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    Category: News

    ICESCO and King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication Sign Strategic Agreement to Promote Cultural Dialogue

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) signed a high-level cooperation agreement with the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication (KACCC), at the Center’s headquarters in Riyadh.

    The agreement was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Fawzan, KACCC Secretary-General, in the presence of several senior officials from both sides.

    The meeting opened with welcoming remarks in which Dr. Al-Fawzan presented a comprehensive overview of KACCC’s vision, mission, and core values. He also highlighted key projects, initiatives, and publications that reflect its intellectual presence and active contribution to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s standing as a hub for dialogue and intercultural openness.

    Dr. Salim AlMalik, for his part, outlined ICESCO’s new strategic directions and highlighted its initiatives in the field of civilizational dialogue. He underscored the key role of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, which was presented in detail by Dr. Hani Albalawi, expert at the Center. Dr. Albalawi explained the Center’s central mission in promoting a culture of peace and advancing mutual understanding across the Islamic world and beyond.

    The agreement marks a new milestone in the strategic partnership between both parties, aiming to develop and implement innovative initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue, foster the values of tolerance and coexistence, support cultural diversity, disseminate scientific knowledge, and bridge culture with science to achieve sustainable development goals and serve communities in Member States.

    The agreement also includes cooperation in organizing dialogue forums, exchanging studies and research, conducting surveys to support evidence-based decision-making, and implementing training programs and specialized workshops to build institutional capacities and enhance their knowledge resilience.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, the two parties exchanged commemorative shields. Dr. Salim AlMalik praised KACCC’s efforts and innovation in producing impactful studies and initiatives, describing it as a model think tank to be showcased across the Islamic world for its data-driven approach to decision-making and policy development.

    The meeting was attended by Mr. Ibrahim Al-Asimi, KACCC Deputy Secretary-General, along with several senior officials from the Center. ICESCO was represented by Dr. Hani Albalawi, Expert at ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue.

    The Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science also participated, represented by Dr. Rami Alharbi, Adviser to the Secretary-General of the Commission, and Ms. Rimas Aldayel, Adviser to the Head of the Education Sector at the Commission.

    ICESCO Holds Event in Paris to Support Member States’ Cultural Properties and Facilitate their Removal from List of World Heritage in Danger

    Posted on by mohamed.elmajdouby

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) organized a side event on the sidelines of the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris from July 6 to 16, 2025, to showcase its efforts to support the removal of Member States’ properties from the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger and promote international cooperation in this field.

    Titled “ICESCO Strategy for Supporting the Removal of Properties from the List of World Heritage in Danger within Member States,” the event was organized in partnership with several distinguished partners and was moderated by Somia Djacta, Head of ICESCO’s Office to UNESCO.

    Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, opened the event with a statement of appreciation to the host organizations and underscored ICESCO’s recent accomplishments in assisting Member States in the removal of their sites from the List of World Heritage in Danger. Dr. Zinelabidine reaffirmed the Organization’s unwavering commitment to proactive engagement and international cooperation in the preservation of cultural heritage.

    The opening also featured a recorded address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, in which he officially announced the launch of the “Natavan Heritage Excellence Award,” a joint initiative between ICESCO and Azerbaijan to celebrate exemplary practices in heritage preservation in the Islamic world.

    Several notable figures delivered remarks at the event, including Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre; Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hanzab, Representative of the State of Qatar to the UNESCO; Ms. Teresa Patrício, President of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS); Dr. Albino Jopela, Executive Director of the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF); Eng. Mohammed Al-Aidarous, Chairman of the Islamic World Heritage Committee; and Dr. Mounir Bouchenaki, international expert in the field.

    During the event, Dr. Webber Ndoro, Head of Islamic World Heritage Center at ICESCO, delivered a presentation on the current status of world heritage sites in ICESCO Member States, sharing key statistics and study findings from the Center that highlighted the challenges and opportunities in heritage support across the Islamic world. A subsequent expert panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Muhammad Al-Absi, Expert at ICESCO Heritage Center, and featured representatives from the World Heritage Centre, ICOMOS, ICCROM, and the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region (WHITRAP).
    Participants exchanged views on ICESCO’s strategy and issued practical recommendations to enhance support for heritage sites in danger.

    A key highlight of the event was the celebration of the successful removal of two Arab sites, Abu Mena in Egypt and Ghadamès in Libya, from the List of World Heritage in Danger. The Egyptian and Libyan delegations to the World Heritage Committee each presented their country’s experience, outlining the efforts made and lessons learned in restoring and managing these significant cultural sites.

    ICESCO’s delegation also held a series of meetings on the sidelines of the World Heritage Committee session with various national delegations, international organizations, and experts, as part of its efforts to expand the Organization’s network and strengthen international cooperation in heritage preservation.

    ICESCO Director-General Congratulates Naif Arab University for Security Sciences on French “Hcéres” Accreditation, Commends Academic Excellence and Model Partnership

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), congratulated Dr. Abdulmajeed bin Abdullah Albanyan, President of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, on the occasion of the University’s achievement in obtaining full academic accreditation for five years from the High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education in France (Hcéres), for a number of its leading academic programs.

    Dr. AlMalik praised this distinguished achievement, which reflects the University’s deep commitment to the highest standards of academic quality, sound governance, and scientific integrity, and confirms its prominent status as a reference institution in the fields of security and higher education at both the regional and international levels.

    The ICESCO Director-General also reaffirmed the Organization’s great pride in its strategic partnership with Naif University, which has resulted in pioneering initiatives and distinguished intellectual gatherings that have had a significant impact in supporting Member States’ efforts in the fields of intellectual security, translation, and capacity building.

    He added that this international accreditation marks a new step in Naif University’s journey toward global leadership, embodies its ambitious vision, and further reinforces the international academic community’s confidence in its programs and outcomes.

    Dr. AlMalik concluded his message of congratulations by renewing ICESCO’s full support for the University, affirming that the Organization views it as an active strategic partner in building a future that is more secure, knowledgeable, and prosperous in the Islamic world.

    ICESCO Director-General Visits Huawei in China and Affirms Willingness to Cooperate on Digital Education

    Posted on by mohamed.elmajdouby

    As part of strengthening cooperation with major global companies in the fields of technology and innovation, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), paid a special visit to the Huawei headquarters in the Chinese capital, Beijing—the company’s second-largest site after its main headquarters in Shenzhen.

    During the visit, the ICESCO Director-General attended a detailed presentation on Huawei’s future strategy and its key achievements, both in China and internationally, particularly in the Member States of ICESCO. He expressed great appreciation for Huawei’s role in supporting digital education, emphasizing the importance of joint cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, computing, and educational technologies, with the aim of training teachers and developing digital skills within the educational institutions of Member States.

    Dr. AlMalik confirmed ICESCO’s full readiness to collaborate with Huawei to advance digital education in schools and universities, and to strengthen national capacities in the field of digital learning.

    At the conclusion of the visit, the Director-General thanked the Huawei leadership for their warm reception and extended an official invitation to visit ICESCO headquarters in Rabat and to participate in its upcoming conferences by presenting insights and showcases of Huawei’s experience in advancing digital and educational development.

    The meeting was attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Sector for Partnerships and International Cooperation at ICESCO.

    ICESCO Publishes Third Issue of Its Cultural Magazine

    Posted on by mohamed.elmajdouby

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has published the third issue of the ICESCO Cultural Magazine, a comprehensive quarterly publication overseen by the Organization’s Culture Sector. The magazine focuses on contemporary cultural, literary, and educational issues, as well as topics from the cultural reality of the Islamic world.

    The new issue features a rich collection of articles, interviews, and reports by an elite group of writers, poets, and critics, including the main dossier of the issue titled “Autobiography and Its Adjacent Genres,” which consists of five articles. It also includes a special interview with renowned Egyptian poet Dr. Hassan Talab, discussing his intellectual journey and views on contemporary Arabic poetry, and a critical review titled “The Comforting Khamisiyyat,” written by Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Ali, about the poetry collection Khamisiyyat by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO.

    The issue also contains a report titled “From Baku Shines ICESCO’s Vision,” highlighting the distinguished roles of the Organization’s regional offices, a special interview with Saudi critic and translator Dr. Saad Albazei, and a study on “Green Literature,” discussing the role of literature in preserving nature. Additionally, it features an article by Amal Fawzi, media expert at the League of Arab States, titled “The Egyptian National Library: A Journey Through Islamic Heritage Across Time.”

    The magazine’s pages also include a study on the intersections between the metaverse and literature by Dr. Mahmoud Eldabh, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Suez Canal University, alongside a variety of content such as the use of artificial intelligence in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers, and a curated selection of poems.

    For those interested in reading the new issue, a free digital copy will be made available on the Organization’s official social media pages.

    ICESCO Director General Calls for Strengthening Civilizational Ties with China During Meeting with Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the meeting that Mr. Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, held with a number of figures and representatives of Arab countries.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep appreciation for the relations between ICESCO and the People’s Republic of China, stressing the need to strengthen these relations with such a leading country that plays a pivotal role on the international stage, especially in light of the “Global Civilizations Dialogue” initiative launched by President Xi Jinping, as a qualitative leap in joint humanitarian action.

    In his address, which was highly appreciated by the Chinese Minister, ICESCO Director General highlighted the pioneering efforts of the Organization in promoting dialogue and cultural exchange through its Center for Civilizational Dialogue, which has become an advanced hub for spreading the values of understanding and openness.

    He also brought to light the concept of “civilizational diplomacy” adopted by ICESCO as a strategic initiative aimed at building bridges of communication between cultures and peoples, stressing that dialogue cannot be achieved without nurturing the principles of respect and pluralism among young people from an early age.

    Concluding his address, Dr. AlMalik affirmed that ICESCO is willing to cooperate closely with the Chinese side in organizing joint conferences, seminars, and programs to foster President Xi Jinping’s initiative and amplify its positive impact in the Islamic world.

    The meeting was attended by Dr. Essam Sharaf, former Prime Minister of Egypt, a number of representatives of Arab countries, and senior officials from the International Department of the Chinese Central Committee, as well as Anar Karimov, Head of ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Ambassador Khalid Fathulrahman, Director of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue.

    ICESCO Launches Workshop in Gabon on Smart Agriculture in Africa

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) and the National School for Rural Development (ENDR), launched a regional workshop on smart agriculture, held in Oyem, Gabon, on 8–12 July 2025, to promote the use of emerging technologies in the agricultural sector in Member States.

    The workshop is part of the Organization’s Smart Agriculture for a Brighter Future Initiative, overseen by ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector. It seeks to accelerate the digital transformation in agriculture through innovation, capacity building, and pilot projects, as well as providing technical support in the field of agricultural policies, focusing on the practical applications of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, drones, and precision agriculture.

    In his address at the opening session of the workshop, Dr. Adel Smeda, Expert at the Science and Environment Sector at ICESCO, stated that the initiative reflects the Organization’s commitment to reimagining the future of agriculture through science and technology. He added that empowering farmers with smart tools, applied knowledge, and advanced technology is an essential step towards achieving food security and sustainability.

    Dr. Smeda also noted that finetuning innovation to local agricultural needs embodies the spirit of collaboration between ICESCO and its partners, led by the OIF, to build a resilient and inclusive agricultural sector based on modern technology in the Global South.

    More than 60 farmers, researchers, and agricultural professionals from several African countries are taking part in the five-day workshop, which will include field training and interactive presentations related to digital farming tools, in addition to knowledge exchange sessions to support the adoption of modern technologies and keep pace with climate shifts.

    ICESCO DG Explores Avenues for Expanding Joint Action in Culture, Education, and Civilizational Dialogue with Chinese Foreign Ministry

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Mr. Chen Weiqing, Director-General of the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as part of the official visit of ICESCO’s Director-General and his delegation to the People’s Republic of China.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s renewed civilizational vision, which focuses on promoting intercultural dialogue, protecting heritage, developing education, supporting science and innovation, and smart handling of present-day technological transformations. He also introduced the 53 Member States of the Organization.

    The meeting explored ways to expand cooperation between ICESCO and China, especially in the fields of culture, education, youth, and civilizational dialogue. It also discussed the possibility of China joining ICESCO as an “observer member,” which would enhance cultural convergence and open far-reaching avenues for cooperation between China and the Islamic world. Dr. AlMalik stressed that China’s accession as an observer member would represent a qualitative leap in the path of partnership with ICESCO and provide new opportunities for joint projects and initiatives.

    For his part, Mr. Chen Weiqing expressed China’s real interest in joining the Organization, noting that this matter is currently subject to official procedures within the Chinese government.

    At the end of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his thanks to the Chinese government for the warm welcome and hospitality. Then, the two parties exchanged commemorative gifts to demonstrate the spirit of friendship and express mutual appreciation.

    The meeting was attended by Anar Karimov, ICESCO’s Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, as well as a number of ministry officials.

    ICESCO DG Explores Avenues for Expanding Joint Action in Culture, Education, and Civilizational Dialogue with Chinese Foreign Ministry

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Mr. Chen Weiqing, Director-General of the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as part of the official visit of ICESCO’s Director-General and his delegation to the People’s Republic of China.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s renewed civilizational vision, which focuses on promoting intercultural dialogue, protecting heritage, developing education, supporting science and innovation, and smart handling of present-day technological transformations. He also introduced the 53 Member States of the Organization.

    The meeting explored ways to expand cooperation between ICESCO and China, especially in the fields of culture, education, youth, and civilizational dialogue. It also discussed the possibility of China joining ICESCO as an “observer member,” which would enhance cultural convergence and open far-reaching avenues for cooperation between China and the Islamic world. Dr. AlMalik stressed that China’s accession as an observer member would represent a qualitative leap in the path of partnership with ICESCO and provide new opportunities for joint projects and initiatives.

    For his part, Mr. Chen Weiqing expressed China’s real interest in joining the Organization, noting that this matter is currently subject to official procedures within the Chinese government.

    At the end of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his thanks to the Chinese government for the warm welcome and hospitality. Then, the two parties exchanged commemorative gifts to demonstrate the spirit of friendship and express mutual appreciation.

    The meeting was attended by Anar Karimov, ICESCO’s Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, as well as a number of ministry officials.

    ICESCO Participates in Morocco’s Launch of the 2025 State of World Population Report

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in an event organized by Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), marking World Population Day and launching the 2025 State of World Population Report under the theme, “The Real Fertility Crisis: The Pursuit of Reproductive Agency in a Changing World.”

    The meeting, held on 9 July 2025 at the headquarters of the High Commission for Planning in Rabat, brought together high-level participants, including Mr. Chakib Benmoussa, High Commissioner for Planning, Ms. Marielle Sander, UNFPA Representative to Morocco, along with several senior officials, experts, and representatives of national and international organizations.

    Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector, took part in panel discussions on population statistics in light of the demographic and societal transformations taking place across the Organization’s Member States, highlighting ICESCO’s efforts and strategic approach in this regard.

    Also attending were a group of ICESCO Young Ambassadors for Peace, along with trainees working across the Organization’s sectors, departments, and centers, representing Jordan, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Comoros, and Sudan.