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    Category: News

    ICESCO Takes Part in PexTor 2025 in Sultanate of Oman

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the Graphic Designers Forum, PexTor 2025, held in the Sultanate of Oman on April 27, under the theme, “Where Art Meets Message”. ICESCO’s participation consisted of a specialized workshop moderated by Ms. Nezha Ringa, Head of the Design and Printing Division at ICESCO’s Translation and Publishing Center.

    Through the Workshop, titled, “Visual Identity and Key Elements of Graphic Design”, Ms. Ringa shared her expertise in this field, with the aim of equipping participants with the necessary tools and techniques to design an integrated visual identity.

    The ICESCO representative stressed that such forums provide key opportunities to exchange expertise and knowledge in the field of graphic design and widen the scope of cooperation among the institutions of the Islamic world, noting that the workshop aims to provide a comprehensive overview on visual identity and its significance in consolidating institutional communication and promoting institutions’ brand image.

    This participation falls within the efforts of the Division of Design and Printing to promote cooperation and exchange expertise with similar institutions across the globe.

    The PexTor Forum is a new leading forum in the Islamic world which seeks to build designers’ capacities and promote the role of design in achieving sustainable development visions. The current edition of the Forum proved to be a great success in light of the growing interest in the field of graphic design and its role in promoting institutional communication and developing entities’ visual identities, in line with Oman’s Vision 2040 as well as similar visions in the Islamic world.

    Launch of “Be Ready” Initiative in Partnership Between ICESCO and Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education to Qualify One Million Youths

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    In partnership with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Arab Republic of Egypt launched the second edition of the “Be Ready” initiative under the theme “One Million Qualified Innovators,” aiming to equip one million young men and women with future skills and connect them to the labor market. The launch took place during a grand ceremony held in Cairo on Monday 28 April 2025, with high-level attendance from several ministers, senior officials, representatives of international organizations, and youth.

    ICESCO and the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education will implement this initiative in partnership with several international actors, foremost among them the Knowledge Project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Global Innovation Institute, and the Education Development Fund affiliated with the Egyptian Prime Minister’s Office.

    In a recorded address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of ICESCO, stated that: “This initiative is an open invitation to every pure dream, every burning ambition, and every mind passionate about change. It will provide youth with the arsenal of the future, the keys to leadership, and the tools of the digital economy, serving them as a bridge toward a new world that recognizes only the creative.”

    ICESCO DG also praised the fruitful partnership that led to the launch of this pioneering initiative, noting that it serves as a shining example of the integration of international and national efforts. He reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to supporting the initiative and dedicating all its expertise and capabilities to achieving this goal.

    During his intervention at the Ceremony, Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and President of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, reviewed the main objectives and implementation stages of the initiative. He explained that it aligns with the goals of the presidential initiative “Alliance and Development,” and will include the launch of an integrated digital platform offering diverse pathways for professional and innovative qualification, as well as providing training and employment opportunities for youth.

    For his part, Dr. Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, expressed his pleasure at participating in this initiative, emphasizing that investing in youth is an investment in the future. Meanwhile, Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States of the UNDP, highlighted the importance of the Initiative and the role of international cooperation in building youth capacities and preparing them for the future labor market.

    Mr. Anthony Mills, Director of the Global Innovation Institute, emphasized in his speech, delivered via videoconference, the importance of developing students’ capabilities and enhancing their innovative and creative skills to open up new opportunities for them in the labor market.

    Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the DG and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector, represented ICESCO at the Ceremony.

    ICESCO Concludes Program for Rehabilitation of Homeless Children in Pakistan

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO and ICESCO, concluded the Rehabilitation of Street Children through Football program in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The closing ceremony was hosted by the National Skills University in Islamabad, and attended by Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State at the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training in Pakistan, along with several high-level figures, civil society representatives, and international partners.

    The Program, held at the National Skills University from April 21 to 25, 2025, benefited 60 boys and girls from vulnerable areas. It was implemented under the supervision of the Human and Social Sciences Sector at ICESCO, as part of the Sport for Social Change initiative, aimed at empowering and rehabilitating street children through football, enhancing their opportunities to access professional pathways in the sports field, protecting them from violence, instilling leadership values, and developing their essential social skills.
    The five days of the program featured a unique combination of football training, psychological support, medical examinations, and life skills development, reflecting a strategic vision through which ICESCO seeks to use sports as a means of social inclusion and protection, promote healthy lifestyles, and encourage the integration of vulnerable youth into non-formal education.

    During the ceremony, Mr. Aftab Khan, Secretary-General of the Pakistan National Commission, emphasized the importance of sports as a powerful empowerment tool contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. He thanked the Pakistani authorities and ICESCO for their support, and offered advice to the children on the importance of continuing their education and holding firmly to their dreams.

    The Diplomatic Foundation of Morocco Awards ICESCO Director-General the International Prize for Public Diplomacy

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    The Diplomatic Foundation of the Kingdom of Morocco has awarded Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the International Prize for Public Diplomacy in its fourth edition, in recognition of his tireless efforts to promote bilateral cooperation between ICESCO and Morocco across the Organization’s areas of expertise.

    Dr. AlMalik received the prestigious award from Mr. Abdelati Habek, President of the Foundation, and Mr. Salaheddine Mezouar, President of the Prize’s Council of Elders, during a grand ceremony organized by the Foundation on Friday, April 25, 2025, in the Moroccan capital, Rabat. The event brought together senior state officials, ministers, and ambassadors accredited to Rabat, alongside a distinguished group of Moroccan institutions, economists, parliamentarians, athletes, and media professionals, who were also honored on this occasion.

    In his remarks, the ICESCO Director-General expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to the Diplomatic Foundation, highlighting that ICESCO’s strategic partnership with Morocco was made possible thanks to the unparalleled support the Organization and its activities receive from Moroccan authorities at all levels — most notably the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, for many of its programs and initiatives within the Kingdom.

    The Diplomatic Foundation affirmed that honoring Dr. AlMalik constitutes a profound recognition of his valuable contributions and exceptional role in empowering youth and women, and promoting innovation and creativity across ICESCO’s 53 Member States. It also underscored his pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations between Morocco and ICESCO, which, since he assumed leadership of the Organization, have seen the launch of an unprecedented number of joint activities and innovative initiatives.

    The international category of the Prize is awarded to an international personality who has contributed to building bridges of cooperation with Morocco. Among the distinguished previous recipients are His Excellency Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas; Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations; and Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of La Francophonie.

    This year’s national laureates include:

    • Dr. Mohamed Cheikh Biadillah (Parliamentary Diplomacy category),
    • Banque Populaire Group (Economy and Finance category),
    • Marsa Maroc Foundation (Industry and Services category),
    • Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (Research and Innovation category),
    • Medi1 TV (Media and Communication category),
    • Ms. Samira Haddouchi (Women and Leadership category),
    • Saadani Mae El Ainine (Human Rights category),
    • The Moroccan National Under-17 Football Team (Youth category),
    • And runner Soufiane El Bakkali (Sports category).

    ICESCO and Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education Conclude Pilot Phase of the Pedagogical and Digital Capacity-Building of Moroccan Universities Project

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted the closing and certificate ceremony for the pilot phase of the “Pedagogical and Digital Capacity-Building of Moroccan Universities (ReCOMP-ES)”. The event was organized by ICESCO and its affiliated organism, the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation of the Kingdom of Morocco. The ceremony was attended by a host of senior officials, university leaders, and higher education experts.

    The ceremony commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an address delivered by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO. He emphasized that the Organization consistently invests in human capital and aims to build an open and inclusive educational system that believes in access for all knowledge seekers. Moreover, he noted that the pilot phase of the project was built upon the success of FUIW’s training program on open education. The training program was the fruit of an agreement signed between ICESCO and the Ministry, which paved the way for a comprehensive program that promotes active teaching and integrates professional development tools at the core of university pedagogy.

    Dr. AlMalik also explained that the first round of the Project benefited 113 professors from Moroccan universities, and that ICESCO aspires to reach 600 beneficiaries across four sessions it plans to organize in the near future.

    In a speech delivered on behalf of Dr. Azzedine El Midaoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation of Morocco, Dr. Mohamed Khalfaoui, Secretary-General of the Ministry, affirmed that the Project, implemented over four months in 12 Moroccan universities, was the result of a strategic vision and partnership between the organizers, in a bid to advance higher education and scientific research across the Islamic world. He pointed out that the Ministry’s collaboration with ICESCO represents recognition of the Organization’s leading role in its Member States.

    This was followed by a presentation from Dr. Khalid Berrada, coordinator of the Project at FUIW and Chairholder of the ICESCO Open Education Chair at Mohammed V University in Morocco, wherein he reviewed the scientific program and implementation stages of the Project. A series of expert interventions followed, including those by Dr. Amel Barich, researcher with the “GEORG” research group in Iceland, and Dr. Colin de la Higuera, an expert with the UNITWIN Open Education Network “UNOE” at the University of Nantes, France.

    A number of professors who participated in the Project also spoke about their exceptional experience during the session, highlighting that the training programs were instrumental in developing their skills—particularly digital skills—which enabled them to adapt to and keep pace with the latest advancements.

    Mr. Abderrazak Ben Saga, Acting Director of Higher Education and Pedagogical Development at the Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, presented the project timeline and its upcoming session scheduled for 2025.

    The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates of recognition by the Director-General of ICESCO and the Secretary-General of the Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education to the cohort of professors who benefited from the pilot session of the Project.

    Launch of Poetry Collection “Khamissiyat” by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik At SIEL Rabat

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The poet Dr. Salim M. AlMalik launched his poetry collection, Khamissiyat (Cinquains), during a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco on Thursday 24 April 2025. The event formed part of the key activities of the 30th edition of Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL), held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, from 17 to 27 April 2025.

    The ceremony, attended by a number of high-ranking officials, ambassadors, and prominent poets, opened with introductory remarks by Sudanese poet Ms. Rawda Al-Hajj and Moroccan poet and media figure Dr. Ahmed Lahrichi. This was followed by the screening of a recorded video highlighting Dr. AlMalik’s poetic career.

    Next, Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, delivered an address in which he congratulated Dr. AlMalik on the release of his new poetry collection and commended the creative depth of his work. Dr. AlMalik then presented a copy of the collection to Mr. Bensaid.

    In his remarks, Moroccan writer and author Dr Abdelilah Benarafa delivered a critical analysis highlighting the poetic features of Khamissiyat since its inception as a weekly publication every Thursday. He noted that Dr. AlMalik masterfully blended poetic elegance with philosophical depth, articulating through it his vision of the world.

    Subsequently, Ambassador Khaled Fatah Al-Rahman, Sudanese poet, delivered an artistic reading entitled, Aesthetic Reflections on the Khamissiyat Poetry Experience, in which he examined the defining features of Dr. AlMalik’s poetic style. He noted that Dr. AlMalik writes within the tradition of reflective poetry, and that Khamissiyat reflects both his deep connection to his cultural environment and his upbringing in an educated household.

    Following, Mourad Kadiri, President of the House of Poetry in Morocco, delivered an address in which he praised the poetry collection, highlighting its wisdom and emphasizing that it reflects Dr. AlMalik’s decade-long commitment to poetry.

    In his concluding remarks, Dr. AlMalik highlighted that Khamissiyat (Cinquains), with its five-line structure, has consistently delved into themes of counsel, wisdom, love, longing, homeland, spirituality, and reflection. He emphasized that the collection has remained vibrant over the past ten years, delivering a weekly message grounded in wisdom.

    The event concluded with a live reading of selected poems from the collection, accompanied by the soothing sounds of oud played by musician Mehdi El Ouaqouaqi.

    ICESCO Deputy Director-General Participates in Seminar on Early Islam in Morocco

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the scientific seminar organized by the Dar Al-Hadith Al-Hassania Institute on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, under the theme: “Early Islam in Morocco: Historical Context, Characteristics, and Expansions.” The event was attended by Dr. Ahmed Toufiq, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco; Dr. Amal Jallal, President of Al-Qarawiyyin University; Dr. Abdelhamid Achak, Director of Dar Al-Hadith Al-Hassania; along with prominent figures including professors, experts, and researchers in the field.

    Dr. Benarafa presented a scholarly paper at the seminar entitled “Establishing the Legitimacy of the Schools of Thought Coming from the East to the Maghreb,” in which he discussed the spread of the Maliki school of thought in Morocco. He stated that “the Hanafi school was among the first schools to reach Ifriqiya from the schools of Iraq. Following that, Moroccans began traveling to the Hijaz in pursuit of knowledge and Hajj, and narrated directly from Imam Malik. Their return led to the dissemination of the Maliki school, which gained wide renown, and Ifriqiya and Cordoba became among the most renowned centers of jurisprudential study across the Islamic world.”

    The ICESCO Deputy Director-General explained that the choice of the Maliki school by the people of the Maghreb was due to several reasons, such as the nature of the Maliki school, its compatibility with reality, and its distance from forced interpretations. He added that the Maliki school is a practical jurisprudence linked to real-life contexts and people’s interests, while remaining firmly rooted in foundational Islamic principles.

    In addition to presenting his scholarly paper, Dr. Benarafa chaired the first session of the seminar, titled: “The Islamic Conquest of Morocco: Context, Course, and Characteristics,” which explored the historical context of the Islamic conquests and their specificities in the Maghreb in general, and Morocco in particular. It also addressed the course of the Islamic conquest of Morocco and the distinctive events and incidents that accompanied it, through observation, analysis, critique, and synthesis.

    Dr. Salim AlMalik Mourns Pope Francis and Praises His Human Values and Peaceful Legacy

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, Pope of the Vatican and Head of the Catholic Church. He praised the Pope’s unwavering commitment to human values and his consistent calls for peace, the cessation of wars, respect for human dignity, and the sanctity of human life.

    Dr. AlMalik also conveyed his sincere appreciation for the late Pope’s openness to interfaith and intercultural dialogue, as well as his noble initiatives that embodied the principles of coexistence and tolerance. He emphasized that the world has lost a wise and sincere voice, one who championed shared human values and firmly opposed hatred and violence.

    ICESCO Director General pointed out that during their meeting, Pope Francis offered him a valuable advice saying, “Always keep the doors open,” a statement that perfectly explains his constant advocacy for openness, love and intercultural and people-to-people communication.

    The ICESCO Director-General further noted that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to serve as a source of inspiration for peace and humanitarian advocacy, adding that his memory will remain etched in the hearts of humanity.

    ICESCO Director-General and Egyptian Minister of Culture Discuss Prospects for Strengthening Future Cooperation

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno, Egyptian Minister of Culture, to discuss prospects for enhancing bilateral cooperation, implementing upcoming joint programs and activities, and strengthening the partnership in the fields of cultural indicators and creative industries.

    During the meeting, held on Saturday, 19 April 2025, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik praised the fruitful cooperation between the Organization and the Arab Republic of Egypt, as well as the efforts made by Egyptian authorities to support ICESCO’s initiatives in the country, particularly in the fields of culture and innovation.

    For his part, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno commended the significant roles played by ICESCO in promoting sustainable development within its areas of competence, especially in cultural creation and heritage preservation. He also affirmed the Egyptian authorities’ willingness to continue their collaboration with the Organization through the implementation of pioneering activities, programs, and initiatives in the cultural field.

    The meeting also addressed the mechanisms for implementing the joint projects and programs planned for the upcoming period, including ICESCO’s participation with a special pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair 2025, in addition to a series of activities and events related to the Organization’s areas of expertise.

    Subsequently, the two parties discussed the development of a roadmap for an initiative aimed at promoting Egyptian Cultural Week in Islamic countries, as well as cooperation in the field of cultural indicators, the launch of programs in the sector of cultural and innovative industries, and the organization of symposia and conferences to support Member States in developing their strategic visions and orientations in the fields of culture and innovation.

    The meeting also provided an opportunity to explore the possibility of forming a joint academic team, in partnership with the Supreme Council of Culture, to explore opportunities offered by artificial intelligence to promote culture and innovative industries.

    ICESCO Director-General Participates in ALECSO and Moroccan Ministry of Culture’s Celebration of Arab Poetry Day

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    On Friday, 18 April 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in a celebration organized by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, on the occasion of the 11th edition of Arab Poetry Day. The event was held on the sidelines of the Rabat International Book Fair.

    The literary celebration served as an occasion to honor creative expression and pay tribute to iconic figures in poetry and the arts across the Arab world. It featured the esteemed Egyptian actor Yehia El-Fakharany as the guest of honor, who was recognized for his rich artistic career and pioneering role in enriching the Arab artistic and cultural scene.

    Also honored were five prominent Arab poets: Mohammed Bennis (Morocco), Saleem Al-Nafar (Palestine), Yaseen Taha Hafiz (Iraq), Abdullah Al-Baradouni (Yemen), and Ahmad Al-Adwani (Kuwait). The event broadcast videos documenting their poetic and artistic journeys and highlighting their influence on Arab culture.

    The celebration was attended by Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication; Mr. Ahmed Fouad Hennawi, Minister of Culture of the Arab Republic of Egypt; several members of the Arab diplomatic corps; and an elite group of intellectuals, writers, and poets from across the Arab world.

    At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates of appreciation were presented to the honored artists and poets, or their representatives, in a moment of gratitude and recognition for their contributions to enriching the Arab cultural and artistic landscape.