The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) signed a cooperation agreement to adopt and implement the “Riyadh Charter on AI Ethics in the Islamic World.” The agreement aims to establish a unified and ethical framework for AI governance across Member States, promoting responsible practices, fostering innovation, and addressing shared challenges.
The agreement was signed on Monday, 15 December 2025, at SDAIA’s headquarters in Riyadh by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of SDAIA.
Following the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik commended SDAIA’s efforts in the field of AI at both national and international levels, noting that the strategic partnership between ICESCO and SDAIA led to the launch of the Riyadh Charter, which supports the development of AI technologies in the Islamic world.
The agreement provides for joint initiatives based on the principles strengthening the Riyadh Charter, jointly launched by ICESCO and SDAIA. These principles include integrity and fairness, privacy and security, reliability and safety, transparency and explainability, accountability and responsibility, humanity, and social and environmental benefits. The agreement also seeks to enhance AI knowledge and skills in ICESCO Member States and ensure the safe use of AI technologies.
The annual meeting of the Financial Control Committee kicked off at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday, 15 December 2025. The Meeting is dedicated to reviewing the Organization’s financial report and the closing accounts for the 2024 financial year, as part of ICESCO’s efforts to strengthen governance and transparency and to institutionalize best practices in financial monitoring and evaluation.
At the opening of the Committee’s meeting, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of ICESCO, delivered a speech on behalf of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, the Director-General, in which he affirmed that the Committee represents an essential mechanism for ensuring the soundness and efficiency of financial policies, supporting the development of planning tools and the rationalization of resources, and enhancing confidence with Member States and development partners, particularly at a time when the Organization is witnessing an expansion in its programs, initiatives, and sectors.
For his part, Mr. Yussuf Ali Al-Najjar, Chairman of the Committee, commended the initiatives and projects accomplished by ICESCO over the past year, emphasizing that the Committee’s work will focus on verifying the accuracy of data and the integrity of accounts, in a manner that supports ICESCO’s readiness to carry out its mandates in the most effective way.
The current composition of ICESCO’s Financial Oversight Committee includes Mr. Yussuf Ali Al-Najjar, Representative of the State of Kuwait, as Chairman; Mr. Abdulaziz bin Saad Al-Dabbas, Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as Rapporteur; and the membership of Mr. Hazrul bin Ali, Representative of Malaysia; Mr. Araz Bagirli, Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan; and Mr. El Hadji Habib Kébé, Representative of the Republic of Senegal.
The Committee’s work will continue over a period of five days, comprising six sessions that will address the presentation of the implementation status of the Committee’s recommendations, the review of the General Directorate’s financial report, the discussion of the external audit firm’s report for the year 2024, as well as the follow-up on Member States’ contributions and the status of interim accounts, prior to the preparation of the draft report and the adoption of the final report.
As part of the ICESCO Forum “Culture for Rethinking the World,” the Culture Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) organized a panel discussion via videoconferencing on “Movement and Arabic Calligraphy: Calligraphic Choreography,” with the participation of Dr. Anne-Marie Sellami, academic and calligrapher specializing in diacritics analysis, in celebration of Human Rights Day.
In his opening remarks at the session, held on Friday, 12 December 2025, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, emphasized that culture is a fundamental space for human expression and a vital means for building bridges of dialogue between societies. He further noted that the Organization actively promotes new forms of artistic creativity that contribute to renewing cultural thought and strengthening mutual understanding among peoples.
Dr. Anne-Marie Sellami delivered a presentation in which she addressed the expressive and mnemonic dimensions of Arabic calligraphy, explaining how letters are transformed into a shared heritage that brings together the personal and the collective dimensions. She also highlighted the concept of “calligraphic choreography” as an interaction between the body, the letter, and movement.
The session also saw the participation of Dr. Mahamat Abba Ousman, Expert in Cultural Heritage at ICESCO, who highlighted the role of oral traditions in the Islamic world in transmitting values and cultures. Ms. Zineb Bougrine, Expert in Cultural Policy at the Organization, reviewed the richness of the heritage associated with Arabic letters and their potential to inspire the creation of a language of movement that draws on imagination and artistic sensibility.
The panel discussion concluded by reaffirming ICESCO’s commitment to continuing its support for visual arts, foremost among them Arabic calligraphy, and to encouraging innovative creative practices that enrich human thought and strengthen the standing of culture.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called for integrating the principles and values of the Alliance of Civilizations into educational curricula, with the aim of nurturing generations that are aware of the culture of understanding and mutual respect. He proposed the launch of a comprehensive international initiative entitled “Alliance of Civilizations: From Values to Generations,” as a practical embodiment of applying the concept of dialogue in the real world among nations and peoples, in pursuit of a more balanced and harmonious world.
This came in his address during the 11th Session of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Forum, which commenced on Sunday, 14 December 2025, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, as chairman, and in the presence of Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; Mr. Miguel Moratinos, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations; in addition to a number of ministers of foreign affairs, political and religious leaders, heads of international organizations, and representatives of civil society.
Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed that holding the Forum in Riyadh confers a special civilizational significance upon the event, noting that the Saudi capital has, in recent years, become a significant global civilizational actor that hosts international intellectual and humanitarian initiatives and embodies a conscious readiness for responsible contribution.
Furthermore, ICESCO Director-General noted that the concept of the Alliance of Civilizations is rooted in a profound human legacy, citing Hilf al-Fudul (the Alliance of the Virtuous) as an early model of an alliance founded on supporting the oppressed and entrenching justice. He emphasized that this inherited civilizational value remains capable of inspiring the present and shaping the future.
Dr. AlMalik further stated that today’s civilizational alliance is called upon to recalibrate its compass toward key domains, including education based on fairness and equality; responsible media characterized by effectiveness and credibility; positive migration as a lever for integration among peoples; and dialogue among cultures and religions in a manner that rejuvenates diversity and enhances the exchange of expertise and ideas.
Moreover, Dr. AlMalik participated in the seminar “Faith in Humanity: Interreligious Dialogue as a Bridge to Peace,” which was attended by a number of prominent religious, intellectual, and diplomatic figures. In his intervention, he underscored the importance of pausing at five pivotal stations that constitute the necessary framework for renewing interfaith dialogue and strengthening its impact in entrenching human peace. He stressed the need to move beyond traditional rhetorical approaches, to link faith-based values to shared human action, to establish trust among different religious groups, to strengthen the role of education and media in safeguarding human dignity, and to empower new generations to carry the message of faith as a force for peace and convergence.
Dr. AlMalik noted that ICESCO had contributed to paving the way for the Forum prior to its holding through the Tunis International Symposium on Supporting the Alliance of Civilizations. He emphasized that after twenty years of its launch, the UNAOC needs to review its tools and modernize its mechanisms in line with the communications technology revolution and the profound transformations in patterns of international conflict, particularly those related to resources.
He concluded by reaffirming that ICESCO will remain supportive of every civilizational effort aimed at entrenching human peace and justice, contributing to it through vision, expertise, and practical initiatives.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 14 to 15 December 2025, under the theme “UNAOC: Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity — Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World.” During the Forum, ICESCO was represented by a delegation including Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector of ICESCO, and headed by H.E. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Organization.
The Forum opened with an address by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in which he emphasized the importance of dialogue as a main gateway to building coexistence and peace among peoples, and to strengthening trust and mutual understanding in the face of fast-changing global challenges.
An address by Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, followed, wherein the Secretary-General stressed that the world stands today at a historic crossroads, making it imperative to understand one another and to build bridges of alliance and cooperation among peoples in order to prevent conflicts and combat discourses of division and hatred.
For his part, Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, reviewed the journey of the Alliance since its establishment and the qualitative initiatives and programs it has delivered over the past twenty years, reaffirming the Alliance’s growing role in entrenching a culture of dialogue and confronting extremism and racism.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, also delivered an address in which he reaffirmed that the concept of a “clash of civilizations” should not be adopted as a framework for understanding relations among peoples, stressing that it lacks basis in the essence of human values. He emphasized that alliance and mutual acquaintance constitute the fundamental principle upon which shared values are built, highlighting the tolerance of the true Islamic faith and its call for justice, coexistence, and the safeguarding of human dignity.
The event saw high-level participation, including a host of ministers and heads of international organizations, as well as prominent attendance by several heads of state and religious leaders from various parts of the world, reflecting the growing international momentum surrounding issues of dialogue and coexistence.
It is worth noting that the Global Forum placed particular emphasis on the importance of empowering youth and engaging them in instilling the principles of peace and promoting a culture of alliance and mutual understanding among nations, as they represent a fundamental pillar in building a more harmonious and cooperative global future.
On the sidelines of the International Forum on Peace and Trust, held in the city of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, in conjunction with the country’s celebrations marking thirty years of neutrality and on the occasion of the International Day of Neutrality, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with H.E. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, National Leader of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, on Friday, 12 December 2025, at the Presidential Palace.
His Excellency welcomed the ICESCO Director-General, expressing his appreciation for accepting the invitation, attending the International Forum, and participating in its proceedings. For his part, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s programs, projects, and initiatives in education, science, and culture, underscoring the Organization’s mandate to serve its Member States and strengthen joint action across the Islamic world.
Moreover, Dr. AlMalik pointed out that, despite Turkmenistan’s membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), it is not yet a member of ICESCO. In this context, the National Leader affirmed his keenness for Turkmenistan to join ICESCO and, during the meeting, instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take all necessary measures, on an urgent basis, to complete Turkmenistan’s accession to the Organization.
Furthermore, the Director-General reaffirmed that the Organization would work to highlight Turkmenistan’s rich culture, heritage, and civilizational initiatives, in a manner that contributes to serving the Islamic world and humanity as a whole. He also proposed celebrating the city of Ashgabat as a Culture Capital in the Islamic World, as part of ICESCO’s Culture Capital in the Islamic World Program, in view of the civilizational legacy that the city, and the country as a whole, has contributed to the radiance of Islamic civilization across centuries.
At the close of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to H.E. National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow for the warm reception and gracious hospitality.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the International Forum on Peace and Trust, held on Friday, 12 December 2025, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The Forum was attended by heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international organizations and institutions, on the occasion of Turkmenistan’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of its status of permanent neutrality, the International Day of Neutrality, and the proclamation of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust.”
In his address to the Forum, Dr. AlMalik underscored the importance of trust as a fundamental moral value and a guiding force in an increasingly turbulent world, describing it as a “sacred trust” and a responsibility that links integrity to action, strengthens cooperation, and transforms intentions into lasting peace.
Furthermore, the Director-General reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to preparing a new generation of leaders in the Islamic world through its flagship programs in this field, including the Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS) program and the ICESCO Youth Peace Ambassadors Program, which aim to empower young leaders as the foundation of change for peace and for building the societies we aspire to.
The participation of the ICESCO Director-General in this international forum reflects the Organization’s steadfast approach to supporting and promoting the values of peace, coexistence, and civilizational dialogue, as well as encouraging international initiatives that seek to entrench a culture of dialogue and harmony among different peoples and societies.
The International Forum on Peace and Trust is increasingly cementing its standing as a prominent international platform for the exchange of views on ways to strengthen multilateral cooperation, consolidate mutual trust, and build effective partnerships that contribute to supporting regional and international security and stability.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the unveiling ceremony of the Neutrality Monument, which was erected in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on Friday, 12 December 2025, in celebration of the International Day of Neutrality, observed annually on December 12th.
The ceremony was attended by a number of heads of states, leaders of international organizations, ministers, and dignitaries, including H.E. President Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation; H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye; H.E. President Dr. Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, President of the Republic of Iraq; and H.E. President Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in addition to the heads of Central Asian states.
Participating leaders and officials laid wreaths at the monument as an expression of appreciation for the values of neutrality and peace, and for the promotion of mutual understanding among nations.
Dr. AlMalik took part in the ceremony by laying a wreath on behalf of ICESCO, reaffirming the Organization’s commitment to supporting the principles of peace, dialogue, and coexistence, and to strengthening trust among peoples.
Commemorative photographs were also taken prior to the launch of the International Forum on Trust and Peace, which was held later that day in the city of Ashgabat, in conjunction with the celebration of the International Day of Neutrality.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, organized the third regional workshop on “International Reference Frameworks for Foreign Language Teaching and Their Applications in Teaching Arabic.” The event took place on 10 and 11 December 2025, in celebration of World Arabic Language Day, and benefited 200 trainees from 15 countries across Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
The workshop, held both in person and via videoconference, featured a presentation by Dr. Khaled Hussein Ahmed Atrash, an international expert in educational training, on the concept of language reference frameworks, their components, and roles in redefining linguistic competence. He also conducted practical sessions to train participants on applying international frameworks in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers, through 10 fields that shift the focus from language teaching to effective communication.
This workshop is part of the “Mishkat Educational Leadership” program for 2025–2026, which aims to train hundreds of professionals working in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers in several countries in West and Central Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
In celebration of World Arabic Language Day, the ICESCO Educational Centre in Malaysia convened the second regional forum of 2025 on enhancing the competencies of Arabic language teachers in Southeast Asian countries in the use of digital educational technologies. Held from 8 to 11 December 2025, the forum brought together 80 officials and specialists in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Hosted by the Islamic Foundation in the Malaysian state of Kelantan, the forum was organized in cooperation with the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, the Malaysian Ministry of Education, and the Islamic University of Selangor.
During the opening session, Dr. Mohamed Noor bin Hussin, Director of the ICESCO Educational Centre for the Arabic Language in Malaysia, reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to supporting efforts to develop education in its Member States and to keeping pace with technological advancements.
The forum’s agenda was led by two experts from the International Islamic University Malaysia: Dr. Akram Mohammed Zaki and Dr. Muhammad Faham bin Muhammad Ghalib, who delivered scientific sessions and practical workshops aimed at enabling educational supervisors and Arabic language teachers to integrate modern digital technologies into the development and reinforcement of learners’ language skills.
