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    Category: News

    On International Literacy Day, ICESCO Calls for Improving the Quality of Education as a Pillar for Safeguarding Human Dignity

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Every year, on 8 September, the world celebrates International Literacy Day, observed this year under the theme: “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity.” On this occasion, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) reaffirms its full and continued commitment to supporting its Member States and their national efforts to improve and develop education, considering it a pillar for safeguarding human dignity, promoting equal opportunities, achieving sustainable development, and spreading the values of peace and tolerance.

    Within the framework of the ICESCO Strategic Plan 2026-2029, the Organization reaffirms its commitment to bringing about a fundamental transformation in the education sector across the Islamic world through programs and projects with tangible impact, including the launch of the “Global Dashboard for Monitoring Progress in Green Education,” the “International Professional Teaching Certification Project,” the “Girl Dropout Reintegration Project”, and the ICESCO Digital Library.
    ICESCO calls on governments, educational institutions, civil society, the private sector, and international partners to work towards ensuring education for all, alongside efforts to build teachers’ capacities, modernize curricula, provide digital learning tools and alternative education mechanisms, and address the issue of school dropout.

    In this context, many learners in several ICESCO Member States face numerous barriers that prevent them from receiving a quality education, most notably poverty, discrimination based on gender and special needs, challenges associated with climate change, and limited digital resources. These challenges require urgent and collective action to ensure that all segments of society acquire the life skills necessary for learning, working, and contributing to their communities.

    In conclusion, ICESCO renews its full commitment to working with countries within and beyond the Islamic world to make literacy a pathway towards improving the quality of education, developing human capital, and achieving peace and prosperity.

    ICESCO Calls for Broader Global Participation in Space Sciences at International Conference in Poland

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the 12th edition of the European Rover Challenge 2026, in Krakow, Republic of Poland, from 4 to 6 September 2026. The event brought together 124 teams of space science experts representing 29 countries, with the aim of promoting innovation in space robotics, exploration, and emerging technologies.

    ICESCO was represented at the conference by Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor to the Science and Environment Sector, who took part in a panel discussion entitled “Space for Society: Capacity Building, Applications and the Global Community.” During the session, he highlighted the Organization’s efforts to build capacities in space sciences and their applications through the educational CanSat satellite design training workshop organized in three ICESCO Member States.

    He also drew attention to the existing disparities in access to space science and related technologies, stressing that despite the rapid progress being made in artificial intelligence and small satellite technologies, a significant capacity gap continues to separate countries and institutions.

    In concluding his remarks, ICESCO representative emphasized the need to move beyond traditional training programs toward empowering young people to design, test, launch, and use space technologies. He also called for strengthening international partnerships to ensure the participation of scientists and engineers from developing and emerging countries in space projects, teams, and missions.

    ICESCO Participates in Second Religious Summit in Russia and Calls for Strengthening Interfaith Dialogue

    Posted on by Mohamed Anwar

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the Second International Religious Summit, held in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, under the theme “Religious, Spiritual and Moral Values in the Modern World.” The summit brought together prominent religious figures, leading scholars, and intellectuals from various countries around the world.

    During the opening session, held on Thursday, 3 September 2026, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, stated in an address delivered on his behalf by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, that the summit provides an opportunity to examine the role of religious and spiritual values in light of the transformations taking place across the world, contributing to the promotion of global peace and security and the advancement of mutual understanding and prosperity.

    Dr. AlMalik stressed that the modern world is experiencing a deep-rooted moral and structural crisis, contrary to modernist interpretations that characterize it as a temporary challenge. He noted that its underlying cause lies in distancing knowledge from its authentic sources and separating values from their higher spiritual reference framework.

    The address concluded by emphasizing that science and knowledge cannot be separated from values and ethics and by calling on religious and international leaders and institutions to fulfill their intellectual and ethical responsibilities.

    For his part, Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue at ICESCO, participated in a panel discussion on the role of world religions in strengthening international security and addressing contemporary challenges. In his intervention, he affirmed that interfaith dialogue is no longer merely an intellectual option but has become a necessity for protecting societies from division, extremism, and hate speech.

    Exploring Ways to Enhance Cooperation Between ICESCO and Yemen in Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Vocational Training

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Anwar Kalshat Al Mahri, Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training of the Republic of Yemen, to discuss ways and mechanisms for cooperation in developing programs and projects aimed at protecting local languages from extinction, enhancing young people’s technical and vocational skills, promoting entrepreneurship, and advancing institutional development.

    During the meeting, held on Friday, 4 September 2026, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat and attended by Ambassador Ezzedine Al Asbahi, Ambassador of Yemen to Morocco, Dr. AlMalik stressed that ICESCO seeks to develop initiatives and activities that respond to the needs of its Member States in the fields of education, youth capacity building, and heritage preservation for future generations. He also reviewed the Organization’s efforts to attract talented young professionals from across the Islamic world.

    The Director-General highlighted the importance of international organizations investing in the development of education and vocational training in Yemen as a cornerstone for preparing generations capable of building a better future within their communities. He described vocational training as an important step toward advancing sustainable development and strengthening the labor market.

    For his part, Dr. Al Mahri outlined the Ministry’s efforts to address challenges in the education sector by creating an enabling environment for innovation, creativity, and knowledge dissemination. He emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with international organizations, foremost among them ICESCO, as a center of expertise.

    He also expressed the Ministry’s interest in cooperating with ICESCO on a project that explores the use of Arabic script in protecting endangered spoken local languages.
    The two parties agreed to develop an action plan during the coming period to establish innovation units and a local platform for technical and vocational training, as well as to strengthen the scientific and technical skills of the Ministry’s personnel and staff.

    The meeting was also attended by Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector, and Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector, Director of the Translation and Publishing Center.

    ICESCO Holds International Seminar on Visual Arts and Theater

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held, via videoconference, the eighth session of its program “Artists of the World Hosted by ICESCO” under the theme “Between Visual Arts and Theater: The Body at the Heart of Creativity.” The seminar hosted Ms. Liselotte Nin, a writer, visual artist, and theater director from the Dominican Republic, with the aim of exploring intersections between contemporary artistic practices and highlighting the role of technology in shaping new creative experiences.

    The seminar, held on Thursday, 3 September 2026, was opened by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, who stressed the importance of establishing the program as an open space for exchange, discussion, and critical reflection, and of continuing its artistic and intellectual journey across diverse contexts. He noted that the richness of an artwork extends beyond its final form to encompass the process of its creation, its various stages of development, and the encounters that contribute to its evolution.

    He expressed the Organization’s aspiration to strengthen cooperation with artists from around the world and to provide opportunities for showcasing their works across its Member States, thereby supporting the building of sustainable bridges between artistic and cultural communities. He also commended the seminar’s guest for enriching discussions on emerging forms of creativity.

    In her presentation, visual artist Liselotte Nin explained that she does not define herself through a specific artistic discipline, but rather as an artist who views creativity as a means of exploring and questioning the world. She called for considering art as an open space that transcends predefined meanings and disciplinary boundaries in favor of a practice based on the integration of artistic forms.

    The artist highlighted the presence of themes related to African heritage, migration, identity, and memory in her work, emphasizing that she approaches them from a perspective that goes beyond individual experience to give them broader human dimensions. She also shed light on the concept of scenography as the art of designing and implementing visual and auditory spaces in theatrical, cinematic, and television productions.

    The seminar concluded with interventions on the role of artificial intelligence in contemporary creativity. The artist described AI as a new medium and creative partner that opens interactive possibilities between the artist’s vision and the capabilities of technology.

    ICESCO Concludes Fifth Arab Forum on Manuscript Heritage Management in Cairo

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded the Fifth Arab Forum on Manuscript Heritage Management, held in Cairo in cooperation with the Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO) from 1 to 3 September 2026 under the theme “From the Memory of the Past to Artificial Intelligence Technologies.” The Forum brought together a distinguished group of international experts, researchers, and specialists in the field of heritage management.

    In his address during the opening session, Dr. Idham Hanash, Director of the Calligraphy and Manuscripts Center at ICESCO, emphasized that the Forum reflects the Organization’s commitment to safeguarding manuscript heritage as an integral component of civilizational memory and a renewed source of knowledge.

    He explained that the theme of this edition calls for rethinking the philosophy of manuscript heritage management and moving beyond traditional preservation methods toward digital engineering approaches. This, he noted, requires integrating archaeology and manuscript studies with data science, computer science, artificial intelligence, information systems, and engineering in ways that enhance sustainability, ensure transmission to future generations, and maximize the benefits of their knowledge content.

    The Forum featured six scientific sessions, during which 15 papers were presented by researchers from seven Arab and foreign countries. Dr. Ahmed Abdelbasset, ICESCO Manuscripts Expert, chaired the closing session, during which participants’ recommendations were presented.

    The recommendations called for the harmonization of manuscript cataloging and digital transformation standards among Arab and Islamic institutions and libraries, the development of a unified reference model, and the establishment of a digital governance framework to regulate the work of manuscript repositories. They also stressed the importance of employing artificial intelligence in the structured processing of data to prevent the generation of unreliable information, as well as creating an international register of endangered manuscripts and mobilizing international support for their protection.

    Next Monday, Youth Knowledge Forum Kicks Off in Rabat and Four Other Countries across the Islamic World via Digital-Twin Technology

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The fifth edition of the Knowledge Youth Forum, one of the initiatives of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), kicks off next Monday, 7 September 2026, at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat. Held for the second time in the Kingdom of Morocco, the Forum is organized in partnership with ICESCO under the theme “From Crisis to Sustainability” and will bring together decision-makers, experts, and international specialists.

    This two-day event will feature the use of digital-twin technology, with Rabat serving as the Forum’s main hub and linked to four additional centers in the United Arab Emirates, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation. This model will enable young participants to engage and interact with the Forum’s sessions and workshops in real time, in a pioneering experience being implemented for the first time at an international forum across the Islamic world.

    During the Forum, a number of scholarships and in-kind awards will be granted to the most active and distinguished participants in the sessions and workshops. This initiative aims to encourage youth engagement in discussions, inspire them to develop practical and sustainable solutions to current challenges, and support their educational and professional development.

    The first day will feature an opening session attended by ministers, senior officials, and ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, followed by discussions on the interconnected global crises of 2026, sustainability as a framework for response, and the role of youth in recovering from the impacts of crises and transforming them into opportunities for growth.
    The second day will focus on the future of jobs and skills, examining labor market transformations, the gap between education and employment, and pathways to enhancing youth professional integration. It will also highlight national experiences in career guidance and support for future-oriented projects.

    ICESCO and Hamad Bin Khalifa University Explore Ways to Enhance Cooperation in Education, Artificial Intelligence and the Arabic Language

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, President of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), and the accompanying delegation on Thursday, 3 September 2026, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat. The meeting explored prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and HBKU, which is a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, in the areas of youth capacity building, education development, leveraging artificial intelligence, and enhancing the global presence of the Arabic language.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik commended the close partnership between ICESCO and the State of Qatar, as well as its various institutions and bodies. This partnership has resulted in the development and implementation of several pioneering initiatives and programs, foremost among them the ICESCO Regional Educational Center in Chad, which works to promote the Arabic language.

    The ICESCO Director-General also praised the contributions of Qatar Foundation, noting that, under the wise leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of the Foundation, it has become one of the international institutions of which the Islamic world is proud, owing to its pioneering roles in the fields of education, research, innovation, community development, and human capital development.

    Dr. AlMalik highlighted the Organization’s investment, as part of its vision and strategic orientations, in women’s capacity building by developing women’s skills and educating girls, in addition to its commitment to attracting qualified women to assume leadership positions within the Organization. He also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts to promote foresight and scientific research, as well as cooperation with universities and research institutions.

    Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the paramount importance that ICESCO attaches to heritage protection by inscribing cultural elements and historical sites on its Islamic World Heritage List and assisting its Member States in inscribing their archaeological sites on the World Heritage List.

    For his part, Dr. Hasnah commended the qualitative transformation ICESCO has undergone in recent years. He noted that today’s meeting was held at the direction of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and comes as part of HBKU’s commitment to cooperation with ICESCO, particularly in developing a program to promote artificial intelligence ethics in line with Arab and Islamic values and culture, as well as in building youth capacities.

    The President of HBKU also stressed that the reluctance of Arab and Islamic societies to engage with Arabic-language content calls for the joint development and implementation of activities and projects aimed at encouraging writing, publishing and reading in Arabic, as well as establishing local knowledge banks.

    Following the meeting, the University delegation held separate meetings with several heads of Sectors, Departments, and Centers at ICESCO, during which the Organization’s initiatives and activities were presented, and a number of programs proposed for implementation in the coming period were discussed.

    The delegation included Ms. Abeer Al Khalifa, President of Pre-University Education; Sheikha Noof Al Thani, Vice President of Strategic Educational Initiatives at Pre-University Education; Dr. Mohammed Ghaly, Head of the Research Center for Islamic Legislation & Ethics (CILE); Mr. Yousuf AlKhulaifi, Manager of PUE President’s Office; and Ms. Lilit Ohennisian, Projects Lead at HBKU.

    ICESCO Director-General Congratulates Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah on His Appointment as Director General of OIC Secretary-General’s Cabinet

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), congratulated Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah on his appointment as Director General of OIC Secretary-General’s Cabinet, wishing him every success in his new position and continued fulfillment in his distinguished professional career, marked by dedication and achievement in service of the causes of the Islamic world, during his tenure in numerous leadership positions within ICESCO over nearly three decades.
    Dr. AlMalik expressed his high appreciation for Dr. Ahmed Said’s professional record, affirming that he had been one of the Organization’s outstanding professionals and distinguished leaders, renowned for his knowledge, experience, integrity, and sound judgment, leaving a positive impact in every position he held.

    Furthermore, ICESCO Director-General stated that the Organization would miss a valued colleague and dedicated leader, but would continue to regard him with pride as its ambassador to the OIC, carrying its spirit and mission in his new position. Dr. AlMalik noted that his presence in this position would open broader horizons for partnership between the OIC and ICESCO and give it renewed momentum grounded in trust, shared knowledge, and a shared commitment to their common mission.

    It is worth noting that Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah has had an extensive career within ICESCO, which began in the mid-1990s, during which he headed and supervised several sectors and departments of the Organization. He most recently served as an Advisor to ICESCO’s General Directorate and has become a role model for enlightened leadership and dedicated, diligent work.

    ICESCO Concludes INNOverse 50+ Forum in Tatarstan Following a Series of Interactive Sessions and Innovation Workshops

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded, on Friday, 28 August 2026, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, the INNOverse 50+ Forum, held under the theme “For a Resilient Future,” in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth of Tatarstan, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, Kazan Federal University, and the Academy of Youth Diplomacy.

    Over the course of two days, the Forum featured an intensive series of interactive and hands-on sessions and innovation workshops, with the participation of over 50 innovators, entrepreneurs, and influencers representing 20 countries. Each session addressed key challenges and crises facing the world and its future.

    Participants employed several innovation tools and methodologies, beginning with identifying challenges and analyzing their causes and risks, followed by generating ideas and working collaboratively on them, and culminating in presenting scalable innovative solutions.

    At the conclusion of the Forum, educational and professional grants were announced in cooperation with ICESCO’s partners, enabling participants to advance their professional pathway toward certification as specialized professional experts in innovation. The Global Innovation Institute (GInI) provided more than 50 grants to participants.

    The participants who delivered the best outstanding presentations were also given the opportunity to enroll in the Coursera platform and benefit from more than 13,000 educational and professional courses, programs, and certificates offered by leading universities and academic institutions worldwide.

    INNOverse 50+ demonstrated youth’s ability to develop practical solutions to the major crises and challenges facing the world through a youth-led experience involving people from countries across the Islamic world and beyond. The experience brought together diverse backgrounds, fields of specialization, and expertise in an international environment based on innovation, collaborative work, and knowledge exchange.

    Moreover, INNOverse 50+ reflects a practical model of ICESCO’s approach to moving young people from discussing challenges to innovating solutions, connecting youth potential with international expertise and specialized partners, and transforming promising ideas into opportunities for learning and development, as well as scalable projects and solutions. This approach strengthens the role of young people in shaping the future and innovating sustainable solutions to the major challenges facing the world.