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    Category: News

    ICESCO Director-General Receives China’s Ambassador to Rabat

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received, on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, Ambassador Yu Jinsong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Morocco, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between the Organization and China in the fields of education, science, culture, and civilizational dialogue.

    At the beginning of the meeting, held at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik congratulated Ambassador Yu Jinsong on her appointment as China’s Ambassador to Morocco, wishing her success in her mission. He stressed the Organization’s commitment to enhancing its distinguished partnership with China, which has resulted in the implementation of several activities, programmes, and conferences in the fields of civilizational exchange and heritage preservation. The most recent initiative was a cultural celebration hosted at ICESCO Headquarters on the occasion of the Chinese Spring Festival 2026, featuring performances that reflected the harmony between Islamic civilization and Chinese culture.

    Dr. AlMalik noted that, in line with ICESCO’s approach of openness, the Organization offers non-Member States the opportunity to join as “Observer Members,” extending an invitation to the Chinese side to participate with a high-level delegation in ICESCO’s General Conference scheduled for next May, which the Ambassador welcomed.

    For her part, Ambassador Yu Jinsong affirmed her country’s keenness to strengthen its outstanding partnership with ICESCO in the fields of education, science, culture, and the exchange of expertise and knowledge in technology and civilizational communication.

    Ambassador Yu Jinsong also delivered to Dr. AlMalik an official letter from Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), reaffirming ICESCO’s pivotal role in enhancing cooperation between the Islamic world and China in the fields of culture, science, education, youth, and the deepening of civilizational dialogue.

    The meeting was attended from ICESCO by Anar Karimov, Head of the Sector of Partnerships and International Cooperation; Osama Heikal, Head of the Sector of Media and Communication; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director General’s Office and Supervisor of the Sector of Strategy and Institutional Excellence; Dr. Webber Ndoro, Head of the Islamic World Heritage Center; and Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of the Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence.

    ICESCO Launches Ramadan Legal Series with Webinar on AI Ethics in Education

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held on Monday, 9 March 2026, the first webinar titled “Ethical Considerations of AI in Education,” as part of its Ramadan Legal Series. The series comprises three international scientific webinars featuring experts and academics specializing in AI ethics, the protection of cultural property in the digital age, and the fight against cybercrime.

    The webinar, held via videoconference, brought together Mohamed Hedi Shili, Director of the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards at ICESCO, alongside Prof. Dr. Emmanuel R. Goffi, Professor of Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Applications at the Digital Engineering School (ISEP) in Paris, Dr. Musab AlRawi, Director of the ICESCO Chair for AI Ethics at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat, Dr. Hamid Shimal Aldulaimi, specialist in information and communication technology engineering, Dr. Pierre Baz, public policy and strategy expert, and Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ajaoun, Dean of the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences at Ibn Tofail University in Morocco.

    Participants addressed key themes, including the risks of algorithmic bias in educational decision-making, data protection and privacy, institutional responsibility when adopting AI systems, and the importance of human oversight to ensure the safe and ethical use of these technologies.

    Moderated by Rana Ezzaddin Alasbahi, expert at the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards, the webinar also featured an interactive discussion on the institutional challenges facing universities when integrating AI into education, and the need to develop clear governance frameworks and ethical standards that balance technological innovation with the protection of educational values and learners’ rights.

    The ICESCO Ramadan Legal Series continues with two additional sessions on 10 and 13 March 2026. The first will examine “Online Manipulation: Legal Responses to the Evolving Challenges of Juvenile Cybercrime,” while the second will address “Protecting Cultural Property in the Digital Age: Legal Challenges and Responses.” Experts, specialists, and researchers may participate in the sessions, which will be held virtually.

    ICESCO, Philippines Explore Cooperation Prospects

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) met with the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the Kingdom of Morocco to explore prospects for building joint cooperation in the fields of education, science, and culture.

    During the meeting, held on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Leslie J. Baja, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Morocco, expressed their shared commitment to establishing fruitful cooperation that serves common objectives.

    Mr. Karimov reviewed ICESCO’s main areas of mandate and action, highlighting its strategic orientations and leading initiatives, and underscoring promising opportunities for forging strong partnerships with the Republic of the Philippines. The meeting also addressed mechanisms for strengthening cooperation in areas aligned with ICESCO’s vision, particularly educational and cultural exchange, the use of artificial intelligence applications, the Youth Peace Ambassadors Program, the provision of scholarships, and the Islamic Culture Capitals Programme.

    The discussions additionally examined the prospect of the Republic of the Philippines acceding to ICESCO as an Observer Member State, considering the shared interest in instituting a structured and sustainable framework for long-term collaboration, alongside advancing initiatives yielding measurable social impact within and beyond the Islamic world.

    The meeting was attended by Ms. Asma Almaghour from ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector.

    ICESCO Holds Seminar on Resilient Strategies to Address Climate Change

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Science and Environment Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), and the Islamic Development Bank, held a seminar on “Strategies for Building Resilience in Changing Climate.” The event brought together over 90 experts, researchers, and officials from across the Islamic world to discuss current climate challenges and strengthen cooperation in this field.

    In his remarks during the seminar, which was held on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, via videoconference, Dr. Fahman Fathurrahman, an Expert at the Science and Environment Sector, stressed the need to intensify international efforts in climate action through conducting joint research, exchanging expertise, transferring technology, and building the capacities of specialists in this field. He particularly emphasized this need in light of the increasing severity of climate-related disasters and the rise in global temperatures following the Industrial Revolution.

    Participants in the seminar, which also saw the participation of Dr. Adel Smida, Supervisor of the Science and Environment Sector, along with several ICESCO experts, discussed key practical strategies to mitigate the impacts of disasters, enhance the deployment of renewable energy, and finance climate-related programs. They also examined the role of AI technologies and climate modeling tools in addressing climate change.

    ICESCO Participates in International Seminar on Challenges to Renaissance in Arab World

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Culture Sector at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in an international seminar titled “The Arab World in the Twenty-First Century: Challenges to Renaissance and the Absence of a Common Vision,” organized by the Dialogue Lab of the Gulf Research Center, in cooperation with the Arab Thought Forum, via videoconference on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.

    In his address, Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, stressed the need to focus on comprehensive development, educational, social, economic, and cultural, across the Arab and Islamic worlds, noting that weak development indicators in general continue to hinder progress and growth in Arab societies.

    He emphasized that the real priority today lies in enhancing the quality of education, higher education, and scientific research, in addition to strengthening women’s rights, as essential elements for building individuals’ capacities to improve their personal and collective realities.

    Dr. Zine El Abidine also reviewed a set of general indicators reflecting the cultural landscape in the Islamic world and highlighted ICESCO’s efforts in promoting culture as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development across its Member States. In this context, he explained that the Organization has proposed the inclusion of an 18TH goal dedicated to culture within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

    The seminar, moderated by Dr. Zaid Alfadeil, Cultural Program Director at the Gulf Research Center, featured insightful contributions and in-depth discussions with the participation of writer Samira Rajab, Dr. Saoud El Mawla, researcher and university professor, and Al-Sadiq Al-Faqih, Sudanese thinker and diplomat. Additional participants were also invited to share their remarks and broaden the scope of discussion.

    Ramadan Gathering “Excellence in Vicegerency” Discusses Art of Creating Positive Impact in Digital Space

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, the third session of the Ramadan Gathering “Excellence in Vicegerency (Istikhlaf),” organized by ICESCO, in cooperation with the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco. During the event, Dr. Khadija Abouzid, Professor of Higher Education at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, delivered a lecture titled “From Screen to Testimony: The Art of Making an Impact,” in the presence of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, a number of ambassadors accredited to Morocco, members of the Group, and a distinguished audience interested in intellectual and spiritual affairs.

    The meeting kicked off with recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, followed by welcoming remarks from Dr. Yousra Aljazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Group. She underscored that human awareness is reflected in one’s understanding that life on earth is not a silent passage but an enduring imprint that bears witness for or against its maker. She added that humans were honored not only with reason, knowledge, or capability, but also with the unique ability to create impact through conscious choice.

    Dr. Aljazairy emphasized that the essence of vicegerency lies not in the act itself but in its lingering mark, stressing that vicegerency is not a granted privilege but a responsibility to create meaningful impact. She noted that every human being, willingly or unwillingly, leaves a trace, citing the noble Seerah of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, who reshaped human consciousness, leaving a living presence in the human conscience more than fourteen centuries later.

    Dr. Abouzid then explained the precise meaning of “impact” as the mark that endures in hearts, emotions, and minds after a person’s departure. She affirmed that the essence of human existence is tied to relationships and to the impact one leaves within one’s surroundings. This was evident, she noted, in the early years of the Islamic call, when the Prophet, peace be upon him, focused on spiritual and psychological development before rituals and obligations, an approach that should guide the upbringing of children within the family, prioritizing faith and ethics to nurture responsible individuals capable of self-accountability in their relationship with Allah Almighty and with others.

    She stressed that modern technologies have become essential tools in daily life and should be used to generate positive impact and good practices in digital interactions. She outlined several principles for doing so, including knowing Allah, sincerity in action, positive expectations, generosity, wishing good for others, patience, and mastery of work.

    The lecture concluded with an open discussion, during which Dr. Abouzid answered questions from the audience.

    Exploring Culture and Peacebuilding at “Global Thinkers Guests of ICESCO” Panel

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Culture Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a panel as part of the Global Thinkers Guests of ICESCO Program, which aims to promote civilizational dialogue, raise awareness of cultural diplomacy within the Islamic world and beyond, and exchange knowledge and expertise with prominent intellectual figures in the fields of science, culture, and arts.

    The panel, held via videoconference on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, was opened by Dr. Mohammed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, who underscored the importance of culture in achieving peace and rebuilding societies, particularly in post-crisis scenarios. He also highlighted ICESCO’s ongoing efforts to support its Member States in safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting inclusive cultural narratives.

    For her part, Ms. Maryam Gafar-Zada, Assistant Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku, presented three publications issued as part of the celebration of Shusha as the 2024 Culture Capital in the Islamic World, titled “World Human Rights Day,” “International Women’s Day,” and “World Futures Day.” These publications highlight valuable contributions from Azerbaijani parliamentarians, academics, intellectuals, and writers through scholarly and intellectual articles. They also cast light on the role of cultural identity and knowledge exchange in post-crisis reconstruction.

    Ms. Leila Sarabi, Azerbaijani journalist and expert in institutional communication, delivered a presentation under the theme “Shusha: Azerbaijan’s Cultural Heart,” shedding light on the city’s cultural revival and its role in restoring Azerbaijan’s collective memory and national identity.

    Participants discussed key historical milestones of women in the Islamic world, focusing on their contributions and social and cultural specificities. The panel concluded with an open discussion on the role of culture in shaping collective memory and building the future.

    ICESCO’s efforts in protecting Sudanese heritage reviewed during International Workshop in Tokyo

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the Expert Workshop on the Protection of Sudanese Cultural Heritage, organized by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs in partnership with the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties and in cooperation with the Sudanese Embassy in Japan, with the aim of developing practical projects for the protection and recovery of Sudanese antiquities.

    During the workshop’s scientific sessions, which started on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman shed light on the extent of the destruction inflicted on cultural galleries and heritage museums in Sudan. He also reviewed ICESCO’s efforts to protect Sudanese heritage through several initiatives being prepared by the ICESCO Heritage Center in the Islamic World, including organizing a specialized international conference on heritage protection and launching a capacity-building program. He further outlined his vision for building bilateral cooperation between the Organization and the Japanese government in this regard.

    The ongoing workshop features the participation of Sudanese experts alongside representatives of relevant international organizations and includes organized visits to a number of Japanese heritage sites, enabling them to benefit from Japan’s advanced expertise in both restoration and reconstruction.

    On the sidelines of the workshop, Mr. Takamasa Saito, Director General of the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, received the participating delegations in the presence of Ambassador Elrayih Yduob, Sudan’s Ambassador to Japan. Mr. Saito affirmed the Institute’s readiness to enhance cooperation with Sudan in the protection of cultural heritage, while Ambassador Yduob emphasized the importance of benefiting from Japanese expertise in the rehabilitation of Sudanese archaeological sites.

    ICESCO and AGFUND Discuss Launching Development and Educational Initiatives in Sudan and Syria

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting with Mr. Hammam bin Juraid, Executive Director of the Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND), to discuss a joint action plan, under the MoU signed between the two sides, for the implementation of programs and projects aimed at supporting the educational process in Sudan, Syria, and a number of other countries in the Islamic world.

    During the meeting, held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, via videoconference, Dr. AlMalik stressed the need to develop impactful activities and programs that can improve the living conditions of individuals and communities, as well as projects that promote the advancement of the educational system in Sudan and Syria, and in other countries most in need, by providing educational facilities and school supplies for students and teachers.

    For his part, Mr. Bin Juraid expressed AGFUND’s aspiration to develop joint projects with ICESCO in the field of education in both Sudan and Syria and to implement them in several phases in the near future as part of the efforts deployed by both sides to promote sustainable development, especially in areas suffering from instability.

    The two sides agreed to form a joint team of experts and specialists to identify the programs and projects to be worked in the near future.

    The meeting was attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector and Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Director of Legal Affairs and International Standards at the Organization, and on behalf of AGFUND, Mr. Muhammad Alsalim Director of Projects Department.

    Marriage and Family Building at the Core of Third Ramadan Forum “Excellence in Vicegerency” at ICESCO

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted the second session of the third Ramadan Gathering, “Excellence in Vicegerency (Istikhlaf),” organized in cooperation with the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco. Dr. Khadija Abouzid, Professor of Higher Education at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, delivered a lecture titled: “Marriage is the Nursery of Excellence for Humans,” in the presence of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, together with several ambassadors accredited to Morocco and members of the Group.

    The gathering, held on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, opened with remarks by Dr. Yousra Aljazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Group. She affirmed that the gathering seeks to deepen understanding of the concept of Vicegerency, not only in the realms of public life, economics, or development, but in its most particular and profoundly impactful sphere: the family.

    Dr. Aljazairy noted that the choice of topic stems from the view that marriage refines two wills, purifies two souls, and cultivates two hearts upon excellence. She explained that marriage is the first arena in which a person’s awareness of responsibility is formed; within it, one learns to live in closeness without erasure, to lead without oppression, and to differ without discord, thereby attaining true maturity and preparing to bear the trust of vicegerency.

    She added that the lecture poses fundamental questions that require the courage to address: are homes arenas of rivalry or spaces of complementarity? Do those who share our lives feel safe, or do they experience fear and caution? She further stressed that raising generations worthy of vicegerency obliges the application of Excellence in our marital roles.

    Dr. Abouzid affirmed that the lecture presents practical approaches to shaping Allah’s vicegerent on earth. She explained that the first manifestation of this divine design appeared in Allah’s creation of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and his spouse. Allah Almighty established the system of marital pairing as a universal order through which repose and tranquility are granted for the soul before the body. She further indicated that marriage preserves lineage and contributes to the cultivation of the earth, in order to fulfill the purpose of vicegerency and reform therein.

    She clarified that Islam grounds the marital system in seven principles rooted in piety, which is the way out of all hardship and is affirmed through the highest values and virtues in choosing a partner based on religion and manners. It is sustained by upholding the principle of guardianship for men and righteousness for women, and it flourishes through “living together in kindness,” which perfects companionship. This system is brought to completion by the spirit that animates the family, embodied in tranquility, affection, and compassion.

    The gathering concluded with an open discussion, during which Dr. AlMalik emphasized the close interconnection between excellence in worship and its practical application within the family, as well as the means of transforming a bilateral relationship into a home of hope founded upon the concept of Excellence.