Morocco.

ICESCO Director-General commended the “Joussour” exhibition, affirming that all three editions of the Exhibition demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s efforts in building bridges with various countries worldwide, in line with the Kingdom’s vision, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister, promoting openness and communication with all, in consolidation of the values of coexistence and global peace.

Dr. AlMalik commended the Exhibition for showcasing the depth of historical relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Morocco. He also noted the importance of its presentations on Quranic competitions, care for Quran, in addition to historical, archaeological, and civilizational mosques, as well as rare manuscripts, serving as rich material for researchers. Moreover, the virtual Hajj journey allowed visitors to explore the rituals of Hajj’ and their performance, and a virtual visit to Mecca.

at the close of his visit, the Director-General extended gratitude to the exhibition organizers for the invitation and appreciated the initiatives by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance to present the true image of our compassionate religion, promoting coexistence, love, and peace.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ms. Haifa Najjar, Minister of Culture of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, to discuss ways of fortifying cooperation between ICESCO and Jordan in cultural fields and supporting young innovators.

At the outset of the meeting, held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat on Monday, 18 December 2023, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the key facets of the Organization’s new vision and strategic orientations rooted in openness and broad partnerships for the benefit of the Islamic world and humanity at large. Dr. AlMalik also shed light on the pivotal initiatives, programs, and projects implemented by ICESCO, particularly those geared towards cultivating the technological and innovative capacities of youth, promoting investment in space sciences, and strengthening the values of coexistence and peace.

Dr. AlMalik underscored the Organization’s commitment to bolstering communication with competent authorities in its Member States. This involves a keen understanding of their needs and priorities to formulate plans and programs aligned with these imperatives. Dr. AlMalik expressed his aspiration to strengthen collaboration between ICESCO and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

For her part, the Jordanian Minister of Culture acknowledged the notable transformations and progress within ICESCO over the past four years, expressing delight at the Organization’s adeptness in enhancing the civilizational splendor of the Islamic world and repositioning it globally to befit its esteemed stature.

Moreover, the meeting explored proposals for collaboration between ICESCO and the Jordanian Ministry of Culture, particularly in the areas of heritage preservation and valorization, as well as the support and cultivation of innovators, with a focus on youth and their active participation in ICESCO’s cultural activities. The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain coordinated efforts between the two parties to realize these objectives.

Ms. Haifa Najjar welcomed an invitation to contribute intellectually to the publications of ICESCO’s International Think Tank for Thought, Letters, and Arts, “Culture for Rethinking the World”. This platform convenes an esteemed gathering of innovators and notable figures, including intellectuals, scholars, researchers, and thinkers from around the globe.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, and Dr. Barry Koumbou, Head of the Education Sector.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied the Jordanian Minister of Culture on a tour of ICESCO to exhibit the progress made towards the modernization and development of the Organization’s headquarters and working mechanisms.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of The Gambia, and Mr. Yankuba Dibba, the Chief Executive Officer of the Organizing Committee for the 15th OIC Islamic Summit, to be hosted by The Gambia next year, to discuss ICESCO’s participation details in the Summit.

At the outset of the meeting, held in Rabat, Morocco, Dr. AlMalik warmly welcomed the Gambian delegation, expressing ICESCO’s keenness to bolster collaboration with The Gambia in the fields of education, science, and culture through joint programs and activities tailored to meet The Gambia’s priority needs in these vital sectors.

The meeting discussed the participation of ICESCO’s delegation, led by its Director-General, in the 15th Islamic Summit. In the same vein, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that ICESCO is endeavoring to actively and innovatively contribute to this major event to showcase the Organization’s initiatives and efforts within its area of competence before the Islamic world leaders, which are in perfect alignment with its new vision and strategic orientations. He also expressed his confidence in The Gambian authorities’ ability to efficiently organize this significant international gathering.

The 11th Meeting of the Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC), in its new composition, kicked off today, Monday, December 18, 2023, at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The Meeting saw the election of the Committee’s new Bureau for a four-year term, headed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as Vice-Chair and the Republic of Senegal as Rapporteur.

Prior to the Meeting, Dr. Salim. M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, welcomed the Committee members, expressing his good wishes for the success of this key event. He also commended the IWHC’s work, in its previous composition under the presidency of the State of Kuwait, and the tremendous efforts exerted to inscribe the Islamic world heritage, noting that the Committee represents a key pillar in ICESCO’s strategy to preserve and safeguard heritage, along with building the capacities of young people and professionals in this area.

The Director-General also talked about the Islamic World Heritage Center and its ability to overcome the large number of obstacles it had faced, by attracting remarkable capacities and expertise, to fulfill its goal to inscribe 1,000 heritage sites and cultural elements by 2025.

At the outset, the Committee adopted its Draft Agenda. Dr. Mohammed Zine Alabidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, gave an address where he stressed that the Meeting seeks to inscribe, promote and preserve the heritage of the Islamic world. The Meeting also reviewed several ICESCO’s heritage documents, discussed the Activity Report of the Islamic World Heritage Center and examined the submitted nomination files for the inscription of historic sites and cultural elements in the Islamic World Heritage List.

Moreover, the Meeting elected the new members of the IWHC Bureau, as adopted in the 12th Session of the Conference of Culture Ministers in the Islamic World, held in Doha, State of Qatar, last September, namely, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Brunei Darussalam, Benin, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Gabon, Senegal, Kazakhstan, Palestine and Malaysia. The Bureau members selected Mr. Mohammed Al-Aidarous, KSA representative as Chair, Mr. Fadi Abedallah Youssef Balaawi, representative of Jordan as Vice-Chair, and Ms. Ndaye Khady Diouf, representative of Senegal as Rapporteur.

The Meeting’s working sessions examined the nomination files submitted by the Member States to inscribe their historic sites and cultural elements on the Islamic World Heritage Lists.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) mourns the death of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away on Saturday (December 16, 2023).

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, for himself and on behalf of all the Organization’s staff, expresses sincere condolences to the ruling family and the people of Kuwait, beseeching Allah Almighty to bestow his mercy on the late Emir and grant him the highest paradise.

At this sorrowful moment, ICESCO Director-General commended the great role the deceased fulfilled in serving cultural issues and developing the fields of science as well as his keenness to strengthen humanitarian action and promote sustainable development, pointing out to the great development of cooperation between ICESCO and the competent Kuwaiti authorities during his reign.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International Space University in France have signed an Agreement to establish the ICESCO Chair for “Space Engineering and Space Sciences” at the University. This Agreement seeks to enhance scientific research and training in the field of space systems engineering and space sciences, establish standards for documenting studies, exchange information in the field, and facilitate collaboration among professors and researchers in universities and institutions specialized in space sciences.

The Agreement was signed by Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr. Nicolas Peter, President of the International Space University, on Friday 15 December 2023, through teleconferencing. Dr. Taiwo Tejumola, Chair’s Director, and Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor in the Science and Technology Sector at ICESCO, also participated in the signing.

In his remark, Dr. Al-Malik underscored that this Chair addresses the imperative to cultivate the capabilities of researchers and enhance collaboration among those working in space engineering and sciences.

Moreover, he affirmed ICESCO’s commitment to support space exploration efforts and the development of modern sciences and technology to improve life on Earth, preserve the planet facing numerous challenges, and promote knowledge and innovation. On the other hand, Dr. Peter reiterated that the International Space University, through its partnership with ICESCO, attempts to nurture the skills of youth and elevate their aspirations, recognizing that talents transcend geographical boundaries.

According to the terms of the Agreement, the ICESCO Chair at the International Space University in France aims to contribute to the completion of several scientific research projects in the field of space sciences. It also seeks to raise awareness of professional development opportunities in the field of space engineering, foster collaboration between the University and the Organization in advancing higher education curricula in engineering and space sciences for ICESCO Member States, and encourage knowledge exchange.

Following the signing of the Agreement, the ICESCO Director-General addressed the young graduates during the graduation ceremony at the International Space University via teleconferencing. He extended warm congratulations and offered words of encouragement, urging them to persist in their endeavors to contribute to the development of space sciences in order to tackle future challenges with a combination of scientific passion, an inquisitive spirit of exploration, and love for knowledge.