Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), paid respects on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, on behalf of the Director-General of ICESCO, to the late former President of the Republic of Yemen, His Excellency Field Marshal Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, may Allah rest his soul, at the headquarters of the Embassy of Yemen in Rabat. He was received by His Excellency Mr. Azzedine Saeed Al-Asbahi, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen to the Kingdom of Morocco.
Dr. Benarafa expressed his deepest condolences and sympathy to the Yemeni people on the passing of the late leader, may Allah grant him eternal rest.
In a message written by the Deputy Director-General of ICESCO in the Embassy’s Condolences Book, he affirmed that the late Field Marshal Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, may Allah have mercy on his soul, was a national figure who devoted his efforts to serving Yemen and its people, and who, throughout the various stages of his political career, contributed to supporting stability and preserving the security and safety of the nation.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), through its Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, has published the fifth series of specialized studies in the field of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers. The publication is part of the Center’s “Specialized Studies” project, which is aimed at advancing scientific research and enhancing educational practices in this field.
The series comprises 10 peer-reviewed academic books prepared by a number of experts and specialized researchers from 10 countries: Jordan, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Iran, the United Kingdom, Türkiye, South Africa, Mali, Malaysia, and Morocco. These new publications seek to enrich the Arabic library with rigorous academic studies, and to strengthen scientific and educational research related to the teaching and learning of Arabic, in line with the rapid transformations taking place in the education sector at the levels of both knowledge and technology.
The published books address a wide range of topics reflecting the breadth of research areas in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers. The titles include: • Human Intelligence in Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers: Activating the Subconscious Mind through Neuro-Linguistic Programming. • Distance Learning of Arabic in Indonesia: An Applied Analytical Study. • Shared Vocabulary between Arabic and Uzbek and Its Utilization in Developing a Bilingual Dictionary and Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers. • Teaching Arabic in Iran and Türkiye: A Comparative Study. • Cultural Standards in Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers: Approaches and Frameworks. • An Applied Approach to Teaching Arabic Rhetoric to Speakers of Other Languages. • The Use of Technology in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language: Higher Education Institutions in South Africa as a Model. • The Arabic Language and Its Teaching in Mali: Between Traditional Approaches and Modern Language Teaching Methods. • Needs Analysis for Hajj and Umrah Guides in Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers. • Phonological and Visual Awareness among Non-Arabic Speakers: Strategies and Digital Alternatives.
ICESCO has made these publications available for free consultation and download through its official website at: https://icesco.org/pnzf
His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, extended his sincere congratulations to Dr. Salim M. AlMalik on the occasion of his re-election as Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) for a new term, by unanimous decision of the Organization’s Member States, following his nomination by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the proceedings of the 15th session of the ICESCO General Conference, held in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation.
President Aliyev commended the roles undertaken by ICESCO under the sound leadership of its Director-General, which have resulted in a renewed vision and innovative strategic orientations. He noted that the Organization’s work has positioned it among international organizations with a tangible impact in the fields of education, science, and culture.
The Azerbaijani President also highlighted the significant achievements and qualitative initiatives resulting from the distinguished partnership between ICESCO and the Republic of Azerbaijan, through cooperation with relevant Azerbaijani institutions and entities. He praised Dr. AlMalik’s efforts in advancing joint action to broader horizons for the benefit of the Islamic world.
Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), extended his sincere congratulations to Dr. Salim M. AlMalik on the occasion of his re-election as Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) for a second term. the re-election was unanimously approved by the Organization’s General Conference following his nomination by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the 15th session of the General Conference held in Kazan, in the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation.
Dr. El-Enany praised this distinguished choice as a clear and significant recognition of Dr. AlMalik’s outstanding career and extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation. He described the renewed confidence placed in him by the Member States as a strong testament to his leadership, commitment, and strategic vision, as well as to his efforts in advancing ICESCO’s values and mission across the Islamic world and among the Organization’s international partners.
He affirmed that UNESCO highly values its cooperation with ICESCO, which is grounded in shared objectives aimed at improving the quality of education for all, achieving gender equality, promoting cultural diversity, protecting the environment, and advancing sustainable development for individuals. He noted that this cooperation will soon culminate in the signing of a new cooperation agreement to help build peaceful and resilient societies.
The UNESCO Director-General reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to working with ICESCO to address the challenges of a rapidly changing world, and to mobilizing its expertise, experience, and networks in support of joint efforts to promote a culture of peace and achieve sustainable development.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted Brazilian artist and academic Dr. Sandra Rey as part of the fifth session of its “World Artists, Guests of ICESCO” project, held within the “Culture for Rethinking the World” Forum. The initiative seeks to harness creativity to strengthen intercultural dialogue, enrich civilizational debate, and reaffirm the role of art as a language of peace and coexistence.
During the opening of the session, moderated by artist, composer, and university professor Dr. Frank Pecquet on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, Dr. Mohammed Zine El Abidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, underscored that the forum provides a platform for civilizational and cultural dialogue and for promoting critical thinking, while highlighting contemporary transformations in artistic creativity in the age of artificial intelligence.
In her address, Dr. Rey presented a series of works and exhibitions inspired by nature, emphasizing the strong relationship between landscape art, digital technologies, and memory. She explained how various visual mechanisms are employed, notably photography, painting, video, and digital creation, to foster critical reflection among viewers on the boundaries between reality and imagination.
Dr. Rey also stressed the importance of reimagining humanity’s relationship with its environment, pointing to the role of art in raising awareness of environmental protection issues and the need to leverage education to develop sustainable skills in this field.
For his part, Dr. Pecquet addressed the philosophical and aesthetic dimensions of the creative process. Dr. Zoubeida Boukhari, International Consultant in Culture, Education, and Environmental Communication, highlighted the role of women creators and thinkers in advancing contemporary cultural dialogue. Dr. Amin Hammami, ICESCO external expert in digital creativity and digital culture, spoke about the interconnection between sound creation, imagery, and interactive technologies, while Ms. Zineb Bougrine, expert in the Organization’s Culture Sector, discussed the influence of the artist’s environment on creative expression.
Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting on Thursday, 21 May 2026, with Professor Kamal Munir, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for University Community and Engagement at the University of Cambridge, to discuss mechanisms for conducting a case study documenting ICESCO’s experience as an innovative organization in its fields of expertise, and to highlight the institutional development and restructuring it has undergone in recent years.
During the meeting, which was held via videoconference, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s efforts to develop its mechanisms and action plans to address current difficulties, anticipate future challenges, and capitalize on the opportunities offered by modern technologies to consolidate best practices, noting the recent developments and restructuring within ICESCO’s sectors, departments, and centers, which have enabled the Organization to attract talented professionals, hone the skills of young people, and integrate women into leadership positions, in line with the Organization’s strategic vision of making a tangible impact.
The Director-General stressed the importance of developing strong partnerships with international universities to promote academic studies, scientific research, and the dissemination of knowledge, highlighting the importance of employing innovative working mechanisms in implementing programs for cultural preservation, the restoration of heritage sites, and other projects in the fields of space sciences and girls’ education.
For his part, Prof. Munir emphasized the importance of setting priorities and objectives for conducting a case study on ICESCO’s success story as an innovative organization in its fields of action, and its role in transforming its approaches as an international organization, praising its contributions in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication. He also affirmed the readiness of a technical team from the university to visit the Organization in the near future.
The meeting was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the Director-General and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector; Dr. Kuanysh Yergaliyev, Head of the Science and Environment Sector; and Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Supervisor of the Education Sector and Director of the Translation and Publishing Center.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received on Thursday, 21 May 2026, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, a delegation from the Royal Academy of Management of the Sultanate of Oman, comprising 30 participants. The visit aimed to familiarize the delegation with ICESCO’s flagship projects and programs within the framework of strengthening cooperation and knowledge exchange between ICESCO and Omani institutions, and consolidating partnerships in areas of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik delivered a presentation on the Organization’s institutional journey since its establishment, highlighting key transformative milestones, as well as its programs and initiatives in education, science, culture, communication, and media. He also reviewed a number of projects implemented across Member States that have generated tangible impact at the knowledge, development, and institutional levels. He further noted the international certifications and accreditations obtained by ICESCO, reflecting the advancement of its institutional performance and its leading standing.
The Director-General expressed ICESCO’s pride in its strong partnership with the Sultanate of Oman, which has resulted in the organization of several joint activities, programs, and conferences. He pointed out that the Sultan Qaboos Library, recently inaugurated at ICESCO’s headquarters with generous support from the Sultanate, stands as a model of this cultural and knowledge-based cooperation.
Dr. AlMalik also outlined ICESCO’s vision for civilizational upbringing, which seeks to instill the values of the Islamic world among youth and encourage informed openness to other cultures. He highlighted the Organization’s efforts in building the leadership and creative capacities of youth and women through specialized training programs in technology and innovation.
Following the meeting, Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences at ICESCO, took the Omani delegation on an introductory tour of the Organization’s facilities. The tour included a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Library, during which the delegation was briefed on its modern facilities, rare books and documents, as well as its knowledge and technological components, and its role in preserving documentary heritage and making it accessible to researchers and interested audiences.
The delegation also visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, during which they explored the scientific and interactive content that employs the latest digital technologies to present the Prophet’s biography and highlight aspects of Islamic civilization.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Newglobe Education Foundation, held the third session of the High-Level Dialogue on the Transformation of Education Systems under the theme “Advancing Basic Learning and Transforming Primary and Secondary Education Systems through Inclusivity, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence.” The dialogue aimed to exchange experiences regarding the opportunities and challenges associated with the education transformation process and to explore ways to promote international partnerships in this field. Ministers representing 16 countries, as well as officials from international organizations and institutions, participated in the session.
During the dialogue, which took place on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, in London, Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Supervisor of the Education Sector and Director of the ICESCO Translation and Publication Center, highlighted the Organization’s ongoing efforts to advance girls’ education and promote green education in its Member States, notably ICESCO’s project to help girls who dropped out of school return to education in Yemen, and the ICESCO Global Green Education Progress Tracker, developed in collaboration with UNESCO.
Dr. Albanyan emphasized the event’s role in promoting knowledge exchange and developing international partnerships to leverage modern technology and innovation to transform education and enhance the inclusivity of educational services in the Islamic world and beyond.
ICESCO Education Sector experts Mr. Waqas Afridi and Ms. Faizah Alaoui also delivered a presentation on the Organization’s areas of action, programs, projects, and objectives.
The event featured a session on simplifying the use of artificial intelligence applications in education systems, as well as panel discussions addressing the opportunities and challenges facing the transformation of education and ways to integrate the most vulnerable groups into society. Participants also shared success stories from their countries and discussed ways to promote best practices in integrating social and cultural values into education systems.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ambassador Chao Weiding, Director-General of the West Asia and North Africa Bureau of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CCP), on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, to discuss avenues and mechanisms for cooperation in promoting civilizational dialogue and cultural exchange between China and the Arab and Islamic world.
During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed ICESCO’s willingness to collaborate with Chinese institutions and organizations, highlighting the cultural similarities between the Islamic world and China. He also expressed the Organization’s desire to collaborate with the Chinese side to organize conferences and seminars on civilizational dialogue and coexistence, in line with ICESCO’s approach of openness.
Dr. AlMalik considered strengthening partnership with the People’s Republic of China an important step toward building youth capacities, fostering peace, protecting heritage, promoting student and academic exchange, and restoring cultural sites through the development of joint initiatives and projects.
For his part, Ambassador Chao Weiding commended ICESCO’s efforts in the fields of education, science, and culture, as well as in promoting civilizational exchange and the values of tolerance. He affirmed the willingness of the West Asia and North Africa Department of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to cooperate with ICESCO in raising awareness of Arab and Islamic culture and enhancing cultural dialogue with China. He also invited Dr. AlMalik to visit China to participate in a number of activities to be organized by the Department in the coming period.
At the close of the meeting, the two sides discussed joint arrangements for organizing the International Forum on Civilizational Dialogue in China, in addition to holding activities in the fields of digitization, technology, innovation, and linguistic exchange. The meeting concluded with an exchange of commemorative shields and gifts.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of ICESCO Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector; Dr. Kuanysh Yergaliyev, Head of ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector; Dr. Webber Ndoro, Director of ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Center; Mr. Smail Ajbaili, Head of the Translation Division; and Dr. Yusuf Muhammed, expert at the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), through its Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, held the third International Conference on Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers, in partnership with the École Normale Supérieure of Abdelmalek Essaâdi University and the Moroccan Association in Service of the Arabic Language, on 19 and 20 May 2026 in Tetouan, under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers: Issues and Experiences.” The conference brought together more than 50 researchers and experts representing 16 countries.
The conference addressed the rapid transformations taking place in the global education sector, with a focus on the growing international interest in advancing the teaching of Arabic to non-Arabic speakers and leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence technologies to modernize curricula, improve pedagogical practices, and enhance the quality of learning in multilingual and multicultural educational environments.
ICESCO was represented at the conference by Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Head of the ICESCO Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, who emphasized during the Organization’s address in the opening session that artificial intelligence constitutes a strategic lever for developing the teaching of Arabic, provided it is employed within a balanced educational vision that takes ethical and human dimensions into account and is grounded in rigorous scientific research and successful field experiences.
He added that ICESCO remains committed to supporting international academic initiatives aimed at advancing the teaching of Arabic to non-Arabic speakers and strengthening cooperation among universities, research centers, and international organizations, thereby contributing to expanding the reach of the Arabic language and consolidating its presence in the global digital space.
In the same respect, Dr. Youssef Ismaili, Head of the Language Training Department at ICESCO’s Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, chaired the first scientific session, which was devoted to presenting international experiences in the use of artificial intelligence in teaching Arabic and discussing prospects for developing curricula and smart digital resources.
The conference concluded with a set of scientific and strategic recommendations, emphasizing the importance of evaluating digital educational platforms, expanding the use of smart applications in teaching Arabic, and developing educational policies better equipped to keep pace with technological transformations.
