The Culture Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a coordination meeting, on Monday, 14 September 2026, with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and the Bahraini National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture to discuss preparations for celebrating International Day of Islamic Art and to review scientific and artistic proposals, highlighting the richness of this heritage and promoting youth participation in its preservation and revitalization.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of Culture Sector at ICESCO, commended the Kingdom of Bahrain’s efforts to preserve and promote Islamic arts, emphasizing the importance of leveraging this occasion to showcase the aesthetic and intellectual dimensions of Islamic and Arab art and to strengthen its standing on the global cultural scene.
For his part, Dr. Mubarak Abdullah Buti, Acting Secretary-General of the Bahraini National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, presented a series of proposals to mark the occasion, including a visual presentation, a scientific seminar, and workshops on calligraphy and Islamic arts, as well as competitions for young people and an award for the best artwork. For his part, Dr. Idham Hanash, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts, stressed that the celebration should lead to sustainable initiatives that support research and training in the fields of Islamic art. He proposed the establishment of “ICESCO Chair for Islamic Art” at a Bahraini academic institution, giving the collaboration a scientific dimension that extends beyond activities associated with the annual event.
The International Day of Islamic Art is celebrated annually on November 18, following an initiative by the Kingdom of Bahrain. It was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at its 40th session in 2019, to raise awareness of Islamic artistic expressions, both historical and contemporary, and highlight their contribution to human civilization.
The Education Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in a specialized regional workshop titled “Best Practices in Addressing Large-Scale International Studies,” organized by the UNESCO Regional Centre for Quality and Excellence in Education, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of the State of Qatar and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, on 13 and 14 September 2026.
Representing the Education Sector at the workshop, held via videoconference, was Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector and Director of the Translation and Publishing Center at ICESCO. He discussed ways to transform the outputs of international studies, including data, indicators and reports, into development policies and programs that generate tangible impact in schools and classrooms.
He also emphasized that the true value of international studies is measured by the ability of education systems to interpret their findings and translate them into decisions, policies and programs that can be implemented, measured and reviewed. He noted that international studies provide countries with an opportunity to identify gaps among learners, schools and regions, as well as assess the impact of environmental and social challenges, educational resources, teacher preparation and curricula.
Furthermore, Dr. Albanyan outlined an integrated framework for leveraging the findings of international studies through six interconnected processes: reading and interpreting the findings, setting priorities, designing and implementing programs, and then evaluating their impact. He also called for the development of clear, evidence-based implementation programs, specifying target groups, responsible entities, budgets, timelines and measurable indicators, while adopting a systematic piloting approach for programs before scaling up their implementation.
In conclusion, Dr. Albanyan proposed establishing a permanent national mechanism for leveraging the findings of international studies, bringing together representatives from the sectors of assessment, measurement, planning, curricula, teacher training, and funding, alongside universities and research centers. He also proposed launching a regional initiative titled “From International Study Findings to Classroom Impact,” including a practical guide for translating findings into policies through the development of a standard model for national response plans.
The city of Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, hosted a festive ceremony on Sunday evening, 13 September 2026, as part of the Buraidah International Dates Carnival. The ceremony was graced by His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Qassim Region, and attended by several ministers, senior officials, and prominent figures.
On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), delivered an address highlighting the Carnival’s distinguished standing and growing global recognition. The world’s largest date market has been registered by Guinness World Records, while the knowledge, skills, traditions, and practices associated with the date palm have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Dr. AlMalik stated that the date palm has been closely connected to humankind since ancient times, serving as a lifelong companion and source of livelihood while remaining deeply rooted in human memory and consciousness. It is an integral part of Saudi identity and a living testament to the profound bond between the Saudi people, their land, and their heritage. The date palm is also honored through its mention in more than 20 verses of the Holy Quran, reflecting its blessed status and civilizational significance.
The ICESCO Director-General noted that the Buraidah International Dates Carnival has transcended the conventional concept of a marketplace to become a season heralding a promising future, as Qassim dates make their way into global markets, supported by accumulated expertise and outstanding product quality.
He added that ICESCO stands ready to provide support and cooperation, marking the beginning of a new phase of promising partnership between entrepreneurship and the fields of education, science, and culture. This commitment stems from the Organization’s belief that the Islamic world deserves an advanced position in development and innovation.
His Excellency announced ICESCO’s readiness to cooperate in promoting the Buraidah International Dates Carnival as a prominent heritage and economic landmark and to invite countries across the Islamic world to participate, opening broader prospects for cultural exchange and economic cooperation.
Dr. AlMalik concluded his address by reciting a poem titled “Peace Be upon the Date Palms of Qassim,” which was warmly received by His Royal Highness the Governor and the audience.
At the close of the ceremony, His Royal Highness the Governor of Qassim Region honored His Excellency Dr. Salim M. AlMalik in recognition of his participation and attendance, as well as ICESCO’s contribution to supporting initiatives that promote heritage and highlight its civilizational and development value.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on Sunday, 13 September 2026, at the headquarters of the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik congratulated Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed on his unanimous election as Secretary-General of the Organization during the 23rd Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, recently held in Jeddah, wishing him every success in leading the course of joint Islamic action.
The meeting featured in-depth discussions on ways to strengthen institutional complementarity and the strategic partnership between the OIC General Secretariat and ICESCO, with a view to establishing implementation mechanisms for joint programs and projects that respond to the priorities of Member States in the fields of education, science and culture.
The discussions also focused on launching high-impact initiatives to harness the potential of youth and develop future talent, while further promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance and civilizational coexistence, in a manner that strengthens the Islamic world’s presence on the international stage.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the ICESCO Director-General extended an official invitation to the Secretary-General to visit the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, Morocco, to learn more about its programs and lay the foundations for a new phase of joint development and cultural action. The Secretary-General expressed his thanks and appreciation for the kind invitation, affirming the General Secretariat’s commitment to operationalizing the partnership and integrating efforts in the service of the peoples of the Islamic world.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a bilateral partnership aimed at promoting sport as a driver of peace, solidarity, and social cohesion; empowering the youth through sport and volunteerism; enhancing women’s participation and leadership in sport; promoting cultural dialogue, innovation and sustainable human development; and fostering the inclusion of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), attended the signing ceremony. The MoU was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Dr. Nasser Majali, Secretary General of ISSA, on Saturday, 12 September 2026, in Taif, Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the ISSA General Assembly.
The five-year MoU provides for the development of joint programs and initiatives and the organization of international sports conferences and events aimed at promoting physical and mental health and overall well-being for all, supporting the concept of cultural diplomacy through sport, advancing research and innovation in the field of Sports for Social Impact, and facilitating partnerships and resource mobilization for initiatives benefiting communities in ICESCO Member States and beyond.
Under the terms of the MoU, the two sides will launch joint initiatives to prepare a select group of young athletes to serve as ambassadors for their countries in the fields of peace and dialogue, and to recognize inspiring role models who embody the values of fair play and contribute to serving their communities. The MoU also provides for ISSA’s participation in organizing ICESCO’s annual marathon and efforts to expand its reach across the Islamic world, as well as ICESCO’s participation through cultural initiatives during the Islamic Solidarity Games, starting with the next edition, to be hosted by the State of Selangor, Malaysia, in 2029.
His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), at the InterContinental Hotel in Taif, on the sidelines of the Association’s General Assembly meeting.
The meeting was attended by H.H. Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and President of the Saudi Camel Sports, and Dr. Nasser Majali, Secretary General of ISSA.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between ISSA and ICESCO in a manner that contributes to serving youth in the Islamic world and promoting the values of solidarity and peace. Dr. Nasser Majali, for his part, reviewed the key provisions of the cooperation agreement signed between the two sides during the General Assembly meeting, as well as the opportunities it offers for launching joint programs with a tangible impact.
Dr. Salim AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s initiatives in the fields of youth and peacebuilding, noting the role of sport in bringing peoples closer together and promoting intercultural dialogue.
The meeting also addressed a proposal to launch the “Sport for Peace” initiative, aimed at preparing a select group of young athletes to serve as ambassadors for their countries in the fields of peace and dialogue. The proposal also included the establishment of a “Cultural Village” as a program accompanying the Islamic Solidarity Games, starting with the next edition of the Games in 2029. The Initiative aims to showcase the heritage of participating countries and add a cultural dimension to the Games.
The proposals also included the launch of the “ICESCO–ISSA Award for Sports Ethics” to recognize inspiring role models who embody the values of fair play and contribute to serving their communities, in addition to the ISSA’s participation in organizing ICESCO’s annual marathon and efforts to expand its scope across the countries of the Islamic world.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the ICESCO Director-General expressed his appreciation to H.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal for the warm reception and his support for institutional cooperation. His Highness affirmed ISSA’s readiness to strengthen joint action with ICESCO, directing the Secretary General to coordinate with ICESCO to translate the proposed initiatives into action within the framework of the bilateral cooperation agreement.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held two separate workshops in Astana on 8 and 9 September 2026, the first at Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University and the second at Satbayev University, for the benefit of 320 students and researchers, as well as faculty members. The workshops aimed to explore the opportunities offered by space sciences, modern technologies, and innovation.
The first workshop, hosted by Saken Seifullin University, was held under the theme “Space, Science and Technology: Engaging Students in Global Projects.” It featured a lecture delivered by Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, who highlighted the role of space technologies and Earth observation systems in providing tools to address the challenges of climate change, food security, sustainable agriculture, and water resource management.
The second workshop, hosted by Satbayev University, aimed to showcase ICESCO’s efforts to build the capacities of students and young people and strengthen research and innovation ecosystems across the countries of the Islamic world. These efforts include programs and projects in the field of space sciences, as well as youth training initiatives aimed at preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and technology entrepreneurs. Chief among these are ICESCO’s program to train young people on how to establish and develop small-scale projects in technology and innovation, and the training workshop on the design of an educational satellite (CanSat).
The two workshops also featured practical activities, during which participants, including students, researchers, and young people, formed working groups to identify current challenges and develop solutions by harnessing modern technologies and their applications. At the conclusion of the workshops, Dr. Sharif answered participants’ questions on the skills required for the jobs of the future in the fields of space sciences and modern technologies, and ways to develop research projects and mechanisms for joining international scientific networks.
The Science and Environment Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the international forum “Space Days Kazakhstan 2026,” organized by Kazakhstan’s space agency and hosted by Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 7 and 8 September 2026. The event was attended by high-level officials, led by Mr. Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In his remarks during the opening session, Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at the Science and Environment Sector, highlighted the importance of harnessing artificial intelligence technologies, Earth observation, small satellites and lunar exploration to accelerate the pace of sustainable development. He emphasized the need to narrow the gaps between countries of the Islamic world and other countries around the world in the areas of capacity building and ensuring equal opportunities.
The event program featured high-level sessions and technical workshops on satellite technologies, artificial intelligence, Earth observation, space sciences and the importance of international cooperation. The second day of the event also included a session titled “International Space Sciences: The Space Science Community, Capacity Building and International Cooperation,” moderated by Dr. Sharif. During the session, participating experts and specialists discussed ways and mechanisms for developing programs and projects in the fields of space science and technology and professional capacity building.
On the sidelines of the event, the ICESCO representative held a meeting with officials from Ghalam and Freedom to discuss ways and mechanisms for cooperation on the launch of the ICESCO satellite.
Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a high-level delegation from the International Baccalaureate (IB) on 9 September 2026, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, to discuss the latest developments in their joint project on the “Development of the First ICESCO School Teachers and School Leaders Standards and Practice Instrument for the Islamic World.”
The International Baccalaureate delegation included Dr. Donna Hurrle, Senior Learning Architect; Ms. Kiri Stevenson, Senior Education Systems Solutions Manager at the IB’s office in the United Kingdom; and Ms. Issota Crisafulli, Senior Operations Manager Education Systems Solutions at the United Kingdom Office.
During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that developing an assessment instrument is an important step toward translating the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations into tangible impact. The Project aims to build the capacities of teachers and educators in educational institutions across Member States in areas including enhancing the quality of education, future skills, and modern technologies. He underscored that the Project will bring real added value to education systems in the Islamic world and beyond.
For its part, the delegation praised the strong partnership between the two organizations and invited Dr. AlMalik to participate in the IB Global Conference, scheduled to be held in Lyon, France, in October 2026.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a joint technical team from ICESCO and IB delivered a presentation on the scope and methodology of the Project as well as the meta-analysis of current international and national professional standards. The presentation also covered the findings of the surveys, mechanisms for developing and validating the assessment instrument, and its role in providing a reference framework to support countries in the Islamic world in strengthening the capacities of teachers and school leaders to adapt to local educational needs.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of a joint technical workshop on the Project, was attended by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector and Director of the Translation and Publication Center at ICESCO, and Dr. Waqas Afridi, Expert at the Education Sector.
Member States reaffirm commitment to paying their financial contributions at the earliest possible date in support of ICESCO’s financial sustainability
At the conclusion of its 4th extraordinary session, the General Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) adopted several reports, resolutions and measures aimed at strengthening the Organization’s financial sustainability, ensuring its ability to meet its obligations and continue implementing its programs and activities efficiently, in response to the aspirations of its Member States, while safeguarding its financial independence.
The session, held in person at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat and via videoconference on Thursday, 10 September 2026, brought together 40 Member States, represented at a high ministerial level, as well as ambassadors and secretaries-general of national commissions.
The resolutions adopted included the approval of the Directorate General’s report on urgent financial and administrative measures, as well as the endorsement of the temporary measures set out in the Emergency Plan for the Sustainability of the Organization, foremost among which is the settlement of Member States’ contributions and arrears. The General Conference also mandated the ICESCO Directorate General to implement the resolutions adopted at the extraordinary session and follow up on their implementation.
In this context, a number of Member States announced their commitment to paying their financial contributions and outstanding payments, in full or in part, at the earliest possible date. The General Conference also called on the remaining Member States to fulfill their obligations and settle their arrears, thereby supporting the Organization’s stability and ensuring the continuity of its development and knowledge programs.
The session opened with an address by Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, and Chair of the 15th session of the ICESCO General Conference. He stressed that the Organization had built up significant institutional and knowledge capital and had become an active partner in the fields of education, science, culture and innovation. He further underscored that institutions are measured by their ability to achieve sustainability, explaining that the financial challenge is not merely a matter of figures, but that its impact extends to ensuring that programs and initiatives reach students, researchers, innovators and institutions across Member States.
For his part, Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), affirmed that the Emergency Plan for the Sustainability of the Organization represents a political commitment and a decisive orientation on the part of Member States to safeguard the future of its civilizational mission. He explained that the continuation of the Organization’s projects in its fields of competence embodies a collective responsibility towards the peoples of the Islamic world.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, noted that the exceptional circumstances facing international institutions and organizations have had repercussions on the Organization’s work, making it imperative to expedite the implementation of the measures adopted to ensure the continuity of its performance. He reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to pursuing its mission without interruption by consolidating a quality-driven approach and expanding its network of partnerships.
Dr. AlMalik also noted that the Organization is working to diversify its funding sources, including through the Development Endowment (Waqf) Project, with a view to establishing a sustainable financial arm that supports its programs and initiatives and enhances its ability to respond to the needs of its Member States. He stressed that the regular payment of Member States’ contributions remains a key pillar of financial sustainability.
In his address, Mr. Mohamed Saad Berrada, Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports of the Kingdom of Morocco, reiterated Morocco’s full support for ICESCO and its commitment to supporting the Organization in pursuing its mission and implementing its programs and projects.
The 4th Extraordinary Session of the ICESCO General Conference concluded with an address by Dr. Konsowa. He stressed that the Organization’s strength lies in the cohesion of its Member States around it and in their ability to translate shared responsibility into practical decisions that preserve its stability and advance its mission. He noted that the agreements reached would constitute an important step towards strengthening ICESCO’s sustainability and consolidating its capacity to continue its development, knowledge and civilizational role in serving the countries of the Islamic world.
