The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has learned with great sadness of the passing of Dr. Abdelhak El Mrini, Historian of the Kingdom of Morocco and former Royal Palace Spokesperson, on Monday evening, 2 June 2025, at the age of 91.
On this sorrowful occasion, ICESCO’s Director-General, leadership, and staff extend their deepest condolences to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, to the family of the deceased, and to the Moroccan people. They beseech Allah Almighty to shower him with mercy and grant him a place in Paradise.
Renowned for his distinguished scholarly and intellectual contributions, Dr. El Mrini was one of the prominent figures in Moroccan thought, history, and literature. He held several high-ranking positions, most notably Director of Royal Palaces, Honors, and Decorations.
Born in 1934 in Rabat, Dr. El Mrini distinguished himself early on in the fields of education and research. He earned several advanced degrees in Morocco and France, including a PhD in Literature. His pioneering works include The Moroccan Army Throughout History, Jihad Poetry in Moroccan Literature, and Introduction to the History of Modern Morocco.
Dr. El Mrini maintained a special relationship with ICESCO, participating in several of its cultural and intellectual events. He was a distinguished guest in ICESCO’s Ramadan series Ramadan Whiffs and Intellectual Sparks in 1443 AH / 2022 AD, where he delivered a lecture titled Highlights about Tea in Morocco. He was also a regular attendee at the ICESCO Cultural Forum, alongside leading intellectuals, underscoring his esteemed status in the Moroccan and Islamic cultural spheres.
May Allah have mercy on the departed. To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the 60th Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB), held in Abidjan, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, from May 26 to 30, 2025. The Organization was represented by Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey, Head of the Education Sector, and Mr. Omer Hamid, Head of the Strategic Partnerships Division.
On the sidelines of the meetings, the ICESCO delegation held bilateral talks with senior officials from the African Development Bank, including Dr. Hendrina Doroba, Manager of the Education and Skills Development Division, and Mr. Joel Molel, Principal Resources Mobilization and Partnerships, RDNG. Discussions focused on ways to strengthen cooperation between the two parties, in line with ICESCO’s 2026–2030 Strategy and the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033).
These meetings resulted in a preliminary agreement to sign a Letter of Intent in the near future, which would enable ICESCO to act as an executive partner in Member States common to both institutions—particularly those facing challenges due to conflict or institutional fragility. The agreement also includes the immediate launch of several priority projects in the fields of education, water and sanitation, regional capacity building, and skills development.
The two sides also explored the possibility of developing medium- and long-term strategic joint projects to be implemented on the ground, with ICESCO contributing to the financing of selected project components, thereby enhancing their effectiveness and generating tangible impact in Member States.
At the conclusion of the meetings, both parties agreed to establish a procedural pathway for drafting a new cooperation framework, to be presented shortly to the leadership of both institutions for approval and adoption. This step is expected to mark a new phase in the cooperative relationship between ICESCO and the AfDB, in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals across Africa and in Member States.
On Saturday, May 31, 2025, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the first scientific symposium held in tribute to the scholar Moulay Mustapha bin Ahmed Alaoui (1912–2007). The event was organized by the Local Council of Scholars of Meknes under the theme: “Moulay Mustapha Ben Ahmed Alaoui: Patriot, Scholar, Politician, and Educator.”
Several national and academic figures took part in the symposium. The first session, opened with a lecture by Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammadia League of Scholars, reviewed the intellectual and activist career of Moulay Mustapha Alaoui. This was followed by contributions from Dr. Mustapha El Ktiri, High Commissioner for Former Members of the Resistance and the Liberation Army; Dr. Idriss Khalifa, university professor and member of the Higher Council of Scholars; and Dr. Hamou Ouramo, President of the Local Council of Scholars of Meknes. Each highlighted different stages of the late scholar’s life and his contributions in service of the faith and the Ummah.
Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah, Advisor to the Director-General of ICESCO, shared a special testimony about the relationship between Mr. Alaoui and his father, the late Dr. Mohamed El Mokhtar Ould Bah, recounting their work together at the Foundation of African Scholars, as well as other shared scientific and national experiences.
Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa also recounted his experience as a young student of Mr. Alaoui, attending his classes at the Institute of Quranic Studies, known as Dar al-Quran, in Rabat. The institute was established—alongside Dar El Hadith El Hassania—by the late King Hassan II to promote Quranic and Hadith sciences.
During the second session, several academics and professors revisited the life of Mr. Alaoui, recalling his scientific contributions and pioneering role in education, preaching, and politics.
Over the course of his life, Mr. Alaoui held several prominent positions, including Director of the newspaper Al-A’ahd al-Jadid, appointed in 1957 by the late King Mohammed V. He later served as Head of the Sahara and Mauritania Directorate at the Ministry of the Interior in 1959, and subsequently as Director of the Political Directorate in the same ministry. From 1963 to 1965, he served as a Member of Parliament for the Gheris Basin constituency. Under the reign of His Majesty King Hassan II, he was appointed Director of Dar Al-Hadith Al-Hassania (1966–1977), then served as Director of the Cabinet of the Minister of Habous and Islamic Affairs, Advisor to the same ministry, President of the Local Council of Scholars of Meknes, and President of the League of Scholars of Morocco and Senegal.
Mr. Alaoui also distinguished himself through his work in verification and interpretation. He verified the first and tenth volumes of the book “Introduction to the Meanings and Chains of Transmission Found in the Muwatta of Mâlik,” by Imam Ibn Abd al-Barr al-Qurtubi, and provided interpretations for around fifty verses of the Holy Qur’an.
This scientific symposium is part of a series organized by Scholars Councils across Morocco to celebrate prominent Muslim scholars, preserve their heritage, and highlight their scholarly contributions.
Discussions focused on heritage preservation, green education, and climate change action
On the sidelines of the International Conference on Glacier Preservation, held in Dushanbe from 29 to 31 May 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a series of bilateral meetings with Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture, Minister of Education and Science, and Chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee, to explore avenues for strengthened cooperation in cultural heritage protection, environmental education, and sustainability.
The first meeting, held with Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture, Ms. Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, discussed ways to further strengthen the existing cooperation in the field of preserving and documenting Tajik heritage. The two parties agreed to implement joint programs and initiatives in the fields of environmental culture, arts and literature, and supporting Tajik traditional industries, in continuation of the recent achievements made by the two parties, including the inscription of about 20 sites on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Lists and the holding of several national workshops for workers in the field of heritage preservation.
The ICESCO Director-General also met with Mr. Rakhim Hamro Saidzoda, Tajikistan’s Minister of Education and Science, discussing support for ICESCO’s “Greening Education” initiative, cooperation in teacher training, integration of artificial intelligence technologies in the educational process, and youth skills development to prepare them for tomorrow’s professions through joint programs and projects. Dr. AlMalik appreciated Tajikistan’s efforts aimed at strengthening its educational system and expressed ICESCO’s support for expanding cooperation in the fields of scientific research and innovation.
In the bilateral meeting with Mr. Sheralizoda Bahodur, Chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee, the two parties agreed to prepare a document on the protection of glaciers and submit it to the upcoming Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World, given that these rivers are located in nine ICESCO Member States and have a direct impact on food and water security. They also stressed the importance of integrating topics related to climate change into school curricula, training teachers and enhancing their competencies, involving youth in environmental issues, and promoting community awareness of climate issues. Dr. AlMalik expressed ICESCO’s willingness to support Tajikistan’s environmental goals. Mr. Bahodur commended the Organization’s efforts geared towards confronting climate change in the Islamic world.
The meetings were attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku.
Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, met in Dushanbe to discuss the signing of a joint action plan as a framework for cooperation in the coming period, and ways to enhance cooperation between the two parties in the educational, scientific, and cultural fields.
The meeting, held on Saturday, 31 May 2025, reviewed the future action plan between the two parties, including supporting ICESCO’s initiative to establish a regional observatory for glacier data in the Central Asian region; supporting Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon’s climate action initiatives; and organizing a series of cultural days at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat to highlight Tajikistan’s cultural diversity.
During the bilateral meeting, Dr. AlMalik thanked Mr. Muhriddin for the kind invitation to attend the International Conference on Glacier Conservation, praised the address of H.E. President Emomali Rahmon to the conference, and reiterated ICESCO’s full appreciation for his leading initiatives and efforts in combating climate change.
The ICESCO Director-General also affirmed the Organization’s keenness to strengthen its cooperation with Tajikistan in the Organization’s areas of competence, noting that Tajik talents may be recruited to work at ICESCO, in addition to the implementation of training programs for a group of Tajik young people at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat.
For his part, Mr. Muhriddin highlighted the status of ICESCO and its leading roles in Tajikistan, stressing his keenness to sign a joint action plan between the two parties as soon as possible.
In his address to the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Conservation, held from 29 to 31 May 2025 in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), praised the forward-looking vision of H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, who has made the issue of glaciers a national and international priority.
Dr. AlMalik pointed out that, thanks to the vision of its President, Tajikistan has established itself as a key player in global water diplomacy, playing the role of guardian of one of the largest glacier reserves in Central Asia. He also recalled that President Rahmon’s initiative, behind the United Nations’ proclamation of the “International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development” (2018–2028), marked a decisive turning point in the mobilization of global efforts to tackle one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time.
ICESCO’s Director-General pointed out that over the last fifty years, the world has lost more than a third of its glaciers, with Central Asia alone losing almost 30% of its glaciers since the 1960s, noting that Tajikistan’s glaciers supply more than 60% of the water resources of the Amu Darya basin, a vital source for more than 43 million people.
In view of this pressing situation, Dr. AlMalik called for immediate collective action, stating: “The figures are alarming, but they bear a common call to unite science with solidarity, and development with sustainability.”
In this spirit, he announced ICESCO’s full commitment to supporting Tajikistan’s efforts, including the implementation of scientific research and joint glacier monitoring programs; the launch of an educational campaign in Member States to raise environmental awareness among young people; support for local knowledge and traditional practices in water resource management; and the creation of a regional glacier data observatory to serve the whole of Central Asia.
In conclusion, Dr. AlMalik commended the efforts of H.E. President Emomali Rahmon in holding this crucial conference, noting that the initiative embodies Tajikistan’s moral leadership and highlights the profound harmony between its people and its natural environment. He called for inspiration to be drawn from this model and for united efforts to protect what remains of the glaciers and restore the ecological balance of our planet.
His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, received, on Friday, 30 May 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on the sidelines of the opening of the high-level International Conference on Glacier Conservation, held in Dushanbe. The meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the educational, scientific, and cultural fields.
At the beginning of the meeting, H.E. the President of Tajikistan emphasized that his country attaches special importance to expanding cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and scientific research with international partners, expressing Tajikistan’s willingness to strengthen its cooperation with ICESCO to contribute to the efforts to develop the cultural and scientific fields in the Islamic world.
For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed ICESCO’s deep appreciation for President Emomali Rahmon and his great efforts to preserve glaciers, noting that under his leadership, Tajikistan has become a leading voice in global water diplomacy and a guardian of the largest glaciers in Central Asia.
The meeting also touched on the development of a set of joint initiatives and programs in the fields of preserving and valorizing heritage, promoting traditional industries and crafts, and enhancing scientific efforts to protect historical monuments.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Dr. Abdulhakeem Al Senan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku; and Mr. Azamsho Sharifi, Assistant to the President for International Relations.
The 4th International Congress on “Natural Products and Sustainable Development” kicked off at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat, Morocco, on the morning of Thursday, 29 May 2025. The Congress is organized by the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), an affiliate of ICESCO, in partnership with Mohammed V University in Rabat and the Averroès Foundation for the Promotion of Scientific Research and Innovation, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him.
This year’s edition, which is being held under the theme “Health, Nutrition, and Cosmetic Applications,” gathers participants from 47 universities across 27 countries, over the period spanning 29–31 May 2025. Its objectives include deepening scientific research in the field of natural products and promoting their applications in health, agriculture, nutrition, and cosmetics. It also serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and exploration of the latest scientific practices and technologies in this vital field.
Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, inaugurated the event by delivering an opening address on behalf of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO. He reaffirmed the Organization’s steadfast commitment to supporting its Member States in formulating ambitious national policies grounded in the principles of sustainable development. He highlighted the diversity of ICESCO programs aimed at developing natural resources, valuing traditional knowledge, and promoting sustainable and equitable value chains, particularly in health and nutrition.
Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General for FUIW, described the Congress as a prominent international scientific platform that will feature 240 scientific presentations by researchers, experts, and university professors. These presentations will address various aspects of utilizing natural products to support sustainable development. He emphasized that the Congress’s concluding recommendations would have significant scientific and strategic impact.
Following that, Dr. Mohamed El Ghachi, President of Mohammed V University, stated that natural products represent a multidimensional strategic engine that bridges the economic, social, agricultural, and environmental sectors. He noted that Morocco has made substantial progress in this field thanks to the crucial role played by universities and national academic institutes in supporting scientific research and valorizing natural resources.
For his part, Dr. Mohammed Regragui, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at Mohammed V University in Rabat, spoke about the faculty’s leadership in scientific research on natural products. This has been achieved through advanced laboratories and international academic partnerships. He noted that the Congress provides an important platform for exchanging expertise and building fruitful scientific and professional collaboration.
In the same context, Mr. Mohamed Beroui, Director of Climate and Biodiversity at the Moroccan Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, and Dr. Hanae El Monfalouti, Vice President of the Averroès Foundation for the Promotion of Scientific Research and Innovation, both underscored the importance of the Congress in enhancing dialogue around the integration of natural products into sustainable development strategies, particularly in light of global health and environmental challenges. They further highlighted that the Congress agenda includes two roundtables, six thematic workshops, and three media sessions, in addition to the opportunities it offers for international scientific publication.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), arrived in Dushanbe, the capital of the Republic of Tajikistan, on Thursday, 29 May 2025, to take part in the International Conference on Glacier Preservation. The event is organized by Tajikistan in partnership with UNESCO, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The two-day conference, which will kick off today, will see the participation of a number of senior officials, heads of international organizations, climate action leaders, and environmental experts, with the aim of highlighting the economic and environmental importance of glaciers and discussing the adoption of an integrated international approach to mitigate the negative effects of melting ice on water and food security.
Ahead of the official sessions, a series of events took place, attended by Dr. Salim AlMalik, Ms. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, and Ms. Dilrabo Mansuri, Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, along with several ministers of environment and water from various countries. The events included an exhibition showcasing traditional Tajik crafts, followed by an official dinner featuring folk performances by groups from different regions of Tajikistan, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity.
Dr. AlMalik’s participation in the conference is part of ICESCO’s ongoing commitment to promoting international solidarity in the face of climate change and supporting scientific efforts and sustainable environmental practices across the Islamic world to help safeguard water and food security.
Dr. AlMalik will be accompanied by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, and Dr. Abdulhakeem Al Senan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), congratulated Dr. Sidi Ould Tah on his election as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Dr. AlMalik stated that Dr. Ould Tah was elected from among four candidates, winning 76% of the votes—a reflection of his prominent international economic status. He noted that this election marks another major achievement in his distinguished financial and economic career, adding to his leadership roles as former Minister of Economic Affairs and Development in Mauritania and former Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
Dr. AlMalik extended his best wishes to Dr. Sidi Ould Tah in leading the African Development Bank.
