Category: News

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority in Oman, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the Organization and the Authority in areas of mutual interest, particularly in advancing scientific research in environmental protection.

During the meeting, held on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, at the Authority’s headquarters in Muscat, and attended by Ms. Amna Al-Balushi, Secretary of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s new vision and strategic orientations that prioritize supporting Member States’ efforts to preserve the environment. He stated that ICESCO is committed to mitigate the negative impact of climate change, and rationalize the use of natural resources, in view of contributing to building a sustainable and green future in the Islamic world.

Dr. AlMalik further emphasized the Organization’s commitment to fostering fruitful cooperation with the Authority, facilitating the transfer of expertise, and exchanging information with counterpart bodies in the Islamic world. He noted that ICESCO will participate with a distinguished pavilion at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 29), which will be hosted by Azerbaijan next November.

For his part, Dr. Al Amri commended ICESCO’s efforts in supporting its Member States in its areas of competence. He also outlined the main objectives of the Authority, including preserving natural and renewable resources and raising communities’ awareness of key environmental concepts.

The meeting also discussed proposals for cooperation between the two sides, such as establishing a chair for environmental studies at an Omani university, ICESCO’s participation in the Oman Conference for Environmental Sustainability, held annually in Muscat in February, and the Environment Authority’s participation in the third Conference of Ministers of Education for ICESCO’s Member States, which Oman will host this year, on October 2-3.

At the end of the meeting, the two parties agreed to maintain coordination and develop implementation plans for the proposed areas of cooperation discussed.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Salim Al-Habsi, Head of the General Secretariat for National Commissions and Conferences, and Mr. Samy Al Kamhawy, Head of the Department of Information and Institutional Identity at ICESCO.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al-Najjar, Minister of Social Development in the Sultanate of Oman, and together they discussed ways to promote cooperation between the Organization and the Ministry in social care and humanitarian affairs through the joint implementation of several initiatives and programs.

During the meeting held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Muscat, and in the presence of Ms. Amna Al-Balushi, Secretary of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that ICESCO places special importance on investing in human capital, as part of the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations to contribute to building healthy, prosperous, and strong communities. This goal, he added, is pursued through the implementation of various initiatives, programs, and projects that focus on supporting girls and women and building the capacities of youth.

Likewise, Dr. AlMalik pointed out that ICESCO is currently developing its partnerships with countries, international organizations and bodies, and civil society institutions, for the benefit of its Member States and Muslim communities around the world. He seized the opportunity to commend the efforts of the Sultanate of Oman in supporting women and individuals with special needs.

For her part, Dr. Laila Al-Najjar shed light on the Ministry’s most ambitious programs and projects under the social welfare and development axis of Oman Vision 2040, and the Ministry’s cooperation with the Ministries of Health and Education. The Omani Minister praised ICESCO’s efforts in supporting its Member States in its areas of competence, reaffirming Oman’s keenness to deepen cooperation with the Organization in humanitarian fields.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to sustain coordination to collaborate on several programs, projects, and activities of mutual interest that were discussed during the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Salim Al-Habsi, Head of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences, and Mr. Samy El Kamhawy, Head of Media and Institutional Identity at ICESCO.

The Omani capital, Muscat, is hosting the Islamic World AI Charter Regional Workshop (IWAIC) Asia and Middle East Regions, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in partnership with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman, and in collaboration with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. The workshop kicked off on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024, under the patronage and in the presence of Dr. Khamis bin Saif Al Jabri, Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, bringing together high-level participation from officials, experts, and researchers from 23 countries.

This Workshop is part of the activities of ICESCO Chair for AI Ethics at UTAS in Oman and the Organization’s preparation and draft of the Islamic World AI Charter.

The Workshop opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by welcoming remarks by Dr. Saeed bin Hamad Al-Rubaie, President of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences. Dr. Al-Rubaie highlighted that UTAS and ICESCO are focused on AI ethics and use, which is reflected in their joint plans and initiatives, mainly ICESCO Chair for AI Ethics, which was established this year at UTAS to address ethical issues arising from the advent of AI applications.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), began his speech with poetic verses in tribute to Oman and its people. Dr. AlMalik stated that scholars of the Islamic world have historically been at the forefront of advancing humanity.

Dr. Al-Malik stated that the global AI market is growing at an annual rate of 33% and is expected to drive global economic growth by 14% by 2030. He added that AI market is projected to expand by at least 120% year-on-year and that 77% of the devices we currently use incorporate AI.

The DG stressed that the Organization accords special attention to AI evident in its comprehensive foresight strategy for the field, particularly strategic governance and ethical dimensions. This focus, he explained, has led the Member States to task ICESCO’s General Directorate with drafting the Islamic World AI Charter.

Dr. AlMalik concluded his address by thanking the Sultanate of Oman, Dr. Al-Jabri, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, and the Omani National Commission for their significant efforts in organizing the Workshop, which will help open new horizons for the use of artificial intelligence.

Speaking next, Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, reviewed the strategic and methodological framework for the IWAIC, emphasizing that the Charter is a milestone towards a prosperous and sustainable technological future for the Islamic world, aligning with its values and consolidating its position on the global stage.

Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of ICESCO Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards, presented an overview of the indicators used to measure countries’ readiness for artificial intelligence implementation, including “governance and ethics,” explaining that the differences in readiness among countries drive the Organization to work more on sharing experiences among its Member States to benefit from leading experiences.

Dr. Said Bin Salim Jaboob, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences for Postgraduate Studies, Research, and Innovation, discussed the prospects of development in artificial intelligence, its competition with humans and the need to keep pace with regulating research in this field, especially with regard to artificial intelligence ethics.

At the end of the opening session, the workshop participants, including researchers and experts, were honored, and commemorative shields were exchanged between the heads of the organizing bodies and the patron of the event, followed by a group photo.

The agenda of the two-day workshop features several interactive sessions, discussions, and presentations. Additionally, it includes the creation of working groups to exchange views and perspectives on artificial intelligence in Asia and the Middle East, as well as to discuss the ethical aspects related to its applications in the Islamic world.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to discuss ways to enhance the partnership between ICESCO and Uzbekistan in areas of common interest.
At the outset of the meeting, which took place on Friday, 31 May 2024, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tashkent, Dr. AlMalik expressed his delight in meeting with H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Presidential Palace and conveyed his gratitude and appreciation for His Excellency’s keenness to develop cooperation between ICESCO and various institutions in Uzbekistan.

For his part, Mr. Saidov commended ICESCO’s notable efforts in its areas of expertise, affirming that he had received directives from H.E President Mirziyoyev to intensify communication and coordination with ICESCO to deepen cooperation between the two sides through the implementation of joint programs and projects and the organization of joint international conferences, as well as to ensure the success of the celebration of Samarkand as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2025.

Following, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the Organization’s current and key initiatives, programs, and projects as part of its new vision and strategic orientations, particularly in youth capacity-building and training them for the professions of tomorrow, supporting entrepreneurship, contributing to the development of education, enhancing the presence of women and girls in various sectors, valorizing and preserving heritage, and consolidating the values of coexistence, peace, and civilizational dialogue.

As part of Dr. AlMalik’s visit, the two sides also explored areas of cooperation, including preparing for the Samarkand celebration, the establishment of a National Commission in Uzbekistan to follow up on cooperation with ICESCO, engaging Uzbek professionals to join at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, organizing the proposed international conference on the life and publications of Al-Bukhari, and ensuring ICESCO’s participation in international events in Uzbekistan.

The meeting also discussed a proposal for cooperation between ICESCO and Uzbekistan in the implementation of several joint programs and projects in Afghanistan, particularly in the fields of education, culture, and the preservation and protection of heritage.

At the end of the meeting, the two parties agreed to form a joint team from ICESCO and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan to draft an agreement on future joint programs and projects between the two sides.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), began his visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan by meeting Ambassador Dr. Shoazim Minovarov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization, at the new headquarters of the Center, in Tashkent, and together explored cooperation avenues between ICESCO and the Center in areas of common interest.

During this meeting, held on Wednesday, 29 May 2024, Dr. AlMalik and Ambassador Minovarov stressed their desire to establish fruitful cooperation between ICESCO and the Center, which has been created at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to be a hub of Islamic heritage and civilization, including knowledge materials, manuscripts and rare masterpieces from around the world, and host conferences and seminars that highlight the contributions of Islamic world to human civilization.

The meeting examined proposals for bilateral cooperation, including the establishment of an office for ICESCO at the Center’s headquarters to monitor cooperation between the two parties, the creation of the Arabic language excellence training center, based on the agreement signed between the ICESCO’s Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers and the Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, which joined the Center, in addition to the Organization’s participation in the official inauguration of the Center and at its conferences and symposia. The new headquarters of the Center will be inaugurated by the middle of next year, in the heart of the capital, Tashkent, on an area of more than seven hectares, conjunctly with the celebration of Samarkand, Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2025.

At the close of the meeting, ICESCO and the Center agreed to form a joint working group to draft a partnership agreement to be signed at the earliest convenience, covering concrete programs and projects.

The meeting saw the presence of Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, and Mr. Musallim Afandiyev, expert in the same Sector.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. André Jacques Augand, Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Arts of the Republic of Gabon to discuss the progress of the partnership between the Organization and Gabon in the fields of education, science, and culture.

The meeting took place on Tuesday, 28 May 2024 at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, attended by Mr. Sylver Aboubakar Minko Mi-Nseme, Gabonese Ambassador to Morocco, and the minister’s accompanying delegation. Dr. AlMalik highlighted the Organization’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Gabon through the implementation of programs, projects, and initiatives that align with Gabon’s priorities and meet its needs.

Dr. AlMalik explained that ICESCO’s new vision prioritizes cultural fields and that the Organization has developed a cultural strategy aimed at supporting the Member States in updating their cultural policies, preserving and valorizing heritage in the Islamic world, employing modern technologies, inscribing historical sites and cultural elements on heritage lists in the Islamic world, and building the capacities of heritage professionals.

For his part, Dr. Augand praised ICESCO’s roles and distinguished initiatives, expressing his aspiration to further develop the partnership between Gabon and the Organization in the coming period.

The meeting also covered the results of some ongoing projects between the two sides, as well as proposals for cooperation, including the possibility of ICESCO supporting the establishment of a museum in Gabon to exhibit archaeological items to be recovered from European countries.

In attendance from ICESCO were Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, and Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a delegation from Arizona State University (ASU), headed by Amb. Maen Rashid Areikat, Advisor to the University President for the Middle East and North Africa, where they discussed ways to promote cooperation between the Organization and the University in areas of common interest.

The meeting was held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of David Thomas, Executive Director of the Milo Space Science Institute at ASU, and Prof. Brian MacCraith, Senior Advisor to the President of the University. During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik commended the cooperation between the Organization and the Milo Institute, within the framework of the agreement signed between the two parties in November 2022.

He also reviewed the main areas of focus of ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, which both adopt openness and cooperation with all parties for the benefit of the Member States and Muslim communities around the world, highlighting the initiatives, programs and projects the Organization is currently implementing in its areas of competence.

Moreover, the Director General stressed the Organization’s keenness to cooperate with universities, stating that it intends to create 100 scientific chairs at prestigious universities around the world by 2025. He further explained that a number of these chairs have already been established, some of which specialize in artificial intelligence, space science and other areas of modern technology.

For his part, Amb. Areikat commended ICESCO’s role in contributing to the efforts of capitalizing on modern technology to develop the fields of education, science and culture, stressing the University’s keenness to cooperate with the Organization in many programs.

The two parties discussed proposals for cooperation, especially in the fields of innovation, artificial intelligence, youth capacity building and scholarships. They also agreed to form a joint working team to prepare executive plans for several programs and projects, soon to be the subject of a cooperation agreement between ICESCO and Arizona State University.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of the Science and Environment Sector, and Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Sector Advisor.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting with Dr. Elisabeth Sherif, Minister of National Education, Literacy, Vocational Training and the Promotion of National Languages, President of the Nigerien National Commission, to explore prospects to enhance cooperation between the two parties through the implementation of a set of programs and projects in the upcoming days.

During the meeting, held on Monday, 27 May 2024, at ICESCO Headquarters, in the presence of Mr. Salissou Ada, the Ambassador of the Republic of Niger to Morocco, and a host of heads of sectors at the Organization, Dr. AlMalik stressed ICESCO’s keenness to deepen cooperation with Niger and continue implementing the previously approved projects in education, science and culture.

For her part, Dr. Elisabeth Sherif lauded ICESCO’s roles and efforts in supporting its Member States in its areas of competence and expressed appreciation for the Organization’s programs to advance education and capacity building in Niger, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, Dr. Elisabeth Sherif pointed out the challenges her country faces in the transitional phase the country is undergoing, especially in the fields of education, capacity building and training, and that Niger heavily relies on ICESCO’s support during the next phase.

At the end of the meeting, the two parties agreed to continue coordination between ICESCO and Nigerien competent bodies, mainly the Ministry of National Education, and develop new programs to enhance this partnership by establishing ICESCO’s Center for Teaching Arabic.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Mohammed Ammari Zayed, Libya’s Permanent Delegate to ICESCO at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat to discuss the progress of the partnership between the Organization and Libya, following Dr. AlMalik’s visit to Tripoli earlier this May and his discussions with senior Libyan officials.

The meeting, held on Thursday, 23 May 2024, began with Dr. AlMalik expressing sincere his thanks and appreciation to the Libyan Government and people for the warm reception he received during his visit to Tripoli, and for the keenness of Libyan officials to strengthen relations with ICESCO in its areas of competence.

ICESCO reiterated its commitment to continue coordinating with Libyan stakeholders in the field of education, science, and culture, to develop the existing partnership through initiatives, programs, and projects that align with the Libya’s goals and meet its needs in these areas.
On his part, Dr. Ammari commended ICESCO’s efforts, stating that Dr. AlMalik’s visit to Tripoli signals a new chapter in Libya-ICESCO relations. Furthermore, he highlighted the formation of a working team to prepare a detailed report on the visit’s outcomes, and to refine the discussed programs and projects joint implementation.

Both parties agreed to have a Libyan working team visit ICESCO’s headquarters to finalize a draft executive agreement for partnership in various programs and projects. This agreement is expected to be signed in the near future. It was also agreed that ICESCO would assist Libya in capacity-building initiatives.