The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters in the State of Kuwait discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in media and cultural fields.
This came during a meeting held on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, in the Kuwaiti capital, bringing together Dr. Barakat Al Wegyan, Head of the Communication Division at ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector, and Dr. Mohammad Khaled Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.
During the meeting, the participants discussed the organization of training programs, workshops, and joint seminars that would contribute to the development of competencies, in addition to strengthening media and cultural exchange and reinforcing the role of media in accompanying cultural initiatives and highlighting their impact.
The meeting was attended, from the Council, by Mr. Mosaed Mohammed Al-Zamel, Assistant Secretary-General for the Arts Sector; Mr. Mohammed Bin Redha, Assistant Secretary-General for the Antiquities and Museums Sector; and Ms. Zahra Ali Baba, Head of the Division of Conservation and Restoration and of Historic Buildings.
The International Congress on Parasport Sciences concluded at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat. Held on 21 and 22 April 2026 under the theme “From Promotion to the Pursuit of Performance in Parasport,” the conference was organized under the supervision of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Sports for Persons with Disabilities, with the participation of researchers, coaches, sports physicians, and decision-makers. The event aimed to discuss a range of issues related to Parasport performance, technological innovation, governance, and inclusion in the sports sector.
During the opening session, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, reviewed, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, the Organization’s key initiatives to turn sport into a driver of development and inclusion. He emphasized that the conference is part of ICESCO’s efforts to encourage Member States to leverage science in shaping public policies on sound scientific foundations.
For his part, Mr. Hamid El Aouni, President of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Sports for Persons with Disabilities, stated that the conference constitutes a call to dismantle stereotypes and to reconstruct perceptions of disability and Parasport. Dr. Driss Daoui, Director of the Institute of Sports Professions in Morocco, considered that the meeting opens spaces for constructive dialogue among the various stakeholders.
Subsequently, Dr. Abderrazak El Akkari, Director of Sports at the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, called for the development of scientific research in the service of Parasport, describing it as an embodiment of human dignity and a means of empowerment and liberation.
In her intervention during the conference, Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector at ICESCO, stressed the importance of linking scientific research with community initiatives and public policies in a manner that enhances inclusion, human dignity, and social progress, particularly in the field of Parasport.
The congress also featured specialized scientific workshops led by experts and academics of various nationalities, addressing ways to enhance Parasport performance and to employ modern technology to consolidate the role of Parasport as a driver of human and social development.
Kazakhstan Nominates Turkistan as Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2027
On the sidelines of his participation in the Regional Environmental Summit held in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Aida Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, April 22, 2026, at the Astana Opera House.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and Kazakhstan in culture, heritage preservation, and capacity building. Ms. Balayeva commended the cooperation between the two sides, stressing that it is based on tangible achievements and a fruitful partnership. She also praised ICESCO’s high-quality programs and initiatives implemented over the past five years, particularly those related to the inscription and safeguarding of heritage sites in the Islamic world, as well as youth empowerment and capacity-building initiatives.
In this context, Ms. Balayeva announced the official nomination of Turkistan for the 2027 Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, with the support of His Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, alongside Kazakhstan’s candidacy to host the upcoming meeting of the Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC) in the city. She further underscored the importance of protecting heritage sites, especially those that are threatened or damaged in the Islamic world.
For his part, Dr. AlMalik affirmed ICESCO’s principled support for this nomination, in accordance with the approved procedures and regulations, reiterating the Organization’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Kazakhstan across areas of mutual interest.
Moreover, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to the Republic of Kazakhstan for its forthcoming hosting of the IWHC meeting next year, highlighting the importance of this step in supporting efforts to safeguard and promote heritage in the Member States. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of preparing and submitting nomination files for a number of heritage sites and elements in Kazakhstan, in line with ICESCO’s approved criteria and forms, in preparation for their inscription on the List of Heritage in the Islamic World and their discussion during the IWHC’s next session.
The two sides also discussed several proposed initiatives and activities, including the organization of international festivals dedicated to Turkish and Islamic decorative arts, bringing together artists from across the Islamic world, as well as the organization of training programs and workshops in the field of cultural heritage preservation and specialized programs for building the capacities of experts with the support of ICESCO.
The two parties agreed to establish a joint committee to examine the programs and activities to be included in Turkistan’s celebration as Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, to initiate the preparation of a formal cooperation agreement and an executive action plan, and to study the possibility of holding the 2027 Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World in Turkistan.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik extended an invitation to Ms. Balayeva to visit ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat and sign a joint cooperation agreement.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted a webinar titled “Voices of Opera and Jazz,” featuring the international artist Alia Sellami. The event was part of the “Artists of the World, Guests at ICESCO” program, which highlights the role of culture and artists in societal development and creativity. The program also aims to establish culture as a vehicle for dialogue, openness, and rapprochement among peoples.
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, opened the webinar with a speech in which he emphasized that art is an effective lever for social transformation and a bridge of communication between cultures. Dr. Zinelabidine highlighted the role of artists in building shared spaces of human understanding by awakening aesthetic sensibility, thought, and the collective imagination. Dr. Zinelabidine also noted that ICESCO relies on high-quality cultural initiatives to harness creative energies and broaden the scope of international cultural exchange.
During the conference, the Tunisian artist presented her artistic journey, which has been marked by an openness to diverse cultural worlds and the use of jazz and contemporary expressions to develop a unique artistic language that blends sound, movement, and improvisation. She emphasized that art is a universal language, transcending borders and cultural codes to touch the heart of the human experience. Art offers individuals the ability to express themselves and understand others.
She also affirmed that artistic creation is a profound human experience capable of expressing emotions, revealing identity, and fostering empathy. She emphasized the importance of the interdisciplinary dimension in the creative process, which allows individuals to discover themselves, assert their presence, and strengthen their interaction with their environment.
This webinar is part of ICESCO’s commitment to supporting artists and encouraging innovative cultural initiatives, which are essential for rethinking issues related to humanity and society.
Dr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Nurzhan Moldiyarovich Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, during his visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan to participate in the Regional Environment Summit, held from April 22 to 24, 2026.
During the meeting, held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in the capital, Astana, the two sides reviewed areas of joint cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, particularly programs and initiatives aimed at conserving water resources and enhancing the capacities and training of youth in this vital field.
The two sides reviewed Kazakhstan’s efforts in the water sector, especially following the establishment of the Ministry of Water Resources two years ago—a move reflecting a strategic focus on water resource management—as well as the integration of a culture of water conservation and its importance into educational programs.
Dr. AlMalik also highlighted the most significant initiatives and programs launched by ICESCO over the past five years in the field of water resource protection, addressing the challenges of water scarcity, and enhancing water security in Member States.
The two sides agreed on the importance of deepening cooperation and expanding areas of partnership to include the implementation of joint programs, as well as including these priorities in ICESCO’s strategic plan and action plan for the coming years.
For his part, the Kazakhstani minister affirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with ICESCO in this field and its readiness to share its expertise and experiences with Member States, thereby contributing to international efforts aimed at achieving water security and sustainable development in the Islamic world.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Gulsana Kozhabay, Chair of the Board of the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue (ICIID). The two officials signed a memorandum of understanding whereby ICESCO becomes a strategic partner in co-organizing the Ninth International Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, scheduled to be held in 2027 under the patronage of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, at the Center’s headquarters in Astana, focused on ways to strengthen cooperation between ICESCO and the Center, particularly in advancing and developing interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue and consolidating the values of mutual understanding and coexistence.
During the meeting, Ms. Kozhabay reviewed the Center’s key initiatives and programs aimed at promoting interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue, as well as its future orientations in light of current global challenges, which are expected to be addressed at the upcoming congress scheduled for next year.
For his part, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that this memorandum falls within the framework of supporting interreligious and intercultural dialogue, building relevant capacities, and rejecting all forms of extremism and fanaticism.
He noted that ICESCO has established the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, tasked with developing modern concepts, most notably the concept of “Civilizational Diplomacy,” which the Organization has adopted within its strategic initiatives as a means of promoting openness and mutual understanding with others through a renewed civilizational vision.
Dr. AlMalik also underscored the importance of engaging youth in these programs by equipping them with modern concepts of dialogue and encouraging their participation in relevant forums and conferences, enabling them to serve as ambassadors for their countries in promoting a culture of peace and understanding among peoples.
The memorandum of understanding includes several provisions, notably a strategic partnership in organizing the Ninth International Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which the Center convenes every two years with the participation of prominent international figures. The memorandum also stresses the importance of youth participation and attendance in these events.
Dr. AlMalik: ICESCO’s Satellite Aims to Support Scientific and Environmental Research in the Islamic World
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a joint satellite in 2028 bearing the name ICESCO, with the aim of enhancing scientific research in space sciences and developing and implementing related training programs and projects.
The MoU was signed on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, at the company’s headquarters in the capital, Astana, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Mr. Amanat Ombetbayev, Managing Director and Board Member of JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary.
Prior to the signing, the two sides held bilateral talks to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in support of advancing space sciences in ICESCO Member States. The discussions underscored the importance of launching a CubeSat satellite named ICESCO, with the participation of a number of partners and supporters, dedicated to scientific and environmental research. The satellite is expected to contribute to monitoring natural disasters and early warning systems, serving countries of the Islamic world and strengthening their capacities to address environmental challenges.
In this context, both sides highlighted the success of the specialized workshop on the design of an educational satellite (CanSat), hosted last year by Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in cooperation with ICESCO, which attracted wide participation and achieved outstanding results.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his appreciation to JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary for this fruitful cooperation, reaffirming the Organization’s commitment to supporting high-impact initiatives in space sciences that contribute to sustainable development and serve communities in its Member States.
Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik toured the Company’s scientific and research facilities, where he visited several specialized laboratories for the design, manufacture, and integration of satellites. He was briefed on the advanced technologies developed by the Kazakh team, reflecting the advanced level Kazakhstan has achieved in this vital field.
JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary is a leading national company in space technology, operating in the fields of remote sensing, satellite manufacturing, and the development of advanced space solutions.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the opening ceremony of the 18th edition of the International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM), which is being held from April 20 to 28, 2026, in Meknes, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, under the theme: “Sustainability of Livestock Production and Food Sovereignty.”
ICESCO was represented at the ceremony, which took place in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Organization. SIAM is indeed a flagship international event that brings together decision-makers, economic actors, and experts from the agricultural sector from around the world to explore ways to develop agriculture and promote sustainable development in rural areas.
This edition highlights initiatives to support livestock production, given its central role in transforming food systems and developing the agricultural sector, in line with the objectives of Morocco’s national “Green Generation” strategy. The Fair’s program includes a high-level conference on the theme “Livestock Production and the Transformation of Food Systems,” as well as a series of symposia and specialized meetings aimed at exchanging knowledge and experiences and strengthening cooperation in the agricultural sector.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has published the sixth issue of its quarterly cultural magazine, overseen by the Organization’s Poetry and Literature Center. This issue features a selection of articles, interviews, and studies addressing intellectual, literary, and cultural issues in the Arab and Islamic worlds.
The issue includes a special section celebrating Rabat as World Book Capital 2026, highlighting the city’s literary movement and cultural clubs, a historical and geographical overview of Rabat, as well as an article on the presence of Moroccan books in Africa. It also features a special interview conducted by Dr. Ahmed Abdelbaset, expert at ICESCO’s Calligraphy and Manuscript Center, with Dr. Ahmed Chaouqui Binebine, Curator of the Royal Library of Al-Hassania in Rabat, focusing on manuscript treasures and their civilizational and cultural significance.
The issue also includes an interview with Palestinian director Fathi Abdelrahman, conducted by Omani poet and journalist Abdulrazzaq Al-Rubaie, in addition to a dialogue by Dr. Mohammed Ad-Dahy with French critic Isabelle Grell on the concept of autofiction.
In the language section, Dr. Rawiya Jamous addresses the teaching of the Arabic language to Japanese learners, while Dr. Mohammed Khalifa traces ICESCO’s journey in teaching Arabic in Africa.
The issue’s themes and articles also explore the concept of ethnic purity as viewed by writer Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Waeli, the use of history and heritage in the works of Naguib Mahfouz from the perspective of Dr. Mahmoud Kahila, and the halt of poetic time in the Timbuktu desert by researcher Mohamed Al-Ansari, expert at ICESCO’s Culture Sector.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development of the Sultanate of Oman, on Friday, 17 April 2026, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry in the fields of safe childhood, family cohesion, and civilizational upbringing.
During the meeting, attended by Ambassador Khalid Salim Bamakhalif, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Morocco, Dr. AlMalik expressed ICESCO’s pride in its distinguished partnership with the Sultanate of Oman, which has resulted in the joint organization of activities, programs, conferences, and projects, most recently the inauguration of the Sultan Qaboos Library at ICESCO’s headquarters with the generous support of the Sultanate of Oman.
The Director-General underscored the importance of cooperation in raising awareness of the concept of civilizational upbringing, with a view to strengthening young people’s attachment to the values of the Islamic world while encouraging openness to world cultures. He also reviewed ICESCO’s contributions to building the leadership and creative capacities of youth and women in the Islamic world through the development of training programs in modern technologies and innovation.
For her part, the Omani Minister commended ICESCO’s efforts in keeping pace with contemporary issues and the priorities of the Organization’s Member States, in disseminating knowledge and maximizing benefit. She expressed the Ministry’s willingness to develop programs and projects in the areas of safe childhood and family cohesion, and to harness modern technologies to support persons with disabilities.
Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied the Minister and her delegation on a tour of the Sultan Qaboos Library, which houses more than 6,000 printed titles, nearly 200,000 digital publications, and a number of rare documentary treasures, including a copy of the Holy Quran handwritten by Ibn al-Bawwab. They also visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization housed at ICESCO’s headquarters.
The meeting also saw the presence of Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector; Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector; Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue; and Dr. Salim Al-Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences.
