Category: News

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Maan Al Hafiz, General Supervisor of the Geneva Islamic Cultural Foundation and representative of the Muslim World League to the United Nations in Geneva, to discuss prospects for cooperation between the two sides and ways to build an institutional partnership that serves issues of mutual interest.

The meeting, held on Monday, 7 September 2026, reviewed proposed areas of cooperation, particularly in education, culture, intercultural dialogue, and peacebuilding, as well as the exchange of expertise, participation in seminars, forums, and programs, and the launch of joint initiatives that promote coexistence and mutual understanding and address current challenges.

Dr. AlMalik affirmed ICESCO’s willingness to support the Geneva Islamic Cultural Foundation with its expertise and capabilities, and provide access to the Organization’s experts and competencies, as well as to exchange experiences and best practices, contributing to expanding the impact of joint programs and initiatives.

He noted that Geneva’s position as a hub for international organizations and institutions offers promising opportunities to develop high-quality initiatives with an international dimension and promote the values of dialogue and peace.

For his part, Dr. Maan Al Hafiz outlined the Foundation’s vision, mission, and objectives, as well as its current programs and projects and future aspirations, emphasizing the importance of drawing on ICESCO’s expertise and standing in the fields of education, culture, and dialogue to develop the Foundation’s programs and expand its impact.

The two officials agreed on the importance of establishing cooperation within a sustainable institutional framework and identifying priority areas and programs for the coming phase, in a manner that supports their shared mission and enhances the effectiveness of their initiatives.

At the close of the meeting, Dr. Maan Al Hafiz expressed his appreciation for ICESCO’s efforts and initiatives in serving its Member States, as well as its contributions to promoting intercultural dialogue and fostering a culture of peace, openness, and communication among peoples and cultures.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Nayef bin Abdullah Al-Ajhar, Senior Manager of Saudia Airlines for Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, at his office at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation and prospects for building an institutional partnership between ICESCO and Saudia Airlines.

The meeting, held on Monday, 7 September 2026, addressed opportunities for Saudia Airlines to participate in a number of ICESCO conferences, forums and international events, as well as opportunities to support and sponsor the initiatives and programs implemented by the Organization, particularly those that align with the company’s social responsibility priorities.
The two sides also discussed the possibility of signing a cooperation agreement between ICESCO and Saudia Airlines, which would open up broader prospects for partnership, including designating Saudia Airlines as one of the carriers for ICESCO guests participating in its conferences, forums, seminars and international events.

During the meeting, Mr. Nayef bin Abdullah Al-Ajhar expressed his appreciation for the roles undertaken by ICESCO and the high-impact initiatives, programs and projects it implements across its Member States. He commended the Organization’s impact in the fields of education, science and culture, as well as the cooperation opportunities it offers which align with Saudia Airlines’ objectives and social responsibility programs.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik underscored the importance of building effective institutional partnerships with leading national institutions. He commended Saudia Airlines’ standing and international presence, noting the opportunities that partnership with the airline could offer to support ICESCO’s programs and expand their impact.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik thanked Mr. Nayef bin Abdullah Al-Ajhar for his visit, expressing his hope that the discussions would be translated into practical steps laying the foundations for fruitful cooperation and a sustainable partnership between ICESCO and Saudia Airlines.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a delegation of Moroccan artists on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, to discuss ways and mechanisms for leveraging art and creative industries to advance education and learning, promote the development of science, and raise awareness of the culture of the Islamic world. The meeting came as part of their participation in the Youth Knowledge Forum.

The delegation included Mr. Rachid El Ouali, actor, director and producer; Mr. Youssef Britel, film director and screenwriter; Ms. Sandya Tajdin, actress; and Ms. Faten El Youssoufi, screenwriter and playwright.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s efforts, within the framework of its vision and strategic plan, to engage youth and women by attracting young talents and strengthening women’s capacities across the Organization’s various sectors, departments and centers. He underscored the role of art, in its various forms, in raising awareness of the issues and challenges facing societies around the world.

For their part, the guests expressed their willingness to cooperate with ICESCO in organizing international conferences and seminars aimed at building bridges of communication and fostering the exchange of expertise among artists, media professionals and industry workers.

At the close of the meeting, the delegation toured the ICESCO Studio, which is equipped with state-of-the-art cameras and technologies for recording and media broadcasting, with the aim of enhancing the production of digital content that supports the Organization’s global mission. The delegation also visited the Sultan Qaboos Library and explored its modern facilities and collection of knowledge and cultural publications and references, as well as a number of rare books and documents.
The meeting was also attended by Osama Heikal, Head of ICESCO Media and Communication Sector.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Ms. Leyla Fazleeva, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, and Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Aide to the Rais of the Republic and Head of All-Russian Public-State Movement of Children and Youth in the Republic of Tatarstan “Movement of the First,” to discuss ways and mechanisms of cooperation between the Organization and Tatarstan in the areas of youth capacity building and heritage preservation. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 5th edition of the “Knowledge Youth Forum,” which is being hosted for the second time at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Morocco, on 7-8 September.

During the meeting, held on 7 September 2026, at ICESCO Headquarters, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the Organization’s vision and strategic plan, highlighting its efforts in recent years to strengthen the fields of education, science and culture and support its Member States in achieving comprehensive development goals and building sustainable societies. He emphasized the importance of developing partnerships with organizations, institutions, universities and research centers across the Islamic world to exchange expertise and best practices in areas of shared interest.

For her part, Ms. Fazleeva commended the strong partnership between ICESCO and Tatarstan, which has resulted in several joint activities over the past five years. She also praised the Organization’s contributions to bridging communication among the countries of the Islamic world and preparing youth for future challenges by honing their skills in various fields.

The two sides agreed to cooperate during the coming period to promote the culture and rich heritage of Central Asia and train youth in the fields of modern technology. The meeting was attended from ICESCO by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Kuanysh Yergaliyev, Head of the Science and Environment Sector.

The fifth Youth Knowledge Forum kicked off on Monday, 7 September 2026, at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat. Organized in partnership between ICESCO, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Forum is held under the theme “From Crisis to Sustainability,” with nearly 3,000 young women and men participating from Rabat, Sharjah, Cairo, and Kazan via digital-twin technology.

The two-day event features the use of digital-twin technology for the first time across the Islamic world, with Morocco serving as the main host hub and the Forum’s sessions and workshops linked to centers in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, enabling real-time interaction among participants.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stated that young people face rapid transformations that are reshaping jobs and widening the gap between those equipped with the tools needed for the future and those lacking them. He explained that societies’ capacity for progress depends on their ability to learn from crises and address the vulnerabilities.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that the transition to sustainability begins with an accurate understanding of current realities and decisions that translate ideas into action. He affirmed that ICESCO regards Member States’ youth as key partners in shaping the future and that the Forum seeks to transform their knowledge into practical capabilities and their ideas into actionable partnerships and initiatives.

For his part, Mr. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, stated that interconnected global crises require new ideas, more effective partnerships, and solutions grounded in knowledge and innovation.

He emphasized that the Forum seeks to move beyond discussion toward measurable and actionable plans and initiatives, noting that its true value lies in the ideas and partnerships led by young people as partners in developing solutions and leaders of the future.

In remarks delivered on her behalf by Mr. Adel Ghamart, Secretary-General of the Ministry, Ms. Naïma Ben Yahya, Morocco’s Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, affirmed that addressing the challenges facing young people begins with crisis prevention and the provision of clear pathways toward social and economic empowerment.

Ms. Leyla Fazleeva, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, explained that shared values strengthen the resilience of individuals and countries while fostering trust, mutual respect, and sustainable development. Ms. Ilaria Carnevali, UNDP Resident Representative in Morocco, noted that young people seek not only to navigate uncertainty but also to shape the systems that will define their future.

The first day featured three main sessions titled “When crises meets sustainability,” “Youth voices: Turning Ambition into Success,” and “Your Career in a Changing World.” Former ministers, ambassadors, experts, and young participants discussed ways to address crises and transform them into opportunities for development. The day also featured youth activities, folklore performances, and theatrical presentations that drew strong engagement from participants.