Review of developments of partnership between ICESCO and Morocco in the fields of education, science and culture
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Mohamed Saad Berrada, Moroccan Minister of National Education, Pre-school and Sports, President of the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation between the two parties in the Organization’s areas of expertise.
During the meeting, held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Rabat, the two parties reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying their outstanding cooperation through the implementation of innovative programs and activities in the fields of education, science and culture. This commitment is part of ICESCO’s leading role in promoting the development of these sectors in its Member States.
Dr. AlMalik commended the significant and constant support provided to ICESCO by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, and the Government of Morocco. This support has been reflected in His Majesty’s high patronage of numerous ICESCO activities and initiatives over the past years, as well as the commitment of the relevant Moroccan authorities to strengthen the strategic partnership with the Organization.
Mr. Berrada, for his part, commended ICESCO’s efforts and standing commitment to supporting Member States in the implementation of joint programs and initiatives that meet the specific needs and priorities of each country. Discussions also focused on the latest developments in the ongoing key joint programs and projects, as well as a number of proposed activities.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) invites researchers and specialists to contribute to the “Series of Studies in Arabic Language Teaching to Non-Arabic Speakers 2025,” regularly published by the ICESCO Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers. This initiative aims to support the Organization’s policies in promoting scientific research and publishing in the field of Arabic language, capitalize on modern linguistic and educational theories and the latest technologies, and enhance its global status.
Interested researchers can apply by sending a book abstract of up to 200 words, along with their research plan, CV, and a copy of their passport to stans@icesco.org by April 15, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be notified of the acceptance of their abstracts within two weeks.
For more information on participation and publishing terms, please visit: https://icesco.org/9jyh.
It is worth noting that this project has so far contributed to applied linguistic studies with four scientific series that incorporate the latest linguistic theories. Participating experts have shared their expertise, experience, and research, as well as educational initiatives, to serve Arabic language learners. Their contributions have equipped teachers with methods, strategies, and skills that enhance learners’ linguistic proficiency, cultural competence, and professional achievement.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a workshop titled “Cultural Diplomacy: The Sunny Dimension of Foreign Policy” on Friday, March 21, 2025, via videoconference. The event brought together experts from ICESCO Member States, along with a panel of academics and professionals in the cultural field, to examine the essential role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international relations.
As part of the activities of ICESCO’s international think tank “Culture for Rethinking the World,” Mr. Frédéric Jambu and Ms. Manuela Nicoletti, experts at ICESCO’s Culture Sector, delivered a lecture on the fundamental concepts, key actors, and effectiveness of cultural diplomacy in the current context of globalization. They highlighted its strategic role in promoting cooperation and dialogue between nations.
The discussions also addressed the contemporary challenges of cultural diplomacy in the face of globalization, as well as the impact of new technologies and digital transformation on international cultural policies. During this Meeting, ICESCO reaffirmed its commitment to fostering cultural industries and advancing cultural diplomacy worldwide by promoting their role as facilitators of global cultural exchange and intercultural dialogue based on mutual respect.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received His Excellency Mr. Salissou Ada, Ambassador of the Republic of Niger to the Kingdom of Morocco. The Ambassador commended the remarkable progress that ICESCO has achieved over the past five years and praised the efforts of its Director-General in benefiting the Member States in the fields of education, science, and culture.
At the outset of the meeting, held on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, at ICESCO headquarters, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the distinguished cooperation between the Organization and Niger, which has been reflected in the implementation of joint programs and initiatives across multiple sectors. These include education, youth capacity building, and the establishment of safe learning environments, with a particular focus on equipping girls with digital skills. He also underscored the partnership in documenting and writing the history of Niger to reinforce its national identity.
For his part, Ambassador Salissou Ada praised the development that ICESCO has witnessed over the past five years, emphasizing that it reflects the Organization’s innovative strategic vision. He noted that this progress is evident in the accelerated implementation of ICESCO’s programs, initiatives, and projects. He stated: “As I conclude my tenure as the Ambassador of the Republic of Niger to the Kingdom of Morocco, I commend the remarkable transformation that ICESCO has undergone and continues to experience, and I express my deep appreciation for the efforts of its Director-General.”
The Ambassador also expressed his satisfaction with the strong cooperation between Niger and ICESCO, which has materialized through a series of distinguished initiatives and activities. These, he said, are clear evidence of the continuous efforts made to meet the needs of Member States. He added that ICESCO has been at the forefront of international organizations collaborating with the Republic of Niger, particularly during the country’s ongoing reconstruction efforts and the challenges associated with it. He further lauded ICESCO’s professional and impartial approach, as well as its commitment to translating strategic documents and visions into concrete actions and tangible results in the Islamic world.
At the conclusion of the Meeting, the Director-General of ICESCO expressed his gratitude and appreciation for Ambassador Salissou Ada’s remarks. He reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to maintaining its cooperation with the Republic of Niger in its areas of expertise, optimizing investment in its human resources, and enhancing the capabilities of its youth for a better future.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Ambassador Ahmed Nihad Abdel-Latif, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Kingdom of Morocco, discussed a set of proposed activities and programs to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Egypt in several areas. These include the organization of the Conference of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Islamic World, to be held in Cairo at the end of this year, ICESCO’s participation in the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum, joint efforts in cultural heritage preservation, and the role of culture in building peace.
At the outset of the meeting, which took place on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, Dr. AlMalik praised the distinguished partnership between ICESCO and Egypt. He reviewed the most prominent activities and programs implemented in recent years between the two sides, notably the hosting of ICESCO’s 2021 General Conference under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the launch of ICESCO Youth Year under His Excellency’s patronage, and the celebration of Cairo as the 2022 Culture Capital of the Islamic World.
Dr. AlMalik emphasized his aspiration to advance the strategic partnership between the two parties through the implementation of pioneering programs and projects. He highlighted that, in alignment with its vision and operational strategy, ICESCO has adopted a proactive approach to engaging with its Member States. This engagement aims to implement collaborative initiatives that address their aspirations and needs, particularly in areas such as youth capacity building, preparing them for future professions, promoting the values of peace, and encouraging investment in technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, and space sciences.
Additionally, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s unwavering support for Dr. Khaled El-Enany, former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and the Arab-African candidate for the position of Director-General of UNESCO. He also commended the expertise and contributions of Egyptian professionals who have recently joined the Organization, recognizing their valuable role in advancing its mission.
For his part, Ambassador Ahmed Nihad Abdel-Latif expressed his aspiration to enhance cooperation between the two sides, particularly in view of ICESCO’s outstanding initiatives and programs in the fields of creativity and innovation.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO’s Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; and Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Office of the Director-General overseeing the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector. Also in attendance were Marwa Mamdouh-Salem, Deputy Ambassador of Egypt to Morocco, and Dr. Heba Mahmoud Saad, Cultural Attaché.
The scientific forum “Ramadan Journey into the Depths of the Human Soul,” organized by the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations in the Kingdom of Morocco, continues its sessions. The forum’s third session was held at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Dr. Khadija Abouzid, Professor of Higher Education at Mohammed V University, delivered a lecture titled “From the Depth of the Well to the Top of the Ultimate Empowerment: Lessons from Surat Yusuf on Taking Initiative.” The session was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, alongside several ambassadors and distinguished intellectual and academic figures.
The session opened with remarks from Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain Al-Jazairy, a member of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors, who underscored the valuable lessons in patience, planning, and perseverance found in the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (peace be upon him). She explained that this session builds on the previous discussion of Ya‘quubian Education, highlighting how Prophet Ya‘qub’s (Jacob’s) (peace be upon him) upbringing of Yusuf shaped his resilience and strength, enabling him to overcome hardships and achieve empowerment and honor. Dr. Al-Jazairy emphasized that Yusuf’s story is more than a historical account, as it offers practical lessons relevant to modern life.
In her lecture, Dr. Khadija Abouzid outlined five key pillars of success drawn from Surat Yusuf. The first is knowledge and expertise, as Prophet Yusuf gained the skills and wisdom needed to manage crises and make sound decisions, ultimately qualifying him for a high-ranking position in Egypt. The second is piety and integrity, as he remained steadfast in his values despite temptations and challenges, highlighting the role of ethical commitment in achieving true success.
The third pillar revolves around strength and trustworthiness, as his leadership qualities emerged through his responsible and upright conduct, earning the confidence of Egypt’s Captain of the Guard (Al-‘Azeez). The fourth is initiative and decision-making, as Prophet Yusuf was not merely a passive recipient of events but an active participant who anticipated challenges and proposed solutions, demonstrated in his strategic plan to manage Egypt’s impending famine. Lastly, the fifth pillar is truthfulness, which, according to Dr. Abouzid, was not only reflected in Prophet Yusuf’s words but also in his actions and decisions, making him a model of honesty and transparency.
Concluding her lecture, Dr. Abouzid explored the concept of empowerment, explaining that Prophet Yusuf’s empowerment was not solely material, manifesting in authority and rulership, but also an inspiring form of empowerment that encompassed wisdom, knowledge, leadership, compassion, forbearance, and piety. Dr. Abouzid highlighted that after enduring severe trials, from the depths of the well to imprisonment, Allah granted him authority over Egypt’s wealth, allowing him to manage its resources as he saw fit. This, she noted, was a divine reward for his righteousness, patience, and steadfast adherence to the truth, as he responded to harm with forgiveness and to conspiracies with wisdom and magnanimity.
The session concluded with an open discussion, during which attendees posed questions on ways to implement the values and principles derived from Prophet Yusuf’s story in contemporary personal and professional contexts.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science held the first coordination meeting of the “Hajj Routes to Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Historical Mosques” Program. The meeting saw broad participation from approximately 40 ICESCO Member States, represented by ministries of cultural heritage, national commissions, and institutions responsible for mosques and historical monuments. The discussions focused on finalizing arrangements for the official launch of the program.
The meeting, held on Monday, 17 March 2025, via videoconferencing, commenced with an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO. In his remarks, he emphasized that the program embodies the true spirit of Islam and reinforces Makkah’s status as a global symbol of fraternity and intercultural dialogue. Moreover, Dr. AlMalik underscored that this meeting represents a significant step toward safeguarding and preserving the cultural and Islamic heritage passed down through the ages along these historical routes. He also highlighted the pivotal role of ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Center in this endeavor.
Dr. AlMalik explained that the program aims to strengthen the connection between past and present generations while promoting a comprehensive vision for sustainable cultural tourism. This will be achieved by developing tourist routes that link heritage sites across the Islamic world, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore various aspects of Islamic culture. Dr. AlMalik added that the program seeks to integrate modern technologies into these efforts by leveraging online platforms to support heritage routes, establishing digital museums, and developing marketing networks to enable local communities to benefit from these initiatives.
Following Dr. AlMalik’s address, Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, moderated the meeting, which featured a presentation by Dr. Bilel Chebbi, an expert at ICESCO’s Heritage Center in the Islamic World. Dr. Chebbi’s presentation outlined the program’s objectives, significance, and impact on cultural tourism and the cultural economy. He also discussed the steps taken in classifying and inscribing sites and monuments, as well as the roles of national authorities in the program.
The meeting also included rich discussions among the attendees regarding the next steps for the implementation of the program and the initial proposals by national bodies and partners in this regard.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Jay Kimmelman, Co-Founder and CEO of NewGlobe Education, along with his accompanying delegation, to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in advancing education transformation and organizing future joint initiatives.
At the outset of the meeting, held on Monday 17 March 2025, Dr. AlMalik welcomed Mr. Kimmelman and his delegation to ICESCO, emphasizing that this meeting lays the foundation for an important strategic partnership that should be further enhanced to serve shared objectives.
He further highlighted NewGlobe’s contributions over the past year in supporting several key initiatives and activities organized by ICESCO, most notably the third session of the ICESCO Conference of Ministers of Education, held in the Sultanate of Oman. He reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to broadening future collaboration to ensure tangible educational outcomes in multiple Member States.
For his part, Mr. Kimmelman expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing partnership between NewGlobe Education and ICESCO, which aims for transforming education and improving learning quality comprehensively in several countries across the Islamic world. He noted that the collaboration over the past year has been both practical and fruitful, and he looks forward to achieving ambitious goals in the future.
The Meeting covered several key areas to strengthen the partnership between ICESCO and NewGlobe in alignment with ICESCO’s Education Sector Strategy. These key areas included: early childhood education development, utilizing education technology to enhance effective learning, ensuring inclusive education, and equipping teachers with essential skills to improve education quality.
Additionally, the two sides explored ways to drive effective transformation in education systems through developing an innovative educational model that can be replicated in multiple ICESCO Member States, securing increased support from donors to enhance existing education systems, co-organizing future education conferences, launching awards to recognize outstanding achievements in education and education-related fields, and advancing scientific research to provide data insights that are necessary for understanding and improving education systems in the Islamic world.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has welcomed the decision of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to reinstate the membership of the Syrian Arab Republic. The decision was issued during the 20th Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 7 March 2025. It includes the reactivation of relations between Syria and OIC Member States, as well as with all its bodies, institutions, Islamic universities, standing committees, and the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, described the decision as a significant step toward strengthening cooperation among OIC Member States and deepening fraternal ties. He emphasized that it reflects the Member States’ commitment to fostering unity and solidarity among Islamic nations and opens new avenues for joint efforts in various fields, particularly education, science, and culture, ultimately benefiting Muslim communities worldwide.
The ICESCO Director-General also underscored the importance of this decision in promoting regional stability, reaffirming shared Islamic values, and demonstrating a collective will to work towards a better future for the peoples of the Islamic world.
The Centre for Civilizational Dialogue of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has released a new book titled Ahmad Baba al-Timbukti: A Model of Civilizational Diplomacy in West Africa. This publication is part of the programs celebrating Marrakech as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2024.
The book presents the proceedings of a scientific symposium organized by Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech under ICESCO’s auspices. It explores the life and legacy of Ahmad Baba al-Timbukti (1556–1627), one of the most prominent scholars, jurists (faqih), and historians in the region’s history. The book highlights his role in fostering civilizational exchange between Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing his contributions to knowledge diplomacy, which played a crucial role in strengthening cultural and scholarly relations across the Sahara.
Additionally, the book examines key moments in Ahmad Baba’s life, including his exile to Marrakech, where he continued his academic work in teaching and authorship. It delves into his influence on Islamic sciences and provides an in-depth analysis of Morocco’s historical ties with West Africa. Furthermore, it underscores the role of scholars in preserving Islamic heritage while highlighting the significance of African manuscripts in safeguarding the region’s cultural identity.
