The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch the International Imam Al-Bukhari Award, with the aim of celebrating outstanding contributions to the study and preservation of Islamic civilization, highlighting Imam Al-Bukhari’s scholarly role in the development of Islamic sciences and Hadith studies, and showcasing Uzbekistan’s historical role in the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of intercultural dialogue.

The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, as part of the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization. The MoU was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center, in the presence of several ICESCO leaders and officials from the Center.

The Award seeks to honor scholars, researchers, international institutions, universities, and cultural organizations whose work contributes to advancing knowledge across the Islamic world, preserving scientific and manuscript heritage, promoting the values of peace and enlightenment, and strengthening dialogue among cultures and civilizations. It also aims to support academic and knowledge-based initiatives that present Islamic heritage through its humanistic and civilizational dimensions.

The terms of the agreement stipulate that the Award be divided into five main categories: outstanding contributions to the study of Imam Al-Bukhari’s legacy; specialized research in Hadith sciences and Islamic studies; preservation and promotion of Islamic manuscript heritage; contributions to Islamic civilization, education, and enlightenment; and contributions to peace, tolerance, and intercultural dialogue, as well as a special award for young researchers.

On Tuesday, 7 July 2026, the first International Forum, “Islamic Civilization: The Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” was launched. The event is co-organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in cooperation with the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, under the patronage of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The forum brings together ministers, heads and representatives of religious and international organizations and institutions, along with more than 300 speakers from 40 countries.

The forum opened with an address from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, delivered on his behalf by Mr. Khayriddin Sultanov, Advisor to the President, who commended the high-level international participation in the forum, noting that it reflects growing global interest in Islamic civilization and its spiritual, scientific, and cultural heritage.

He affirmed that the revival, careful preservation, study, and wide dissemination of Islamic heritage are among Uzbekistan’s key priorities, adding that the world is undergoing profound transformations that underscore the importance of upholding the values of Islam, which emphasize human dignity and the pursuit of knowledge and creativity.

Following the opening address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, delivered remarks highlighting Uzbekistan’s significant civilizational and scientific legacy, which has made it one of the historical centers that shaped the course of Islamic and human civilization. Dr. AlMalik referred to the contributions of prominent scholars such as Imam Al-Bukhari, Imam Al-Tirmidhi, Imam Al-Maturidi, Al-Biruni, Al-Khwarizmi, and Ibn Sina.

The Director-General stressed that organizing the forum reflects Uzbekistan’s vision of reviving the values of peace, tolerance, and enlightenment and demonstrates the role of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent as a comprehensive cultural and knowledge institution that promotes awareness of the radiance of Islamic civilization and highlights its scientific and human contributions.

Dr. AlMalik called for the inclusion of the history of Islamic civilization as a core subject across all educational levels, the establishment of an international award for Islamic civilization named after President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the adoption of ICESCO’s innovative concept of “civilizational diplomacy” as a mechanism to strengthen dialogue.

In conclusion, the ICESCO Director-General praised the strong partnership between the Organization and Uzbek institutions, particularly through hosting the ICESCO Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts at the Center of Islamic Civilization, which enhances efforts to preserve Islamic heritage and showcase its civilizational contributions.

The forum, which runs from 7 to 11 July, features several international conferences held in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Termez, including “Al-Jami’ Al-Musnad Al-Sahih by Imam Al-Bukhari: A Book for the Ummah,” “The Legacy of Imam Al-Maturidi: The Foundation of Moderation, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” and “The Tirmidhi School of Hadith: Scholars’ Heritage and Contemporary Research,” with the aim of exploring the rich spiritual and intellectual heritage of Islamic civilization and promoting peace and dialogue.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Mr. Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, on Monday, 6 July 2026, in Tashkent, as part of his participation in the First International Islamic Civilization Forum, held under the theme “The Path of Peace, Tolerance and Enlightenment,” from 7 to 11 July 2026.

The meeting discussed ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between ICESCO and the Republic of Uzbekistan, reviewed current areas of cooperation, and explored prospects for launching new initiatives in support of development and capacity-building efforts, cultural heritage preservation, and cooperation in education, science, and culture.

The Uzbek Foreign Minister commended ICESCO’s achievements and high-quality programs across the Islamic World. He also expressed his appreciation for the close partnership with the Organization, which has resulted in the full implementation of the Action Plan signed by the two parties two and a half years ago, reflecting their solid relations and effective institutional cooperation.

Moreover, the two officials agreed to prepare a new joint action plan featuring strategic initiatives and projects that are aligned with the priorities of the next phase. These projects will promote avenues of cooperation in areas of mutual interest serving their shared vision of consolidating the values of knowledge, dialogue, and innovation, and preserving the Islamic civilizational heritage.

Dr. AlMalik affirmed ICESCO’s pride in its distinguished partnership with the Republic of Uzbekistan, praising the country’s cultural and civilizational renaissance under the leadership of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He also reiterated the Organization’s commitment to continuing joint efforts and launching innovative initiatives that serve Member States and reinforce the Islamic civilization’s contribution to building a more prosperous future.

At the close of the meeting, ICESCO Director-General expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the warm reception, affirming that the coming period promises further joint programs and initiatives that reflect the depth of the partnership between the two parties.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan held a press conference on Monday, 6 July 2026, at the Center’s headquarters in Tashkent, ahead of the launch of the first international forum, themed “Islamic Civilization: The Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” scheduled for 7th to 11th July 2026, with the participation of around 300 speakers from 40 countries.

The forum will bring together ministers, heads and representatives of religious and international organizations and institutions, along with distinguished experts and specialists in the fields of culture, thought and Islamic civilization, to explore ways to highlight the contributions of Islamic civilization to promoting the values of peace, tolerance, and enlightenment.

During the press conference, held in the presence of Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, stressed that organizing this forum, including an international conference dedicated to the three Imams, Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi, and Imam al-Maturidi, reflects Uzbekistan’s status as a global beacon showcasing the contributions of Islamic civilization and its eminent scholars to science and knowledge.

He added that the selection of these Imams carries profound significance, as they represent core domains in the construction of Islamic civilization, including the Prophetic Sunnah, theology (Aqidah), and Islamic sciences, noting that al-Bukhari and al-Tirmidhi preserved the Sunnah of the Prophet, while Imam al-Maturidi contributed to establishing a methodology of moderation and balance.

The Director-General emphasized that the forum goes beyond revisiting history, as it is grounded in the conviction that the legacy of these scholars can contribute to addressing contemporary intellectual and cultural challenges, fostering the values of moderation, mutual respect, coexistence, and elevating the status of knowledge.

Dr. AlMalik concluded by expressing appreciation to the Republic of Uzbekistan, its leadership, government, and people, for their care for its Islamic civilizational heritage, praising the Islamic Civilization Center as a testament to a rich past, a platform for shaping the future, and a bridge for civilizational dialogue.

Conference to Be Held Under the Patronage of the President of Uzbekistan with the Participation of Ministers of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and Leading Scholars

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) will hold the International Scientific Conference “Al-Jami’ al-Musnad al-Sahih of Imam al-Bukhari: The Book of a Nation” in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, on 9–10 July 2026, under the patronage of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Conference is being organized in partnership with the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent and the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center in Uzbekistan.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, stated that the Conference will bring together a distinguished gathering of ministers of awqaf and religious affairs, muftis, eminent scholars, researchers, and representatives of religious institutions from across the Islamic world. During the Conference, the winning research papers submitted through the Conference’s call for papers will be announced, and their authors will be honored. In addition, a reviewed and edited volume containing the selected conference papers, prepared under the supervision of ICESCO, will be published.

Dr. AlMalik added that the Conference aims to highlight Imam al-Bukhari’s scholarly contributions to the preservation and service of the Prophet’s Sunnah and Hadith, to reaffirm the stature of both Imam al-Bukhari and his Sahih, to refute misconceptions and allegations raised by critics, to shed light on Imam al-Bukhari’s methodology and genius in compiling Al-Jami’ al-Sahih, and to encourage academic research related to the primary sources of the Prophet’s Sunnah.

Across its five scientific sessions, the Conference will address a range of themes, including: the scientific standards, documentation, and classification methodology employed by Imam al-Bukhari in his Sahih; the contributions of scholars from different regions to the service of Al-Jami’ al-Sahih; criticisms and objections raised regarding the Sahih and the responses to them; and the role of Uzbekistan and the historic region of Transoxiana in the flourishing of the science of Hadith.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Fadi Makki, Minister of State for Administrative Reform of the Lebanese Republic, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of development, administrative reform, institutional excellence, and the promotion of creativity and innovation.

During the meeting, held on Thursday, 2 July 2026, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of Amb. Ali Daher, Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon to the Kingdom of Morocco, Dr. AlMalik provided an overview of ICESCO’s history and the major strategic transformations and updates it has undergone in recent years. He noted that although Lebanon joined the Organization only three years ago, it has always remained at the heart of ICESCO’s priorities, given its distinguished cultural standing and its rich intellectual and creative output.

The Director-General emphasized that ICESCO has implemented several programs and initiatives for the benefit of Lebanon in recent years. These include allocating USD 100,000 to support Lebanese institutions following the Beirut port explosion, providing financial assistance to Lebanese students studying in Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine war, and implementing a program to support infrastructure development for a number of schools and educational facilities.

For his part, the Lebanese Minister expressed his pleasure at visiting ICESCO headquarters and gaining first-hand insight into its pivotal role in advancing its areas of competence across the Islamic world. He praised the Organization’s administrative transformation, which has positioned it among the leading international organizations in education, science, and culture.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied Dr. Makki on a tour of ICESCO’s sectors and centers, including the Media and Communication Sector, the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector, the Digital Transformation Department, and the Sultan Qaboos Library. The visit included presentations on the Organization’s operating mechanisms, its key programs and projects, and the reform and development of its administrative structure.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Dr. Kuanysh Yergaliyev, Head of the Science and Environment Sector; Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Supervisor of the Education Sector and Director of the Translation and Publishing Center; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Sector of Strategy and Institutional Excellence; and Dr. Wissam Chehade, expert in the Science and Environment Sector.