Disclaimer: You are using Google Translate. The ICESCO is not responsible for the accuracy of the information in the translated language .

your opinion

User Feedback

Overall, how satisfied are you about the website?

    Extremely Dissatisfied Extremely Satisfied

    Category: News

    ICESCO, British Council Discuss Prospects for Cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training

    Posted on by mohamed.elmajdouby

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, to discuss prospects for cooperation between the two parties in developing technical and vocational education and training, implementing advanced training programs for Palestinian students, and expanding the refugee program targeting girls’ education to include conflict-affected countries.

    During the meeting, held on Monday, 20 May 2025, in London on the sidelines of the 21st session of the Education World Forum (EWF), both sides expressed their aspiration to build a strategic partnership through the implementation of a wide range of innovative programs and initiatives in the educational field for the benefit of ICESCO Member States.

    Dr. AlMalik invited Mr. McDonald to visit ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat to gain a closer understanding of the Organization’s working mechanisms and its most prominent initiatives and programs across Islamic world countries, and to explore the possibility of jointly implementing several of these key activities.

    In attendance from ICESCO were Ms. Haddy Jatou Sey, Head of the Education Sector, along with sector experts Ms. Faizah Alaoui and Mr. Waqas Afridi. Representing the British Council were Ms. Maddalaine Ansell, Director of Education, and Ms. Alexandra Balafrej, the Council’s representative in Morocco.

    ICESCO Launches Université des Nouveaux Savoirs Seminar Series to Train Youth in Morocco

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with HEM Business & Engineering School in Morocco, and in collaboration with the Institut Français in Morocco and the Heinrich Böll Foundation, launched the Université des Nouveaux Savoirs seminar series. The initiative offers free lectures on key themes including solidarity economy, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, design, urban space, and architecture.

    Running for a full month across four Moroccan universities, the series forms part of ICESCO’s “Skills and Jobs of Tomorrow” program, which seeks to expand access to knowledge, improve the quality of education, and promote equal opportunities in learning.

    Speaking at the launch event on 19 May 2025, Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), reviewed the Organization’s efforts, through FUIW, to strengthen cooperation, foster knowledge exchange, and advance scientific research among universities in the Islamic world. Dr. Halli underscored the importance of this initiative in preparing youth to enter the labour market and enhancing their skills.

    For his part, Dr. Kaïs Hammami, Head of the Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, outlined the goals of the seminar series, notably to help youth meet future challenges and seize new opportunities, while providing open platforms that nurture knowledge among future generations. He emphasized the vital role of foresight thinking in driving positive change.

    The seminar sessions will be led by international experts, specialists, and university faculty, and will be hosted by Mohammed V University in Rabat, Hassan I University in Settat, Hassan II University in Casablanca, and Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra.

    ICESCO Honors Winners of 2025 Smart City Startup Competition in Indonesia

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded its Smart City Solutions Startup Competition 2025, organized in cooperation with the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) in Indonesia. The event witnessed the participation of 194 young entrepreneurs as part of ICESCO’s program to train youth in creating and developing small-scale projects in technology and innovation. The initiative aims to support 150 startups across ICESCO Member States in this field.

    During the closing ceremony, held in person and via video conferencing in Bandung, Indonesia, on Friday, 16 May 2025, the 13 selected participating teams presented their projects to the judging panel in the fields of sustainable innovation, smart cities, and the circular economy. The Committee concluded the event by announcing the three winning teams of the competition.

    The first-place winner was the Curaweda team, which presented a digital storytelling platform using AI to support tourism in Indonesia. Second place went to the Encoteki team for their platform that offers discounts at retail stores through tokens shaped like endangered Indonesian animals, aiming to raise awareness about biodiversity. Third place was secured by the Nyampih Indonesia team for their project that creates a digital network connecting households, businesses, and waste collectors to streamline waste recycling management and advance the circular economy. In addition, several other projects received honorary awards, including Moo Apps and Kilatsoon.

    The event, attended by Dr. Mohammad Sharif, Advisor in the Science and Environment Sector at ICESCO, featured a series of capacity-building workshops for startups on applications of AI and modern technologies.

    ICESCO Takes Part in 18th Edition of Tan-Tan Moussem in Morocco, Celebrating Nomadic Culture

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the 18th edition of the Moussem of Tan-Tan, organized by the Almouggar Foundation, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The cultural event was held in Tan-Tan, Kingdom of Morocco, from 16 to 18 May 2025, under the theme, “Moussem of Tan-Tan: A Living Testament to the Universality of Nomadic Culture.”

    Dr. Abdelilah Benarfa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, and Dr. Ahmed Said Bah, Advisor to the Director-General for Partnerships and International Cooperation, represented ICESCO at the event. The Moussem featured a large number of cultural and artistic activities that reflect the diversity of the rich Saharan heritage. These included traditional Tbourida shows, camel races, handicraft exhibitions, as well as folk games that highlight aspects of the daily life of nomads in the desert.

    The Tan-Tan Moussem is a major cultural event in the Kingdom of Morocco that celebrates nomadic culture by highlighting oral heritage, traditional music, handicrafts, and customs spanning generations. This event was inscribed on both ICESCO’s and UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage lists due to its role in showcasing Saharan cultural diversity and promoting the values of cultural and artistic exchange at regional and international levels.

    This year’s edition featured two scientific seminars. The first focused on investment and local development, where participants reviewed ways to strengthen the local economy by capitalizing on aspects of Saharan heritage. The second seminar discussed women’s Hassani poetry, bringing together a host of researchers and experts in the field to shed light on Sahrawi women’s creative contributions to safeguarding heritage and transmitting collective memory through oral literature.

    ICESCO’s participation reflects its firm commitment to the protection of intangible cultural heritage in the Islamic world and the promotion of a common cultural identity among its Member States.

    ICESCO Director-General, ICYF President Explore Ways to Enhance Youth Participation in Cultural Activities

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with a delegation from the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), headed by Mr. Taha Ayhan, President of the Forum, in the presence of Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Aide to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan. The meeting focused on exploring ways to enhance youth participation in the activities and initiatives planned for the celebration of Kazan as a 2026 Culture Capital in the Islamic World.

    The meeting took place on the sidelines of the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2025.” During the discussion, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that, in line with ICESCO’s strategic vision centered on creativity and innovation, the Organization places special priority on youth and is committed to engaging them in its leading activities and initiatives.

    The Director-General also highlighted the importance of involving young people in the events surrounding the celebration of Kazan, given their pivotal role in promoting the cultural significance of the occasion. He noted, “Youth participation will bring vibrancy and fresh perspectives to the celebration’s programs.”

    For his part, Mr. Ayhan expressed the Forum’s keen interest in contributing to the Kazan 2026 activities, pointing to the potential for organizing youth-led cultural events that showcase young talents and reinforce cultural diversity.

    Both parties affirmed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation over the coming period to implement joint programs and initiatives aimed at empowering youth and preserving the rich heritage of the Islamic world.

    ICESCO Director-General Visits Bolgar Islamic Academy in the Republic of Tatarstan

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited the Bolgar Islamic Academy in the Republic of Tatarstan on Saturday, 17 May 2025, on the sidelines of his participation in the Kazan International Economic Forum 2025 (Russia – Islamic World). He was received by Mr. Murad Timurshin, Head of the Doctoral Studies Department at the Bolgar Islamic Academy.

    During the visit, the Academy’s efforts in offering diverse educational programs in Islamic sciences and promoting scientific research were reviewed, along with its contribution to the preparation of young, scientifically qualified religious leaders.

    Dr. Salim AlMalik toured the Academy’s facilities and reviewed its educational and research programs. He praised the role it plays in shaping a distinguished generation of scholars and thinkers in Russia and the Islamic world. He emphasized that his visit falls within ICESCO’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with leading educational institutions, supporting scientific research and academic development, and reinforcing the values of tolerance and intercultural dialogue. He also expressed the Organization’s willingness to cooperate with the Academy in areas of shared interest.

    The Bolgar Islamic Academy is one of the prominent educational institutions in the Russian Federation. It offers advanced educational programs at the Master’s and Doctoral levels and focuses on training scholars and religious leaders capable of promoting Islamic values and disseminating knowledge.

    The ICESCO Director-General Participates in « Russia-Islamic World » Strategic Vision Group Meeting in Kazan

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the annual meeting of the Strategic Vision Group « Russia – Islamic World,» held on Friday, 16 May 2025, in Kazan. The meeting was attended by H.E. President Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, along with a group of high-level officials and decision-makers from the Russian Federation and several Islamic countries, in addition to presidents and representatives of relevant international and regional organizations.

    In his address during the meeting, which was held under the theme « The Experience of Russia and the Islamic World in the Field of Youth Policy, » Dr. AlMalik emphasized that over the past five years, ICESCO has implemented a range of innovative initiatives and activities reflecting the Organization’s keen interest in youth, convinced of their crucial role in shaping the present and building the future. He also noted that youth constitute 45% of ICESCO’s staff, which reflects the Organization’s strategic vision regarding the importance of youth participation.

    Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s initiatives and programs targeting youth in the Islamic world, notably the ICESCO Year of Youth. He stated that the Organization’s investment in youth is not limited to leveraging their capacities, but also aims to elevate their visions in projects related to AI, the green economy, and the digital transformation of education, with the goal of shaping a generation equipped to meet the challenges of its time and grounded in civilizational values.

    Dr. AlMalik announced the launch of four initiatives aimed at strengthening youth cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world: the organization of a youth forum simulating the current Strategic Vision Group meeting; the establishment of a permanent platform dedicated to youth policies to develop joint strategies on entrepreneurship and innovative education; the launch of cultural and diplomatic exchange programs for youth; the implementation of forward-looking research projects by young people to identify major transformations and contribute to building the world of tomorrow.

    At the conclusion of his address, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to H.E. President Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and H.E. the President of Tatarstan for their continuous support in promoting cultural dialogue and for their enlightened vision, which has enabled Kazan to play a leading role in fostering understanding among civilizations and to become a beacon of tolerance.

    On the Sidelines of Russia – Islamic World: Kazan Forum… ICESCO Participates in Ministerial Congress on Cultural Dialogue: Promoting Identity and Diversity

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the international ministerial congress held in Kazan on Thursday 15 May 2025, under the theme: “Cultural Dialogue as a Foundation for Maintaining Identity and Diversity in a Multipolar World.” The Congress was attended by ministers of culture from Russia, Indonesia, Somalia, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau and Pakistan, along with representatives from 37 countries.

    The congress was held on the sidelines of the 2025 Kazan International Economic Forum, “Russia – Islamic World” and featured opening remarks by Ms. Olga Lyubimova, Culture Minister of Russia; Ms. Leyla Fazleeva, Deputy Prime Minister of Tatarstan; Dr. Walid Hamed Shiltag, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to Russia; Ambassador Turko Daudov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the OIC; and Mr. Al-Hussein Al-Ghazawi, Director of Cultural Affairs at the OIC.

    In his address, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that the congress aimed to discuss the evolving cultural landscape, defend and empower culture, and mobilize it as a driving force for peace, dignity, and sustainable development. He highlighted the deep belief of ICESCO in the central role of culture in the development process within its Member States.

    Dr. AlMalik explained that this belief is embodied in several pioneering initiatives launched by the Organization, starting with the introduction of the multidimensional “360° Approach to Peace,” aimed to instill the values of peace in societies and public policies. He also mentioned the Leadership Training for Peace and Security Program (LTIPS), which has so far graduated 180 young men and women as peace ambassadors representing 68 countries. Additionally, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s launch of its innovative concept of “civilizational diplomacy.”

    Dr. AlMalik noted that ICESCO has become a frontline advocate for the shared heritage of its Member States, as reflected in the establishment of ICESCO Heritage Center in the Islamic World, which has inscribed more than 730 heritage sites on its Islamic World heritage List. He also noted ongoing efforts to update national legislation in the field and support Member States in the removal of properties from the List of World Heritage in Danger. Dr. AlMalik concluded his speech by calling for support for ICESCO’s efforts and initiatives in heritage preservation.

    The congress also featured interventions from representatives of ICESCO Member States, who focused on national efforts to support culture as a driver of development, strengthen its role in preserving identity, maintain cultural diversity, and promote coexistence among different cultures. Participating delegations also extended their congratulations to Tatarstan on the designation of Kazan as the 2026 Culture Capital in Islamic World.

    ICESCO and Indonesia Discuss Ways to Strengthen Cooperation in Education, Science and Culture

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Fazli Zon, Indonesian Minister of Culture, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan. The two officials discussed ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Indonesia in the fields of education, science, culture, and heritage preservation and promotion, and examined the programs and initiatives proposed for joint implementation in the coming period.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main pillars of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations, as well as its programs and projects on youth and women capacity building, consolidating the values of coexistence, peace and civilizational dialogue, countering extremist ideas, encouraging investment in technology, innovation, artificial intelligence and space sciences, spreading the culture of foresight, and enhancing the status of the Arabic language globally.

    ICESCO Director General expressed his aspiration to expand the scope of cooperation with Indonesia in the coming period, especially in the field of heritage preservation and promotion, calling for increasing the number of inscribed Indonesian tangible and intangible heritage sites on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List.

    For his part, Mr. Fazli Zon stressed his keenness to enhance cooperation with ICESCO given its esteemed status in the Islamic world, pointing out that the Ministry, as part of its new orientations, seeks to protect and promote all forms of heritage, which provides room for enhancing cooperation and joint work with the Organization.

    Tatarstan President Reaffirms Strengthened Cooperation with ICESCO

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan (Russian Federation), affirmed the enhancement of cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). This came during a meeting held on Thursday 15 May 2025, with Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, alongside a number of Ministers of Culture and heads of delegations participating in the Congress of the Minister of Culture of Islamic World Countries, held under the theme:“ Cultural Dialogue As A Foundation For Maintaining Identity And Diversity In The Multipolar World”, convened in Kazan with the participation of 37 countries, as part of the international economic forum Russia – Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2025.

    President Minnikhanov expressed his delight at the designation of Kazan as a Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2026, under ICESCO’s Capitals of Culture Program. He emphasized that hosting the Congress of the Minister of Culture of Islamic World Countries is part of the broader efforts to strengthen ties between Russia and ICESCO Member States. He also praised ICESCO’s initiatives in this context and the close and fruitful cooperation between his country and the Organization.

    President Minnikhanov further noted that the celebration will include a year-long series of major cultural events and activities. He extended an open invitation for wide participation in these events, which aim to highlight and celebrate the rich civilizational and cultural heritage of the Tatar capital.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to President Minnikhanov for the warm reception and generous hospitality. He commended the important role Tatarstan plays in the strategic relations between the Islamic world and the Russian Federation. He also reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to ensuring the success of the Kazan Capital of Culture celebration, which recognizes the City’s longstanding legacy of coexistence, cultural vitality, and steadfast dedication to building bridges between peoples and cultures.