Category: News

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the International Scientific Conference on “The Role and Significance of Amir Temur and the Timurid Civilization in World History and Culture,” held in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, to mark the 690th anniversary of the birth of Amir Timur. The conference brought together researchers, historians, cultural stakeholders, and representatives of several international organizations to discuss various dimensions of the intellectual and cultural legacy of the Timurid era, ranging from governance and military strategy to architecture, calligraphy, manuscripts, and applied arts.

During the conference’s plenary session, held from 9 to 12 April 2026, Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, highlighted the importance of the partnership between the Organization, the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Center for Islamic Civilization in advancing the preservation and promotion of the shared heritage of the Islamic world. He noted that the Timurid era offers a historical model demonstrating that investment in knowledge, culture, and institutions generates a legacy of deeper and more enduring impact.

Mr. Karimov added that the Timurid era represents a landmark in the history of Islamic civilization, stressing that its legacy in sciences, literature, arts, and institution-building continues to be strongly reflected in ICESCO’s work to this day. He further considered that the conference reinforces the Organization’s conviction that Central Asia, as the homeland of a number of eminent scholars, remains well positioned to contribute to shaping what Islamic civilization will offer the world in the future.

On the sidelines of the conference, Mr. Anar Karimov held a meeting with Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, to discuss arrangements for the International Scientific Conference on the legacy of Imam al-Bukhari, scheduled to be jointly organized in June 2026, as well as prospects for cooperation in promoting the heritage of Imam al-Maturidi and Imam al-Tirmidhi.

The conference concluded with a roundtable during which a number of international organizations announced their support for the initiative of His Excellency the President of Uzbekistan, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at promoting the scientific and spiritual heritage of leading Islamic scholars, in partnership with ICESCO and the Center for Islamic Civilization.

Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the 14th edition of “Zahria of Marrakech” – the Orange Blossom Distillation Season, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, in partnership with Al Muniya Marrakech Association for the Revival and Preservation of Morocco’s Heritage, in the presence of a distinguished group of intellectuals, writers, critics, and cultural actors.

The participation of ICESCO’s Deputy Director-General comes within the framework of the Organization’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural heritage. On Friday, 10 April 2026, he took part in the literary session dubbed “Majlis Al-Koutoubiyine” (the Assembly of Bookmen), which featured the presentation of his literary novel “Oulu Baqiya”, with contributions from a number of critics who offered readings of this literary work, as part of a broader cultural and intellectual program accompanying this heritage event.

During the session, Dr. Benarafa emphasized that “Zahria of Marrakech” holds particular importance as it is inscribed on ICESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. He noted that this gathering represents a living model of the care devoted to Morocco’s civilizational heritage, as well as ongoing efforts to safeguard and transmit it to future generations, in connection with its cultural, social, and environmental dimensions.

The program of the 14th edition, held from March 22 to April 12, 2026, includes a wide range of cultural, artistic, and scientific activities, such as live workshops on orange blossom distillation, seminars on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, artistic and musical performances, exhibitions of traditional products, and literary and intellectual forums.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB), based in Switzerland, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at building the capacities of teachers, professors, and educational staff in the fields of education, future skills, and modern technologies across Member States.

The MoU was signed on Friday, 10 April 2026, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Mr. Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director-General of IB, in the presence of several high-ranking officials from both organizations.

The Memorandum provides for enhanced exchange of expertise between the two parties regarding challenges in the education sector and the needs of ICESCO Member States, as well as the organization of joint activities, conferences, seminars, and discussion sessions to examine and address key educational issues.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that the MoU marks the beginning of a fruitful partnership for the joint implementation of various programs aimed at developing future skills and critical thinking. He highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation with academic institutions and centers to advance educational infrastructure in the Islamic world and to provide training opportunities for youth to refine their skills.

He also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts to attract competencies from within and beyond the Islamic world to exchange expertise, disseminate knowledge, and develop initiatives and activities that meet the needs of Member States.

For his part, Mr. Heinonen commended ICESCO’s efforts in promoting education and advancing its systems through a number of impactful programs and projects. He also noted the shared priorities of the two organizations, particularly the adoption of forward-looking and flexible approaches to integrate younger generations into the process of building a brighter future.

The signing ceremony was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Dr. Ahmed Al-Banyan, Director of the Translation and Publishing Center; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector; and Dr. Waqas Afridi, Expert at the Education Sector.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), attended the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Organization and Cambridge University Press & Assessment (a department of the University of Cambridge) on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat. The agreement aims to strengthen educational systems in ICESCO Member States through the development and implementation of a range of activities and programs in the fields of education, green education, and modern technology.

The MoU was signed on behalf of ICESCO by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, and on behalf of the University of Cambridge by Professor Bhaskar Vira, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Environmental Sustainability, at the University of Cambridge, in the presence of several ICESCO officials and members of the university delegation.

The memorandum provides for the development of joint programs aimed at strengthening educational systems in ICESCO Member States and their outcomes, building the capacities of staff working in government institutions and education specialists, cooperating in the implementation of initiatives to develop green education curricula, contributing to the alignment of national curricula and the promotion of educational practices in accordance with international standards, as well as exchanging knowledge to foster innovation in education and consolidating constructive dialogue with countries of the Islamic world.

Following the signing ceremony, the two sides held an expanded meeting during which Dr. AlMalik affirmed that the technical expertise of the University of Cambridge, combined with ICESCO’s in-depth knowledge of the needs and priorities of its Member States, would contribute to the development of a number of programs and projects with tangible impact in the fields of education, science, culture, and innovation.

The Director-General reviewed ICESCO’s strategic plan for the Education Sector, which is based on the principles of inclusiveness and integration, noting that the Organization adopts an open approach aimed at building partnerships with institutions, universities, and research centers from within and beyond the Islamic world.

For his part, Professor Vira emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise between the two sides to develop education and promote innovation so that educational systems can keep pace with the challenges of the modern era, particularly in light of the changes the world is witnessing across various fields.

The two sides agreed to explore ways and mechanisms to establish a joint scholarship program between ICESCO and the University of Cambridge for the benefit of students from the Organization’s Member States, in addition to conducting a case study on ICESCO’s success story as an innovative organization in its fields of action.

The meeting was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Translation and Publishing Center; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector; Dr. Adel Smeda, Supervisor of the Science and Environment Sector; Dr. Waqas Afridi, expert in the Education Sector; and Ms. Faizah Alaoui, expert at the Foresight and Artificial Intelligence Center.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with North South University in Bangladesh, held, on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, the first international symposium on “Digital Trust and Security in Space and Academic Ecosystems,” with the participation of international experts, decision-makers, and researchers to discuss the growing challenges related to cybersecurity, space technologies, and academic research.

The symposium, held in person and via videoconference, saw broad international participation, with more than 100 attendees at North South University’s campus in the capital, Dhaka, in addition to a group of experts, researchers, and students joining remotely.

The symposium opened with an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor for the Science and Environment Sector at the Organization. In his remarks, he stressed that universities and research centers have become complex digital ecosystems managing vast amounts of sensitive data, making digital openness an opportunity to enhance cooperation and innovation, while at the same time a source of growing risks, including data breaches and cyberattacks.

He added that ICESCO considers digital trust and security as foundational pillars for sustainable knowledge societies, emphasizing that cross-border cyber threats make international cooperation a necessity for exchanging expertise and developing academic partnerships and innovative solutions that serve the Member States. He also reviewed the Organization’s efforts in capacity-building, strengthening digital governance, and advancing cooperation in the fields of space, Artificial Intelligence, and cybersecurity.

The symposium featured discussion sessions moderated by Dr. Adel Smeda, Supervisor of the Science and Environment Sector, along with Dr. Issam Krimi and Dr. Fahman Fathhurrahman, experts in the sector. The discussions focused on the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks, enhance trust in digital systems, and reinforce resilient infrastructures, particularly in sectors related to space technology and academic research.

At the conclusion of the symposium, participants underlined the importance of developing competencies, coordinating policies, and strengthening international cooperation, alongside the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and secure data systems.

The Culture Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held the second webinar of the Research Group on Women’s Thought and Creativity in the Islamic World via videoconference. The meeting was held under the theme “Women’s Thought and Creativity in the Service of Peace” and was attended by 20 female lecturers from 13 countries. The aim was to highlight women’s intellectual, scientific, and artistic contributions to defending the values of dialogue and coexistence.

Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, opened the meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. He emphasized that peace in the Islamic world is inextricably linked to the vital role women play in building societies and directing collective consciousness toward the values of coexistence and moderation.

Dr. Zoubeida Boukhari, International Advisor on Culture, Education, and Environmental Communication, explained that the meeting is the second phase of an ongoing project following an initial symposium that resulted in a book. She noted that the initiative is gradually expanding in terms of participants and countries involved.

The meeting featured presentations on educational, literary, and artistic topics. Mori Traoré of Burkina Faso emphasized the importance of girls’ education as the foundation for achieving independence and understanding the world. Jeannette Yolande of Gabon focused on the ways women make their voices heard, whether through singing or organized activism. Amal Abdelhadi of Egypt discussed her desire to highlight positive aspects of women’s roles and image in her writing.

Aimée Koffi of Côte d’Ivoire highlighted inspiring female role models, including Wangari Maathai of Kenya, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. Aicha Cherif of France recited a poem calling for love and rejecting violence and war. Marie Claude of France presented her artistic experience influenced by Mexican culture. Neheda Mohamed Ali of Iraq addressed the impact of wars and conflicts on societies.

Contributions also came from Katia Saab of Lebanon, Fatima Ben Mahmoud, Rim Foughali, Wejdene Jerbi, and Olfa Abidi of Tunisia, as well as speakers from Algeria, Egypt, the Union of the Comoros, and Mauritania.

The meeting concluded by emphasizing that women’s thought and creativity represent a soft power capable of establishing a culture of peace, expanding spaces for dialogue, and promoting the values of coexistence.