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    Category: News

    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.

    ICESCO Holds Panel Discussion on Civilizational Diplomacy and Strategic Foresight in Baku

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Center for Analysis of International Relations and Multiculturalism in the Republic of Azerbaijan, held a panel discussion titled “Civilizational Diplomacy and Strategic Foresight: Anticipating Tensions, Building Inclusive Pathways to Peace” on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. The session took place as part of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, held in Baku under the theme “Dialogue for a Shared Future: Building Bridges in a Fractured World,” which ICESCO is co-organizing.

    Moderated by Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Head of the ICESCO Center for Civilizational Dialogue, the session brought together a distinguished group of officials, researchers and media professionals. It explored ways to engage civilizational stakeholders, including states, institutions and scientific communities, as genuine partners within an integrated diplomatic framework, and examined foresight tools for identifying emerging tensions and enabling preventive action rather than merely reacting to events.

    The session featured Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of the ICESCO Center of Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Abdelfattah El Belamachi, Head of the ICESCO Chair for Civilizational Diplomacy at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, Dr. Hassan Elhag Ali, Professor of International Relations at Lusail University in Doha, Dr. Zaid A. Alfadeil, Director of the Cultural and Media Program at the Gulf Research Center in Jeddah, Dr. Mohammed Massoudi, Professor at the Department of Philosophy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, and Dr. Ravan Hasanov, Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre.

    The speakers emphasized that the international dialogue platforms hosted in Baku, including the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, underline the importance of bringing diverse voices together and building bridges among different perspectives and viewpoints.

    They also stressed the need to strengthen young people’s voices and empower them to contribute to this process, while fostering dialogue among civilizations and advancing peace through inclusive approaches that leave no one behind.

    Presentation of Certificates of Inscription on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List to Two Azerbaijani Heritage Sites

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), presented Mr. Emin Huseynov with certificates of inscription of the “Imarat” Historical and Architectural Museum Complex in Azerbaijan’s Aghdam and the Shusha State Historical and Architectural Reserve on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List.

    The certificates were presented on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, in Baku, during a session titled “Culture at the Centre: SECUREd Pathways to a Shared Future,” held as part of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue. ICESCO is co-organizing the Forum with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture alongside several international organizations and institutions under the theme “Dialogue for a Shared Future: Building Bridges in a Fractured World.”

    The session, moderated by Mr. Farid Jafarov, Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, featured speakers including Dr. AlMalik; Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC); and Mr. Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts. The discussions focused on the most effective ways to preserve, enhance and revitalize cultural heritage, protect cultural diversity, and advance sustainable development.

    At the High-Level Meeting of the Baku Process, Dr. AlMalik: The Credibility of International Cooperation Rests on Turning Commitments into Actions That Make a Tangible Difference in People’s Lives

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), stressed that the credibility of international cooperation rests on translating commitments into actions that make a tangible difference in people’s daily lives, noting that institutions earn the trust of communities through the progress they deliver.


    He made these remarks during the 3rd High-Level Meeting of International Organizations and the 6th Ministerial Meeting of the Baku Process, held by the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue. The meetings brought together 45 ministers, ambassadors, heads of international organizations, and other officials, including Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the UNAOC.

    Dr. AlMalik began his address by highlighting the role of the two meetings in providing a platform for ministries and international organizations to coordinate efforts, find solutions to shared challenges, and direct resources towards national priorities and the service of peoples. He called on ministries to focus on establishing a proactive, prevention-based approach to peacebuilding in order to protect lives and safeguard the foundations of development. He also highlighted the role of educational and cultural programs developed by international organizations in equipping young people with future-ready skills to contribute to the development of their communities and strengthen spiritual and civilizational values and cultural exchange.

    Dr. AlMalik explained that the Organization seeks to promote the responsible use of AI technologies in its fields of competence through several initiatives. These include the Riyadh Charter on AI Ethics for the Islamic World, launched in partnership with the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA); the ICESCO AI Index for the Islamic World, developed in cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education; and the announcement of the 10K Leaders Training Program, in partnership with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Saudi Arabia.

    Dr. AlMalik proposed aligning international organizations’ programs with countries’ national needs by developing a joint roadmap for education, science, culture, and AI governance, as well as establishing a course of action for implementing policies and involving young people in the process. He concluded his address by commending His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan for their support for the Baku Process.

    During Pink October, ICESCO Holds Breast Cancer Awareness Day

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a breast cancer awareness day themed “Awareness Can Save Lives” at its headquarters in Rabat on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. The event included awareness activities and free screening services aimed at increasing knowledge of breast cancer and the importance of early detection, while highlighting the role of medical care and psychological and community support in confronting the disease.

    The seminar, organized by ICESCO’s Human Capital Department, opened with remarks by 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 Morocco. She emphasized that raising awareness of the disease is a shared responsibility among institutions, families, and society. This requires providing reliable information and facilitating access to care, while respecting women’s privacy and their right to participate in decisions concerning their health. Moreover, Dr. AlJazairy underscored the importance of attentive listening and daily support in easing the burden of the disease and safeguarding women’s dignity throughout treatment.

    Dr. Awatif Belakhel, Public Health and Disease Control Officer at the World Health Organization in Morocco, delivered a presentation titled “Together Against Cancer: The Scale of the Challenge and the Importance of Prevention.” She addressed risk factors, the importance of early detection, and healthy lifestyles, noting that breast cancer is often painless and stressing the need to consult a physician without delay upon noticing any unusual change.

    The program also featured an awareness video produced by ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector on the importance of early detection in combating breast cancer. It was followed by a medical discussion on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, bringing together specialists in oncology, radiotherapy, and psychological support.

    The session featured Dr. Khadija Benchakroun, oncologist; Dr. Hanane El Kacemi, radiotherapist and oncologist; and Dr. Rachida Tayeb, radiotherapist, alongside psychologists Dr. Zineb Chahdi El Ouazani and Dr. Nezha El Bahaoui. Their contributions examined the importance of psychological support and its impact on strengthening women’s ability to cope with the disease.

    Prior to the seminar, ICESCO, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Kingdom of Morocco, provided medical examinations to a number of female staff members for the early detection of breast cancer, combining awareness with practical health services.

    ICESCO, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Explore Cooperation in Innovation and Artificial Intelligence

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) received a delegation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, at its headquarters in Rabat, to discuss ways and mechanisms for cooperation in jointly organizing a conference on Islamic civilization and developing programs and projects in quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and innovation.

    During the meeting, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, affirmed the Organization’s willingness to cooperate with the university in several areas of common interest, as part of its commitment to building bridges of cooperation with Malaysia and its institutions and bodies, given the country’s leading role in promoting the values, cultural diversity and scientific contributions of the Islamic world.

    The meeting also featured presentations on ICESCO’s key initiatives and programs by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector and Supervisor 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; Dr. Yergaliyev Kuanysh, Head of the Science and Environment Sector; and Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Director of the Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers.

    For his part, Dato’ Dr. Mohd Sharil bin Abdullah, head of the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia delegation, expressed the university’s willingness to cooperate in developing programs and projects for expertise exchange.

    At the close of the meeting, the two sides agreed to develop an action plan featuring future joint activities and projects. The Malaysian delegation also presented ICESCO with a commemorative shield in recognition of its efforts in its areas of competence across the Islamic world.

    Following the meeting, the university delegation visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, housed at ICESCO headquarters.

    ICESCO Director-General, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Explore Ways to Strengthen Cooperation

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, in Baku. The two sides explored ways to strengthen cooperation in education, science, the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, and peacebuilding.

    During the meeting, held on the sidelines of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, which ICESCO is co-organizing, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to advancing cooperation with Azerbaijan and commended Baku’s contributions to promoting intercultural dialogue.

    For his part, Minister Bayramov emphasized the particular importance Azerbaijan attaches to its cooperation with ICESCO. He also praised the joint efforts of Azerbaijan and the Organization to foster civilizational dialogue and uphold the values of diversity and coexistence.

    The Azerbaijani Minister briefed the ICESCO Director-General on national efforts to preserve cultural heritage and restore cultural and religious monuments in the liberated territories. In this regard, the two sides highlighted the historic significance of the technical mission dispatched by ICESCO to these territories, as well as the celebration of Shusha, as Culture Capital in the Islamic World 2024, under the Organization’s Culture Capitals in the Islamic World Programme.

    The two sides also discussed the role of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, held in Baku and co-organized by ICESCO, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture, and several international organizations and institutions, in raising international awareness of current challenges and providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation.

    The meeting also addressed ongoing preparations for the Islamic Summit Conference, which Azerbaijan will host in 2027, related activities, and the priorities Azerbaijan will address during its chairmanship of the Conference.

    The meeting was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, Ms. Maryam Gafar-zada, Assistant to the Director of ICESCO Regional office in Baku, and Mr. Murad Aliyev, expert at the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector.

    ICESCO, International Baccalaureate Hold Workshop on Professional Standards for Teachers in the Islamic World

    Posted on by Mohamed Anwar

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) held a workshop titled “From Partnership to Impact: Participating in the Development of a Professional School Teachers and Leaders Standards Instrument in ICESCO Member States” in Lyon, France, on Saturday, 24 October 2026. The workshop brought together teachers, school leaders, and education experts from various countries and took place on the sidelines of IBO’s Third Global Conference.

    The workshop opened with remarks by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of ICESCO’s Education Sector, who highlighted the role of teachers and school leaders in improving the quality of education. He stressed that, through its joint project with IBO to develop the “First ICESCO School Teachers and Leaders Standards and Practice Instrument,” the Organization seeks to provide its Member States with a framework for professional standards that takes into account national priorities and cultural contexts. The aim is to make a tangible difference in school life, support teachers’ professional growth, and uphold the values of dignity, equity, professional integrity, and responsibility.

    This was followed by a joint presentation by Mr. Waqas Afridi, an expert in ICESCO’s Education Sector; Ms. Kiri Stevenson, Senior Education Systems Solutions Manager at IBO; and Ms. Pamela Bender, Global Head of Education Standards at IBO. The presentation outlined the project’s objectives and methodology.

    The workshop’s interactive activities aimed to engage teachers, education experts, and school leaders in identifying the professional practices that characterize effective teaching across different contexts and examining the ICESCO–IBO methodology, which focuses on balancing common standards with flexibility, the purposeful use of standards, the relationship between the expectations placed on school teachers and leaders, and the practical conditions required for success.