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    Category: News

    ICESCO Director-General Meets with Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to Discuss expanding Cooperation and Promoting Cultural and Civilizational Initiatives

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Bahram Jan Aliyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The meeting reviewed areas of joint cooperation and followed up on the implementation of the roadmap adopted two years ago, including the programs, initiatives, and qualitative projects delivered within its framework.

    During the meeting, held on Monday, 22 June 2026, in Tashkent, the Uzbek Deputy Foreign Minister commended ICESCO’s role and the level of fruitful cooperation with Uzbekistan. He highlighted the success achieved under the Samarkand as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2025 programme, along with the distinguished cultural, intellectual, and scientific activities organized. He also praised the efforts of ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Committee, which led to the inscription and recognition of several archaeological sites and tangible and intangible heritage elements, in addition to organizing specialized conferences and programs that showcase the civilizational and cultural heritage of the Islamic world.

    Mr. Aliyev stressed the importance of continuing and expanding this cooperation to include new areas that serve shared cultural and developmental priorities, expressing Uzbekistan’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with ICESCO across fields of mutual interest.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed appreciation for the support and attention extended to ICESCO by the leadership of the Republic of Uzbekistan, reaffirming the Organization’s commitment to implementing all components of the agreed roadmap and advancing toward broader cooperation in education, science, culture, heritage, and capacity building.

    He also noted that his current visit is to participate in the International Maqam Art Festival, which will be held in Namangan, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. He added that ICESCO will present a number of flagship initiatives during the forum that align with its objectives, supporting its areas of work and contributing to enhanced international cooperation and sustainable development.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his sincere thanks to Mr. Bahram Aliyev for the warm welcome and hospitality, and for his commitment to advancing cooperation between the two sides in a manner that serves shared interests and strengthens cultural and civilizational action in the Islamic world.

    ICESCO Holds Academic Lecture on Manuscript Terminology in the East and West

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held an academic lecture on Monday, 22 June 2026, at its headquarters in Rabat, as part of its “Global Thinkers at ICESCO” series, titled “Manuscript Terminology in the East and West.” The lecture was delivered by Dr. Ahmed Chaouki Binebine, Curator of the Hassania Royal Library in Morocco, in the presence of a number of experts and researchers specializing in manuscripts from the Arab world.

    The lecture began with an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, wherein he emphasized that manuscript heritage is a significant part of Arab and Islamic civilization, being the most enduring and comprehensive repository of knowledge from previous civilizations, and the richest in subject matter.

    He also highlighted the numerous connections between Arabic manuscripts and those written in other languages, noting that Western philologists played a significant early role in studying manuscripts and defining their terminology, alongside valuable Arab contributions that helped shape the lexicon of codicology.

    During the lecture, moderated by Dr. Idham Hanash, Director of the Calligraphy and Manuscripts Center at ICESCO, Dr. Binebine explained that the preparation of the “Dictionary of Arabic Manuscript Terminology: A Codicological Lexicon,” which he co-authored with Dr. Mustapha Toubi, was based on an inductive approach aimed at reviving neglected manuscript terminology. He described manuscripts as one of the key elements of tangible heritage and a living memory preserving the Ummah’s connection to its scientific and cultural past.

    The speaker traced the development of manuscript terminology in both Western and Eastern contexts, reviewing scholars’ contributions to advancing manuscript concepts in Arab and non-Arab settings. He noted that the first project to compile a dictionary of manuscript terminology in the Western world dates back to 1953.

    Dr. Binebine also addressed Arabic manuscript terminology, highlighting that early scholarly attention to terminology was initially linked to the vocabulary of the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Hadith as well as their interpretation. The need for new lexicons only emerged later, as knowledge expanded and Islamic society evolved.

    The meeting concluded with scholarly discussions on the importance of unifying manuscript terminology, strengthening codicological studies in the Islamic world, and enhancing cooperation among specialized institutions to preserve, catalogue and restore manuscripts, making them accessible to researchers.

    ICESCO Holds a Webinar on Art and Cultural Management in Observance of World Music Day

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Rabat: 23 June 2026
    As part of its International Forum “Culture for Rethinking the World,” the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held the sixth session of its program “Artists of the World, Guests at ICESCO,” under the theme “Art, Music, and Cultural Management,” with the participation of a number of specialists and experts, marking World Music Day, observed annually on 21 June.

    The meeting, held on Friday, 19 June 2026, was opened by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, who emphasized the importance of music and the arts in building societies, highlighting ICESCO’s role in promoting cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and dialogue among creators, academics, and professionals working in the cultural field.

    Soprano Samira Kadiri, a specialist in Mediterranean musical heritage, delivered a presentation in which she reviewed the richness of historical interactions among Arab, Andalusian, and Mediterranean musical traditions, noting that music represents a unique space for intercultural dialogue. She also addressed her experience in opera singing, calling for the adoption of creative approaches that combine cultural authenticity with artistic innovation.
    For his part, Dr. Fakher Hakima, Director of the Higher Institute of Music of Sousse, Tunisia, focused on the central role of higher artistic education in cultural development, stressing the need to strengthen links between academic institutions, creative sectors, and public policies, so that universities can serve as a genuine driver of cultural and economic development.

    Mr. Mahmoud Lemseffer, a Moroccan expert in cultural management, highlighted the importance of music festivals in developing cultural and creative industries, fostering intercultural dialogue, and strengthening openness to the world. He also underlined the need to accord culture a more prominent place within public policies, strengthening mechanisms to support artists, and protecting copyright.

    The meeting concluded with remarks by Dr. Idham Hanash, Director of the Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts at ICESCO, who shed light on the importance of cultural geography in understanding the trajectories of artistic and musical influence and interaction within the Islamic world. He also referred to historical influences originating in Iraq that contributed to shaping musical traditions and enriching Andalusian heritage.

    ICESCO Director-General Holds Expanded Meeting with Kyrgyz Ministers of Education and Culture

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held an expanded meeting with both Ms. Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva, Minister of Education, and Mr. Mambetaliev Mirbek, Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, to discuss prospects for building a strategic partnership between ICESCO and Kyrgyzstan in the fields of education, science, and culture.

    The meeting, held on Friday, 19 June 2026, in Kyrgyzstan, featured discussions on a number of projects, programs, and initiatives proposed for joint implementation, including the celebration of Osh as a Culture Capital in the Islamic World; the inscription of a number of heritage and archaeological sites on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List; the Organization’s contribution to the restoration of the Shah Fazil Archaeological Complex in the Jalal-Abad region; and the implementation of a number of capacity-building workshops for heritage professionals.

    The meeting also discussed ways to cooperate in the areas of education, science, and technology development; youth capacity-building; and the organization of summer camps for young people from the Islamic world on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, in addition to recruiting a number of qualified Kyrgyz professionals to work at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat.

    The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of continuing consultations between the two sides in the coming period and implementing a number of proposed programs in the shortest time possible.

    ICESCO Director-General, Kyrgyz Minister of Education Explore Cooperation in Technology and Knowledge Dissemination

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms.Gulzat Tynybekovna Isamatova, Minister of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic, to explore ways to enhance cooperation in science, technology, innovation, knowledge dissemination, and the organization of international scientific conferences.

    The meeting, held on Thursday, 18 June 2026, on the sidelines of the 40th session of the Issyk-Kul International Forum, included discussions on several proposed joint programs and projects, notably the launch of a youth capacity-building program in technology and innovation, the establishment of a digital library, and the organization of an international science conference.

    During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s vision and its Strategic Plan 2026–2029, which aims to achieve major objectives, including supporting education systems in Member States and accelerating their integration into global economies, with a focus on knowledge production, innovation, strategic foresight, and environmental protection. The Plan also seeks to contribute to social development, empower youth and women, and support cultural development across the Islamic world while safeguarding heritage and promoting cultural diversity and civilizational dialogue.

    Dr. AlMalik emphasized that ICESCO attaches great importance to creativity and innovation and is committed to building youth capacities in these fields. He highlighted ICESCO’s program to train youth on how to establish and develop small technology and innovation enterprises, which aims to support 150 startups across Member States.
    For her part, the minister expressed her commitment to building productive cooperation with ICESCO, noting that she closely follows the Organization’s leading role in its fields of expertise across the Islamic world.

    In the Presence of the Presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Albania, ICESCO Director-General Participates in Opening of Issyk-Kul International Forum

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), affirmed the Organization’s willingness to work alongside the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and all international partners to translate shared values and ideals into sustainable, long-term action programs that contribute to building a legacy of cooperation serving future generations.

    This statement was part of his address delivered at the opening of the 40th edition of the Issyk-Kul International Forum, held under the theme “The World at a Civilizational Crossroads: Together Towards the Future,” from 18 to 21 June 2026. The event was attended by H.E. Sadyr Japarov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Bajram Begaj, President of the Republic of Albania, ministers and thinkers from more than 15 countries, and representatives of international organizations.

    In his remarks, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the historic significance of the forum, which over four decades has demonstrated that sustained multilateral dialogue remains a fundamental instrument for strengthening international understanding and a vital platform where countries and organizations convene to discuss the major challenges facing the world.


    The Director-General noted that the Kyrgyz Republic represents a rich space for cultural and civilizational exchange, emphasizing the deep symbolism embodied in the literary epic “Manas” as a testament to cultural resilience, preservation of memory, and safeguarding of identity and continuity. This, he noted, positions intangible heritage as a key driver for strengthening the internal cohesion of societies.

    He added that, in cooperation with its Member States, ICESCO is implementing a comprehensive and integrated approach to peace, based on the view that stable and harmonious societies are built through strong educational systems, effective cultural institutions, informed civic participation, and youth development capable of channeling the energies of new generations into responsible leadership.

    Dr. AlMalik stressed that the Organization places great importance on strategic international partnerships through civilizational diplomacy as a mechanism for building bridges between peoples and cultures, supporting the safeguarding of cultural heritage, and promoting intellectual dialogue that leads to practical and sustainable cooperation.

    It is worth noting that the Issyk-Kul Forum was established in 1986 at the initiative of the renowned Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov, with the aim of reviving a platform for dialogue among thinkers, policymakers, and cultural figures. Its 40th edition seeks to renew its humanistic legacy and align its ideas with the transformations of the digital age, particularly ethical issues related to artificial intelligence and current global challenges.

    The Arabic Language Training Program in Central Asia Reaches Its Final Stop in Azerbaijan

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The sixth and final stage of the “Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud International Program for Language Training: Arabic Language in Central Asia” commenced on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Program is implemented by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Charitable Foundation and in cooperation with ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku and Baku Eurasian University.

    The three-day program opened with remarks delivered by representatives of Baku Eurasian University, the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Foundation, and ICESCO, who emphasized the importance of cooperation among academic, charitable, and international institutions in supporting the global standing of the Arabic language and promoting its rich cultural heritage.

    The Program includes five specialized workshops led by Dr. Adham Hamawiya, Head of the Language Development Section at ICESCO’s Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, for the benefit of faculty members from Azerbaijani universities involved in teaching Arabic. The workshops will present key contemporary trends in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers and discuss the challenges facing Arabic language education in Azerbaijan.

    Prior to the official opening, a coordination meeting was held between Dr. Magdy Hajj Ibrahim, Director of ICESCO’s Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers; Dr. Sayavush Gasimov, Rector of Baku Eurasian University; and Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Maqoushi, Assistant Director-General of the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation. The meeting explored prospects for future cooperation aimed at serving the Arabic language and strengthening its presence in Azerbaijan by leveraging ICESCO’s expertise in this field.

    It is worth noting that the “Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud International Language Training Program: Arabic Language in Central Asia” was launched in September 2025 and has covered five countries across the region: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Bashkortostan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan.

    ICESCO, Republic of Adygea of the Russian Federation Explore Prospects for Cooperation

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Yuri Otlev, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Adygea of the Russian Federation, to discuss prospects for building joint cooperation in the fields of culture, heritage preservation and valorization, support for scientific research, and environmental action.

    At the outset of the meeting, held on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of Ms. Bella Khakunova, Advisor to the Head of the Republic of Adygea, Dr. AlMalik presented a historical overview of the Organization, its areas of work, and its key programs, initiatives, and projects benefiting its Member States. He commended the development of bilateral relations with Russia, which holds observer status at ICESCO, and noted that the Organization is celebrating the city of Kazan in the Republic of Tatarstan as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World this year.

    The Director-General expressed his aspiration to build a successful partnership between the two sides, similar to the distinguished cooperation between ICESCO and Tatarstan. He affirmed that such bilateral cooperation would open broader horizons for Adygea with the Islamic world. In this context, he expressed ICESCO’s readiness to host and organize a number of forums and events to promote Circassian culture and heritage and the Muslim peoples of the Caucasus region.

    For his part, Mr. Otlev expressed the ministry’s keenness to establish joint cooperation with ICESCO, given its leading role in the educational, scientific, and cultural fields in the Islamic world.

    The meeting also discussed a number of proposed programs and projects to be implemented in the areas of culture, support for creative industries, science and environment, youth empowerment, and preparation for future professions, as well as the possibility of Adygea hosting several of ICESCO’s annual conferences.

    Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied Mr. Otlev and his delegation on a tour of the Sultan Qaboos Library and the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, hosted at ICESCO headquarters.

    The meeting was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector; Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; and Dr. Kuanysh Yergaliyev, Head of the Science and Environment Sector.

    ICESCO Celebrates the Richness and Diversity of Traditional National Attire Across the Islamic World

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Directorate General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) organized a celebratory day dedicated to traditional national attire in its Member States, in an initiative reflecting pride in cultural heritage and shared civilizational identity. The event featured a wide variety of traditional garments in a vivid display that showcased the richness and diversity of cultural heritage across the Islamic world and highlighted the historical, symbolic, and aesthetic significance embodied in national dress.

    During the celebration, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized that this initiative reflects the richness of cultural diversity in the Islamic world and underscores the important place occupied by traditional attire as a component of national identity and a means of expressing the distinctive civilizational characteristics of peoples.

    Dr. AlMalik noted that over the past six years, the Organization has worked to attract the largest possible number of qualified professionals from its Member States, and that ICESCO’s staff now represent more than 40 countries from within and beyond the Islamic world, which was visibly reflected in this celebration.

    ICESCO has designated Friday of every week as National Dress Day, with the aim of strengthening pride in cultural identity and showcasing the civilizational diversity that characterizes its Member States.

    Through such initiatives, ICESCO remains committed to safeguarding tangible and intangible cultural heritage and promoting awareness of its importance in reinforcing a sense of belonging and pride in identity, in line with its mission to support cultural diversity and encourage civilizational dialogue among Member States.

    ICESCO Holds International Workshop on Developing Cultural Employment Policies in the Islamic World

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held an international online training workshop titled “New Policies for Cultural Professions and Employability” as part of the series “ICESCO: Leadership in New Cultural Policies 2021–2029,” with the participation of over 160 experts, researchers, and representatives of cultural institutions and National Commissions from 22 countries.
    Opening the workshop, held on Thursday 11 June 2026, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, stressed that culture has become a key driver of development, innovation, and societal transformation. He emphasized the need to integrate the cultural dimension into the development policies of Member States and to strengthen the position of cultural identity as one of the principal foundations for building balanced and sustainable societies.

    For his part, Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, who moderated the session, explained that the development of cultural policies remains dependent on the availability of accurate data and specialized studies. He noted that the absence of reliable indicators limits the ability to demonstrate the true contribution of culture to economic, social, and civilizational development.

    During the workshop’s keynote presentation, Dr. Rim Jellouli, ICESCO external expert specializing in cultural policies and sustainable development, presented the outcomes and tools of the ICESCO 2025 Strategy on Cultural Professions and Employability. The Strategy is structured around three main pillars: a framework for sustainable and innovative cultural and creative economies, the ICESCO Reference Framework for Cultural Professions and Competencies, and a roadmap toward 2030 aimed at supporting Member States in developing information systems dedicated to cultural employment.

    Dr. Jellouli further explained that cultural and creative industries contribute, on average, 3.1% of gross domestic product (GDP), although with significant variation among countries. She also noted that 43% of ICESCO Member States have not yet adopted reliable indicators related to cultural employment, underscoring the need to develop modern measurement tools that support the integration of culture into development planning priorities.