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    Category: News

    ICESCO Condemns Attacks on the Holy Capital, Affirms: Targeting the Two Holy Mosques Is a Heinous Crime Requiring International Action

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) expresses its strongest condemnation and vehement denunciation of the terrorist attacks carried out by the “Houthi” group using missiles and drones against civilians, civilian facilities and Islamic holy sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, affirmed that violating the sanctity of the Islamic nation’s sacred sites, foremost among them the security of the Two Holy Mosques, constitutes a dangerous escalation and a grave disregard for the sanctity of the holiest places in Islam, revered by Muslims across the world. He noted that targeting the Holy Capital and exposing it, its residents and its visitors to any danger constitutes a heinous crime and a grave transgression that requires urgent international action to halt these attacks and hold those responsible to account.

    The ICESCO Director-General stated that targeting holy sites and civilian objects constitutes unequivocal terrorism and barbarism incompatible with the values of our noble Islamic faith. He warned of the dangers posed by continued desperate attempts to target the Muslims’ Qibla, stressing that preserving its sanctity is a responsibility that must be upheld in order to keep holy sites removed from any conflicts.

    Dr. AlMalik reiterated ICESCO’s full support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in taking all measures and steps to safeguard the security of the Two Holy Mosques and protect the safety of pilgrims and the Kingdom’s territory and citizens.

    ICESCO Director-General Announces 10K AI Leaders Training Program Across the Islamic World in Partnership with ICAIRE

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), announced the “10K Leaders Training Program,” on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, in partnership with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE). The announcement was made during the fourth edition of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.

    The program aims to train 10,000 leaders in the field of AI over two years across ICESCO’s 53 Member States. It targets two categories. The first comprises institutional and strategic leaders, including ministers, senior officials, diplomats, parliamentarians, and heads of national institutions and bodies. The second includes professionals, academics, technical experts, private-sector decision-makers, researchers, educators, students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs.

    At the program’s launch, Dr. AlMalik stated that AI governance has become closely linked to countries’ capability to manage their affairs and determine their own choices. He warned that societies lacking this ability would be subject to decisions made elsewhere and guided by priorities they had no role in shaping. He noted that only two countries from the Islamic world rank among the top 20 in the Government AI Readiness Index, describing this as a gap that must be addressed.

    ICESCO Director-General explained that the Organization prioritizes investment in people, convinced that leadership development and technology transfer are key to utilizing AI to enable societies to navigate ongoing transformations.

    Dr. AlMalik stated that the training program is structured around four tracks: AI fundamentals, advanced AI applications, AI ethics and governance, and the role of AI in strategic decision-making. The content will be tailored to the responsibilities of beneficiaries and their countries’ national priorities.

    He added that the program places particular emphasis on women and young people and is grounded in the ethical principles and values outlined in the “Riyadh Charter for Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World”. The program also focuses on sustaining the impact of training, supporting national strategies, and providing a platform for continuous learning and networks connecting governments, academia, and industry.

    Dr. AlMalik concluded by inviting universities, partner institutions, and the private sector to join the program and contribute to building an Islamic world prepared for the AI era.
    Afterwards, ICAIRE held a ceremony attended by Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Majid AlShehry, Acting Director-General of ICAIRE, to celebrate the program’s first cohort of graduates.

    International Scientific and Practical Conference on the Legacy of Sheikh Seyid Yahya Bakuvi Concludes in Azerbaijan

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The International Scientific and Practical Conference titled “Sheikh Seyid Yahya Bakuvi in the Cultural Heritage of the Islamic World: Moderate Values and Contemporary Challenges” concluded on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan.
    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) co-organized the Conference in cooperation with the Caucasus Muslims Office, Organization of Turkic States, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), and Muslim Council of Elders in Abu Dhabi. The Conference aimed to commemorate the scholar and thinker Sheikh Sayyid Yahya Bakuvi Shirvani and raise awareness of his scholarly and intellectual contributions.

    ICESCO was represented at the three-day conference, held as part of the proceedings of the 7th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Boards of the Organization of Turkic States, by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue. The Conference brought together around 200 prominent participants, including religious scholars and heads of organizations and institutions, from 40 countries and 18 international organizations.

    In his address during the opening session, Mr. Karimov highlighted Sheikh Bakuvi’s role in advancing intellectual enlightenment and promoting the values of tolerance, human solidarity, cultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence in the Islamic world.

    For his part, Ambassador Fathalrahman, during a panel discussion at the Conference, underscored the profound civilizational impact of Bakuvi’s contributions to Islamic philosophy, Sufism, classical Islamic studies and civilizational values in the Islamic world.

    ICESCO Director-General Calls for Stronger Cooperation on AI Governance at International Forum in RiyadhDr. AlMalik Reviews ICESCO’s AI Efforts, Stresses Legislation that alone is not Enough for Governance

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called for stronger regional cooperation in education, science, and culture to establish artificial intelligence governance that safeguards human dignity and promotes inclusion and diversity, stressing that legislation alone is not enough to achieve this goal.

    His remarks came during his participation on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, in the high-level ministerial dialogue on “Artificial Intelligence, Multilateralism, and Diplomacy,” held as part of the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Forum is jointly organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and UNESCO, in cooperation with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), with the participation of ministers, experts, representatives of specialized international institutions, and more than 100 speakers.

    Dr. AlMalik stated that cooperation in these three fields is a cornerstone of joint action among ICESCO Member States. He underscored the need to develop shared curricula on artificial intelligence and its ethics, train teachers, and adopt unified standards for the knowledge and skills required to address the impact of this technology on learning and assessment.
    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the “10K Leaders Training Program” initiative, implemented by ICESCO in cooperation with ICAIRE, which aims to train professionals in the field using shared training materials and standards that promote responsible use.

    The ICESCO Director-General emphasized the importance of enabling researchers to evaluate AI systems and their linguistic performance within local contexts, while facilitating the exchange of research findings. He also highlighted the role of the “ICESCO AI Index for the Islamic World” in measuring Member States’ progress against a unified regional benchmark and enabling them to benefit from one another’s experiences.

    Dr. AlMalik also referred to the “Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence for the Islamic World,” launched by ICESCO in cooperation with SDAIA, emphasizing its contribution to establishing ethical principles that respect the cultural specificities of Member States and align with relevant international recommendations.

    The session also featured Dr. Sid Ali Zerrouki, Algeria’s Minister of Post and Telecommunications; Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications; Mr. Kamal Shehadi, Lebanon’s Minister of the Displaced, Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence; and Mr. Esam Alwagait, Director of the National Information Center at SDAIA.

    Next Monday,ICESCO Holds High-Level Dialogue on Science Diplomacy in New York in Conjunction with UNGA 81

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, will hold a high-level dialogue on science diplomacy and global cooperation on Monday, September 21, 2026, in New York, United States of America. This event will form part of this year’s Science Summit, to be held in conjunction with the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81).

    The dialogue will bring together leaders, ministers, government officials, representatives of international organizations and scientific institutions, as well as university presidents, and international experts and specialists. It will explore how science diplomacy can strengthen international cooperation in higher education, turn scientific and technological potential into practical partnerships and tangible impact. Discussions will also address the role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in achieving sustainable development and equal opportunities.

    The event will feature the launch of the ICESCO-Al-Farabi Center for Science Diplomacy and the “Inclusive Access to Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing Infrastructure” Initiative, which both aim to advance scientific research, build professionals’ capacities, facilitate exchange of expertise and knowledge-sharing, and strengthen international cooperation in science diplomacy. In addition, four agreements will also be signed with ministries, universities, and international organizations to enhance partnerships in scientific research.

    The event will conclude with the adoption of the “New York Joint Statement on Science Diplomacy for Inclusive Global Development,” which calls for the development of an action plan to advance cooperation among the participating institutions. It also reaffirms the shared commitment to increasing the involvement of the Global South countries and harnessing science and innovation to achieve sustainable development.

    ICESCO is organizing this event to contribute to the development of an inclusive international ecosystem for science and innovation, enabling the Global South countries to contribute to global knowledge and innovation and to the development of policies and technological solutions.

    To participate virtually or in person, registration is open via the following link:
    https://event.sciencesummitnyc.org/list-of-sessions/detail/526

    ICESCO and Bahrain Discuss Organizing Major Event to Celebrate International Day of Islamic Art

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Culture Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a coordination meeting, on Monday, 14 September 2026, with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and the Bahraini National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture to discuss preparations for celebrating International Day of Islamic Art and to review scientific and artistic proposals, highlighting the richness of this heritage and promoting youth participation in its preservation and revitalization.

    At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of Culture Sector at ICESCO, commended the Kingdom of Bahrain’s efforts to preserve and promote Islamic arts, emphasizing the importance of leveraging this occasion to showcase the aesthetic and intellectual dimensions of Islamic and Arab art and to strengthen its standing on the global cultural scene.

    For his part, Dr. Mubarak Abdullah Buti, Acting Secretary-General of the Bahraini National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, presented a series of proposals to mark the occasion, including a visual presentation, a scientific seminar, and workshops on calligraphy and Islamic arts, as well as competitions for young people and an award for the best artwork.
    For his part, Dr. Idham Hanash, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts, stressed that the celebration should lead to sustainable initiatives that support research and training in the fields of Islamic art. He proposed the establishment of “ICESCO Chair for Islamic Art” at a Bahraini academic institution, giving the collaboration a scientific dimension that extends beyond activities associated with the annual event.

    The International Day of Islamic Art is celebrated annually on November 18, following an initiative by the Kingdom of Bahrain. It was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at its 40th session in 2019, to raise awareness of Islamic artistic expressions, both historical and contemporary, and highlight their contribution to human civilization.

    ICESCO Participates in Regional Workshop on Applying the Findings of International Studies to Advance Education

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Education Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in a specialized regional workshop titled “Best Practices in Addressing Large-Scale International Studies,” organized by the UNESCO Regional Centre for Quality and Excellence in Education, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of the State of Qatar and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, on 13 and 14 September 2026.

    Representing the Education Sector at the workshop, held via videoconference, was Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector and Director of the Translation and Publishing Center at ICESCO. He discussed ways to transform the outputs of international studies, including data, indicators and reports, into development policies and programs that generate tangible impact in schools and classrooms.

    He also emphasized that the true value of international studies is measured by the ability of education systems to interpret their findings and translate them into decisions, policies and programs that can be implemented, measured and reviewed. He noted that international studies provide countries with an opportunity to identify gaps among learners, schools and regions, as well as assess the impact of environmental and social challenges, educational resources, teacher preparation and curricula.

    Furthermore, Dr. Albanyan outlined an integrated framework for leveraging the findings of international studies through six interconnected processes: reading and interpreting the findings, setting priorities, designing and implementing programs, and then evaluating their impact. He also called for the development of clear, evidence-based implementation programs, specifying target groups, responsible entities, budgets, timelines and measurable indicators, while adopting a systematic piloting approach for programs before scaling up their implementation.

    In conclusion, Dr. Albanyan proposed establishing a permanent national mechanism for leveraging the findings of international studies, bringing together representatives from the sectors of assessment, measurement, planning, curricula, teacher training, and funding, alongside universities and research centers. He also proposed launching a regional initiative titled “From International Study Findings to Classroom Impact,” including a practical guide for translating findings into policies through the development of a standard model for national response plans.

    Qassim Governor Honored ICESCO Director-General at Festive Ceremony

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The city of Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, hosted a festive ceremony on Sunday evening, 13 September 2026, as part of the Buraidah International Dates Carnival. The ceremony was graced by His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Qassim Region, and attended by several ministers, senior officials, and prominent figures.

    On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), delivered an address highlighting the Carnival’s distinguished standing and growing global recognition. The world’s largest date market has been registered by Guinness World Records, while the knowledge, skills, traditions, and practices associated with the date palm have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

    Dr. AlMalik stated that the date palm has been closely connected to humankind since ancient times, serving as a lifelong companion and source of livelihood while remaining deeply rooted in human memory and consciousness. It is an integral part of Saudi identity and a living testament to the profound bond between the Saudi people, their land, and their heritage. The date palm is also honored through its mention in more than 20 verses of the Holy Quran, reflecting its blessed status and civilizational significance.

    The ICESCO Director-General noted that the Buraidah International Dates Carnival has transcended the conventional concept of a marketplace to become a season heralding a promising future, as Qassim dates make their way into global markets, supported by accumulated expertise and outstanding product quality.

    He added that ICESCO stands ready to provide support and cooperation, marking the beginning of a new phase of promising partnership between entrepreneurship and the fields of education, science, and culture. This commitment stems from the Organization’s belief that the Islamic world deserves an advanced position in development and innovation.

    His Excellency announced ICESCO’s readiness to cooperate in promoting the Buraidah International Dates Carnival as a prominent heritage and economic landmark and to invite countries across the Islamic world to participate, opening broader prospects for cultural exchange and economic cooperation.

    Dr. AlMalik concluded his address by reciting a poem titled “Peace Be upon the Date Palms of Qassim,” which was warmly received by His Royal Highness the Governor and the audience.

    At the close of the ceremony, His Royal Highness the Governor of Qassim Region honored His Excellency Dr. Salim M. AlMalik in recognition of his participation and attendance, as well as ICESCO’s contribution to supporting initiatives that promote heritage and highlight its civilizational and development value.

    In Their First Meeting, Dr. AlMalik and New OIC Secretary-General Discuss Prospects for Partnership and Institutional Complementarity

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on Sunday, 13 September 2026, at the headquarters of the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik congratulated Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed on his unanimous election as Secretary-General of the Organization during the 23rd Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, recently held in Jeddah, wishing him every success in leading the course of joint Islamic action.

    The meeting featured in-depth discussions on ways to strengthen institutional complementarity and the strategic partnership between the OIC General Secretariat and ICESCO, with a view to establishing implementation mechanisms for joint programs and projects that respond to the priorities of Member States in the fields of education, science and culture.

    The discussions also focused on launching high-impact initiatives to harness the potential of youth and develop future talent, while further promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance and civilizational coexistence, in a manner that strengthens the Islamic world’s presence on the international stage.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, the ICESCO Director-General extended an official invitation to the Secretary-General to visit the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, Morocco, to learn more about its programs and lay the foundations for a new phase of joint development and cultural action.
    The Secretary-General expressed his thanks and appreciation for the kind invitation, affirming the General Secretariat’s commitment to operationalizing the partnership and integrating efforts in the service of the peoples of the Islamic world.

    ICESCO and Islamic Solidarity Sports Association Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Promote the Role of Sport as a Driver of Peace, Development, and Dialogue

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a bilateral partnership aimed at promoting sport as a driver of peace, solidarity, and social cohesion; empowering the youth through sport and volunteerism; enhancing women’s participation and leadership in sport; promoting cultural dialogue, innovation and sustainable human development; and fostering the inclusion of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

    His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), attended the signing ceremony. The MoU was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Dr. Nasser Majali, Secretary General of ISSA, on Saturday, 12 September 2026, in Taif, Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the ISSA General Assembly.

    The five-year MoU provides for the development of joint programs and initiatives and the organization of international sports conferences and events aimed at promoting physical and mental health and overall well-being for all, supporting the concept of cultural diplomacy through sport, advancing research and innovation in the field of Sports for Social Impact, and facilitating partnerships and resource mobilization for initiatives benefiting communities in ICESCO Member States and beyond.

    Under the terms of the MoU, the two sides will launch joint initiatives to prepare a select group of young athletes to serve as ambassadors for their countries in the fields of peace and dialogue, and to recognize inspiring role models who embody the values of fair play and contribute to serving their communities. The MoU also provides for ISSA’s participation in organizing ICESCO’s annual marathon and efforts to expand its reach across the Islamic world, as well as ICESCO’s participation through cultural initiatives during the Islamic Solidarity Games, starting with the next edition, to be hosted by the State of Selangor, Malaysia, in 2029.