Category: News update

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with Nomadhood Platform, and in partnership with several regional and international institutions and bodies, held a symposium on climate issues and the fight against air pollution. The event aimed at strengthening ways and mechanisms for knowledge and experience sharing on the environment and enhancing the role of youth in COP27, which will be hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt, in Sharm El-Sheikh, next November.

Dr. Foued El Ayni, Expert in Science and Technology Sector, and Dr. Huda Abdullah Megeirhi, Expert at the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, represented ICESCO in this symposium via videoconference. Dr. El Ayni reviewed the Organization’s efforts to contribute to environmental protection, green economy transition, and Member States’ capacity-building to adapt to the repercussions of climate change and air pollution through the consolidation of the concepts of smart and sustainable cities, awareness-raising among youth and training on the importance of preserving the planet.

For her part, Dr. Megeirhi highlighted the importance of the culture of dialogue on climate and air issues and their environmental and socio-economic repercussions, noting the need to preserve biological diversity through modern environmental technologies to achieve ambitious goals in the field of climate and promote dialogue between civilizations and generations to stress the importance of protecting the environment and the need for environmental dialogue based on respect for human values, justice and tolerance.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia (CSAMR) in the Republic of Bashkortostan signed an agreement to create the ICESCO Chair for Arabic Language in Service of Dialogue and Coexistence at the Russian Islamic University, which reports to the Central Spiritual Administration. The Chair aims to promote the position of Arabic among the foreign languages taught at the Russian Islamic University in Ufa, and in all the universities of the Russian Federation and the countries of Central Asia.
The Agreement was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and His Eminence Shaykh al-Islam Talgat Safa Tajuddin, Chairman of the CSAMR.

The Chair falls within the framework of the cooperation programme between ICESCO and Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance to support the “Project of Teaching Arabic in non-Arabic Speaking Countries.” It aims at intensifying scientific and educational research on issues of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers at the Russian Islamic University in Ufa and in all educational and scientific research institutions in the Russian Federation and countries of Central Asia; and developing approaches, curricula and tools for teaching Arabic for non-Arabic speakers within the framework of the local specificities of the region.

The Chair also seeks to enrich the comparative linguistic studies between Arabic and the mother languages of students and researchers; highlight the literary and scientific heritage written in the languages of Muslim peoples transcribed in the Arabic script in the Russian Federation and the countries of Central Asia; and highlight the moderation of Islam, its civilizational contributions and its noble human values.

The creation of the Chair falls as part of ICESCO’s vision to capitalize on specialized university chairs in the field of Arabic for Non-Arabic speakers to promote the roles of universities in promoting applied linguistic research, excellence and innovation, and diversifying sources of knowledge to enable universities to lead national efforts to develop Arabic education and create the necessary academic conditions to foster the spirit of innovation, initiative and development.

The national training session on the development of Arabic speaking skills, which was held by the ICESCO Educational Center in Malaysia, in cooperation with the Malaysian Ministry of Education, the Excellence Center for Arabic Teaching Methods at the Islamic Higher Institute, and the Department of Arabic Studies and Linguistics at the International Islamic University College in Selangor, concluded its activities. The event is part of the activities of ICESCO’s Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, and the cooperation programmes between ICESCO and the National Commissions for Education, Science and Culture.

The closing ceremony, which was held on Friday, September 30, 2022, at the headquarters of the ICESCO Educational Center in Malaysia, brought together Dr. Abdul Razeq bin Zaini, Vice President of the International Islamic University College in Selangor, and Mr. Muhammad Fawzi bin Abdul and Mr. Muhammad Nur Sham bin Abdul Rahman, officials in the Malaysian Ministry of Education.

The four-day training session saw the participation of 56 Malaysian education professionals working in the field of Arabic language teaching from various Malaysian states and was moderated by three Malaysian experts, Dr. Noor Mazida bint Mahmoud, Dr. Azali bin Zainuddin and Dr. Shukri bin Zainuddin, in addition to a host of lecturers from the Department of Arabic Studies and Linguistics at the International University College in Selangor.

Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Ms. Françoise Remarck, Ivorian Minister of Culture and Francophonie, where they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between ICESCO and Côte d’Ivoire in the field of culture.

The meeting, held on Friday 30 September 2022, on the sidelines of the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT 2022), saw the participation of Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO Culture and Communication Sector; Robert Djérou Ly, Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Mexico; and several officials of the Ivorian Ministry of Culture.

During the meeting, Dr. Benarafa reviewed the general orientations of ICESCO, stressing that Africa is at the heart of its priorities and strategic vision through the implementation of several programmes in the fields of education, science and culture.For her part, Ms. Remarck praised ICESCO’s efforts for the benefit of its Member States, welcoming the inscription of three historical sites on the Heritage List in the Islamic world in 2022.

The two parties also explored the necessary arrangements to proclaim Abidjan as the African region’s Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2023. In this regard, the Minister reaffirmed the willingness of her country to organize the celebration in line with ICESCO’s Programme for Culture Capitals in the Islamic World.

The International Scientific Conference on Modern Challenges in Theoretical and Experimental Chemistry, which was held by the Islamic World Education, Science and Culture Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with Baku State University in the Republic of Azerbaijan, concluded its proceedings on Friday, September 30, 2022. The event aimed at promoting scientific research in theoretical and experimental chemistry, encouraging young researchers to pursue a career in the field, and celebrating the contributions of the Azerbaijani scientist Rafiga Aliyeva to the fields of chemistry and the environment.

The two-day Conference witnessed the participation of high-caliber personalities, notably ministers, officials, scientists and specialists in science and technology. During the sessions, the participants discussed the contributions of the scientist Rafiga Aliyeva to chemistry and exchanged thoughts on some modern applied research in the fields of analytical and environmental chemistry, environmental protection and chemistry teaching methodology.

In his address, Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at ICESCO’s Science and Technology Sector, reviewed the Organization’s efforts in promoting scientific research, modern technology and artificial intelligence, and developing entrepreneurship in Member States through various initiatives, programmes and activities, namely ICESCO’s programme for training youth in creating and developing small-scale projects in the fields of technology and innovation.

On behalf of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, gave an address at UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT, 2022), held in Mexico City, on 28-30 September 2022, wherein he reaffirmed that the Organization strives to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals relevant to cultural heritage by encouraging the cultural and creative industries, and the digital cultural economy, and building a virtual and interactive labor market that is largely interconnected with a high added value.

During this Conference, which witnessed the participation of several ministers of cultural affairs, representatives of specialized international organizations and a group of distinguished cultural, literary and artistic figures, Dr. Benarafa indicated that ICESCO also endeavors to promote the “culture and development” agenda and highlight the links between culture and peoples’ aspirations to build and restore peace.

He also explained that ICESCO contributes to developing the concept of culture, in cooperation with authors and researchers through studies and research works aiming to further explore the renewed meanings of digital culture and cultural and creative industries in their relation to GDP, growth and performance indicators, gender issues and the status of artists and creators.

Moreover, Dr. Benarafa pointed out that ICESCO issued several documents in Arabic, French and English on cultural mediation and rights, the role of civil society in promoting dialogue and peace, and culture and the city, stressing that these documents resulted in the establishment of new institutions in many Member States.

In conclusion, he noted that ICESCO, in cooperation with many of its Member States, addresses many of the issues included in the agenda of MONDIACULT 2022, through its “International Think Tank: Culture for Rethinking the World” and “International Center of Holistic Policies for the Promotion of Cultural Reality,” adding that ICESCO aims to cooperate with UNESCO to enhance the status of culture and peace worldwide.

The Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the American “Embrace Relief” Organization held a meeting to examine the prospects of cooperation in the fields of sustainable development, addressing social and health challenges, educational development and capacity building for women and children.

The Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector was represented in the meeting, which was held on Thursday, September 29, 2022, via videoconference, by Ms. Amira ElFadil, Head of the Sector, and her working team, while the “Embrace Relief” Organization was represented by Mr. Savas Metin, Head of Projects, and several members of his working team.

During the meeting, Ms. Amira ElFadil highlighted ICESCO’s new vision and strategic orientations, casting light on key programs and projects implemented by the Organization in its Member States. She also emphasized ICESCO’s eagerness to cooperate with the Organization to support its Member States in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, addressing social and health challenges, developing education, empowering women and children, and ensuring access to water supply and sanitation.

For his part, Mr. Metin made a presentation on his Organization’s areas of work and its programs on education, health care, water and sanitation, women’s rehabilitation, agriculture, refugees and displaced persons. He also indicated that Embrace Relief is active in 40 countries around the world, and has partnerships with the United Nations and the African Union bodies.

At the close of the meeting, both parties identified several areas of common interest and agreed to continue discussions and coordination to establish a fruitful partnership between the two organizations.

Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), chaired the closing ministerial session of the World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT 2022), organized by UNESCO with the participation of 115 ministers of culture and 70 international organizations and institutions representing the Member States. The session, held under the theme “Culture for Sustainable Development,” was attended by the respective Ministers of Culture of Egypt, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Indonesia, Sierra Leone and Namibia, as well as seven international organizations.

The statements of the participating ministers focused on ways to develop cultural policies in the Member States, notably indicators of cultural and creative industries whose annual revenues exceed 2.250 billion dollars, representing 13% of urban employment rates.

The participants stressed that culture is now a major economic locomotive for sustainable tourism, supported by 90% of the population of the world’s countries, due to the income it generates through art events, heritage industries and traditional skills.

While chairing the session, Dr. Zinelabidine commended the standing partnership between UNESCO and ICESCO, stating that both organizations are working to improve the indicators of the cultural and creative economy for integrated sustainable development. He also stressed that the creative industries are a vital sector that currently generates 29.5 million direct jobs for young people aged 15 to 29. He added that both organizations are working to render culture a lever of sustainable development for their respective Member States, including the allocation and support of the role of creative women.

Moreover, the head of the Culture and Communication Sector explained that the virtual creative industries have witnessed an increase of more than 34% in terms of demand for video subscriptions, which has led ICESCO to address cultural policy issues from a new perspective that takes into account the transformations caused by the “purple economy.” The latter is a fundamental alternative to the transforming economies, on par with the green economy, blue economy, digital economy, and solidarity and social economy. This significance stems from cultural development’s contributions to the unique construction of the concept of human wealth, both symbolically and financially, in the countries of the Islamic world.

Likewise, Dr. Zinelabidine stated that ICESCO’s recent establishment of the “Holistic Policy Center for the Promotion of Cultural Reality” and the “International Think Tank: Culture for Rethinking the World” attests to its steadfast commitment to addressing current cultural challenges, its interest in the transformations it is witnessing, and its determination to prioritize the aspect of creative development through contemporary qualitative and quantitative studies, research and scientific approaches.

As part of the celebration of Rabat as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is taking part in the second edition of the Dmana International Forum for Dhikr and Samaa, held under the slogan “The Spiritual Aesthetic Dimension and its Role in Serving the Unity of the Homeland and the Nation.” The event is organized by the Assafa Limadh Almustapha Association in Ouazzane, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Province of Ouazzane, and the Agency for the Promotion and Development of the North.

Mr. Najib Riati, Cultural Advisor to ICESCO Director-General, represented the Organization during the three-day Forum, which kicked off on Thursday, September 29, 2022. In his address at the opening session, which took place at the Independence Square, he emphasized the importance of this spiritual and artistic Forum, and its role not only in promoting the civilizational and cultural wealth of the city but also in enriching cultural diversity, which represents one of the strategic objectives of the celebration of culture capitals in the Islamic world.

“Guided by its concern to document cultural heritage, ICESCO inscribed the technique and skill of the Ouazzani Djellaba on the Islamic World Heritage List,” added the ICESCO official.

Mr. Riati concluded his address with a poem entitled “The Crown of Praises” composed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, in praise of the city of Ouazzane and its ancient cultural and civilizational history.

The Social and Human Sciences Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a meeting with the Projects Sector of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum, where they discussed cooperation developments between the two parties.

Mrs. Ramata Almami Mbaye, Head of Social and Human Sciences Sector, and her team represented ICESCO in this meeting, held via videoconference, on Friday (September 30, 2022), while the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum was represented by Ms. Togba Sirin Sersi, Director of International Projects, along with experts from the Forum.

During the meeting, the Social and Human Sciences Sector stressed the importance the Organization attaches to building the capacities of youth and women, mental health issues, peacebuilding and the development of educational systems in the Islamic world, highlighting ICESCO’s major programmes and activities in these fields.

For her part, Ms. Togba Serene Searcy praised ICESCO’s support for the Forum and thanked ICESCO Director-General for the video message he delivered to the 1st World Youth Summit, organized in August 2022, which was largely appreciated by the participants.

The Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum reviewed its major activities and programmes and stressed its keenness to benefit from the expertise of ICESCO in the upcoming programmes, especially on culture, youth capacity-building and social cohesion.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to continue joint action to promote the status of youth in the Islamic world.