Category: News

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the annual meeting of the “Russia-Islamic World” Strategic Vision Group, held on Friday, 15 May 2026, in Kazan, under the theme “Shared Values and Principles as the Foundation for Cooperation and Mutual Understanding between the Russian Federation and the Islamic World.” The meeting was attended by Mr. Marat Khusnullin, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, President (Rais) of the Republic of Tatarstan, Chairman of the Group; senior officials from Russia and several Islamic countries; as well as heads and representatives of relevant international and regional organizations.

At the outset of his address, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that the theme of the meeting is centered on three facts, namely that the relationship between the Islamic world and Russia has deep historical roots that have grown stronger over time; added to this vital relationship is the geographical proximity between the two sides, which sets Russia apart from other major international powers, particularly in light of the third reality: the convergence of human and social values.

In this context, Dr. AlMalik highlighted that the cultural fabric of Kazan brings together the Russian Federation and the Islamic world, as a shared memory of knowledge, coexistence, and mutual respect. This, he noted, underscores Kazan’s status as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2026. He also pointed out that ICESCO seeks to harness culture and education to build the future by developing partnerships with Russian intellectual, cultural, and scientific institutions, and by cooperating with the Republic of Tatarstan to establish a joint award bearing the name of the great poet and thinker Gabdulla Tukay.

Dr. AlMalik concluded his address by expressing his appreciation to the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tatarstan, and the organizers of the annual meeting of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia-Islamic World,” for their efforts to promote dialogue among peoples and disseminate knowledge.

On the evening of Thursday, 14 May 2026, the Kazan Expo Center hosted a major launch ceremony of the celebration of “Kazan as Culture Capital in the Islamic World,” in the presence of Mr. Marat Khusnullin, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan; and Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), along with a large number of ministers, senior officials, and cultural figures from Islamic world countries.

The celebration coincided with the convening of the 15th session of the ICESCO General Conference and the Conference of Ministers of Culture, convened by the Russian Ministry of Culture, in addition to meetings of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia-Islamic World.” The occasion represented a cultural and civilizational milestone reflecting the depth of relations between Russia and Islamic world countries.

The ceremony opened with a speech by Mr. Marat Khusnullin, in which he affirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Islamic world countries, particularly in cultural and humanitarian fields. He commended the proclamation of Kazan as Culture Capital in the Islamic World, noting that the city stands as a model of diversity, coexistence, and civilizational openness.

Dr. AlMalik then delivered an address emphasizing that the celebration of Kazan carries profound cultural and historical significance and reflects a core criterion of ICESCO’s program, which focuses on the contributions cities make to humanity and the repositories of hope, knowledge, and creativity they preserve. He noted that throughout the centuries, Kazan has remained a civilizational and cultural bridge linking Russia and the Islamic world, as well as a hub for diversity, creativity, and human interaction.

The Director-General further stressed that Kazan’s collective memory bears deep testimony to the presence of Islam in this geographic area for centuries. He highlighted that the city is regarded as a beacon of knowledge in Russia, pointing out that among the symbols of this legacy are the earliest printed editions of the Holy Qur’an in Russia, which originated in Kazan, in addition to the distinguished intellectual and cultural figures the city has produced, such as the poet Abdullah Tukay and the scholar Abdulkayyum Nasiri, among other icons of human creativity.

His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, also delivered an address expressing his pride in the proclamation of Kazan as Culture Capital in the Islamic World. He extended his thanks to ICESCO and its Director-General for the Organization’s efforts in promoting civilizational dialogue and cultural rapprochement among peoples.

Following the official speeches, the speakers used the traditional ceremonial hammer to signal the official launch of “Kazan, Culture Capital in the Islamic World,” amid a distinctive celebratory atmosphere and strong engagement from the audience.

The ceremony featured folkloric, artistic, and performance shows that reflected the cultural and artistic excellence of Kazan and the Republic of Tatarstan. It also brought to life a chapter of Kazan’s rich history by evoking a number of historical, literary, and artistic figures who have shaped the city’s identity and contributed to its cultural legacy. Their works and creative achievements were transformed into breathtaking tableaux vivants, which added remarkable cultural and aesthetic depth to the celebration. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the show, which dazzled everyone and highlighted the richness, diversity, and humanistic values of both Russian and Tatar heritage.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Ms. Olga Lyubimova, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the celebration of Kazan as Culture Capital in the Islamic World.

The meeting, held on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in Kazan, explored prospects for cultural cooperation between ICESCO and the Russian Ministry of Culture in several areas. These included benefiting from Russian expertise in the restoration and rehabilitation of selected archaeological sites in countries of the Islamic world, strengthening cooperation to highlight the cultural identity of the Islamic world within the Russian Federation, and introducing Russian culture in countries of the Islamic world, contributing to broader civilizational exchange and deeper cultural dialogue among peoples.

The meeting also addressed the significance of selecting Kazan as Culture Capital in the Islamic World and the opportunity this celebration offers to showcase the city’s rich historical and civilizational heritage. Participants reviewed the cultural programs and activities scheduled throughout the cultural year and emphasized the importance of intensifying participation and cooperation in conferences and cultural activities organized by the Russian Ministry of Culture, with the involvement of cultural institutions and sectors from countries of the Islamic world.

The Russian Minister of Culture affirmed her country’s interest in strengthening cooperation with ICESCO and expressed appreciation for the Organization’s role in building cultural bridges between Russia and the Islamic world in a manner that enhances human rapprochement and enriches civilizational dialogue.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik extended an invitation to the Russian Minister to visit ICESCO headquarters in Rabat. She expressed her willingness to accept the invitation during the last quarter of 2026 and also confirmed her interest in the participation of the ICESCO Director-General in a number of upcoming cultural conferences and events in the Russian Federation.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation; the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General; Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO; and Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the Director-General and Head of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector at the Organization.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Ilsur Metshin, Mayor of Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, on Thursday, 14 May 2026, ahead of the official launch of the celebration of Kazan as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2026.

During the meeting, the two parties underscored that Kazan is one of the great historical and cultural cities, a center for dialogue and civilizational exchange, as well as a bridge between Russia and the Islamic world, thanks to its rich cultural heritage and ancient history, not to mention that it is the first city where the Holy Quran was printed in Russia.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to review the details of Kazan’s celebration programme, which includes the implementation of activities and the launch of year-round cultural and civilizational initiatives, with the aim of strengthening its cultural presence and its role in promoting understanding among peoples.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik presented Kazan’s Mayor with the celebration flag of Kazan as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World, and the two parties exchanged commemorative gifts.

The meeting also brought together Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Assistant to the Rais for International Relations, and Ms. Evgeniya Lodvigova, Deputy Mayor, as well as Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a series of bilateral meetings with a number of ministers and heads of delegations participating in the Organization’s 15th General Conference in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation. The meetings, which took place on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, focused on ways to strengthen cooperation in education, culture, and capacity building, as well as promoting the Arabic language among non-native speakers.

As part of these meetings, Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Mahamat Ahmat Alhabo, Chad’s Minister of State for National Education, Bilingualism and Citizenship Promotion. The two sides discussed ways to support youth empowerment, teacher training, and capacity building in Arabic language education. In this regard, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s readiness to intensify Arabic language programs for the benefit of administrative staff and managers, and to adopt flexible educational mechanisms that allow for increased benefit across various departments and ministries.

Dr. AlMalik also met with Dr. Al-Tohami Al-Zein Hajar, the Sudanese Minister of Education, and both discussed ways of strengthening cooperation in educational curriculum printing and the reactivation of the Sinnar Regional Centre for Dialogue and Cultural Diversity. They also talked about supporting projects related to youth and capacity building that serve current priorities and enhance the sustainability of educational and cultural programs.

Subsequently, Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Mohamed Abdul Salam Al-Qariou, the Libyan Minister of Education. They both reviewed ways to expand cooperation in education and curriculum development, and support remedial education initiatives for drop-out students and those with educational difficulties. The meeting also addressed integrating the values of tolerance and citizenship into education, as well as teacher training and professional development.

In another meeting, Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Ahmed Mohamed, the Maldives’ Minister of State for Education. During the meeting, the two sides explored the possibility of ICESCO supporting the implementation of educational projects and organizing seminars related to the Arabic language. Dr. Al-Malik called for developing cooperation through joint programs that meet the Maldives’ needs.

Dr. AlMalik concluded his meetings with a discussion with Mr. Bakhodir Ahmadov, First Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan. They emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural cooperation and expanding areas of partnership to support heritage preservation and the revitalization of joint initiatives in line with ICESCO’s approach to promoting the integration of culture and education, and building capacity in Member States and beyond.

The 15th session of the General Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded on Wednesday evening, 13 May 2026, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, in the presence of His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic. The Conference approved all documents and recommendations, and formed the Bureau of both the General Conference and the Executive Council of the Organization, following sessions attended by delegations of Member States in person and remotely to discuss and exchange views on the Organization’s upcoming priorities.

The Conference sessions approved the applications of the Republic of Turkmenistan and the Federative Republic of Brazil, as well as the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, for observer status with ICESCO. It also approved the report of the Executive Council on its activities between the fourteenth and fifteenth sessions.

The Conference further approved the report of the General Directorate on ICESCO’s activities for 2021-2025, along with the financial reports for the same period. It also approved the report on Member States’ contributions to ICESCO’s budget for the financial years 2021-2024. These milestones were considered part of the ongoing effort to strengthen financial governance transparency and ensure the sustainability of the Organization’s resources, in a manner that guarantees the implementation of programs in line with the priorities and needs of Member States.

Participants also approved the strategic action plan and budget of the Organization for 2026-2029, as well as the membership of the Executive Council and the composition of the Bureau of the General Conference. Deliberations addressed the alignment of work streams in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication, with emphasis on aligning initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening capacity building, empowering institutions, and expanding partnerships.

The sessions featured extensive discussions on the outcomes of ICESCO’s programs and initiatives, during which heads of delegations highlighted the progress achieved in terms of coordination, cooperation, innovation development, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. Interventions underscored the importance of investing in education and scientific research, safeguarding heritage, promoting cultural dialogue, supporting youth and women, and responding to the challenges of digital transformation, to meet the needs of Member States and the aspirations of their peoples.

At the close of the Conference, participants sent a message of thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Rais Rustam Minnikhanov for the warm hospitality and the high-quality organization of the General Conference, which reflected the pivotal role of Tatarstan in strengthening humanitarian and civilizational ties between the Islamic world and Russia.

At its opening session, the General Conference had approved the re-election of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik as Director-General of the Organization for a second term. It also approved the extension of the Arab Republic of Egypt’s presidency of the Conference, the appointment of the representative of the Republic of Senegal as Vice-President, and the representative of the Republic of Maldives as Rapporteur, until the convening of the sixteenth session. The Conference further approved the organizational decisions related to the functioning of the governing bodies and follow-up procedures, thereby reinforcing the regularity of the Organization’s work and the coherence of its programs.

AlMalik Thanks the Rais for Hosting the Organization’s General Conference and Confirms ICESCO’s Readiness to Launch the Tuqay Cultural Award

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the 15th session of ICESCO’s General Conference. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to cooperate in ensuring the success of the celebration of Kazan as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2026, as well as building youth capacity in the field of entrepreneurship.

During the meeting, held on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in the capital, Kazan, Dr. AlMalik expressed his deepest gratitude to Rais Minnikhanov for his country’s hosting of the Organization’s General Conference, noting that the proceedings were conducted in a manner befitting Tatarstan’s status as a cultural bridge between the Islamic world and Russia.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s readiness to launch a cultural award named after the Tatarstani thinker, writer, and poet Ğabdulla Tuqay, and to collaborate on the preparation of a special program to celebrate the city of Kazan during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, due to be held next June. He also affirmed ICESCO’s commitment to cooperate in implementing the Organization’s program for training youth on how to start small projects in the fields of technology and innovation in Tatarstan, in parallel with the Kazan Global Youth Summit.

For his part, His Excellency Rais Minnikhanov expressed his appreciation for the selection of Kazan as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World, noting that this would contribute to highlighting the city’s cultural heritage and rich history.

The two sides discussed mechanisms for establishing a regional ICESCO center in Kazan and the Organization’s participation as a strategic partner in organizing the annual meeting of the “Russia–Islamic World” Strategic Vision Group.

The meeting was attended on the ICESCO side by Dr. Abdellilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, and Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector. Representing the Tatar side were Ms. Liliia Fazlieva, Deputy Prime Minister; Ms. Irada Ayupova, Minister of Culture; Mr. Marat Gatin, Assistant to the Rais and Deputy Chairman of the “Russia–Islamic World” Strategic Vision Group; and Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Assistant to the Rais for International Relations.

The proceedings of the 15th session of the General Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) opened on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, in the presence of His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, with the participation of a number of ministers, heads of National Commissions, Member States’ delegations, and representatives of international and regional organizations, both in person and remotely.

In his address at the opening session, His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov stated that Russia and the countries of the Islamic world have traditionally been bound by strong relations based on trust and mutual respect. He added that convening the ICESCO General Conference in Kazan strengthens multilateral relationships between Russia and the Organization’s Member States, commending the efforts of ICESCO under the leadership of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik in its fields of competence.

For his part, Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs, commended Dr. AlMalik’s role in developing the fields of culture, education, and science, and his contribution to strengthening the Organization’s regional and international presence. He welcomed the renewal of confidence in Dr. AlMalik to ensure the continuity of programs and projects and expand their impact.

Subsequently, Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Arab Republic of Egypt and President of the ICESCO General Conference, affirmed that ICESCO continues to consolidate its position as an effective international organization in education, science, culture, and communication, serving as a platform for civilizational dialogue, the promotion of joint Islamic action, and the anticipation of global transformations. He considered that the accomplished achievements reflect an institutional model based on partnership with the Member States.

In the statement of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Sami bin Mohammed bin Abdullah Alsadhan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation, expressed thanks to Member States for the re-election of Dr. AlMalik, the Kingdom’s nominee, for a second term, highlighting ICESCO’s role in promoting the values of understanding and rapprochement among peoples.

Following the General Conference’s approval of his election for a second term, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, reviewed the Organization’s institutional frameworks that provide greater flexibility and enhanced capacity for adaptation and resilience. He also outlined the goals of the next phase, describing it as an innovative vision centered on creativity, driven by youth, and grounded in the firm belief that the future is shaped through knowledge, openness, and joint action.

Dr. AlMalik noted that the Organization seeks to expand its impact beyond the Islamic world by building bridges of civilizational dialogue, strengthening cultural presence, and opening up to the horizons of science, research, and foresight, emphasizing that the true measure of success lies in the impact of programs and initiatives on the lives of peoples.

Concluding his address, the Director-General of ICESCO thanked Member States for renewing their confidence, and extended special thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. He also commended Tatarstan’s hosting of the Conference and expressed his appreciation to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, and to the Moroccan Government for their support and for hosting the Organization’s headquarters.

During its two-day sessions, the Conference will consider the approval of applications submitted by Turkmenistan, Brazil, and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law to obtain observer status with the Organization. It will also approve the report of the Executive Council and the report of the General Directorate on activities for the period 2021–2025, as well as the draft strategic plan and budget for 2026–2029.

The General Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) approved the continuation of the Arab Republic of Egypt’s chairmanship of its 15th session, which kicked off on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in the city of Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation.

In the same context, agreement was reached, following consultations, on the composition of the Bureau of the General Conference, whereby the representative of the Republic of Senegal will serve as Vice-Chair, while the representative of the Republic of Maldives will serve as Rapporteur. The Bureau will continue its work for a four-year term until the convening of the 16th session of the ICESCO General Conference.

On this occasion, Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Arab Republic of Egypt and President of the ICESCO General Conference, stated that ICESCO is moving forward with confidence in consolidating its position as an effective international organization in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication. He added that the Organization has, in recent years, succeeded in presenting an advanced institutional model based on partnership with Member States and their National Commissions, as well as openness to emerging trends and future challenges.