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    Category: News

    ICESCO Regional Family Forum 2026 Concludes in Sharjah

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO)Regional Family Forum 2026, held under the theme “Family Where Balance Shapes the Future,” concluded in Sharjah. Held at ICESCO’s Regional Office in Sharjah on 28 and 29 October 2026, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Family and Community Council, the Forum brought together a distinguished group of decisionmakers, experts, academics, representatives of government entities and regional and international organizations, researchers, media professionals, young people, and family members.
    The Forum aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange on the evolving challenges facing families amid rapid social, technological, educational, and economic transformations, and to explore practical and innovative solutions.

    The Forum’s closing ceremony featured remarks by Dr. Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. She highlighted her country’s experience and sustained efforts to strengthen family stability and advance family policies, noting that placing the family at the heart of public policy, enhancing support for parents, and protecting the most vulnerable groups are fundamental pillars for building more inclusive and cohesive societies.

    For his part, Mr. Salim Omar Salim, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Sharjah, stressed the importance of translating the ideas generated by the Forum into sustained cooperation, initiatives, and programs that directly benefit families and communities. He reaffirmed the Regional Office’s commitment to building on the Forum’s outcomes and strengthening partnerships with participating institutions.

    During the Forum’s second day, Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to family policies. She noted that building more balanced families requires a broad review of these policies, grounded in a balance between individual rights and collective responsibilities, tradition and modernity, economic aspirations and emotional well-being, technological progress and human connection.

    The Forum sessions addressed family values, intergenerational relations, digital transformation, mental health, and the future of family support policies. They also examined the impact of social media on children, while panel discussions highlighted Sharjah’s integrated model for empowering children and young people.

    Alongside academic presentations and workshops, the Forum featured interactive experiences, including the “Smart Family Studio,” which sought to harness modern technologies to foster creativity and family interaction, as well as a workshop exploring ways to renew positive communication and balance within the family.

    ICESCO Launches Third Edition of “Cities of Poetry” Competition in Celebration of Kazan, Culture Capital in the Islamic World

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has launched the third edition of its “Cities of Poetry” competition, celebrating this year Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, as part of the city’s proclamation as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2026.

    The competition, organized by ICESCO Center for Poetry and Literature, aims to celebrate the Culture Capitals in the Islamic World by highlighting the enduring connection between poetry and place, which has inspired timeless masterpieces of world poetry over the centuries. It also seeks to document cities’ history and geography through poetry and aesthetics, while honoring the figures and civilizations that shaped the glory of the Culture Capitals in the Islamic World.

    For the first time, the third edition is open to entries in three languages: Classical Arabic, Tatar, and Russian. This reflects Kazan’s rich cultural diversity and enables a broader range of poets to participate.

    Submissions will remain open until 31 January 2027. A specialized committee from ICESCO, together with a group of renowned poets, will then evaluate the entries and select three winners. The first-prize winner will receive US$3,000, the second-prize winner US$2,000, and the third-prize winner US$1,000. ICESCO will also publish a collection featuring the winning poems and other notable submissions.

    Entry requirements are as follows:
    • The poem must be written in Classical Arabic, Tatar, or Russian;
    • Arabic poems must adhere to classical (vertical) or free verse meters, while poems in Tatar or Russian must conform to the metrical and aesthetic standards of Tatar and Russian poetry, respectively;
    • The poem must draw inspiration from Kazan’s values, aesthetics, history, geography, prominent figures, unique character, and heritage;
    • The poem must not exceed 30 verses or lines;
    • Winning poets may not participate in the next consecutive edition of the competition.
    ICESCO invites poets of all ages to participate in the competition through the following link:
    https://icesco.org/qpoz

    ICESCO Deputy Director-General Honored at 12th National Malhoun Days in Salé

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Rabat: 1 November 2026

    The Driss Ben Mamoun Association for Research and Creativity in Malhoun Art in Salé honored Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), during the opening ceremony of the 12th National Malhoun Days in Salé on Friday, 30 October 2026. The Association dedicated this edition to celebrating Dr. Benarafa’s literary and academic contributions, in recognition of his role in enriching the cultural landscape in the Arab and Islamic worlds.

    Organized in partnership with the Municipality of Salé and the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports of the Kingdom of Morocco, the event began on Thursday, 29 October 2026, with a symposium at the Aboubakr El Kadiri Foundation for Thought and Culture in Salé. Titled “Abdelilah Benarafa: Paths of Knowledge and Creativity across Linguistics, Textual Scholarship, Sufi Studies, the Novel and Cultural Action,” the symposium featured Dr. Omar Halli, President of the Arab Open University in Morocco, who discussed “Abdelilah Benarafa’s Novelistic Experience”; Dr. Noura Akhrou, who presented a paper on the novelistic expression of spiritual identity; Dr. Mohamed Tohami El Harrak, who delivered a testimonial titled “When Friendship Becomes a Spiritual Station: A Testimonial Written with the Ink of Passion”; and Dr. Said Benfarhi, who addressed “Prophetic Praise through the Malhoun Masters of Salé.”

    Held under the theme “Malhoun Art: An Embodiment of Moroccan Identity in Its Various Expressions,” this edition features a wide range of artistic activities. Malhoun art is inscribed on the Islamic World Heritage List as a poetic and musical corpus that preserves identity, heritage, memory and language.

    More Than 1,000 Runners Take Part in Fourth ICESCO Marathon in Rabat

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Al-Malik Congratulates King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan Government, and People on the First Anniversary of Unity Day 

    The fourth edition of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Marathon took place in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, 31 October 2026, under the theme “Let’s Run Together for Mental Health and Well-Being.” The event brought together more than 1,000 runners from different age groups and social backgrounds, including children, young people, women, men, and persons with disabilities, in an atmosphere combining sporting competition with a spirit of participation.

    This edition was organized in partnership with the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture; the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, Vocational Training and Qualification; the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports of the Kingdom of Morocco; the Wilaya of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Region; the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade; the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation; the Moroccan Anti-Doping Agency; and Air Arabia.

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, signaled the start of the race outside the Organization’s headquarters on FAR Avenue in Rabat’s Hay Riad district. The approximately nine-kilometer route passed through several of the capital’s main streets, offering a shared sporting experience that encouraged physical activity and raised awareness of its importance to mental health and quality of life.

    Dr. Al-Malik extended his congratulations to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government, and the Moroccan people on the occasion of the first anniversary of Unity Day. He emphasized that sports serve as a gateway to enhancing mental health and well-being, providing opportunities for communication, building self-confidence, and fostering a spirit of cooperation. He highlighted that the marathon reflects the Organization’s commitment to creating spaces that bring together diverse groups, support the participation of youth, women, and persons with disabilities, and reinforce the values of solidarity, coexistence, and equal opportunity.

    Mr. Karim Hamidouche, Secretary-General of the Moroccan National Commission, praised the strong turnout for this edition, describing the event as an opportunity to promote noble human values. He emphasized that the initiative embodies the complementarity of sport, education, culture, and health, and that developing balanced individuals who engage positively with their surroundings is a shared responsibility requiring concerted efforts from institutions and all segments of society.

    Following the race, Dr. AlMalik and Mr. Hamidouche, alongside representatives of the partners and sponsors, honored the winners in the different categories and presented incentive prizes, including airline tickets. Medals and certificates of participation were also awarded in recognition of the runners’ performance to encourage them to continue engaging in sports.

    This edition was supported by several partners, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Special Olympics Morocco, the Royal Moroccan School Sports Federation, Aswak Assalam, and Assurances Lyazidi.

    ICESCO Explores Joint Vision for Cultural Foresight, Creative Intelligence

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL


    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a meeting on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, to explore the development of a joint vision for cultural foresight and creative intelligence. The virtual seminar brought together representatives of 20 international cultural organizations and institutions, universities, and research centers.
    Initiated by ICESCO’s Culture Sector, headed by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, the meeting took place against a backdrop in which foresight studies are dominated by geopolitics, economics, and technology, while limited attention is devoted to anticipating the future of culture. The project is being implemented in partnership with several international institutions and organizations, including the European Centre for Cultural Accessibility (Cemaforre), the United States of the World in Naples, the European Academy of Sciences and Arts in Austria, the Swiss University of Management, Economics and Finance, the International Institute of World Music in Marseille, and the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH), alongside a number of internationally renowned cultural and academic institutions, institutes, research centers, and universities.

    The heads and representatives of these international cultural institutions and organizations, from different continents, emphasized the importance of establishing a vision for joint reflection on the future of culture and creative intelligence. Participants also collectively identified the priorities, strategic objectives, areas of action, and programs planned for implementation in 2027.

    Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, outlined the context of the initiative and the challenges currently facing the cultural sector. He stressed the need to develop new approaches capable of keeping pace with contemporary transformations and embedding culture in development strategies.
    For his part, Mr. André Fertier, Founding President of Cemaforre, highlighted the importance of cultural inclusion and the promotion of cultural rights as essential conditions for broadening participation in cultural life. Dr. Michele Capasso, Secretary-General of the United States of the World, called for mobilizing Member States and unifying their efforts around this international initiative. Ms. Margaret Dechenaux, Founder and Director of the International Institute of World Music, emphasized the importance of preserving human distinctiveness in a world increasingly moving toward standardization and uniformity, highlighting her institution’s role in examining digital transformations and strengthening cultural cooperation.

    Mr. Abdoul Aziz Yaouba, Secretary-General of the Cameroonian National Commission for UNESCO and ICESCO, described the initiative as an opportunity to enhance the cultural sector’s added value. Dr. Amna Jamali, representing Ms. Naima Benmalek, President of IHM Africa and a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, highlighted the importance of developing competencies and skills in support of the health and education systems.

    Professor Sanae Ghouati of Ibn Tofail University in the Kingdom of Morocco stressed the need to develop systematic and structured studies in the cultural field, stating that culture must now engage effectively with foresight and creative approaches. Mr. Frank Pecquet of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University called for giving creativity a genuine role in decision-making and in shaping cultural directions. Ms. Agnès Droux, Director of ADCompagnie and a civil society representative, welcomed the timely initiative, which strengthens ICESCO’s standing in strategic thinking and cultural policy development.

    At the conclusion of the discussions, Dr. Bouazza Benachir, Professor at Mohammed V University in Morocco, underscored the importance of involving marginalized groups and underrepresented voices in this collective reflection to ensure that the cultural future of humanity is anticipated in all its dimensions and diversity.

    ICESCO, King Faisal Prize Discuss Ways to Strengthen Cooperation and Launch Joint Initiatives

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail, Secretary-General of King Faisal Prize, on Friday, 30 October 2026, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and launch joint initiatives.

    At the outset of the meeting, held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik commended the cooperation between the Organization and King Faisal Prize. He stressed that the Prize represents the entire Islamic world and enjoys high standing owing to its distinction and credibility, expressing ICESCO’s openness to cooperation in all future areas.

    ICESCO Director-General also presented an overview of the Organization’s vision, new strategic orientations, and programs in its fields of competence.

    For his part, Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail explained that the Prize’s role is not limited to honoring laureates, but continues after they receive the prize through follow-up programs and activities. He also highlighted efforts to strengthen the Prize’s scientific and cultural presence at international conferences and forums through active, substantive participation. Dr. Alsebail announced that the Prize will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2028, an occasion that will honor a distinguished group of laureates in several countries.

    The two sides expressed strong interest in organizing joint conferences aligned with ICESCO’s areas of focus, drawing on the Organization’s outstanding experience in organizing international conferences, its qualified team, and its comprehensive logistical capabilities.

    The meeting saw the presence of Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector, Supervisor of the Translation and Publishing Center; Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; and Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Head of the Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers.

    ICESCO Holds Scientific Symposium in Rabat on Cities and the Challenges of Climate Resilience

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    On Friday, 30 October 2026, the international scientific symposium titled “Moroccan Cities and the Challenges of Climate Resilience” concluded in Rabat. The two-day event was organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) and the National Institute of Planning and Urbanism (INAU), to mark World Cities Day.

    During the Symposium, Dr. Yergaliyev Kuanysh, Head of ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, delivered an opening address highlighting the shared urban challenges countries face despite their different geographical, social, and economic contexts. He further stressed that environmental crises underscore the importance of planning, governance, and the responsible use of modern technologies.

    Dr. Kuanysh also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts to advance sustainable urban development across its Member States under the “Strategy for Smart Sustainable Cities in the Islamic World,” adopted at the 9th Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World, held in Jeddah in October 2023.

    The Symposium program featured a session titled “Resilient, Smart, and Sustainable Cities in the Islamic World: Knowledge, Practice, and Cross-Border Cooperation,” moderated by Dr. Sabih Anwar, Deputy Head of the Science and Environment Sector, and Dr. Adel Smeda, Expert in the Sector. Participants discussed the principles and policies of urban resilience and sustainability, as well as opportunities to strengthen urban cooperation across the Islamic world. Dr. Fahman Fathurrahman, Expert in the Sector, also delivered a presentation on the “ICESCO Smart and Sustainable Urban Network,” which aims to foster cooperation among cities, living laboratories, experts, and research institutions in Member States.

    ICESCO, Heydar Aliyev Foundation Forge New Partnership in Heritage, Artificial Intelligence, Capacity-Building, and Education

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, to strengthen cooperation in safeguarding and protecting cultural heritage, developing the AI Index for the Islamic World, implementing educational projects in Africa, and delivering training and capacity-building programs for young people and women.

    The Agreement was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Both sides underscored the importance of the MoU in implementing joint projects in culture, science, education, and modern technologies.

    The MoU provides for cooperation in developing the ICESCO–Azerbaijan Natavan Heritage Excellence Award and projects to safeguard and protect tangible and intangible heritage across the Islamic world. It also covers the development of the ICESCO AI Index for the Islamic World and the convening of a ministerial meeting of ICESCO Member States. Other areas of cooperation include educational and social support for displaced girls and girls attending boarding schools in West Africa, as well as projects in education, culture, and peacebuilding. The Agreement also provides for training courses, workshops, and capacity-building programs for institutions, experts, young people, and women in various fields.

    Prior to the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Leyla Aliyeva to discuss the latest developments in cooperation between ICESCO and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in education and social welfare through the implementation of projects benefiting countries across the Islamic world.

    The meeting also highlighted the Agreement signed by the two parties in 2025, which has resulted in projects and initiatives aimed at empowering women affected by conflict and enhancing their social integration in Burkina Faso and Niger.

    Third Edition of ICESCO Book “Peace 360°” Launched At Major Ceremony in Azerbaijan

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) launched the third edition of its book, “Peace 360°: Weaving the Carpet of Harmony: Peace and Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan through the Eyes of the Youth.” This special edition, dedicated to the Republic of Azerbaijan in recognition of its contributions to promoting cultural diversity and shared human values, was co-authored by 29 young people from 23 countries.

    The book was launched at a major ceremony held on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event brought together Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General; Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC); Mr. Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan; and several senior officials of international organizations and institutions.

    The ceremony opened with remarks by Dr. AlMalik, who commended the efforts of His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, praising his steadfast commitment to intercultural dialogue through the Baku Process. He also thanked Ms. Leyla Aliyeva for penning the foreword of this edition, which underscores the importance of dialogue in achieving tangible impact.

    Dr. AlMalik stated that ICESCO dedicates this edition to the Republic of Azerbaijan in recognition of its role in promoting coexistence and intercultural dialogue. He noted that the book gives young people a channel through which they can express their aspirations for shaping the future and advancing human values. It also demonstrates that dialogue is an active process through which understanding and cooperation are achieved. This vision has made peacebuilding a priority for ICESCO, which has developed its “Peace 360°” approach and the concept of Civilizational Diplomacy, and launched the Leadership Training in Peace and Security program, building the capacities of 250 Young Peace Ambassadors from 81 countries.

    Dr. AlMalik also commended the role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, under the leadership of Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President, First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan and President of the Foundation, together with Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Foundation, in advancing peacebuilding efforts in Azerbaijan and worldwide through humanitarian initiatives, support for children with disabilities, and the inclusion of youth in vulnerable situations.

    Dr. AlMalik called on the Young Peace Ambassadors to promote dialogue within schools, communities, and institutions to build bridges of communication and drive change.

    For her part, Ms. Leyla Aliyeva stressed the critical importance of promoting the values of peace at a time when conflicts and divisions are intensifying worldwide. She highlighted Azerbaijan’s role in supporting cultural diversity as a crossroads for different cultures, religions, and traditions, and highlighted the contributions of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to culture, education, and environmental protection.

    In his remarks, Mr. Moratinos emphasized the need for concerted international efforts to end wars and conflicts around the world, commending Azerbaijan’s initiatives in support of global peace efforts.

    The ceremony then featured a video about the book, produced by ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector. This was followed by the remarks of Mr. Alioune Ndiaye, Head of the Peace Department at ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, and speeches by ICESCO Young Peace Ambassadors representing Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Morocco. At the close of the ceremony, Dr. AlMalik received an art piece entitled “Welcome to Karabakh.”

    ICESCO Director-General, Sudanese Minister of Culture and Information Discuss Strengthening Cooperation

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Khalid Al-Eisir, Minister of Culture, Information, Antiquities and Tourism of Sudan, at ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku. The meeting focused on ways to strengthen joint cooperation and support Sudan’s efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate its cultural institutions, restore their operations and develop sectors related to culture and information.

    During the meeting, held on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, Dr. AlMalik expressed his eagerness to visit Sudan, reaffirming ICESCO’s openness to contributing to strengthening national capacities and developing Sudanese expertise in areas of common interest.

    The ICESCO Director-General also affirmed the Organization’s readiness to organize official and social media training programs for staff members and media professionals. He further pledged to provide the necessary support to help rebuild the Sudan Academy of Communication Sciences.

    The meeting was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Civilizational Dialogue Center; and Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of the Foresight and Artificial Intelligence Center.