Category: News

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), to discuss recent developments in cooperation between the two organizations in areas of shared interest. The meeting also explored future prospects for joint action to promote the Arabic language among non-Arabic speakers in African countries, support creative industries, harmonize curricula and educational systems, and raise awareness on the ethics of artificial intelligence.

At the beginning of the meeting, held on Friday, 18 April 2025, Dr. AlMalik praised the depth of the strong relationship between ICESCO and ALECSO, affirming that it goes beyond complementarity to encompass fraternity. He expressed his pleasure at Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar’s visit to ICESCO headquarters, describing it as a reflection of the two organizations’ synergy—ICESCO being a beacon for the Islamic world, and ALECSO a reference for the Arab world.

For his part, Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar lauded the strength of the relationship between the two organizations, which has created significant opportunities for cooperation and for overcoming challenges to achieve common goals. He stated: “We consider ICESCO a part and an extension of ALECSO’s work, and we are pleased with this meeting. While we face major challenges, joint action will enable us to overcome them.”

During the meeting, the two parties discussed ICESCO’s key initiatives, programs, and projects being implemented under its new vision, and the prospects for a strategic partnership between the two organizations in various areas. These include educational development, capacity-building for institutions and individuals in teaching and learning Arabic, enhancing its global presence, and exploring ways to issue a joint reference framework for the Arabic language as a strategic step toward improving its teaching quality in Arab and African countries.

They also discussed efforts to harmonize curricula and educational systems in shared member states, strengthen the creative cultural industries, and promote the role of culture in shaping economic, social, and digital policies, as well as cooperating in the field of artificial intelligence ethics.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, to explore avenues for cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The meeting, held on Friday, 18 April 2025, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, featured a presentation by Dr. AlMalik on the Organization’s initiatives, programs, and activities across its various sectors, departments, and centers. He emphasized ICESCO’s efforts in capacity-building, particularly targeting youth and women, and highlighted the establishment of new specialized centers, including the Calligraphy and Manuscripts Center, the Training Center, and the Center for Poetry and Literature, in addition to the recently launched Media and Communication Sector.

Dr. AlMalik also briefed Her Highness on ICESCO’s ongoing institutional development, which has reinforced its position as a leading organization and a hub of expertise in its fields of action. He outlined the Organization’s strategic expansion through regional offices and centers in several Member States and its forward-looking vision designed to address emerging global challenges.

The Director-General explained that ICESCO’s vision places significant emphasis on preserving and safeguarding the heritage of the Islamic world, inscribing historical sites and cultural elements on Islamic World Heritage Lists, and digitizing them. He also pointed to the launch of programs in the field of creative and cultural industries, noting that the Organization focuses on contributing to the support of good governance, enhancing knowledge production, encouraging the use of space sciences and artificial intelligence technologies, and developing the skills required for future professions, all in service of its Member States and in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.

For her part, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi praised ICESCO’s role in advancing education, science, and culture, its expansion into new fields, and the modernization of its operational frameworks and specializations. She reaffirmed her commitment to fostering a strong and fruitful partnership with ICESCO in the future.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the opening ceremony of the 30th Edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL), held in Rabat. The event is organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him. The opening ceremony was presided over by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, in the presence of several Moroccan ministers and officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and prominent Moroccan, Arab, and international figures.

ICESCO is participating in this edition with a special pavilion that will host 68 activities over the course of ten days. These include intellectual seminars, literary meetings, and poetry readings featuring intellectuals and literary figures from ICESCO’s Member States and beyond, along with the Organization’s experts and leaderships.

The pavilion also showcases ICESCO’s publications in the fields of education, science, culture, media, and human sciences, as well as materials highlighting the Organization’s flagship programs and initiatives. In addition, audiovisual screens have been installed to display multimedia content documenting ICESCO’s various activities and areas of expertise.

This year marks the introduction of an interactive media platform at ICESCO’s pavilion, to showcase diverse digital content, including interviews, podcasts, and daily coverage of the Fair’s activities. This initiative aims to enhance the Organization’s outreach and engagement with audiences both within and beyond the Islamic world.

A large number of ICESCO officials, including heads of sectors, departments, and specialized centers, are actively participating in the pavilion’s programming. The lineup also features distinguished academics affiliated with ICESCO’s scientific chairs, who will deliver lectures and lead seminars in their respective fields of expertise.

In a solemn ceremony held under the patronage of H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, celebrations marking the conclusion of “Shusha Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2024,” organized by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), brought to a close a year rich with remarkable activities carried out under ICESCO’s Program of Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World.

The closing ceremony, held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, commenced with a recorded speech by Dr. Salim Al-Malik, ICESCO Director-General. He expressed ICESCO’s pride in having chosen Shusha, “the jewel of Azerbaijani heritage,” as the 2024 Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, citing its rich cultural and intellectual heritage and significant role in preserving Azerbaijani identity. He highlighted the remarkable cultural renaissance currently unfolding in the city.

Addressing a large audience of senior Azerbaijani officials and members of the ICESCO delegation, Dr. AlMalik emphasized, “Shusha is a vibrant city,” attributing the cultural dynamism to a “wise vision” under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, “whose dedication to serving national identity, culture, and historical justice is unparalleled.” He praised the remarkable transformations Shusha has undergone during President Aliyev’s tenure, ushering the city into a golden era characterized by cultural flourishing, heritage restoration, and national pride.

Dr. AlMalik also conveyed deep appreciation to Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Lady and First Vice President of Azerbaijan, noting her “unwavering commitment to heritage, generous support for the arts, and affection for Shusha, which has enriched every initiative and brightened every moment.” He added that the city’s cultural revival “bears her marks on every stone, every melody, and every restored memory.”

Coinciding with the closing celebrations, the Islamic World Cultural Forum titled “Protection and Revival of Cultural Heritage in Post-Conflict” was held, featuring the participation of the ICESCO delegation alongside international experts, policymakers, and representatives from global and regional organizations. The forum focused on developing effective strategies to protect and restore cultural heritage in areas affected by conflict.

Prior to the ceremony, Mr. Aydin Karimov, the President’s Special Representative for the Shusha District, received the ICESCO delegation, commending the profound partnership between Azerbaijan and ICESCO. In response, the delegation reaffirmed ICESCO’s steadfast commitment to preserving the cultural identity of its Member States, particularly those impacted by war, displacement, and destruction.

The ICESCO delegation included Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku; Dr. Webber Ndoro, Director of ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Center; Mr. Mohammed Al-Absi; and Dr. Mahamat Abba Ousman, experts at the Center.