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    Category: News

    Three Winners Announced for the 5th Hamdan-ICESCO Prize for Voluntary Development of Educational Facilities in Islamic World

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences have announced the three wining projects for the 5th Hamdan-ICESCO Prize for Voluntary Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World from Egypt, Guinea and Pakistan, following the evaluation of 16 projects from 11 countries.

    The winning projects are “Pioneering Models for Welcoming and Modern Schools,” submitted by Integration of the Disabled Foundation for Community Development in Egypt; the “International University of Guinea,” submitted by Dr. Mohammed Sekou Keita; and “Grand Asian University Sialkot,” submitted by Dr. Muhammad Islam in Pakistan.

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stated that, through its partnership with the Hamdan Foundation, the Prize continues to support voluntary and humanitarian initiatives dedicated to establishing and developing education facilities and improving learning conditions, particularly in remote and underserved communities.

    Dr. AlMalik commended the winners’ contributions to supporting students and educational institutions and advancing local development. He noted that, over its five editions, the Prize has consolidated its position as a platform for promoting impactful charitable and voluntary work in education.

    For his part, Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, explained that the winning projects address genuine educational needs, from supporting inclusive education and expanding access to higher education to providing more inclusive and sustainable learning environments, combining a strong concept with practical impact.

    Since its launch in 2013, the Egyptian project, “Pioneering Models for Welcoming and Modern Schools,” has helped integrate and support 911 children with disabilities in public schools, equipped and upgraded 200 schools, and trained 650 teachers. Founded in 2019, the International University of Guinea in-person and online learning while aligning its programs with community and labor market needs. Grand Asian University Sialkot, founded in 2021, focuses on expanding access to higher education and empowering girls and students from low-income families in less-developed areas.

    Awarded every two years to three individuals or institutions that have contributed to developing education facilities in the Islamic world, the Prize carries a total value of US$300,000, with each winner receiving US$100,000 and the Prize trophy. The cash award must be invested in developing the winning project or launching new educational projects that support education facilities.

    President of Azerbaijan Receives ICESCO Director-General in Baku, Praises Cooperation with the Organization

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, in Baku. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, co-organized by ICESCO under the theme “Dialogue for a Shared Future: Building Bridges in a Fractured World.”

    During the meeting, President Aliyev praised the level of cooperation between Azerbaijan and ICESCO. He affirmed that his country is making sustained efforts to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with the countries of the Islamic world. The President added that it will continue supporting the activities of both the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and ICESCO to fulfil the aspirations of the countries and peoples of the Islamic world. In this context, he noted that Azerbaijan will host the 16th Islamic Summit Conference in 2027.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik congratulated President Aliyev on the Forum’s resounding success, noting that the Azerbaijani President’s opening address had garnered widespread attention. He underscored, in particular, the importance of countries drawing on Azerbaijan’s experience in ending wars and building peace amid ongoing conflicts around the world.

    The ICESCO Director-General expressed his gratitude to President Aliyev for his continued support for the Organization’s activities and for Azerbaijan’s sustained efforts to advance joint initiatives. He also voiced deep appreciation for Azerbaijan’s support for projects aimed at developing education in the countries of the Islamic world.

    In this regard, Dr. AlMalik commended the cooperation with Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, underscoring the importance of the humanitarian and educational projects implemented in ICESCO Member States with her support. Dr. AlMalik outlined several prominent initiatives, including a project providing educational and social support to displaced girls living in boarding schools in Burkina Faso and Niger.

    The meeting was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue.

    President of Azerbaijan Opens 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    ICESCO Calls for Investment in Education, Culture and Youth to Build Lasting Peace and a Better Future

    In the presence of H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the 7th edition of the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue opened in Baku and will run until 29 October 2026. The Forum is co-organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and UN Tourism under the theme “Dialogue for a Shared Future: Building Bridges in a Fractured World,” with the participation of heads of international organizations and institutions.

    The Forum’s opening session began with an address by President Ilham Aliyev, who stated that it has evolved in recent years into an effective and inclusive platform that has contributed to advancing relations among civilizations. He noted that this edition would address urgent issues on the global agenda and highlighted Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural standing as a bridge between Asia and Europe.

    In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to the Baku Process and its vision of dialogue as a leadership responsibility and a fundamental pillar of peace. He stressed the world’s urgent need for this Process amid the spread of conflicts, reviewing statistics on conflicts worldwide and their adverse effects on global security, peace, and prosperity, and calling for early, preventive action to protect lives and human dignity.

    In this respect, the ICESCO Director-General highlighted the Organization’s 360° Peace Initiative and its innovative concept of “civilizational diplomacy,” both of which underscore the pivotal roles of culture, education, and mutual understanding in building the societies we seek. He also spotlighted the ICESCO Young Peace Ambassadors Network, which brings together nearly 300 young leaders from more than 80 countries working for peace.

    Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that the strategic partnership between ICESCO and Azerbaijan offers a successful model for translating commitment to the Baku Process into projects, programs, and initiatives with tangible impact. This cooperation is reflected in efforts to rehabilitate more than 100 schools in Syria, implementing projects to support girls’ education in Burkina Faso and Niger, and launching the ICESCO-Azerbaijan Natavan Heritage Excellence Award, with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

    The ICESCO Director-General concluded his address by calling for Investment in education, culture and youth to build lasting peace and a better future.

    ICESCO Participates with a Pavilion in 12th Baku International Book Fair

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), represented by its Regional Office in Baku, participated with a dedicated pavilion in the 12th Baku International Book Fair, organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan from 21 to 25 October 2026. The pavilion hosted a rich program featuring cultural, scientific, and intellectual activities, attended by officials, researchers, experts, and cultural figures from Azerbaijan and ICESCO Member States.

    The pavilion’s program included five intellectual sessions: “Shusha and the Arab World: From Books to Cultural Exchange” and “The Future of Reading: Culture, Society, and New Generations,” featuring Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO; Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the ICESCO Center for Civilizational Dialogue; and Mr. Murad Aliyev, Expert in the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector. The program also featured a panel discussion titled “Calligraphy and Manuscripts: The Beauty of Writing and the Memory of the Book,” with the participation of Idham Hanash, Head of the ICESCO Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts; a panel discussion titled “Azerbaijan on the Silk Roads: Books and Knowledge at the Crossroads of Civilizations,” with the participation of Dr. Hani Albalawi, Head of the Communication Department at the Center; and a session on knowledge in the age of artificial intelligence.

    The sessions aimed to raise awareness of the cultural and intellectual heritage of the countries of the Islamic world and Central Asia and to explore ways of harnessing knowledge, publications, and translation to strengthen ties between communities across languages, generations, and borders. They also addressed the ethical challenges posed by the rapid development of artificial intelligence and ways to foster critical thinking among young people.

    The ICESCO pavilion also hosted a live Arabic calligraphy demonstration by calligrapher and abstract artist Rabab Zahra, celebrating the heritage of calligraphy and its significance in the Islamic world. In addition, folkloric performances from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan were presented by children from the Azerbaijani Republican Children and Youth Development Center.

    ICESCO, International Qur’an Research Association Hold IQRA 2026 Conference to Explore Harnessing Islamic World Values in Digital Transformation

    Posted on by Mohamed Anwar

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International Qur’an Research Association (IQRA) held the “IQRA 2026 Global Virtual Conference” on 24–25 October 2026 under the theme “Guiding the Digital Age: A Qur’anic Compass for Human-Centered Innovation and Sustainable Development.” The Conference brought together prominent leaders from around the world, including officials and representatives of governments and international organizations, as well as academics, to explore ways to harness Islamic values and Qur’anic principles to guide digital transformation and sustainable development in the age of artificial intelligence.

    The event, held via videoconference, was organized in partnership with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum, the Islamic Organization for Food Security, the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa, the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA), and the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, an ICESCO-affiliated body.

    The opening session featured remarks by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General; Dr. Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Affairs; Dr. Safi Kaskas, Founder and President of IQRA; Dr. Saadeddine Othmani, former Head of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco; and Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of the Republic of Mauritius.

    In his recorded address, Dr. AlMalik stressed that technological transformation must remain grounded in human dignity, ethical responsibility, and sustainable development. He reviewed ICESCO’s efforts to promote responsible AI governance and strengthen technological capabilities across the Islamic world, highlighting in this regard the “Riyadh Charter for Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World” and the “10k AI Leaders” training program.

    During a special ICESCO session titled “Artificial Intelligence, Education and the Future of Knowledge,” featuring distinguished thinkers, participants discussed the role of education in bridging rapid technological progress and ethical responsibility, and in preparing future generations not only to adapt to the digital age, but also to help shape it. Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, also took part in the strategic roundtable on “The Future of the Islamic World in the Digital Age.” The session brought together senior representatives of international and Islamic institutions to explore ways of translating the Conference’s ideas into sustainable institutional cooperation.

    Over two days, the Conference sessions addressed artificial intelligence, education and the future of knowledge, youth leadership, women’s participation, food security, Islamic social finance, and the institutional foundations required for meaningful participation in the digital economy.

    The discussions also underscored the importance of strengthening the Islamic world’s capacity to develop and govern its own AI systems. Participants emphasized the need to embed Islamic ethical principles from the earliest stages of technology development, providing an important framework to ensure that emerging technologies serve human dignity, knowledge, social well-being, and the common good.

    The Conference concluded with the issuance of the “IQRA’ 2026 Global Declaration on Ethical AI and Human-Centered Development,” which captured the key ideas and recommendations emerging from the two days of discussions and laid the groundwork for continued cooperation among the participating

    Strategic Partnership between ICESCO and IB to Launch Leading Initiatives for Educational Excellence

    Posted on by Mohamed Anwar

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director-General of International Baccalaureate (IB), agreed to elevate cooperation between their two Organizations to a strategic partnership. The partnership will be guided by a two-year joint action plan featuring high-impact initiatives to enhance the quality of education and advance the performance of teachers and school leaders across the Islamic world.

    The agreement was reached during their meeting on Friday, 23 October 2026, held on the sidelines of the annual IB Conference in Lyon, France, from 22 to 24 October 2026, in which ICESCO participated.

    At the outset of the meeting, ICESCO Director-General expressed his appreciation for the invitation and warm reception. The IB Director General, in turn, commended Dr. AlMalik’s participation and address at the opening plenary session, as well as the contribution of ICESCO’s Education Sector to the Conference and the organization of a joint event by the two Organizations.

    Both parties expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved since the signing of the strategic MoU at ICESCO Headquarters in April 2026. They affirmed their commitment to building on its outcomes through initiatives that have a direct impact on educational institutions.
    The action plan includes completing the professional standards initiative for teachers and school leaders in early 2027, in preparation for its launch and presentation at the ICESCO Conference of Education Ministers in the Islamic World, scheduled for the last quarter 2027. It also provides for adapting these standards to national contexts and piloting them in three to five Member States, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in developing educational practice.

    The two sides also agreed to launch the “ICESCO–IB Award for Educational Excellence,” which will recognize the best teacher, school leader, and school, in order to encourage inspiring practices and showcase experiences that make a meaningful difference in student learning.

    Dr. AlMalik presented a proposal for the “ICESCO–IB Schools” initiative, to be included in the joint action plan. The initiative would establish defined standards that schools may seek to fulfil in order to obtain accreditation under the initiative. The proposal draws on ICESCO’s knowledge of its Member States’ priorities and the IB’s expertise in curricula and assessment, offering an educational model that respects national particularities while benefiting from international best practices.

    ICESCO Director-General also announced the allocation of 200 places for IB school teachers and leaders in ICESCO’s “10,000 AI Leaders” programme, supporting their capacity to employ these technologies in teaching and school leadership.

    The two sides also discussed developing the “ICESCO–IB Professional Excellence Pathway for Teachers and School Leaders,” based on the standards currently under development. The pathway aims to provide high-quality training and professional certifications in fields including artificial intelligence, digital teaching, values and ethics, inclusive education, future skills, and school leadership.

    The discussions also covered joint participation in the Human Capability Initiative Conference (HCI 2026), to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April 2027, and enhancing the IB’s participation in ICESCO Conference of Education Ministers.
    Dr. AlMalik further proposed hosting one of the IB’s annual conferences in 2029 at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat. This would expand engagement with educational institutions across the Islamic world and open new horizons for cooperation.

    The two sides also agreed to establish a professional exchange programme between the staff of both Organizations, to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise. They will also work towards issuing a periodic report on the situation of teachers and school leaders in the Islamic world, contributing to the guidance of development efforts and support for education policies.

    The two sides exchanged views on learning outcomes as reflected in international reports, affirming the importance of improving teaching quality and strengthening institutional support for education professionals. In this context, Mr. Heinonen commended ICESCO’s standing and growing impact in the Islamic world and beyond, expressing the IB’s pride in its partnership with the Organization.

    The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a joint technical team to finalize the action plan, identify its priorities, timelines, and implementation mechanisms, and monitor the delivery of the initiatives over two years, translating the strategic partnership into tangible and sustainable results.
    The meeting was attended, on behalf of ICESCO, by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of Education Sector, and Mr. Waqas Afridi, Expert at the Sector. The IB delegation included the senior executive responsible for programme development and professional pathways, the regional directors for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Canada, the Global Head of Education Standards, Policy and Design, as well as the Senior Director for Education Systems Solutions and the Senior Director for Education Systems Operations.

    ICESCO Condemns Attack on Church in Karak and Affirms Solidarity with Jordan’s Leadership and People

    Posted on by Mohamed Anwar

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack targeting a church in Karak Governorate in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which claimed innocent lives and left a number of people injured. This horrific crime violated the sanctity of a place of worship and brought grief to families who lost their loved ones.
    ICESCO affirms that this reprehensible act constitutes an assault on the human conscience.
    The shedding of the blood of innocent people and terrorizing them in their places of worship are abhorrent crimes rejected by the teachings of all religions and cannot be justified under any pretext. The Organization stresses the need to hold the perpetrators and all those who incited the attack accountable, and to confront extremist ideologies that violate the sanctity of life and fuel hatred.

    The Organization expresses its full solidarity with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and its confidence that the deep-rooted unity and genuine brotherhood binding the Jordanian people will remain impervious to attempts to sow discord and undermine the country’s national fabric. ICESCO further affirms its support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its security and safeguard the safety of its citizens.

    ICESCO extends its sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, the brotherly Jordanian people, and the families of the victims. It prays to Almighty God to grant the deceased His abundant mercy, comfort their families, and grant the injured a speedy recovery.
    ICESCO reaffirms that the sanctity of places of worship is inseparable from the sanctity of human life, and that their protection is a shared responsibility requiring a firm stance against terrorism and the safeguarding of everyone’s right to worship in safety and peace.

    With the Attendance of 1,800 Officials and ExpertsICESCO Director-General Participates as Guest of Honor in IB Global Conference in France

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. AlMalik: Fostering Innovation and Critical Thinking among Students Is Key to Building a Future Rooted in Equity and Creativity

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), emphasized the need to strengthening students’ critical-thinking skills, fostering innovation, disseminating knowledge, and providing young people with opportunities to build a better future rooted in equity, creativity, and humanity.

    The remarks forms part of an address delivered by Dr. AlMalik as Guest of Honor during the opening session of the third IB Global Conference, which opened in Lyon, France, on Thursday, 22 October 2026. Held under the theme “Shared learning, shared futures,” the three-day Conference brings together 1,800 education officials and experts, school leaders, and teachers from 96 countries.

    Dr. AlMalik highlighted that the relationship between teachers and learners is founded on knowledge, trust, and guidance. He commended the role of the third IB Global Conference in promoting the exchange of educational expertise, ideas, and knowledge, and in providing a platform for dialogue among educators from around the world to support young people in realizing their potential and developing solutions with tangible impact to educational challenges.

    ICESCO Director-General affirmed that the transformations brought about by artificial intelligence and technology, which have made information more accessible, render the capacity for sound judgment and informed opinion increasingly urgent. This, he noted, requires preparing young people to assume this responsibility through sustained investment in their capacities.

    He also highlighted the importance of the joint ICESCO–IB project to develop the “first ICESCO standards and professional practice tool for teachers and school leaders.” The project forms part of the strong partnership between the two Organizations, which includes the IB’s participation in the third ICESCO Conference of Education Ministers, held in the Sultanate of Oman in October 2024, and the signing of a memorandum of a MoU between the two sides in April 2026.

    Dr. AlMalik concluded his address by urging participating school leaders, teachers, and educators to embrace innovative ideas and translate them into an impact that extends to the lives of students and learners.

    ICESCO is participating in the Conference with a delegation headed by Dr. AlMalik, and comprising Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector, Supervisor of the Translation and Publishing Center, and Mr. Waqas Afridi, Expert at the Sector.
    The delegation members will take part in several sessions and discussions on efforts to enhance the quality of education in the Islamic world.

    Fourth ICESCO Marathon Kicks Off on 31 October 2026 in Rabat

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, is preparing to organize the fourth edition of the ICESCO Marathon on the morning of Saturday, 31 October 2026, in Rabat, under the theme “Let’s run together for well-being and mental health.”

    ICESCO invites people of all ages and backgrounds, including persons with special needs, to participate free of charge in an event that combines physical activity with awareness of the importance of mental health and offers participants a collective experience celebrating the spirit of solidarity.

    The Marathon will start at 9:00 a.m. outside ICESCO Headquarters on FAR Avenue in Rabat and follow an approximately nine-kilometer route through several of the Moroccan capital’s main streets.

    This edition is supported by the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, Vocational Training and Qualification and the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, Air Arabia, Assurances Lyazidi, Aswak Assalam, Islamic Center for Development of Trade (ICDT)‏, the Moroccan Anti-Doping Agency (AMAD), UNICEF, the Royal Moroccan Federation of Sports for Persons with Disabilities, and Special Olympics Morocco.

    Winners will receive valuable prizes, including airline tickets, to encourage participation and sporting competition. ICESCO invites those wishing to join the event to complete the registration form at the following link:
    https://icesco.org/en/get-engaged/icesco-marathon/

    Through this event, ICESCO seeks to make sport a space for connection and inclusion, while highlighting the importance of mental health and well-being in daily life, in an atmosphere that brings together physical activity and human interaction.

    International Seminar Highlights ICESCO Agora Platform’s Contributions to Cultural and Intellectual Fields

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of Culture Sector at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), highlighted the contributions of ICESCO Agora platform to fostering pluralistic thought and promoting intellectual dialogue, noting that the platform, hosted on ICESCO Creative digital portal, has published more than 275 articles by over 89 authors from more than 31 countries, issued 14 collections and books, and registered more than 300 members.

    He noted that the platform, launched as part of the ICESCO Roads for the Future initiative, has established itself as a space for reflection and knowledge-sharing focused on cultural, economic, social, and civilizational issues in the Islamic world and beyond.

    Dr. Zinelabidine’s remarks came during a virtual seminar held by ICESCO’s Culture Sector in cooperation with the SWISS UMEF on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, to review ICESCO Agora platform’s contributions to cultural and intellectual fields.

    During the seminar, Mr. Salvatore Lombardo, President of the Charles-Louis Lassalle Foundation for Contemporary Art, Director of the Master’s Programme in Geopolitics at SWISS UMEF, commended the contributions of ICESCO Agora and the role of culture in contemporary societies. He called for a comprehensive and renewed vision of culture, emphasizing that transmitting cultural heritage does not necessarily mean reproducing it unchanged. Rather, culture remains alive as long as it is open to diverse forms of expression and to the questions and transformations shaping societies.

    Following an overview of the platform presented by Mr. Sidi Ahmed Djawad at ICESCO’s Culture Sector, discussions bringing together researchers, professors, cultural practitioners, and representatives of civil society organizations addressed several published articles and works, as well as prospects for the platform’s development.

    For more information, Follow ICESCO Agora on the ICESCO Creative platform:
    https://www.icescocreative.com/agora-post