“Youth Knowledge Forum for the Islamic World” concludes proceedings amid wide international youth interaction
The “Youth Knowledge Forum for the Islamic World”, held by Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural (ICESCO), in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), concluded its proceedings on Friday, February 2025, at ICESCO headquarters.
Held under the theme, “Knowledge is the Future,” the Forum aimed to nurture young people’s creative and innovative talents in knowledge fields, prepare them for the professions of tomorrow and highlight inspiring young models.
At the course of his closing remarks, Dr. Hani Turki, Chief Technical Advisor and Director of the UNDP Knowledge Project, stated that the trend now shifts towards launching a digital platform to receive suggestions from young people on ways to promote knowledge, proposals that will be studied and evaluated with the aim of putting them into practice.
For her part, Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of ICESCO Director General, commended the great success of the Forum, noting that the high attendance this event attracted in addition to the wide interaction of young people via live streaming, which reached nearly 2 million live views during the two days of the Forum, reflects the growing importance of such events in empowering young people and preparing them for the future.
The Forum witnessed the participation of hundreds of young people from different parts of the Islamic world at the ICESCO headquarters in Rabat. In addition to discussion sessions on various fields of knowledge, the Forum also featured success stories of creative and innovative young women and men.
ICESCO Director-General calls for increased efforts to safeguard and document world heritage sites in Arab countries
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage (ARC-WH) concluded the Regional Workshop to Support the Removal of Cultural Properties in the Arab Region from the List of World Heritage in Danger, held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, on 17-21 February 2025.
The workshop sought to build participants’ capacities in preparing “Desired State of Conservation” reports, a key step in removing sites from the List of Heritage in Danger, as well as providing specialized training on reviewing the approved indicators and developing a roadmap to complete the corrective measures required to protect these sites and ensure their sustainability.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, underlined that the workshop offers a strategic platform to exchange experiences and strengthen joint efforts to safeguard Arab heritage sites, stressing the need to exert more work to improve protection and documentation measures to ensure the removal of Arab World Heritage sites from the List.
Dr. AlMalik added that this initiative seeks to develop effective solutions and provide practical plans to preserve Arab cultural heritage, and steer joint efforts towards the development of effective strategies based on modern and advanced methodological plans.
Speaking next, Sheikh Ibrahim Al Khalifa, ARC-WH Deputy Director, commended ICESCO’s work on promoting the protection of Arab heritage, pointing out the need for sustained cooperation to preserve these sites and ensure their protection for future generations.
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, stressed the importance of the partnership between the Organization and institutions such as the ARC-WH in Bahrain, the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the World Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), and the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALEF), considering that it offers as a successful model of regional and international cooperation in the field of heritage protection.
The workshop saw the participation of 28 heritage experts from eight Arab countries, with 20 attending in person, and eight others participating via videoconferencing.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the 100 young ICESCO Ambassadors, participants in the third edition of the Leadership Training Program for Peace and Security, to participate in its award for the most innovative youth initiatives for peace.
The competition aims to enable the ICESCO Young Ambassadors to put into practice the knowledge acquired during the training program and to benefit from their exchange with inspiring leaders to present projects and initiatives in various fields of peace-building, including education, culture, science, artificial intelligence and climate change, in line with ICESCO’s “Peace 360°” approach, which relies on a multidisciplinary methodology to train and mobilize young leaders.
The projects and initiatives submitted will be subject to rigorous evaluation criteria, as in the two previous editions of the competition; 45 projects were evaluated by a multidisciplinary jury made up of ICESCO experts as well as external experts and young peace ambassadors from previous editions. The most innovative initiatives received financial and technical support from ICESCO for their implementation.
ICESCO adopts a holistic “360° Peace” approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, taking into account the diversity of factors that contribute to peace-building. This approach is applied at strategic, academic and societal levels.
To view the nomination criteria, please click on the following link and download the application form: https://icesco.org/21c5
Please complete the form and send it by e-mail to the following address: shs@icesco.org The form must be sent before 31 March 2025, 23:59 GMT.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Federation of Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), welcomed 50 students from Morocco’s Al Akhawayn University on Friday. The visit, part of the university’s “Genz Careers in Rabat” program, aimed to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world by showcasing ICESCO’s dynamic initiatives.
During the tour, ICESCO experts delivered in-depth presentations on key programs designed to empower young people. Highlights included the Leadership Training for Peace and Security Program (LTIPS), the “My Thesis in 1000 Words” initiative—geared toward enhancing PhD candidates’ academic communication—and the Young Professionals Program, which provides two years of specialized training within various departments and centers.
Additionally, the sessions shed light on ICESCO’s broader efforts in entrepreneurship, innovation, artificial intelligence, and space science, along with initiatives from its Education and Culture sectors. Experts emphasized how participation in these programs can equip young talents with the skills needed to thrive in a global, specialized environment.
At the conclusion of the visit, the students expressed their gratitude to the ICESCO and FUIW teams, praising the opportunity to explore the organization’s diverse sectors and pioneering programs that serve its Member States.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with the Muslim World League (MWL) and the Mohammadia League of Scholars in the Kingdom of Morocco, announced the Ramadan opening hours for the The International Fairs and Museums of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat.
The Exhibition will be open to visitors during the holy month from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day except Monday, starting from Saturday, March 1, until Friday, March 21, 2025.
The first of its kind to be held outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Exhibition is held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, and seeks to showcase the message of Islam and its values of justice, peace, mercy, tolerance, coexistence, and moderation, drawing on the teachings of the Holy Quran, the noble Sunnah, and bright Islamic history, using the latest interactive display technology.
The International Exhibition and Museum consists of three pavilions: the “The International Fairs and Museums of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization,” the “Panorama of the Noble Prophet’s Chamber,” displayed using 3D and virtual reality technologies under the supervision of MWL, and the “Exhibition on the Attachment of Moroccans to the Noble Prophet, a Symbol of Love and Loyalty,” which is supervised by the Mohammadia League of Scholars in the Kingdom of Morocco.
Since its opening on November 28, 2022, the Exhibition has attracted nearly five million visitors, reflecting its status as a prominent destination for those wishing to delve deeper into the details of the Prophet’s Biography and shining Islamic history.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) organized the “Youth Knowledge Forum for the Islamic World” at its headquarters in Rabat, in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Launched on Thursday 20 February 2025, under the theme “Knowledge is the Future,” the forum gathered hundreds of young men and women in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and forward-looking discussions. The two-day event aimed to showcase a range of inspiring youth role models and empower the youth of the Islamic world by preparing them for future careers and fostering creativity and innovation in knowledge transfer, dissemination, and localization.
The Forum, marking the conclusion of ICESCO’s Year of Youth, commenced with an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, who emphasized that youth and the future are at the heart of the Forum’s discussions, both being inseparable from knowledge. He underscored that knowledge is the foundation upon which civilizations are built, nations flourish, and the future is shaped. Dr. AlMalik further highlighted that, in Islam, science has always been a means to seek Allah’s pleasure, cultivate life on earth, and advance societies.
Dr. AlMalik, wearing the forum’s jersey during his speech, expressed his delight in holding this event at ICESCO, an organization dedicated to thought and knowledge, distinguished by its youthful spirit. Addressing the young participants, Dr. AlMalik stated, “You are the beating hearts of your communities and the hope of your nations… Those armed with knowledge are the ones who drive positive change.” He further emphasized that the civilization of the Islamic world has long been a model in utilizing knowledge for the service of humanity, instilling in its youth a deep sense of pride in their identity as they move forward toward the future.
In his speech, Dr. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, emphasized the Foundation’s belief that building minds is synonymous with building the future and that investing in human knowledge is the true key to sustainable development. He highlighted the Foundation’s continuous efforts to launch initiatives and design programs that empower young people and enhance their skills. Among its most notable initiatives is the “Youth Knowledge Forum for the Islamic World,” a global platform that fosters innovation and knowledge entrepreneurship while contributing to foresight with an ambitious youth-driven vision.
Moreover, Dr. Huwaireb highlighted the achievements of Islamic world scholars, inspiring young people to follow their path in knowledge, creativity, and innovation. He emphasized that equipping youth with digital skills is imperative to ensure their active participation in driving progress and building sustainable economies.
Following, Mr. Ahmed Nihad Abdel Latif, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Kingdom of Morocco, extended his sincere congratulations to the organizers, emphasizing the forum’s significance. He underscored that discussing the knowledge system is fundamental to the development of all societies. He further highlighted that this forum marks the culmination of ICESCO’s Year of Youth, which received the support of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and saw the launch of several key initiatives, including 100 presidential scholarships for youth from the Islamic world to pursue studies at Egyptian universities.
For her part, Ms. Ilaria Carnivali, Resident Representative of UNDP in the Kingdom of Morocco, emphasized the rapid pace of digital transformation worldwide. She highlighted that knowledge remains the cornerstone amid advancements in modern technologies and the growing demand for new skills. This, she noted, necessitates intensifying efforts to support youth by equipping them with the necessary skills through education and training, ensuring their readiness for the future and the evolving job market. Notably, the first day of the forum was moderated by Mr. Nawfel Al Awamleh and Ms. Dalia Ashraf and featured four sessions. The first session explored “The Future of Knowledge in the Age of AI and Digital Transformation.” The second session touched on “UNDP Youth Initiatives,” while the third focused on “ICESCO Youth Initiatives.” The fourth and fifth sessions showcased inspiring success stories of youth.
Following two days of insightful scientific sessions and discussions on the future and standards of teaching Arabic as a second language, participants in the international conference, held under the same title as the report “Status of Arabic Language Education in the World,” announced a set of recommendations to address challenges in teaching Arabic as a second language. These recommendations aim to provide practical solutions for developing educational policies in the field. The conference was organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in partnership with the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat on February 18–19, 2025.
The recommendations highlighted the efforts of ICESCO and the Academy in advancing the Arabic language, knowledge, and culture. They also praised the “Status of Arabic Language Education in the World” report, its findings, and the methodologies used for data collection, analysis, and dissemination. The report provided a comprehensive analysis of Arabic language education in more than 300 educational institutions across 30 non-Arabic-speaking countries. The recommendations further emphasized the anticipated positive impact of the report in promoting Arabic language learning and the importance of ensuring that its outcomes reach relevant stakeholders.
The recommendations, which emerged from seven discussion sessions held over two days, also called on ICESCO Member States to strengthen their language policies and their implementation and underscored the need for greater institutional collaboration, better management of human resources to create a supportive environment for teachers, and the importance of specialized workshops and seminars. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of academic exchange programs between language education institutions.
Furthermore, the recommendations, which were formulated by 50 experts, specialists, and representatives from regional and international linguistic institutions, stressed the necessity of expanding financial support to empower institutions working in Arabic language education. They also advocated for the development of language education policies that align with learners’ needs and objectives, the attraction of more Arabic language learners, and the design of curricula that account for the linguistic and cultural diversity of students.
The Saudi Cabinet, held in Riyadh on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, and chaired by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, welcomed the contents of the Jeddah Declaration, issued by the 13th Conference of Culture Ministers in the Islamic World, held by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Saudi Ministry of Culture on 12-13 February 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
In a press release, the Cabinet welcomed the Declaration’s shared vision for leveraging culture to drive social and economic progress, safeguard Islamic heritage, and foster collaborative efforts to address global challenges.
The Jeddah Declaration emphasized the role of culture as a key pillar in building societies and consolidating national identities, a driver of economic and social growth, and an effective means of addressing many current crises. It stressed the importance of managing and preserving cultural assets against the adverse effects of climate change and ensuring their sustainability, as well as the need to enable cultural institutions to play a vital role in this regard. The Declaration also called for intensifying efforts to protect the endangered heritage of the Islamic world, especially in the State of Palestine, considering heritage protection a major responsibility of the entire international community.
It is noteworthy that the Cabinet held its session on the occasion of Foundation Day, observed on February 22 each year, to celebrate the history of the Saudi State, its three-century-long civilization, and its journey of progress and development.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, Secretary-General of the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL), and his accompanying delegation. The meeting took place as part of the International Conference on the Status of the Arabic Language in the World and aimed to explore ways to strengthen cooperation between the two entities and develop joint initiatives to support the spread of Arabic while enhancing its regional and international presence in scientific, educational, and cultural fields.
Discussions focused on several key issues, including the development of Arabic language curricula to align with modern technological and knowledge advancements, as well as the enhancement of programs targeting non-Arabic speakers to expand the language’s global reach.
Dr. AlMalik emphasized that promoting the Arabic language is an integral part of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the Islamic world. He highlighted that the partnership between ICESCO and the Academy would provide innovative solutions to reinforce Arabic’s usage across various sectors.
For his part, Dr. Al-Washmi affirmed the Academy’s commitment to collaborating closely with ICESCO in implementing high-impact projects that support the Arabic language and highlight its civilizational role. He praised ICESCO’s strategic vision, which has significantly contributed to strengthening Arabic’s global presence. Additionally, he referenced a joint project between the two institutions to launch an international report on the status of Arabic in 30 countries across five continents, with contributions from specialized researchers, aiming to bolster the language’s regional and global standing.
Furthermore, Dr. Al-Washmi outlined the Academy’s key focus areas, including language planning and policy, educational and cultural linguistic programs, and computational linguistics.
Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied Dr. Al-Washmi and his delegation to ICESCO’s “Mishkat” Center, where they were introduced to the Organization’s virtual training courses, conducted by experts and accessed by learners from various countries. They also received a briefing on a newly launched Arabic language course for non-Arabic speakers.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) launched a report on “The Status of Arabic Language Education in the World,” which aims to achieve a qualitative leap in the teaching of Arabic as a second language at the global level by developing policies and strategies that contribute to improving the quality of education, analyzing the current Status of Arabic language education centers, promoting their spread, and overcoming the challenges they face. This report is the first of its kind to study the reality of Arabic language education in non-Arabic-speaking countries. It features a comprehensive analysis of more than 300 educational institutions in 30 countries.
The report was launched on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, during the International Conference on the Status of Arabic Language Education in the World, held by ICESCO at its headquarters in Rabat, in partnership with KSGAAL. The conference witnessed a high-level presence of experts and specialists in teaching Arabic as a second language, as well as representatives of regional and international language institutions. The conference reviewed and discussed the contents of the report, the future of Arabic education and teaching standards, the development of educational programs, and the strengthening of coordination between Arabic teaching institutions around the world.
The report includes detailed data on educational institutions, including the numbers of faculty members, learners, curricula, teaching mechanisms, techniques used, and methods of evaluation, in addition to analyzing the professional value of graduates. The report also monitors the most prominent challenges facing the teaching of the Arabic language and devises practical solutions to develop educational policies and enhance coordination between the relevant bodies.
In this regard, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, commended the efforts of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language and its vision in establishing itself as a global leader in advancing the Arabic language. Dr. AlMalik highlighted KSGAAL’s collaboration with ICESCO in producing The Status of Arabic Language Education in the World, emphasizing its role in strengthening Arabic’s global standing as a vital medium of communication that showcases Arab culture and Islamic civilization and reflects a distinctive and methodical approach to addressing Arabic language issues.
For his part, Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, the Secretary-General of the King Salman Academy for the Arabic Language, pointed out that KSGAAL enjoys the continuous support of His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al-Saud, Saudi Minister of Culture and Chairman of KSGAAL’s Board of Trustees. This support, he noted, strengthens the implementation of diverse linguistic initiatives that promote the Arabic language locally and globally. Dr. Al-Washmi further emphasized that the report represents a significant step toward establishing a comprehensive knowledge base on Arabic language education, serving as a key reference for policymakers and academic institutions in developing curricula and educational programs.
The publication of The Status of Arabic Language Education in the World report is part of ICESCO and KSGAAL’s efforts aimed at supporting Arabic language learning, enhancing its global presence, and contributing to the development of its education strategies in line with international best practices.
