Category: News

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat with Dr. Marat Gatin and Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Aides to the Rais of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, to discuss preparations for the celebration of “Kazan, Cultural Capital in the Islamic World for 2026,” and explore avenues for strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to the success of this major cultural event, outlining the programmes and activities that the Organization’s Culture Sector plans to implement to highlight Kazan’s civilizational depth and enhance its cultural and social capital.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik expressed confidence that the celebration of Kazan as the Cultural Capital in the Islamic World would be one of the most successful, thanks to Tatarstan’s wise leadership, strong enthusiasm, extensive experience, and the well-coordinated efforts of all stakeholders involved.

For his part, Mr. Timur Suleymanov spoke about the diverse and rich cultural programme planned for the celebration, commending ICESCO’s continued support to ensure its success.

Dr. Marat Gatin praised the strong relationship between ICESCO and the Republic of Tatarstan, affirming his country’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in education, scientific research, and academic training, as well as promoting intercultural dialogue and values of tolerance.

The meeting also addressed the creation of a joint coordination committee for the celebration, the organization of conferences and events at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, and the reception of young trainees from Tatarstan who will serve as ICESCO ambassadors within their communities.

The International Symposium on “Translation and Security: The Role of Translation in Enhancing National and International Security” kicked off on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat. The event is jointly organized by ICESCO and Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) in Saudi Arabia, with the participation of government officials and experts in translation and security.

The symposium aims to explore the role of translation in enhancing national and international security, discuss the linguistic and cultural challenges affecting translation in security contexts, and highlight how translation supports security operations and addresses cross-border threats. It also reviews the latest tools, methods, and practices in security-related translation, and its role in improving communication between countries and international organizations.

During the opening session, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, emphasized that translation is now regarded as a soft power that shapes global security discourse, fortifies societies, and builds bridges of knowledge between civilizations. Dr. AlMalik announced a series of initiatives by ICESCO’s Centre for Translation and Publishing to translate research and knowledge into multiple languages in order to preserve the presence of Islamic world cultures in international fora.

Following, Mr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Alharfash, Secretary of NAUSS Supreme Council, and Vice-President for External Relations, stated that the University launched the “Translated Book Initiative” as part of its research strategy to support evidence-based security policies and crime prevention. He noted that the symposium is intended to address linguistic and cultural challenges in security-related translation, while also showcasing how translation can support security operations and counter cross-border threats.

For his part, Mr. Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director General of National Security (DGSN), Director-General of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) of Morocco, emphasized, through remarks delivered on his behalf by Mr. Boubker Sabik, Superintendent General of Police, the central role of translators in aligning linguistic context with legal standards. He described translators as key partners in reinforcing security and stability, ensuring fair trials, and legitimizing legal procedures.

Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of ICESCO’s Centre for Translation and Publishing, noted that translation is no longer a mere linguistic process but rather a strategic bridge linking security, cultural, and technological domains. It serves as a central tool for shaping security, protecting societies, and achieving stability in an increasingly complex, multilingual world.

The opening session also featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding between ICESCO’s Centre for Translation and Publishing and King Fahd School of Translation of Abdelmalek Essaâdi University in Morocco to enhance academic cooperation and mutual training. Over the course of two days, the symposium will include a specialized workshop on the use of modern translation technologies and the training of translators for sensitive environments, along with five thematic sessions on translation in crises, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and multilateral institutional partnerships.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, Advisor to the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, in the presence of Her Excellency Mrs. Sadia Faizunnesa, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of Morocco. The two parties discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between ICESCO and Bangladesh, particularly in the fields of youth empowerment and cultural development.

At the outset of the meeting, which took place on Tuesday 1 July 2025, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik expressed his satisfaction with the close cooperation between ICESCO and Bangladesh, highlighting the initiatives and projects implemented in several areas, foremost among them: organizing workshops to develop competencies in the field of genomics; implementing a program for evaluating technological innovations aimed at strengthening the health sector in Bangladesh; organizing training programs on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD); in addition to organizing the “Green and Clean School” competition, which aims to transform schools into centers for sustainability.

The Director-General of ICESCO also emphasized the Organization’s interest in supporting its Member States’ efforts in developing education, science, and culture, building the capacities of youth and women, and training them in leadership for peace and security. Dr. AlMalik also referred to the Organization’s work in preserving and safeguarding heritage, by registering it on the ICESCO Islamic World Heritage List, along with the attention ICESCO gives to investing in artificial intelligence and modern technologies to advance efforts toward achieving sustainable development.

Furthermore, the meeting saw discussions on future areas of cooperation, especially with regard to organizing joint activities, mutual participation in each other’s events, and training youth from Bangladesh at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat.

For his part, Mr. Shojib Bhuiyan affirmed his country’s keenness to strengthen its standing partnership with ICESCO and develop cooperation in the field of youth capacity building and skill development, particularly in the cultural field, promoting civilizational dialogue, and combating extremist ideologies, noting that Bangladesh possesses many talents specializing in ICESCO’s areas of work.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), delivered a series of inspiring messages to the youth of the Islamic world during the opening ceremony of “Marrakech, Capital of Islamic World Youth 2025.”

Dr. AlMalik emphasized that success is not defined by titles or positions, but by the impact one has on the lives of others. He urged young people to “walk steadily and with great humility, for the tree, when it bears fruit, bends down. If you fall, do not despair, for falling is not the end but a lesson to learn and a driving force for success.”

He also called on youth to remain rooted in their values and to cherish their homelands, reminding them that every achievement brings a smile to a mother’s face and reassurance to the heart of a nation that awaits the contributions of its children. He encouraged them to leave a lasting mark in life, likening the compassionate doctor and the dedicated engineer to those who create enduring human legacies.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik stressed the importance of mastering future skills. “Those who prepare today will be among the builders of tomorrow, while those who lag behind may find no place for themselves in a fast-paced world that waits for no one. Learn the languages of tomorrow—coding, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity—and remember that learning is a lifelong journey.”

This message formed part of his address at the official launch of “Marrakech, Capital of Islamic World Youth 2025,” held on Monday, June 30, 2025, as part of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum. The event is held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, and brings together around 200 young men and women from 48 countries.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s strong belief in the vital role of youth in building prosperous futures for their nations and reviving the glory of Islamic civilization. He emphasized the need to trust young people and provide them with real spaces for creativity and innovation.

He also praised the tremendous efforts of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco for bringing culture to life in every street and square of the country. He commended the unwavering support of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who views youth as the nation’s greatest wealth and considers culture a bridge to development and peace.

In closing, Dr. AlMalik lauded Marrakech’s unique status and well-earned titles, calling it a capital of dreams, youth, and innovation. He noted that ICESCO had previously designated Marrakech as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024, a celebration marked by rich cultural and artistic programming that showcased the city’s vibrant heritage and civilizational diversity.