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    Category: News

    ICESCO Explores Cooperation with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information on Heritage Preservation

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Aida Balayeva, Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to discuss prospects for joint cooperation in culture and heritage preservation. The meeting took place alongside ICESCO’s participation in the 8th “Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions,” hosted by Center for Interfaith Dialogue in Astana, on 17–18 September 2025.

    During the meeting, held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Dr. AlMalik overviewed ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, highlighting its programs and initiatives, particularly in heritage preservation across the Islamic world. Dr. AlMalik emphasized the establishment of the Islamic World Heritage Center and ICESCO’s inscription of 724 sites and elements on its heritage list.

    For her part, Ms. Balayeva expressed her appreciation for ICESCO’s pioneering efforts in safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage and enhancing cultural fields in its Member States. Ms. Balayeva underscored the importance of training Kazakh professionals and expressed the Ministry’s intention to organize specialized training in cooperation with ICESCO on heritage preservation, maintenance, and restoration.

    Furthermore, the Kazakh Minister highlighted her interest in inscribing several historical sites in Kazakhstan on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List, commending the Organization’s role in emphasizing their civilizational value.

    The discussion further addressed the possibility of designating a Kazakh city, particularly Turkestan, as the 2028 Cultural Capital in the Islamic World. Dr. AlMalik invited Ms. Balayeva to visit ICESCO headquarters in Rabat to continue coordination and discuss future cooperation projects.

    The meeting was also attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku.

    ICESCO Director-General, Kazakhstan’s Grand Mufti Discuss Ways to Enhance Religious and Cultural Dialogue Among Communities

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, with His Eminence Sheikh Nauryzbay Haj Taganuly, Grand Mufti of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to explore prospects for strengthening cooperation between the Organization and the Muftiate of Kazakhstan. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, hosted by the Center for Interfaith Dialogue in the capital, Astana.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik emphasized the Organization’s keenness to support all its Member States, including Kazakhstan, as a key partner in implementing ICESCO’s programs. He pointed out that this Congress represents an important opportunity to foster dialogue and understanding among various cultures and religions.

    The Director-General also reviewed several initiatives that could be jointly developed by both parties, including the initiative “Read It, to Understand It”, which aims to promote a culture of conscious reading as an entry point to a deeper understanding of the Holy Quran, in addition to other projects that strengthen partnerships between ICESCO and Kazakh religious and scientific institutions.

    For his part, H.E. Grand Mufti Sheikh Nauryzbay Haj Taganuly praised ICESCO’s pioneering role in addressing the issues of the Islamic world in the fields of education, science, culture, and media. He stressed the importance of building upon the fruitful cooperation already established between the two sides, noting the positive impressions left by his previous visit to the Organization’s headquarters and the remarkable efforts and valuable initiatives he observed.

    At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to form a joint working group to prepare draft practical projects that will advance future cooperation, with the aim of consolidating shared human values and reinforcing the role of religious and cultural dialogue at both regional and international levels.

    ICESCO Receives Civilizational Communication Award for Its “360 Degrees for Peace” Initiative

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) received the Civilizational Communication Award for international non-profit organizations and institutions in its fifth edition organized by the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication (KACCC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    The award was presented to Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, during an official ceremony held on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, in Riyadh, under the patronage of HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Riyadh Region, and in the presence of prominent figures and representatives of international and regional organizations.

    ICESCO was honored with this prestigious award for its pioneering initiative “360 Degrees for Peace,” which seeks to promote the values of moderation, coexistence, and tolerance, while building bridges of civilizational communication among peoples and cultures.

    The Civilizational Communication Award recognizes national and global achievements by government institutions, civil society organizations, international bodies, the private sector, and individuals who have made outstanding and effective contributions to spreading a culture of peace and promoting dialogue among civilizations.

    Through this recognition, ICESCO reaffirms its standing as a leading international organization in education, science, and culture, and as a supporter of initiatives aimed at fostering a more peaceful and united world.

    President of Kazakhstan presents ICESCO Director-General with Religious Leaders Summit Medal of Honor

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    During the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana, Kazakhstan, under the patronage of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the main session witnessed a significant moment affirming international recognition of the efforts of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).

    President Tokayev presented ICESCO Director-General, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, with the Medal of Honor of the Congress in recognition of his role in promoting global peace, encouraging interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and fostering understanding and coexistence among nations.

    His Excellency President Tokayev also honored several religious and intellectual leaders participating in the Congress, acknowledging their contributions to advancing coexistence and harmony. This collective recognition reflects the Congress’s core message of building a more just, peaceful, and united world.

    The award highlights ICESCO’s standing as a leading international platform for cultural, educational, and scientific action, and as a center of expertise that empowers generations, protects heritage, promotes innovation, and spreads the values of peace worldwide.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed his profound pride in this distinction, stressing that it is an honor for ICESCO and all its staff. He described it as a call to continue working diligently and faithfully to serve humanity by promoting a culture of dialogue and building a future of peace, dignity, and mutual respect.

    The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions was established in 2003 by the Republic of Kazakhstan. Since then, it has become a global platform bringing together religious, intellectual, and political leaders from around the world. Held every three years in Astana, the Congress attracts broad participation from representatives of major faiths and international bodies. Its mission is to promote dialogue, foster mutual understanding, and address global challenges with a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility. Over the years, it has built bridges of cooperation among followers of different faiths and civilizations, offering a shared vision for achieving spiritual security and societal peace worldwide.

    ICESCO Director-General Participates in Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), led the Organization’s delegation to the opening session of the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, hosted by the Center for Interfaith Dialogue in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 17-18 September 2025, under the chairmanship of H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

    The opening session began with a speech by President Tokayev, who emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence, highlighting Kazakhstan’s role as a hub for promoting global harmony and mutual respect among different cultures and religions.

    In his address, Dr. AlMalik reviewed global developments in their humanitarian context, noting that estrangement, bloodshed, destruction, greed, and instability have become dominant features of today’s world, compounded by the absence of values of brotherhood, dialogue, and coexistence. He stressed that the roots of the crises facing humanity lie in spiritual emptiness.

    Dr. AlMalik underlined the pivotal role of religious leaders in overcoming humanitarian challenges, stating that “religious diplomacy,” which ICESCO has integrated into its broader vision of “civilizational diplomacy,” offers the most effective means to build a world founded on peace, security, values, and noble ethics.

    Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik presented several recommendations, including the establishment of a reference observatory to provide information, conduct analyses, and propose orientations and policies for religious leaders; mobilizing experts aware of the role of civilizational diplomacy in its spiritual and religious dimensions while employing modern tools; and creating an evidence base to anticipate the capacity of religious leaders to fulfill their roles.

    The Congress gathers senior religious leaders and policymakers to promote dialogue among faith leaders, address contemporary challenges in interreligious relations, foster peace, and uphold shared human values.

    The ICESCO delegation included Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku.

    ICESCO Announces the Winners of the “Most Innovative Youth Projects for Peace” Contest

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is pleased to announce the winners of the “Most Innovative Youth Projects for Peace” contest. This contest enables ICESCO’s young ambassadors for peace to present concrete projects that will benefit their communities. It is a practical application of the training they received from the third edition of the “Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS)” program.

    A total of 42 projects were submitted for this edition and were evaluated by a multidisciplinary jury composed of ICESCO experts based on their ability to contribute to peacebuilding, as well as their degree of innovation and sustainability.

    The jury announced the following winners:
    • Ms. Sarah Khalil Qeshta (Egypt) was recognized for her project, the “Peace Library Initiative,” which provides a holistic educational experience promoting peace, climate awareness, and sustainable development.
    • Ms. Soumayatou Sa’adia Nabaloum (Burkina Faso) was recognized for her project, the “School of Resilience,” which focuses on developing the leadership skills of displaced girls in Burkina Faso’s Passoré Province to strengthen their resilience.
    • Mr. Polat Allagulyyev (Turkmenistan) was recognized for his project, “Football for Peace,” which aims to promote gender equality, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment through a football festival.

    It is worth noting that the LTIPS has trained over 180 young people from 68 countries who have been selected as ICESCO ambassadors for peace.

    ICESCO, Heydar Aliyev Foundation Discuss Prospects for Enhancing Cooperation

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, in Shusha, to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation between the Organization and the Foundation in education and culture.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented the mid-term report of the “Educational and Social Support for Displaced and Boarding School Girls,” implemented in Burkina Faso in partnership with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The project has supported more than 26 schools, trained over 300 teachers, and assisted thousands of students. Both parties agreed to extend the project in its upcoming phases to cover several African countries, alongside the development of several joint projects and programs as part of this strategic partnership.

    For his part, Mr. Alakbarov reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to continuing close cooperation with ICESCO in education, culture, and heritage.

    It is worth noting that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was awarded the 2025 Hamdan-ICESCO Prize for Voluntary Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World, in recognition of its pioneering initiatives.

    The meeting was also attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku.

    ICESCO Concludes Two Activities on Educational Satellites and Space Sciences in Kazakhstan

    Posted on by mohamed.elmajdouby

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded, in Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, the 4th International Aerospace Symposium and the training workshop on the design of an educational satellite (CanSat), which the Organization held at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

    The two activities took place from 6 to 11 September 2025, in cooperation with the Kazakh Space Agency, the Kazakh Aerospace Committee, Kazakhstan’s National Commission for UNESCO and ICESCO, and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, with the participation of over 60 young trainees from ICESCO Member States and 13 international speakers and experts.

    During the six-day workshop, participants received intensive hands-on training on how to design, assemble, program, and launch small educational satellites. They used microcontrollers, sensors, cameras, and ground stations to launch miniature satellites using drones and rockets. Participants also made an exceptional visit to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, where they witnessed the launch of a Soyuz-2.1, a rocket carrying supplies to the International Space Station.

    Alongside the training workshop, the Organization also held the 4th International Aerospace Symposium, where Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor in ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, reviewed, in its opening session, the Organization’s initiative on space science applications and its commitment to advancing education and innovation in the field of space across all its Member States.

    ICESCO Holds Training for Teachers of Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers in the Kingdom of Cambodia

    Posted on by mohamed.elmajdouby

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held, from 12 to 14 September 2025, in Phnom Penh, the Kingdom of Cambodia, a training course titled “Methodology of Teaching Arabic Language Skills to Non-Arabic Speakers”, in cooperation with MS Asia for Educational Services and Development.

    The training, which was organized at the invitation of the Union of Islamic Educational Institutions in Cambodia, was attended by over 40 teachers. Participants were introduced to theories of teaching core and supportive language skills, while also enhancing their teaching competences in improving communication skills in Arabic. They were also provided with effective strategies to advance the teaching and learning of Arabic, and encouraged them to adopt modern teaching methods in language skills instruction.

    The training was supervised by Dr. Adham Mohamed Ali Hamawiya, Expert at ICESCO’s Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, and Dr. Mutawakkil Al-Fadni, CEO of MS Asia for Educational Services and Development.

    President Ilham Aliyev Awards ICESCO Director General the Order of Friendship

    Posted on by mohamed.elmajdouby

    H.E. President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan awarded Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Order of Friendship (Dostlug Order), in recognition of his outstanding role in strengthening and developing close cooperation between Azerbaijan and ICESCO across education, science, and culture, This honor is one of the highest in Azerbaijan.

    During the awarding ceremony, held in Shusha, the President praised the achievements and distinctive initiatives resulting from this partnership, commending Dr. AlMalik’s efforts in advancing joint work to broader horizons.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed his sincere gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for this high honor, noting that the award recognizes ICESCO as a whole and all its staff who work diligently to serve Member States and enhance actions in education, science, culture, and innovation.

    This state honor reflects the growing international recognition of ICESCO’s standing and its forward-looking vision, which positions it as a leader in fostering future-oriented initiatives, bridging cooperation between the Islamic world and beyond, and advancing innovation, digital transformation, heritage preservation, and youth preparation for the future.

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