Category: News

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), congratulated Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah on his appointment as Director General of OIC Secretary-General’s Cabinet, wishing him every success in his new position and continued fulfillment in his distinguished professional career, marked by dedication and achievement in service of the causes of the Islamic world, during his tenure in numerous leadership positions within ICESCO over nearly three decades.
Dr. AlMalik expressed his high appreciation for Dr. Ahmed Said’s professional record, affirming that he had been one of the Organization’s outstanding professionals and distinguished leaders, renowned for his knowledge, experience, integrity, and sound judgment, leaving a positive impact in every position he held.

Furthermore, ICESCO Director-General stated that the Organization would miss a valued colleague and dedicated leader, but would continue to regard him with pride as its ambassador to the OIC, carrying its spirit and mission in his new position. Dr. AlMalik noted that his presence in this position would open broader horizons for partnership between the OIC and ICESCO and give it renewed momentum grounded in trust, shared knowledge, and a shared commitment to their common mission.

It is worth noting that Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah has had an extensive career within ICESCO, which began in the mid-1990s, during which he headed and supervised several sectors and departments of the Organization. He most recently served as an Advisor to ICESCO’s General Directorate and has become a role model for enlightened leadership and dedicated, diligent work.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held the ICESCO Forum of Rectors, under the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), on Friday, 28 August 2026, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, under the theme “Reimagining Higher Education in the Islamic World: Partnerships, Innovation, and International Competitiveness.” The Forum brought together ministers, senior officials, and university vice chancellors from across and beyond the Islamic world.

During the Forum’s plenary session, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, delivered a recorded address in which he noted that the history of Kazan bears witness to the progress generated by cultural and intellectual exchange among peoples. He highlighted that the Forum, held in parallel with the Kazan Global Youth Summit, forms part of a forward-looking vision that positions higher education as a space for preparing the youth to build the future. He further expressed his appreciation to H.E. Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, and the

Organization’s partners in the Russian Federation for their continued commitment to supporting ICESCO’s activities and initiatives.

Dr. AlMalik affirmed that the Forum constitutes an important platform for discussing the transformations taking place in universities and contributing to guiding their implementation and shaping curricula, with a view to providing inclusive higher education that responds to the aspirations of societies, particularly at a time when education and the labor market are being reshaped by the artificial intelligence revolution.

Dr. AlMalik also outlined several priorities for ICESCO and its affiliated Federation over the next three years, aimed at turning universities in the Islamic world into engines of innovation and gateways to opportunities. These include an academic mobility action plan for students, faculty members, and researchers, involving 50 universities and benefiting 1,000 students and 200 academics; the development of a framework to strengthen the mutual recognition of qualifications and academic units, with the participation of 15 countries; the development of 20 programs and 10 joint digital or laboratory facilities; and enhanced cooperation between universities and research centers to author joint publications.

The first session featured Dr. Riyaz Minzaripov, President of Kazan Federal University; Dr. Rae Kwon Chung, Nobel Peace Prize laureate; Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH; Dr. Amjad Barham Dabab, Minister of Education and Higher Education of the State of Palestine; Mr. Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of The Gambia; and Dr. Modesto Ricardo Gómez Crespo, First Deputy Minister of Higher Education of the Republic of Cuba.

The Forum also featured a session titled “Education in an Era of Global Change: Human Capital for Sustainable Development,” which discussed young people’s perspectives and pathways for education and professional development. Another session, titled “The Role of University Federations and Global Partnerships in Advancing Higher Education in the Islamic World,” focused on the importance of providing strategic leadership and fostering joint cooperation among universities and organizations.

The Forum concluded with the roundtable “Universities of the Future: From Leadership to Innovation,” during which participants highlighted ways for universities to respond to technological, economic, and social transformations. The event also witnessed the signing of nine memoranda of understanding between the participating entities.

The official national television broadcaster for the Sultanate of Oman hosted Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), for an interview addressing cultural and civilizational issues and highlighting the Organization’s key programs and initiatives to strengthen communication and rapprochement among the countries of the Islamic world.

During the live interview, broadcast on Thursday, 27 August 2026, as part of the program ” The People and the Autumn,” Dr. AlMalik presented ICESCO’s new “Bridges of Civilization” program, launched by the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences. He explained that the program forms part of ICESCO’s efforts to advance civilizational diplomacy and expand opportunities for dialogue and exchange among Member States. He noted that it enables participants to gain first-hand insight into the distinctive national characteristics and cultural and civilizational assets of each Member State.

The Director-General also highlighted the rich heritage and cultural and tourism attractions of Dhofar Governorate, expressing his appreciation for its natural diversity and civilizational richness, where history, environment, and culture converge. He noted that several heritage sites in the governorate are included on ICESCO’s Heritage List in the Islamic World.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that heritage is not merely an extension of the past, but a living component of identity and a resource for shaping the future. He emphasized that safeguarding cultural heritage must go hand in hand with investment in knowledge and creativity and with empowering future generations.

Dr. AlMalik also recited a poem entitled “Salalah and the Beauty of Its Panorama,” celebrating Dhofar Governorate and evoking its landscapes, natural beauty, and deep historical and civilizational heritage.
The interview concluded with a message from the Director-General to the youth of the Islamic world, encouraging them to take pride in their heritage, recognize its value, contribute to its preservation, and volunteer to protect heritage sites and landmarks.

The interview took place on the sidelines of the visit of ICESCO delegation, headed by Dr. AlMalik, to Dhofar Governorate under the “Bridges of Civilization” program, currently hosted by the Sultanate of Oman.

H.E. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), extended his sincere congratulations to H.E. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed on his unanimous election as Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held at the OIC General Secretariat headquarters in Jeddah.

He also congratulated H.E. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, as well as the Mauritanian government and people. He noted that this well-deserved election is a source of pride for Mauritania and reflects its distinguished standing and influential role in the Islamic world and the international community.

Dr. AlMalik stated that the unanimous election reflects the high level of confidence placed in H.E. Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, in recognition of his distinguished diplomatic career, extensive international experience, and contributions to advancing peace and development.

He further expressed confidence that the OIC will enter a new phase of greater prominence and influence under his leadership, strengthening its role as the overarching organization of the Islamic world, the voice of its peoples’ aspirations, and an international platform for advancing their causes and interests.

Dr. AlMalik underscored the longstanding institutional ties between ICESCO and the OIC and reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Secretary-General-elect to broaden cooperation and develop innovative initiatives that serve Member States and advance joint Islamic action.

He concluded by wishing H.E. Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed every success in fulfilling his responsibilities and praying that Allah bless his efforts with success for the benefit of the Islamic world and the prosperity of its peoples.

A delegation from the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), led by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Organization, visited a number of heritage, cultural, and tourist sites in Oman’s Dhofar Governorate, at the invitation of Mr. Sayyid Ibrahim bin Saeed ALBusaidi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman.

The visit forms part of ICESCO’s “Civilization Bridges” program, which the Sultanate of Oman is hosting in Dhofar from 25 to 28 August 2026. The initiative aims to highlight the governorate’s civilizational, cultural, heritage, and tourism assets, while providing an opportunity to learn about national experiences in heritage preservation and its sustainable use for tourism development.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized that holding this stage of the program in Dhofar reflects the distinguished strategic partnership between the Organization and the Sultanate of Oman, which has given rise to numerous pioneering programs and initiatives serving the Islamic world. He also commended Oman’s continued support for ICESCO’s efforts across its fields of competence.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted the rich cultural assets of Dhofar, where heritage and natural sites combine to create a distinctive tourist destination that showcases Oman’s civilizational heritage and strengthens its position on the global tourism map.

For his part, Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Head of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences at ICESCO, stated that the “Civilization Bridges” program reflects the Organization’s commitment to strengthening civilizational diplomacy. It provides an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the distinctive characteristics of Member States, their national experiences, and their cultural and civilizational assets, while identifying opportunities for joint cooperation.

Mr. Talal bin Humaid al Khusaibi, Director-General of the General Directorate of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, said that the visit forms part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and communication with international organizations and institutions, while promoting the Sultanate of Oman’s heritage, cultural, and tourism assets. He underlined the importance of such visits in showcasing Oman’s civilizational heritage and national experience in developing tourism assets, preserving heritage, and enhancing its value.

He further noted that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism attaches particular importance to strengthening its partnership with ICESCO, adding that the “Civilization Bridges” program represents an important model of institutional and civilizational engagement. Beyond introducing participants to sites and landmarks, the program enables the delegation to gain insight into national experiences.

The visit program includes tours of a number of heritage, tourist, and natural sites and landmarks, providing an overview of the diversity of tourism patterns and products. It also features meetings with officials and relevant stakeholders, supporting national efforts to preserve cultural and natural heritage and leverage it for tourism and development.

The visit of the ICESCO delegation to Dhofar Governorate highlights the role of heritage and natural sites in shaping cultural and tourism identity. Archaeological sites associated with the Land of Frankincense complement forts, traditional houses, and traditional markets, alongside valleys, springs, mountains, beaches, and rural landscapes.