The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) launched a new measurement tool aimed at supporting cultural and creative industries in its Member States during a training workshop entitled “ICESCO Index for Cultural and Creative Technologies.” The workshop was held in a hybrid format at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, with over 190 participants from 23 countries, including researchers, experts, representatives of National Commissions, Ministries of Culture, and creative institutions.
In his opening remarks at the workshop, attended by Ms. Raja Youssefi, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Tunisia in Rabat, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, stressed that cultural and creative technologies have become a strategic driver of sustainable development and innovation. He emphasized the importance of developing reliable indicators to support the formulation of data-driven cultural policies and noted that the launch of the index forms part of the series “ICESCO: Leadership in New Cultural Policies 2021–2029.”
Subsequently, Ms. Saloua Abdelkhalek, Director-General of the International Tunisian Center for Digital Cultural Economy, delivered a presentation on the Center’s role in supporting innovative initiatives in cultural and creative industries, highlighting the growing impact of digital tools in advancing cultural ecosystems across the Islamic world.
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Amine Hammami, artist and international expert in digital creativity and digital culture, presented the structure of the new index, explaining that it is built around 47 indicators distributed across nine pillars: digital innovation, skills, infrastructure, the market, regulatory framework, audience engagement, sustainability, data and artificial intelligence, as well as cooperation and partnerships.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS), held a panel discussion titled: “Employing Artificial Intelligence Tools in Managing Security-Related Media Crises and Their Societal Impact” on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event was organized as part of the scientific forum “The Role of Media Security in Enhancing Societal Security,” with the aim of strengthening media security as a fundamental pillar of comprehensive national and societal security through addressing the challenges of the modern digital environment and promoting integration among the media, security, and technology sectors.
Dr. Barakat Al-Wegyan, Head of the Communication Division at ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector, reviewed the Organization’s and the Sector’s efforts to enhance media and digital literacy and build the capacities of institutions and individuals through their training programs and specialized initiatives, thereby contributing to the promotion of media security and the fight against misinformation.
He also highlighted the impact of AI on transforming the nature of media crises and the consequent need to develop mechanisms for monitoring, verification, and rapid response in order to curb the spread of disinformation and safeguard public awareness.
Mr. Khalid Alshammari, Director of Strategic Communications and Media at the Pilgrim Experience Program, addressed the role of security media and the use of AI tools in organizing the Hajj season. He emphasized the importance of strategic communication in supporting crowd management, building trust, and delivering media messages that keep pace with field requirements.
For his part, Mr. Hadi Alfakeeh, expert in strategic communication and former leader within the Saudi Vision 2030 ecosystem, explained that successful media crisis management requires integration between technical and communication dimensions. He stressed the importance of preparedness and the development of flexible communication strategies capable of responding to the rapidly evolving digital environment.
The session concluded with an open discussion during which participants’ questions were addressed and views were exchanged on the topics covered by the panel.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the InnoXera International EdTech Summit 2026, organized by Classera under the theme “Education Without Borders: Keeping Learning Through Crisis” as a strategic partner. The summit aimed to explore solutions to the challenges facing education systems during times of crisis, promote the use of artificial intelligence in education, and prepare teachers and students for the schools of the future.
Representing ICESCO at the summit, held virtually on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, was Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Supervisor of the Education Sector and Director of the Translation and Publishing Center at ICESCO. In his address, he stressed the need to develop flexible education systems capable of responding to emerging challenges, emphasizing the importance of transforming the sector through the adoption of inclusive approaches, the integration of modern technologies, the strengthening of teachers’ capacities, and the promotion of international cooperation and strategic partnerships both within and beyond the Islamic world.
The event brought together officials, experts in education and emerging technologies, and entrepreneurs to discuss ways and mechanisms to ensure the continuity of education during crises and accelerate digital transformation in the sector. Furthermore, the various participants addressed the importance of raising awareness of best practices for enhancing the quality of education and strengthening human capital skills.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held the International Conference on Families and Public Policies on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, at its headquarters in Rabat, under the theme “Supporting Social Transformations in the Islamic World,” in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Rabat. The conference brought together a distinguished group of international experts, researchers, and specialists to examine contemporary transformations affecting the family and to explore ways to develop more effective and context-appropriate family public policies, within an approach that takes into account the cultural and social specificities of countries of the Islamic world.
In his opening address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, stressed that investment in families should not be viewed solely as a social commitment, but as a fundamental prerequisite for achieving sustainable development, strengthening social cohesion, and enhancing economic resilience. He underlined that ICESCO attaches particular importance to family-related issues as part of its mission to advance development across its Member States.
In a recorded address, Mrs. Marielle Sander, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Rabat, explained that the family remains at the heart of every society as a space for protection, solidarity, and human development. She noted that progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires family-centered policies that are closely aligned with inclusion, equality, and inclusive opportunities for youth.
For his part, Mr. Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaye, World Bank Country Director for the Maghreb and Malta, highlighted that the family constitutes the foundation for building nations’ human capital. He presented selected statistics related to the conference theme in the Middle East and North Africa region, noting that 70 percent of children aged ten are unable to read, representing the highest learning poverty rate globally. He also pointed out that more than 30 percent of youth are NEET, while 40 percent of women face exclusion, a situation that casts negative repercussions on family well-being.
Dr. Falilat Ajoke, Director of the Social Affairs and Family Affairs Department at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, emphasized the need to exchange expertise and strengthen coordination among Member States to address the shared challenges facing families in the Islamic world.
Mrs. Kawtar Manssouri, Director of Childhood and Women’s Affairs, Department of Youth, Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, Kingdom of Morocco, considered that the challenges confronting families in the Islamic world call for enhanced coordination and the exchange of successful experiences among countries, contributing to the formulation of more sustainable family policies.
Subsequently, Mr. Salim Omar Salim, Director of the ICESCO Regional Office in Sharjah, affirmed that the Islamic world is witnessing profound demographic, economic, social, and digital transformations that raise fundamental questions regarding privacy and family security. He then announced the launch of the Regional Family Forum in Sharjah by the end of the current year.
In the closing session, Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain AlJazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of The Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, affirmed that the family is both the source and the producer of human capital capable of contributing to community building. She stressed the necessity of involving families in the formulation of public policies, as they are the primary stakeholders affected by the outcomes and impacts of these policies.
The conference featured two panel discussions on “Families in the Islamic World through the Lens of Policymakers and Researchers” and “Families in the Age of Digital Transformation: Artificial Intelligence, Economic Globalization, and Demographic Changes,” with the participation of leading experts and researchers. This initiative aims to contribute to the development of practical recommendations supporting the advancement of family public policies in countries of the Islamic world.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a webinar entitled “World Music, Living Heritage, and Intercultural Dialogue: Introducing the International Institute for World Music”, with the participation of more than 40 experts and representatives of international cultural institutions. The event aimed to highlight the role of music in fostering intercultural dialogue, safeguarding living heritage, and opening new horizons for international cultural cooperation. The webinar, held on Thursday 5 June 2026, as part of the ICESCO International Network of Civil Society Organizations for Culture and Development project, was moderated by Ms. Somia Djacta, Head of the ICESCO Office to UNESCO. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of this initiative in strengthening ties among cultural stakeholders and underscoring the status of musical heritage as a universal language shared by humanity.
In his opening address, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, stressed that world music serves as a bridge of understanding among peoples and an effective tool for promoting a culture of peace that’s rooted in cultural diversity and mutual respect. He noted that openness to diverse artistic expressions constitutes a key driver for enhancing intercultural dialogue.
Subsequently, Ms. Margaret Dechenaux, Founder and Director of the International Institute for World Music, delivered a presentation on the Institute’s experience, explaining that it currently offers 17 certificate training tracks and organizes more than 40 major international masterclasses annually. She also expressed the Institute’s interest in developing joint projects with ICESCO in the fields of training and the promotion of intangible cultural heritage.
For his part, Dr. Hyung Suk Moon, Honorary President of the Institute, highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in bringing peoples closer together. He reviewed a number of international experiences and pointed to promising opportunities for cooperation in the fields of cultural and creative industries and heritage digitization.
Meanwhile, Mr. Frédéric Jambu, Coordinator of the ICESCO International Network of Civil Society Organizations for Culture and Development and an expert in cultural diplomacy, presented the objectives of the international platform, explaining that it seeks to support partnerships, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and implement joint projects among civil society organizations. Mr. Lotfi Ben Salah, President of the Riadh Al-Sunbati Club for Arab Music Association in Tunisia, also highlighted his association’s initiatives aimed at preserving, documenting, and promoting Arab musical heritage.
The webinar concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of cultural openness as a catalyst for mutual enrichment and of the need to continue building effective partnerships among international and local cultural civil society organizations, thereby creating new opportunities for cooperation between ICESCO and the International Institute for World Music.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, organized a regional workshop on “Leveraging Educational Psychology in Teachers’ Professional Development.” The Workshop benefited 186 trainees, both in person and via videoconference, comprising education professionals working in the field of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers from 15 countries across Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
During the workshop, which was hosted in the Mishkat Hall at ICESCO Headquarters on Wednesday and Thursday, 3-4 June 2026, Dr. Heba Shannik, Expert in educational training, presented and analyzed the theoretical foundations of educational psychology and their contribution to the development of pre-service and in-service teacher preparation programs. She also reviewed the educational and psychological principles that contribute to enhancing the professional competencies of teachers of Arabic to non-Arabic speakers.
The Expert also conducted practical sessions during which participants were trained on the application of teaching strategies based on educational psychology principles in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers, through the use of digital platforms and artificial intelligence tools in teaching and educational assessment.
It is worth noting that this workshop is the tenth in the “Mishkat Educational Leadership Program” for the academic year 2025-2026, implemented by ICESCO in partnership with the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, and in academic cooperation with Sultan Moulay Slimane University in Beni Mellal, Morocco. The Program aims to train hundreds of distinguished professionals working in the field of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers.
Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at the Organization, met with Ambassador Christian Kamill, Special Envoy for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, and Ms. Fredrika Ornbrant, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to the Kingdom of Morocco, to explore prospects for joint cooperation in promoting the values of peace, coexistence, and Interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
During the meeting, held on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. Benarafa highlighted the Organization’s efforts, programs, and initiatives aimed at consolidating a culture of peace, coexistence, intercultural and Interreligious dialogue, strengthening mutual understanding among peoples, and building bridges of civilizational rapprochement.
Dr. Benarafa underlined the importance of Interreligious and intercultural dialogue as a fundamental pillar for building more harmonious and tolerant societies, noting that ICESCO pursues a policy of openness to enhance cooperation within and beyond the Islamic world.
For his part, Ambassador Kamill expressed his country’s readiness to strengthen partnership with ICESCO through the development and implementation of activities and projects in the field of civilizational dialogue and the promotion of the values of coexistence, tolerance, and peace among societies.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Swedish delegation toured the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, hosted at ICESCO headquarters.
Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), paid respects on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, on behalf of the Director-General of ICESCO, to the late former President of the Republic of Yemen, His Excellency Field Marshal Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, may Allah rest his soul, at the headquarters of the Embassy of Yemen in Rabat. He was received by His Excellency Mr. Azzedine Saeed Al-Asbahi, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen to the Kingdom of Morocco.
Dr. Benarafa expressed his deepest condolences and sympathy to the Yemeni people on the passing of the late leader, may Allah grant him eternal rest.
In a message written by the Deputy Director-General of ICESCO in the Embassy’s Condolences Book, he affirmed that the late Field Marshal Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, may Allah have mercy on his soul, was a national figure who devoted his efforts to serving Yemen and its people, and who, throughout the various stages of his political career, contributed to supporting stability and preserving the security and safety of the nation.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), through its Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, has published the fifth series of specialized studies in the field of teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers. The publication is part of the Center’s “Specialized Studies” project, which is aimed at advancing scientific research and enhancing educational practices in this field.
The series comprises 10 peer-reviewed academic books prepared by a number of experts and specialized researchers from 10 countries: Jordan, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Iran, the United Kingdom, Türkiye, South Africa, Mali, Malaysia, and Morocco. These new publications seek to enrich the Arabic library with rigorous academic studies, and to strengthen scientific and educational research related to the teaching and learning of Arabic, in line with the rapid transformations taking place in the education sector at the levels of both knowledge and technology.
The published books address a wide range of topics reflecting the breadth of research areas in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers. The titles include: • Human Intelligence in Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers: Activating the Subconscious Mind through Neuro-Linguistic Programming. • Distance Learning of Arabic in Indonesia: An Applied Analytical Study. • Shared Vocabulary between Arabic and Uzbek and Its Utilization in Developing a Bilingual Dictionary and Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers. • Teaching Arabic in Iran and Türkiye: A Comparative Study. • Cultural Standards in Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers: Approaches and Frameworks. • An Applied Approach to Teaching Arabic Rhetoric to Speakers of Other Languages. • The Use of Technology in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language: Higher Education Institutions in South Africa as a Model. • The Arabic Language and Its Teaching in Mali: Between Traditional Approaches and Modern Language Teaching Methods. • Needs Analysis for Hajj and Umrah Guides in Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers. • Phonological and Visual Awareness among Non-Arabic Speakers: Strategies and Digital Alternatives.
ICESCO has made these publications available for free consultation and download through its official website at: https://icesco.org/pnzf
His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, extended his sincere congratulations to Dr. Salim M. AlMalik on the occasion of his re-election as Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) for a new term, by unanimous decision of the Organization’s Member States, following his nomination by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the proceedings of the 15th session of the ICESCO General Conference, held in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation.
President Aliyev commended the roles undertaken by ICESCO under the sound leadership of its Director-General, which have resulted in a renewed vision and innovative strategic orientations. He noted that the Organization’s work has positioned it among international organizations with a tangible impact in the fields of education, science, and culture.
The Azerbaijani President also highlighted the significant achievements and qualitative initiatives resulting from the distinguished partnership between ICESCO and the Republic of Azerbaijan, through cooperation with relevant Azerbaijani institutions and entities. He praised Dr. AlMalik’s efforts in advancing joint action to broader horizons for the benefit of the Islamic world.
