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    Category: News

    ICESCO, UNESCO Agree to Strengthen Institutional Cooperation in Education, Culture, Science, Communication, and Artificial Intelligence

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen institutional cooperation at the international and regional levels in implementing pioneering initiatives in education, science, artificial intelligence, communication, and knowledge dissemination, as well as supporting Member States in developing sustainable policies to promote cultural diversity, safeguard heritage, and build inclusive societies.

    The memorandum was signed on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, in Paris, France, by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr. Khaled El-Enany, UNESCO Director-General. The two organizations reaffirmed commitment to working together to establish peace, achieve development, and build fair and inclusive societies by promoting knowledge, strengthening women’s capacities, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and ensuring quality education for all.

    Dr. AlMalik stated that the memorandum of cooperation reflects ICESCO’s conviction that greater integration is needed among international organizations working in education, science, and culture. He noted that coordinated efforts and bilateral cooperation create boundless opportunities to overcome future challenges facing these organizations as they pursue their noble missions.

    Prior to the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik and Dr. El-Enany held a bilateral meeting, during which they discussed the possibility of cooperating in organizing an international conference and exhibition on Islamic art to introduce its components and highlight its diversity and richness. They also emphasized the importance of implementing joint programs and launching initiatives in the field of artificial intelligence and capacity building for youth in the Islamic world, in addition to pursuing close cooperation and the exchange of expertise to support countries most in need.

    In education, the memorandum provides for initiatives to strengthen education and higher education systems, support green and digital education and education transformation efforts, build the capacities of faculty members, develop dropout prevention strategies, and expand access to early childhood education.

    In the field of science and technology, the memorandum focuses on cooperation to advance artificial intelligence ethics and digital transformation, encourage innovation, support entrepreneurship and technology transfer, and develop capacity-building initiatives. It also covers the implementation of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033) and enhanced cooperation in water management, particularly in Africa and the disadvantaged countries.

    In culture, the memorandum covers follow-up on the priorities of the MONDIACULT 2025 Outcome Document, the protection of cultural rights, the promotion of cultural diversity, and the safeguarding of endangered and underwater heritage. It also addresses solutions to the challenges posed by climate change and illicit trafficking in cultural property, as well as the advancement of cultural policies and creative industries.

    In peacebuilding and crisis response, the memorandum provides for cooperation to strengthen social cohesion, counter disinformation and all forms of discrimination, and support vulnerable communities through several programs, foremost among them ICESCO’s Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS) Program.

    The agreement is part of the general agreement between ICESCO and UNESCO, signed in July 1985 and renewed in 2010, 2015, and 2019.

    ICESCO Participates in Two Meetings on Integration Among International Education Organizations and PISA 2025 Results

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the “High-Level Regional Dialogue on Improving Student Outcomes in the Gulf and MENA Region” and the consultative meeting of regional and international education organizations, held under the theme “From Coordination to Integration.” The two meetings were held virtually and in person in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 4 and 5 October 2026, respectively, and were organized by the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, with the participation of representatives of ministries of education and regional and international education organizations.

    ICESCO was represented by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector, Supervisor of the Translation and Publishing Center, who delivered a presentation titled “From Assessment Results to Impact-Driven Policies: A Regional Vision for Improving Student Learning Outcomes in the Gulf and the MENA Region in Light of the PISA 2025 Results.” The presentation was delivered during the regional dialogue, co-organized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), on Sunday, 4 October.

    Dr. Albanyan began by emphasizing that the results of the international assessment should not be viewed as a ranking of countries, but rather as a reflection of the quality of the relationship among curricula, teachers, laboratories and the school environment. He explained that the results revealed a profound educational paradox and outlined the main regional challenges, including disparities in teaching quality among schools, the limited translation of curricula into cognitive tasks, and the growing digital presence without adequate pedagogical design.

    Concluding his remarks, Dr. Albanyan announced two ICESCO initiatives to address these challenges: developing a “Regional Scientific Thinking Toolkit” for curriculum developers, and launching a teacher training program on science diplomacy and critical inquiry in partnership with its Member States.

    In his address at the consultative meeting on Monday, 5 October, Dr. Albanyan delivered a presentation on integration and coordination among regional and international educational organizations in support of ministries of education. He highlighted the weak links among various educational institutions and initiatives, reflected in several ways, including the proliferation of dialogue platforms and the overlap of certain programs. Dr. Albanyan proposed a practical framework for cooperation and for structuring these relationships, based on defining priorities and roles, coordinating joint programs, and establishing mechanisms for accountability, funding and review.

    ICESCO, IBO Launch Project to Develop Standards for Teachers and School Leaders on World Teachers’ Day

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) launched, on Monday, 5 October 2026, a joint project to develop ICESCO’s School Teachers and Leaders Standards and Practice Instrument. The project aims to provide an evidence-based framework for advancing educational performance while taking into account the diversity of educational, cultural and institutional contexts across the Islamic world.

    The launch took place during a ceremony organized by ICESCO at its headquarters in Rabat to mark World Teachers’ Day. Officials, experts and representatives of national and international institutions discussed the role of teachers and school leaders in improving the quality of education and building education systems capable of meeting future needs.

    The event began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by opening remarks by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General. The remarks underscored the importance of elevating the standing of teachers and supporting school leaders in developing learning environments that foster sustained improvements in learning outcomes.

    Dr. Benarafa explained that, through the project, the Organization seeks to establish a reference framework defining the knowledge, skills and practices underpinning effective teaching and sound school leadership. Member States will be able to draw on the framework in line with their priorities and needs, supporting the profession’s development and strengthening its impact across the education system.

    In recorded remarks, Ziauddin Yousafzai, Co-Founder of the Malala Fund, father of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, stated that great teachers inspire their students and transform their lives, encouraging them to learn, revisit prior knowledge and free themselves from misconceptions.

    For his part, Mr. Karim Hamidouche, Secretary-General of the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, described teachers as the main drivers of any education reform. He noted that the impact of technology, curricula and infrastructure depends on teachers’ competence, passion, recognition and professional empowerment. He also highlighted the close cooperation between ICESCO and the Moroccan Ministry of Education through field projects and practical approaches that place teachers at the heart of educational transformation.

    The event continued with a joint presentation by Mr. Waqas Afridi, Expert in ICESCO’s Education Sector; Ms. Pamela Bender, Global Head of Education Standards at IBO; and Mr. Marc Neesam, Education Systems Solutions Manager at IBO. The presentation outlined the new project’s objectives, phases and timeline, the interim findings of a comparative analysis of international and regional standards, the methodology for developing the instrument, and the project’s implementation steps.

    Following this presentation, Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of ICESCO’s Education Sector, Supervisor of the Translation and Publishing Center, moderated a panel discussion titled “Standards Transforming into Impact for Building a Future-Ready Teaching Profession.” Representatives of national, international and academic institutions explored ways to apply the standards within educational institutions, use them in teacher preparation, training and continuous professional development, and support school leadership.

    The ceremony concluded with an interactive professional development workshop for nearly 30 teachers from Moroccan public schools, led by experts from ICESCO and the IBO. The workshop focused on connecting the teaching profession and professional policies with everyday educational practice and exploring the skills needed to keep pace with the rapid changes in education.

    ICESCO Holds Seminar on the Role of Women’s Creativity in Social Transformations Across the Islamic World

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held the Third Session of the Research Group on “Women’s Thought and Creativity in the Islamic World,” under the theme “Arab Resonances: Women’s Voices, Arts and Knowledge.” Bringing together 24 women from 11 countries across the Islamic world, the session explored women’s contributions to intellectual and artistic production and their role in driving social transformations.

    Held via videoconference on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, the session was organized as part of the International Forum “Culture to Rethink the World” and within the framework of the cooperation program entitled “ICESCO–Arab World Institute: Shared Culture,”. Its activities focused on movement expression, philosophy and poetry.

    The session opened with remarks by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, who highlighted the importance of providing spaces for dialogue and research that advance the status of women and enable discussion of their experiences through an approach that respects diversity and cultural specificities. He also affirmed ICESCO’s commitment to supporting intellectual exchange on issues concerning women in the Islamic world.

    The session was moderated by Dr. Zoubeida Boukhari, an international consultant in culture, education, and environmental communication. Presentations under the first theme addressed the performing arts as an expression of identity and a living memory passed down through generations, highlighting their role in preserving cultural practices and protecting them from disappearance. They also examined the ability of movement expression to transcend social barriers, convey experiences of suffering and provide space to express what is difficult to articulate in words.

    Under the philosophy theme, discussions focused on the role of women’s creativity in transforming women’s realities and strengthening Arab cultural rapprochement, while dismantling inaccurate stereotypes of Middle Eastern women. The presentations emphasized that creativity extends beyond aesthetics to the production of ideas, dialogue across fields of knowledge and the building of bridges between cultures.

    The session concluded with poetry recitations addressing women’s issues, experiences and aspirations. The recitations showcased examples of women’s writing that make poetry a space for self-expression and for listening to the experiences of others.

    On International Translation Day, ICESCO Affirms Translation as a Bridge to Human Understanding and a Cornerstone of Diversity and Knowledge Societies

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    On International Translation Day, observed annually on 30 September, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) affirms that translation goes beyond transferring words between languages. It is one of the most important bridges of communication between peoples and cultures, and a means of sharing knowledge, fostering civilizational dialogue, safeguarding cultural and linguistic diversity, and building societies better equipped for understanding, cooperation, and creativity.

    In this context, ICESCO notes that this year’s observance, held under the theme “Linguistic Diversity and Language Rights: The Power of Being Understood,” underscores the role of translation, interpreting, and terminological work in ensuring equal participation in education, culture, science, and life.

    ICESCO stresses that protecting languages is a shared responsibility that requires expanding translation efforts and supporting multilingual content production, with particular attention to languages with limited digital resources, enabling their communities to contribute to knowledge production.

    In light of the transformations driven by artificial intelligence, machine translation, and language models, the Organization calls for a responsible, human-centered approach in which technology supports, rather than replaces, human expertise, while ensuring accuracy and respect for cultural contexts and linguistic specificities.

    On this occasion, ICESCO also urges investment in training a new generation of translators and specialists in languages and terminology who combine linguistic and cultural competence, specialized knowledge, and the responsible use of technology. It also calls for broader cooperation among universities, research centers, translation and publishing institutions, and the technology sector to develop dictionaries, language corpora, and digital platforms.

    In this regard, ICESCO attaches particular importance to strengthening the presence of Arabic and the languages of the Islamic world in global knowledge and the digital space, as well as to promoting translation from and into these languages as a gateway to civilizational interaction, innovation, and development. It also highlights the role of translation in cultural diplomacy and in making the literature and ideas of peoples accessible beyond stereotypes.

    ICESCO renews its appreciation for the efforts of translators, linguists, terminologists, researchers, and institutions working in this field, and calls on the international community to support more equitable and inclusive language technologies, grounded in the value of every language, the contribution of every culture, and the right of every person to be heard and understood.

    ICESCO, BLCU Inaugurate Center for Arab Cultural Studies in China

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) in the People’s Republic of China inaugurated the Center for Arab Cultural Studies at the University. The Center marks the culmination of the strong partnership between ICESCO and BLCU and aims to foster closer academic and cultural ties between the Islamic world and China.

    The Center was inaugurated on Monday, 28 September 2026, during a visit to the University by a delegation from ICESCO, led by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Organization. During the visit, the two sides signed a memorandum of cooperation to implement several joint initiatives in scientific research, Arabic-Chinese translation, and scholarships, as well as to establish academic and scientific platforms for civilizational dialogue between China and the Islamic world.

    The new Center aims to advance specialized academic research on the Arabic language, its history, civilization, and societies. It will also serve as a research hub supporting joint scientific studies, publishing specialized research and publications, and convening high-level academic forums. In addition, it will promote academic exchange and facilitate visits by researchers and scholars between universities and research institutions in China and the Islamic world.

    In His First Lecture at BLCU… Dr. AlMalik Highlights Importance of Academic Mobility and Knowledge Exchange Between Islamic World and China

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Wutong Chair Professor at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) in China, delivered his first lecture to the University’s faculty and students. This marked his first academic engagement following his appointment to the University’s highest academic position, in recognition of his academic standing, distinguished leadership career, and contributions to promoting international cooperation and building bridges of civilizational communication between the Islamic world and China.

    During the lecture, delivered on Monday, 28 September 2026, at the University in Beijing under the title “Higher Education and Science Diplomacy,” Dr. AlMalik stressed the need for Global South countries to adopt knowledge-based development and become partners in knowledge creation. He highlighted ICESCO’s use of science diplomacy to foster effective cooperation among its Member States and scientific and research institutions, address shared challenges, and build knowledge- and innovation-based societies by developing young people’s capacities and providing student exchange programs and educational scholarships.

    Dr. AlMalik highlighted the Islamic world’s role in pioneering the university as a beacon of learning, noting that Fatima al-Fihri founded Al Quaraouiyine University in 859 in Fez, Morocco, attracting scholars from around the world. Dr. AlMalik demonstrated the importance of individuals and scholars in advancing knowledge. He explained that academic mobility is part of the Islamic world’s heritage, citing the journey of Ibn Battuta, who traveled more than 100,000 kilometers in pursuit of knowledge. He called for reviving this longstanding tradition while enabling qualifications and skills to cross borders as easily as their holders do.

    Moreover, the ICESCO Director-General discussed the Silk Road between the Islamic world and China, noting that it carried not only silk but also ideas and innovations in both directions. He underscored the importance of sustaining this approach through the New Silk Road initiative. Addressing a new map for higher education, Dr. AlMalik stressed the need to develop universities in the Global South so that they contribute to knowledge creation and become academic destinations.

    Subsequently, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s initiatives in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and youth capacity-building. He proposed several avenues for cooperation with BLCU, including launching the Ibn Battuta Academic Mobility Program; ICESCO Digital Qualifications Passport, a facilitated student visa pathway; Silk Road Universities Network; Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Alliance for Education, and Science Diplomacy Academy.

    In closing, Dr. AlMalik affirmed that enabling knowledge to reach its full potential would advance human civilization through joint efforts by scholars from Global South countries to disseminate knowledge, promote peace, manage resources, and strengthen dialogue among civilizations.

    ICESCO Signs Cooperation Memorandum with Beijing Language and Culture University in China

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Memorandum Covers Cooperation in Fields of Civilizational Dialogue, Arabic Studies, Translation, Artificial Intelligence, and Scholarships

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has signed a cooperation memorandum with Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) of the People’s Republic of China, with the aim of implementing joint initiatives in the fields of scientific research, translation between Arabic and Chinese, scholarships, as well as the establishment of academic platforms for civilizational dialogue between China and the Islamic world.

    The Memorandum was signed on Monday, 28 September 2026, at the BLCU’s headquarters in Beijing by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Dr. Duan Peng, President of BLCU, as part of Dr. AlMalik’s visit to the University at the head of an ICESCO delegation.

    The Memorandum’s action plan includes several key initiatives, most notably the establishment of a joint Chair for civilizational dialogue, aimed at drawing on the BLCU’s academic expertise in Chinese civilizational thought; the launch of a joint program for translation between Arabic, Chinese, English, and French; a youth capacity-building program; and a project on artificial intelligence and the Arabic language. It also includes the publication of a Chinese-language edition of the ICESCO Multilingual Data and Artificial Intelligence Dictionary.

    The Memorandum also provides for cooperation in promoting academic research and developing joint knowledge platforms; implementing joint research projects and forums focusing on civilizational exchange between China and the Islamic world; supporting youth exchange and skills development programs; launching a scholarship program; and advancing research into language models for artificial intelligence, in addition to cooperation in the field of mental health.

    Following the signing ceremony, Dr. Salim AlMalik stressed, during his bilateral meeting with Dr. Duan Peng, the importance of the partnership with BLCU, one of China’s oldest universities specializing in culture and teaching. The University is known as a “the mini United Nations” due to the diversity of its student body, which comes from countries around the world. The two sides also discussed ways to implement the programs and initiatives set out in the Memorandum and advance their partnership towards closer cooperation in pursuit of their shared objectives.

    The ICESCO DG also held a separate meeting with several university professors to discuss practical ways of implementing the initiatives and programs undertaken by ICESCO and BLCU.

    It is worth noting that, since its establishment, BLCU has been committed to promoting the Chinese language and culture worldwide. It is one of the leading universities specializing in languages and the world’s largest center for Chinese language teaching.

    ICESCO’s Contribution to China’s GCI and GDI Discussed

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Li Zhihui, Director-General of the Overseas Promotion Bureau of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The two sides discussed ICESCO’s participation as a key partner in implementing the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) and the Global Development Initiative (GDI), launched by H.E. President Xi Jinping, as well as several programs and initiatives in civilizational dialogue, heritage preservation and artificial intelligence.

    During the meeting, held on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, in Beijing, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and elevating bilateral relations between ICESCO and China to a strategic partnership. They also noted that China’s accession to ICESCO as an Observer State would foster greater civilizational rapprochement and open broad prospects for cooperation between the Islamic world and Beijing.

    The discussions explored ways to advance cooperation in civilizational dialogue through cultural exchange programs and youth camps. They also addressed the organization of conferences and training workshops on heritage restoration and preservation, as well as support for efforts to remove threatened heritage sites from the List of World Heritage in Danger.

    The meeting further explored the possibility of launching a new edition of the “10K AI Leaders” Program, implemented by ICESCO in partnership with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Chinese official expressed his country’s willingness to implement a similar AI capacity-building program for young people.

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

    ICESCO Wins Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage in Its Sixth Edition

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has won the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage in its sixth edition, in the Arab category on “Best Practices in Safeguarding Cultural Heritage Elements,” for its study entitled “Member States Strategy to Enhance the Role of Culture and Heritage in Countering Climate Change.”

    His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, presented the award to Mr. Salim Omar Salim, Director of the Organization’s Regional Office in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates who received it on behalf of the Organization, in the presence of Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. The ceremony was held on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, at the Institute’s Grand Theatre in the United Arab Emirates.

    The ceremony opened with remarks by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, who reviewed the efforts of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to safeguard cultural heritage and protect historical landmarks through projects and initiatives aimed at preserving the memory of places and oral traditions in Sharjah and various regions worldwide. For her part, Ms. Aisha Rashid Al-Hossan Al-Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage, affirmed that the Award continues to fulfill its mission by celebrating those who carry, recount and practice heritage, researchers who document and study it, and institutions and projects working to safeguard and sustain it.

    ICESCO issued the study in May 2026, under the supervision of its Islamic World Heritage Center, with coordination by Dr. Bilel Chebbi, Programs Director at the Center. The study aimed to consolidate the place of culture and heritage in national and international climate and sustainable development policies and strengthen their presence in global discussions on environmental challenges, thereby supporting the use of heritage knowledge and practices in responding to the impacts of climate change.

    ICESCO provides access to the entire study and its executive summary via the following links:
    https://icesco.org/rjcs
    https://icesco.org/sol4