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Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a series of bilateral meetings with a number of ministers and heads of delegations participating in the Organization’s 15th General Conference in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation. The meetings, which took place on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, focused on ways to strengthen cooperation in education, culture, and capacity building, as well as promoting the Arabic language among non-native speakers.

As part of these meetings, Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Mahamat Ahmat Alhabo, Chad’s Minister of State for National Education, Bilingualism and Citizenship Promotion. The two sides discussed ways to support youth empowerment, teacher training, and capacity building in Arabic language education. In this regard, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s readiness to intensify Arabic language programs for the benefit of administrative staff and managers, and to adopt flexible educational mechanisms that allow for increased benefit across various departments and ministries.

Dr. AlMalik also met with Dr. Al-Tohami Al-Zein Hajar, the Sudanese Minister of Education, and both discussed ways of strengthening cooperation in educational curriculum printing and the reactivation of the Sinnar Regional Centre for Dialogue and Cultural Diversity. They also talked about supporting projects related to youth and capacity building that serve current priorities and enhance the sustainability of educational and cultural programs.

Subsequently, Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Mohamed Abdul Salam Al-Qariou, the Libyan Minister of Education. They both reviewed ways to expand cooperation in education and curriculum development, and support remedial education initiatives for drop-out students and those with educational difficulties. The meeting also addressed integrating the values of tolerance and citizenship into education, as well as teacher training and professional development.

In another meeting, Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Ahmed Mohamed, the Maldives’ Minister of State for Education. During the meeting, the two sides explored the possibility of ICESCO supporting the implementation of educational projects and organizing seminars related to the Arabic language. Dr. Al-Malik called for developing cooperation through joint programs that meet the Maldives’ needs.

Dr. AlMalik concluded his meetings with a discussion with Mr. Bakhodir Ahmadov, First Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan. They emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural cooperation and expanding areas of partnership to support heritage preservation and the revitalization of joint initiatives in line with ICESCO’s approach to promoting the integration of culture and education, and building capacity in Member States and beyond.

The 15th session of the General Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded on Wednesday evening, 13 May 2026, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, in the presence of His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic. The Conference approved all documents and recommendations, and formed the Bureau of both the General Conference and the Executive Council of the Organization, following sessions attended by delegations of Member States in person and remotely to discuss and exchange views on the Organization’s upcoming priorities.

The Conference sessions approved the applications of the Republic of Turkmenistan and the Federative Republic of Brazil, as well as the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, for observer status with ICESCO. It also approved the report of the Executive Council on its activities between the fourteenth and fifteenth sessions.

The Conference further approved the report of the General Directorate on ICESCO’s activities for 2021-2025, along with the financial reports for the same period. It also approved the report on Member States’ contributions to ICESCO’s budget for the financial years 2021-2024. These milestones were considered part of the ongoing effort to strengthen financial governance transparency and ensure the sustainability of the Organization’s resources, in a manner that guarantees the implementation of programs in line with the priorities and needs of Member States.

Participants also approved the strategic action plan and budget of the Organization for 2026-2029, as well as the membership of the Executive Council and the composition of the Bureau of the General Conference. Deliberations addressed the alignment of work streams in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication, with emphasis on aligning initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening capacity building, empowering institutions, and expanding partnerships.

The sessions featured extensive discussions on the outcomes of ICESCO’s programs and initiatives, during which heads of delegations highlighted the progress achieved in terms of coordination, cooperation, innovation development, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. Interventions underscored the importance of investing in education and scientific research, safeguarding heritage, promoting cultural dialogue, supporting youth and women, and responding to the challenges of digital transformation, to meet the needs of Member States and the aspirations of their peoples.

At the close of the Conference, participants sent a message of thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Rais Rustam Minnikhanov for the warm hospitality and the high-quality organization of the General Conference, which reflected the pivotal role of Tatarstan in strengthening humanitarian and civilizational ties between the Islamic world and Russia.

At its opening session, the General Conference had approved the re-election of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik as Director-General of the Organization for a second term. It also approved the extension of the Arab Republic of Egypt’s presidency of the Conference, the appointment of the representative of the Republic of Senegal as Vice-President, and the representative of the Republic of Maldives as Rapporteur, until the convening of the sixteenth session. The Conference further approved the organizational decisions related to the functioning of the governing bodies and follow-up procedures, thereby reinforcing the regularity of the Organization’s work and the coherence of its programs.

AlMalik Thanks the Rais for Hosting the Organization’s General Conference and Confirms ICESCO’s Readiness to Launch the Tuqay Cultural Award

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the 15th session of ICESCO’s General Conference. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to cooperate in ensuring the success of the celebration of Kazan as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2026, as well as building youth capacity in the field of entrepreneurship.

During the meeting, held on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in the capital, Kazan, Dr. AlMalik expressed his deepest gratitude to Rais Minnikhanov for his country’s hosting of the Organization’s General Conference, noting that the proceedings were conducted in a manner befitting Tatarstan’s status as a cultural bridge between the Islamic world and Russia.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s readiness to launch a cultural award named after the Tatarstani thinker, writer, and poet Ğabdulla Tuqay, and to collaborate on the preparation of a special program to celebrate the city of Kazan during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, due to be held next June. He also affirmed ICESCO’s commitment to cooperate in implementing the Organization’s program for training youth on how to start small projects in the fields of technology and innovation in Tatarstan, in parallel with the Kazan Global Youth Summit.

For his part, His Excellency Rais Minnikhanov expressed his appreciation for the selection of Kazan as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World, noting that this would contribute to highlighting the city’s cultural heritage and rich history.

The two sides discussed mechanisms for establishing a regional ICESCO center in Kazan and the Organization’s participation as a strategic partner in organizing the annual meeting of the “Russia–Islamic World” Strategic Vision Group.

The meeting was attended on the ICESCO side by Dr. Abdellilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, and Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector. Representing the Tatar side were Ms. Liliia Fazlieva, Deputy Prime Minister; Ms. Irada Ayupova, Minister of Culture; Mr. Marat Gatin, Assistant to the Rais and Deputy Chairman of the “Russia–Islamic World” Strategic Vision Group; and Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Assistant to the Rais for International Relations.

The proceedings of the 15th session of the General Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) opened on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, in the presence of His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, with the participation of a number of ministers, heads of National Commissions, Member States’ delegations, and representatives of international and regional organizations, both in person and remotely.

In his address at the opening session, His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov stated that Russia and the countries of the Islamic world have traditionally been bound by strong relations based on trust and mutual respect. He added that convening the ICESCO General Conference in Kazan strengthens multilateral relationships between Russia and the Organization’s Member States, commending the efforts of ICESCO under the leadership of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik in its fields of competence.

For his part, Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs, commended Dr. AlMalik’s role in developing the fields of culture, education, and science, and his contribution to strengthening the Organization’s regional and international presence. He welcomed the renewal of confidence in Dr. AlMalik to ensure the continuity of programs and projects and expand their impact.

Subsequently, Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Arab Republic of Egypt and President of the ICESCO General Conference, affirmed that ICESCO continues to consolidate its position as an effective international organization in education, science, culture, and communication, serving as a platform for civilizational dialogue, the promotion of joint Islamic action, and the anticipation of global transformations. He considered that the accomplished achievements reflect an institutional model based on partnership with the Member States.

In the statement of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Sami bin Mohammed bin Abdullah Alsadhan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation, expressed thanks to Member States for the re-election of Dr. AlMalik, the Kingdom’s nominee, for a second term, highlighting ICESCO’s role in promoting the values of understanding and rapprochement among peoples.

Following the General Conference’s approval of his election for a second term, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, reviewed the Organization’s institutional frameworks that provide greater flexibility and enhanced capacity for adaptation and resilience. He also outlined the goals of the next phase, describing it as an innovative vision centered on creativity, driven by youth, and grounded in the firm belief that the future is shaped through knowledge, openness, and joint action.

Dr. AlMalik noted that the Organization seeks to expand its impact beyond the Islamic world by building bridges of civilizational dialogue, strengthening cultural presence, and opening up to the horizons of science, research, and foresight, emphasizing that the true measure of success lies in the impact of programs and initiatives on the lives of peoples.

Concluding his address, the Director-General of ICESCO thanked Member States for renewing their confidence, and extended special thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. He also commended Tatarstan’s hosting of the Conference and expressed his appreciation to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, and to the Moroccan Government for their support and for hosting the Organization’s headquarters.

During its two-day sessions, the Conference will consider the approval of applications submitted by Turkmenistan, Brazil, and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law to obtain observer status with the Organization. It will also approve the report of the Executive Council and the report of the General Directorate on activities for the period 2021–2025, as well as the draft strategic plan and budget for 2026–2029.

The General Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) approved the continuation of the Arab Republic of Egypt’s chairmanship of its 15th session, which kicked off on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in the city of Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation.

In the same context, agreement was reached, following consultations, on the composition of the Bureau of the General Conference, whereby the representative of the Republic of Senegal will serve as Vice-Chair, while the representative of the Republic of Maldives will serve as Rapporteur. The Bureau will continue its work for a four-year term until the convening of the 16th session of the ICESCO General Conference.

On this occasion, Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Arab Republic of Egypt and President of the ICESCO General Conference, stated that ICESCO is moving forward with confidence in consolidating its position as an effective international organization in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication. He added that the Organization has, in recent years, succeeded in presenting an advanced institutional model based on partnership with Member States and their National Commissions, as well as openness to emerging trends and future challenges.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the opening of the history and contemporary art exhibition titled “Paradise Gardens: The Art of Russian Islam,” on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. The exhibition is organized by the National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation at its headquarters in Kazan, with high-level attendance, including ministers and officials, led by Ms. Irada Ayupova, Minister of Culture of Tatarstan.

In his opening remarks, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the special significance of the exhibition, being organized concurrently with ICESCO’s celebration of Kazan as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2026. He underscored that this celebration represents an exceptional opportunity to showcase the city’s cultural treasures to the world and strengthen artistic and intellectual exchange among civilizations.

The ICESCO Director-General commended the cultural outreach of the exhibition, which embodies the memory of the city of Kazan through its poetry, musical melodies, and handicrafts across the ages. He emphasized that the city speaks the language of culture through its streets, architecture, and distinguished museums, a characteristic shared by Tatarstan as a whole, where music, painting, and traditional crafts flourish, and where the literary heritage and poetry of Abdullah Tukay illuminate the minds and hearts of its people.

Dr. AlMalik affirmed that the National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan opens broader horizons for Tatar culture by shedding light on the richness of national heritage, in addition to its role in presenting the region’s artistic identity and promoting cultural dialogue among nations and peoples.

He concluded by commending the efforts of the Ministry of Culture of Tatarstan in promoting cultural excellence, which have contributed to making Kazan a shining model of a city where heritage and contemporary creativity coexist in complete harmony.

It is worth noting that the National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan is the oldest museum in the country. It houses the private collection of Russian archaeologist and historian Andrei Likhachev, comprising 40,000 artifacts, as well as a valuable collection of rare manuscripts and the personal archives of prominent figures in Tatar culture.

The General Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) unanimously approved the re-election of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik as Director-General of the Organization for a new term, following Dr. AlMalik’s nomination by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the 15th session of the General Conference, which kicked off on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in Kazan, in the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation.

In this context, the ICESCO General Conference approved a proposal submitted by the Arab Republic of Egypt to add two years to Dr. AlMalik’s first mandate, in compensation for the exceptional circumstances imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions on the Organization’s strategic plans, and in recognition of the significant progress achieved by ICESCO at both the international and regional levels.

In his address following the election, Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah protect him, and to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, for the honor of his nomination. He noted that this nomination reflects the Kingdom’s approach to strengthening inspiring leadership, mobilizing human capacities, and advancing Saudi leaders to assume positions of leadership in international organizations, thereby reaffirming the Kingdom’s advanced role in building a future founded on peace, security, and prosperity.

Dr. AlMalik affirmed that ICESCO, as the civilizational voice of the Islamic world, stands ready to move forward with its Member States to translate civilizational enlightenment into reality, particularly as a historic opportunity opens for the Islamic world to advance boldly in shaping a new era. He emphasized that the region possesses the material and human capacities that qualify it to achieve its aspirations.

It is worth noting that ICESCO has, in recent years, undergone comprehensive development and extensive modernization across its sectors, departments, and centers, in line with innovative action plans and a strategic vision aimed at developing and implementing pioneering initiatives, programs, and projects in the fields of education, science, technology, culture, and communication. This has been accompanied by openness to broad partnership horizons that have positioned the Organization at the forefront of advanced, high-performing, and distinguished regional organizations.

Kazan Federal University in the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation hosted a cultural seminar dedicated to “Khamissiyat”, the poetry collection of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. The event was attended by Dr. Murat Gatin, Assistant to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan and Deputy Chairman of the “Russia – Islamic World” Strategic Vision Group, along with university officials, academics, researchers, students, and individuals interested in cultural affairs.

During the seminar, Dr. AlMalik presented his vision of poetry as a space for contemplation and a medium for shaping meaning, considering that measured verse remains capable of consolidating values and cultivating a refined taste. He further emphasized that literary creativity constitutes a complementary dimension to cultural and intellectual work in a rapidly changing world.

Dr. AlMalik also shared details of his experience with “Khamissiyat,” explaining that the work brought him new friendships and opened for him worlds and horizons previously unfamiliar to him. It also deepened his connection to his homeland, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While love for his homeland had long been present within his conscience, the five-line poems, as he expressed it, came to articulate that love through an aesthetic awareness befitting the “homeland of values and beauty.”

He explained that the writing of this poetry collection extended over eleven consecutive years, during which he composed five-line poems characterized by density of meaning and reflections on contemplation, identity, and values. He also addressed the writing of poetry in the age of artificial intelligence, affirming that lived human experience is the substance that grants poetry its uniqueness, and that poetic texts cannot be reduced to technology alone, but are instead shaped by the pulse and journey of human beings.

Dr. AlMalik added that “Khamissiyat” enabled him to move beyond the formal handling of issues concerning the Islamic world toward a more human and emotionally resonant mode of expression, which he described as a gain that broadens the horizons of expression and brings the message closer to people.

Following the seminar, students recited excerpts from “Khamissiyat,” touching on themes of faith, wisdom, ethics, and praise of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The university subsequently proposed translating the collection into Russian, a proposal warmly welcomed by Dr. AlMalik.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a forum titled “The Blue Economy Needs Her: Digitalization, Innovation, and Women’s Leadership,” featuring experts and professionals from African countries who participated in person and remotely. The forum took place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in celebration of the International Day for Women in the Maritime Sector on May 18.

During the opening session, a video message from ICESCO Director-General Dr. Salim M. AlMalik was streamed. In the message, he emphasized that the forum went beyond a simple discussion of maritime economic opportunities, reflecting a deeper ambition to broaden the horizons of participation, leadership, and human progress. He noted that throughout history, ports have been places where civilizations intersect and ideas are exchanged. He added that today’s digital transformation is reshaping maritime industries and opening new avenues for development and cooperation.

Dr. AlMalik added that women are increasingly asserting their presence at the heart of these transformations. He emphasized that their participation in leadership roles enriches institutions with a renewed vision and strengthens the human dimension of innovation. Dr. AlMalik also noted that the blue economy occupies a prominent place among ICESCO’s strategic priorities, especially since more than 40 of the Organization’s Member States are coastal countries. This opens up vast prospects for food security, scientific cooperation, and economic resilience.

Ms. Sabah Lazraq, Director of the Fisheries Industry at Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests, emphasized that developing the blue economy requires supporting the digital transition and promoting innovation within maritime value chains. She highlighted the importance of facilitating women’s access to training, professional empowerment, and entrepreneurship in maritime professions.

This was followed by a high-level session that brought together leading speakers from Africa and stakeholders from the maritime sector. The discussions focused on women’s leadership in the blue economy from strategic and practical perspectives, combining visions, on-the-ground experiences, and success stories.

The forum included a specialized workshop titled “Women, Digitalization, and the Future of Ports,” led by Dr. Sara AlMahri, a researcher and startup founder at the University of Cambridge. Dr. AlMahri presented a forward-looking vision of the inclusive digitalization of ports and provided concrete examples illustrating how innovation can create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs.