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    Category: News

    ICESCO Director-General Discusses Heritage Preservation Cooperation with Bangladeshi Cultural Affairs Adviser

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) met with Mr. Mostafa Sarwar Farooki, Adviser for Cultural Affairs to the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, on Monday, 6 October 2025, at the soon-to-be-inaugurated July Memorial Museum, dedicated to commemorating the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising in Bangladesh.

    At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his admiration for the museum’s comprehensive documentation and accurate presentation of the history of Bangladesh’s struggle for freedom and dignity, emphasizing that this initiative represents a significant addition to the country’s cultural landscape.


    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s strategy in culture and heritage preservation, highlighting the Organization’s initiatives to support museums, safeguard historical memory, and promote cultural and creative industries across Member States.

    Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s readiness to organize specialized training for Bangladeshi youth to equip them with skills in heritage inscription, protection, and conservation, in addition to supporting the adoption of cultural indicators and the development of cultural and creative economies in Bangladesh.

    For his part, Mr. Farooki praised ICESCO’s efforts in strengthening cultural cooperation among Member States and expressed his country’s aspiration to establish strategic partnerships with the Organization to advance museum development, cultural projects, and innovation initiatives.

    Director General of ICESCO Visits the Headquarters of the Bangladesh National Commission

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited the headquarters of the Bangladeshi National Commission for UNESCO in Dhaka on Monday 6 October 2025.
    During the visit, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to strengthening its distinguished partnership with Bangladesh, noting that ongoing fruitful cooperation has resulted in joint programs, workshops, and initiatives over the recent months, including the “Green and Clean School Campus” contest and a workshop on “Robotic Surgery.”

    The ICESCO Director General presented the Organization’s approach of engaging with National Commissions in Member States to understand their priorities and design projects that respond to their needs while supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in ICESCO’s fields of competence.

    At the conclusion of the visit, Dr. AlMalik invited members of the Bangladeshi National Commission to undertake a week-long working visit to ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat. The visit would provide an opportunity to observe the operational mechanisms of ICESCO’s sectors and specialized centers, learn about recent updates to its administrative structure, and review its key programs and initiatives serving Member States.

    ICESCO DG Announces Establishment of Research chair for Women’s Empowerment and Equality at Dhaka University in Bangladesh

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Sharmeen Soneya Murshid, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser in the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The two parties discussed ways to enhance cooperation between ICESCO and Bangladesh in promoting gender equality, building women’s capacities, and protecting children’s rights.

    During the meeting, held in Dhaka on Sunday, 5 October 2025, Dr. AlMalik announced the establishment of an ICESCO Chair for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality at Dhaka University. The aim of the chair is to conduct studies and research, develop initiatives to promote equal opportunities for both sexes in the Islamic world, and train women in leadership skills.
    ICESCO Director General also reviewed the Organization’s key initiatives, programs and projects in the fields of mental health, enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of youth and women, and reintegrating girls who have dropped out of school into education.

    For her part, Ms. Murshid emphasized the importance of cooperation between ICESCO and Bangladesh in promoting the rights of women and children, ensuring mental health and digital safety within society, developing pioneering programs to protect children and combat gender-based violence, and promoting women’s participation in achieving sustainable development.

    Both parties agreed to strengthen their cooperation in areas such as building the capacity of women and young people, promoting social inclusion, and developing gender-sensitive educational systems.

    Agreement to strengthen cooperation between ICESCO and Bangladesh in the fields of education, innovation support and digital transformation

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Education Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation in the areas of educational development, innovation support and capacity building.

    During the meeting, held on Sunday 5 October 2025 in Dhaka, Dr. Al-Malik praised Bangladesh’s significant progress in literacy, quality education provision and digital transformation support, stressing that ICESCO considers Dhaka a regional model for educational innovation and youth development in the Islamic world.

    For his part, Dr. Abrar expressed his deep appreciation for ICESCO’s continued support, emphasizing that his country wishes to benefit from ICESCO’s expertise to modernize its education system and develop the future skills of its young people.
    The meeting featured discussions on a series of programs and projects proposed for implementation by both parties, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence and digital literacy into school curricula, training teachers in emerging technologies, and strengthening partnerships between universities, research institutions and industry. A joint working group will be formed in the near future to explore ways of implementing these programs and initiatives.

    Dr. Abrar hosted a dinner in honor of Dr. Malik, attended by several senior officials, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations in Bangladesh.

    ICESCO calls for support for innovation and harnessing industrial opportunities at the NextGen Manufacturing Summit Africa in Morocco

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the NextGen Manufacturing Africa Summit, hosted by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir, Morocco, from September 30 to October 1, 2025. A number of international experts, academics, and decision-makers discussed the future of the African continent in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, focusing on issues of innovation and digital transformation.

    ICESCO was represented at the summit by Ms. Faizah Alaoui, expert at the Center of Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, who participated in a panel discussion on the pivotal role of African youth in building a sustainable future based on digital empowerment, which requires anticipatory planning and proactive thinking to keep pace with the ongoing rapid changes.

    Ms. Faizah Alaoui called on African youth to embrace reciprocal learning, entrepreneurship, and resilience in the face of challenges, emphasizing the importance of integrating them into national digital transformation strategies.

    She added that ICESCO’s participation in this international event is part of its firm commitment to empowering youth, developing foresight-based education, and supporting African innovation ecosystems.

    ICESCO Director-General Participates in Major Celebration of World Teachers’ Day in Bangladesh

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Dr. AlMalik announces new initiatives for teachers, stressing their key role as nations’ builders and moral compass

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), stressed that teachers are the lifeblood of education, nations’ builders and moral compass, as well as the bearers of knowledge and science. He reiterated ICESCO’s commitment to stand by teachers through training, empowerment, and recognition.

    Dr. AlMalik made this statement in his address during a major celebration organized by the Ministry of Education of Bangladesh in Dhaka on Sunday, October 5, 2025, on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day. The event was attended by Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Advisor on Education to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, along with a group of senior officials, representatives of the international organizations concerned, and experts in educational affairs. During the ceremony, Bangladesh paid tribute to number of teachers who demonstrated excellence in their work.

    Dr. AlMalik highlighted the noble status of teachers in Islam, noting that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, honored the teaching profession when he said, “I was sent only as a teacher.” In this regard, he emphasized the need to celebrate teachers by recognizing their efforts and ensuring they receive the appreciation they deserve, commending Bangladesh’s efforts in supporting and empowering teachers.

    In this context, the ICESCO Director-General announced three initiatives in Bangladesh, namely the launch of the ICESCO Teacher Award to honor exceptional educators starting next year, the implementation of a program to build teachers’ capacities in AI applications to education, and the establishment of a research chair at the University of Dhaka specializing in women’s empowerment and capacity building studies.

    Dr. AlMalik concluded his remarks by offering advice to teachers, stressing the importance of being role models for future generations, promoting high moral values among their students, and embracing bold and innovative ideas.

    Azerbaijan and Qatar Ministers of Culture Visit ICESCO’s Pavilion at Baku International Book Fair

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Mr. Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Culture of the State of Qatar, visited the pavilion of ICESCO’s Regional Office at the 11th Baku International Book Fair on Friday, October 3, 2025.

    During the visit, which took place as part of the Fair’s third day activities, the two ministers were briefed on the key regional projects implemented by ICESCO through its Regional Office in Baku, as well as on its international initiatives aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, safeguarding heritage, and supporting youth in the Member States. They also explored the pavilion’s publications, digital materials, and strategic documents showcasing the Organization’s contributions to the development of culture in the Islamic world.

    The ministers’ visit to ICESCO’s pavilion underscores the pivotal role of the Organization’s Regional Office in Baku as a hub for cooperation in the fields of culture, science, and education across the region. It also reaffirms the importance of international collaboration in areas of shared interest.

    It is worth noting that the State of Qatar is the Guest of Honor of the current edition of the Baku International Book Fair, held on 1-7 October 2025.

    Applications are Open for 2026 ICESCO-Hamdan Award for the Development of Educational Facilities, Worth USD300,000

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences announce the opening of nominations for the fifth edition of ICESCO-Hamdan Prize for the Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World 2025 – 2026, which aims to stimulate voluntary initiatives and charitable work in the education sector, and support the development of educational infrastructure and facilities in the Islamic world.

    The award carries a USD 300,000 prize value. It is granted to three winners from among charitable organizations, volunteer institutions, donors, and benefactors. Each winner receives USD 100,000, which must be invested either in developing the awarded project or in launching new educational initiatives that support educational facilities. In addition, winners receive a commemorative shield and an official certificate of recognition.

    Nominations can be submitted either through self-nomination or nomination upon recommendation. Applicants must fill in and submit the application form, before 20 March 2026, in Arabic or English via the official online platform at the following link: (https://tahkeem.ha.ae/login.xhtml).

    Following the initial screening process, eligible applications will be forwarded to an international jury, which will evaluate the submissions, select the winners, and approve the final results. The awardees will be honored at an official ceremony organized by the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, in collaboration with ICESCO.

    For inquiries, applicants may contact the following email address: hamdan.icesco.prize@ha.ae
    It is worth noting that this award was launched in 2017, with the support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, may Allah rest his soul, as part of a partnership between ICESCO and the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation.

    ICESCO Organizes Panel Discussion at MONDIACULT 2025 to Ensure Fair and Inclusive Access to Culture

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    As part of the official program of the World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development MONDIACULT 2025, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a special session titled: “Cultural Rights in the Digital Age: Inclusive Access, Fair Participation, and Rights-Based Governance.” The session highlighted the place of culture within the sustainable development agenda, cultural rights in the digital era, and the opportunities and challenges brought about by technological transformations.

    The event, organized by ICESCO on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, in partnership with UNESCO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and UN Women, aimed at strengthening international cooperation to guarantee fair and inclusive access to culture and to achieve fair participation in shaping rights-based governance policies.

    The session addressed three main issues: emphasizing the centrality of cultural rights in the digital age; the cultural dimensions of digital divides related to language, accessibility, and representation; as well as presenting ICESCO’s digital initiatives, foremost among them the ICESCO Creative Platform and the ICESCO Index of Cultural and Creative Technologies.
    In this context, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector, and Ms. Somia Djacta, Head of ICESCO’s Delegation to UNESCO, renewed the call for the adoption of a specific goal on culture within the Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 18). They stressed the importance of recognizing culture as a strategic driver of social cohesion, innovation, and sustainable development. They also underscored the need to safeguard the rights of artists, promote the creativity of youth and women, and ensure fair and inclusive governance in the digital space.

    Participants in the event unanimously emphasized the importance of bridging digital and cultural divides, protecting the rights of creators, and guaranteeing fair and inclusive access to cultural technologies. The inputs also highlighted ICESCO’s innovative contributions in this field. Joint recommendations were presented, which will be incorporated into the final documents of MONDIACULT 2025 and into future pathways of cooperation among international organizations.

    ICESCO and ALIPH Foundation Explore Cooperation in Heritage Protection

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Valéry Freland, Executive Director of the ALIPH Foundation, on Tuesday 30 September 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss avenues of cooperation between the two sides in the protection and preservation of heritage.

    During the Meeting, ICESCO Director-General presented the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations, as well as its flagship programs and initiatives, particularly the activities of ICESCO’s Heritage Center and the role it plays in protecting heritage sites in Member States. He also highlighted ICESCO’s work to remove sites from international lists of endangered heritage, in addition to the registering 724 sites and elements on the ICESCO Islamic World Heritage Lists.

    Both parties agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in November to develop joint cooperation in the field of heritage protection and to strengthen international efforts in this area.

    The ALIPH Foundation is an international, multi-stakeholder platform that brings together states, private-sector partners, and experts, with the aim of protecting endangered heritage worldwide and safeguarding cultural heritage. Its membership includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, France, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Morocco, Luxembourg, China, and Cyprus, with additional support from Switzerland and contributions from major international institutions and charitable organizations.

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