Category: News

On Friday, 30 October 2026, the international scientific symposium titled “Moroccan Cities and the Challenges of Climate Resilience” concluded in Rabat. The two-day event was organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) and the National Institute of Planning and Urbanism (INAU), to mark World Cities Day.

During the Symposium, Dr. Yergaliyev Kuanysh, Head of ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, delivered an opening address highlighting the shared urban challenges countries face despite their different geographical, social, and economic contexts. He further stressed that environmental crises underscore the importance of planning, governance, and the responsible use of modern technologies.

Dr. Kuanysh also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts to advance sustainable urban development across its Member States under the “Strategy for Smart Sustainable Cities in the Islamic World,” adopted at the 9th Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World, held in Jeddah in October 2023.

The Symposium program featured a session titled “Resilient, Smart, and Sustainable Cities in the Islamic World: Knowledge, Practice, and Cross-Border Cooperation,” moderated by Dr. Sabih Anwar, Deputy Head of the Science and Environment Sector, and Dr. Adel Smeda, Expert in the Sector. Participants discussed the principles and policies of urban resilience and sustainability, as well as opportunities to strengthen urban cooperation across the Islamic world. Dr. Fahman Fathurrahman, Expert in the Sector, also delivered a presentation on the “ICESCO Smart and Sustainable Urban Network,” which aims to foster cooperation among cities, living laboratories, experts, and research institutions in Member States.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), presented Mr. Emin Huseynov with certificates of inscription of the “Imarat” Historical and Architectural Museum Complex in Azerbaijan’s Aghdam and the Shusha State Historical and Architectural Reserve on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List.

The certificates were presented on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, in Baku, during a session titled “Culture at the Centre: SECUREd Pathways to a Shared Future,” held as part of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue. ICESCO is co-organizing the Forum with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture alongside several international organizations and institutions under the theme “Dialogue for a Shared Future: Building Bridges in a Fractured World.”

The session, moderated by Mr. Farid Jafarov, Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, featured speakers including Dr. AlMalik; Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC); and Mr. Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts. The discussions focused on the most effective ways to preserve, enhance and revitalize cultural heritage, protect cultural diversity, and advance sustainable development.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), stressed that the credibility of international cooperation rests on translating commitments into actions that make a tangible difference in people’s daily lives, noting that institutions earn the trust of communities through the progress they deliver.

He made these remarks during the 3rd High-Level Meeting of International Organizations and the 6th Ministerial Meeting of the Baku Process, held by the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue. The meetings brought together 45 ministers, ambassadors, heads of international organizations, and other officials, including Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the UNAOC.

Dr. AlMalik began his address by highlighting the role of the two meetings in providing a platform for ministries and international organizations to coordinate efforts, find solutions to shared challenges, and direct resources towards national priorities and the service of peoples. He called on ministries to focus on establishing a proactive, prevention-based approach to peacebuilding in order to protect lives and safeguard the foundations of development. He also highlighted the role of educational and cultural programs developed by international organizations in equipping young people with future-ready skills to contribute to the development of their communities and strengthen spiritual and civilizational values and cultural exchange.

Dr. AlMalik explained that the Organization seeks to promote the responsible use of AI technologies in its fields of competence through several initiatives. These include the Riyadh Charter on AI Ethics for the Islamic World, launched in partnership with the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA); the ICESCO AI Index for the Islamic World, developed in cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education; and the announcement of the 10K Leaders Training Program, in partnership with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Saudi Arabia.

Dr. AlMalik proposed aligning international organizations’ programs with countries’ national needs by developing a joint roadmap for education, science, culture, and AI governance, as well as establishing a course of action for implementing policies and involving young people in the process. He concluded his address by commending His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan for their support for the Baku Process.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a breast cancer awareness day themed “Awareness Can Save Lives” at its headquarters in Rabat on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. The event included awareness activities and free screening services aimed at increasing knowledge of breast cancer and the importance of early detection, while highlighting the role of medical care and psychological and community support in confronting the disease.

The seminar, organized by ICESCO’s Human Capital Department, opened with remarks by Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain AlJazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of The Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to Morocco. She emphasized that raising awareness of the disease is a shared responsibility among institutions, families, and society. This requires providing reliable information and facilitating access to care, while respecting women’s privacy and their right to participate in decisions concerning their health. Moreover, Dr. AlJazairy underscored the importance of attentive listening and daily support in easing the burden of the disease and safeguarding women’s dignity throughout treatment.

Dr. Awatif Belakhel, Public Health and Disease Control Officer at the World Health Organization in Morocco, delivered a presentation titled “Together Against Cancer: The Scale of the Challenge and the Importance of Prevention.” She addressed risk factors, the importance of early detection, and healthy lifestyles, noting that breast cancer is often painless and stressing the need to consult a physician without delay upon noticing any unusual change.

The program also featured an awareness video produced by ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector on the importance of early detection in combating breast cancer. It was followed by a medical discussion on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, bringing together specialists in oncology, radiotherapy, and psychological support.

The session featured Dr. Khadija Benchakroun, oncologist; Dr. Hanane El Kacemi, radiotherapist and oncologist; and Dr. Rachida Tayeb, radiotherapist, alongside psychologists Dr. Zineb Chahdi El Ouazani and Dr. Nezha El Bahaoui. Their contributions examined the importance of psychological support and its impact on strengthening women’s ability to cope with the disease.

Prior to the seminar, ICESCO, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Kingdom of Morocco, provided medical examinations to a number of female staff members for the early detection of breast cancer, combining awareness with practical health services.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) received a delegation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, at its headquarters in Rabat, to discuss ways and mechanisms for cooperation in jointly organizing a conference on Islamic civilization and developing programs and projects in quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and innovation.

During the meeting, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, affirmed the Organization’s willingness to cooperate with the university in several areas of common interest, as part of its commitment to building bridges of cooperation with Malaysia and its institutions and bodies, given the country’s leading role in promoting the values, cultural diversity and scientific contributions of the Islamic world.

The meeting also featured presentations on ICESCO’s key initiatives and programs by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector and Supervisor of the Translation and Publishing Center; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector; Dr. Yergaliyev Kuanysh, Head of the Science and Environment Sector; and Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Director of the Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers.

For his part, Dato’ Dr. Mohd Sharil bin Abdullah, head of the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia delegation, expressed the university’s willingness to cooperate in developing programs and projects for expertise exchange.

At the close of the meeting, the two sides agreed to develop an action plan featuring future joint activities and projects. The Malaysian delegation also presented ICESCO with a commemorative shield in recognition of its efforts in its areas of competence across the Islamic world.

Following the meeting, the university delegation visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, housed at ICESCO headquarters.