Category: News

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director of the Hermitage Museum in the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the Kazan International Forum, which took place from May 13 to 15 in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia.

The two parties discussed prospects for cooperation in preserving and restoring cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of drawing on international experience in reconstructing historical sites and conserving precious artifacts. This is particularly important considering the damage caused by crises and wars to certain heritage sites in the Islamic world.

The meeting focused on the Hermitage Museum’s advanced use of artificial intelligence technologies to display archaeological sites as faithfully as possible to their original historical shapes. Both parties also discussed transferring these skills to museums in Islamic countries to upgrade their capacities to maintain and conserve exhibited collections for future generations.

The two sides also agreed to sign a cooperation agreement during Mr. Mikhail Piotrovsky’s visit to ICESCO headquarters next June, accompanied by a delegation. The agreement will focus primarily on restoring archaeological sites and displaying them in 3D imagery to preserve their original identity. In addition to exchanging scientific and technical expertise in heritage conservation, the agreement aims to foster cultural cooperation between the Hermitage Museum and Islamic countries.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in collaboration with the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, held a regional workshop titled “Educational Management and Effective Leadership”. The workshop, which was attended in person and via videoconference, benefited 188 educational managers active in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers from 15 countries in Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.

The workshop took place in the Mishkat Hall at ICESCO headquarters on Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14, 2026. During the event, Dr. Samira Maslouhi, an educational training expert from Morocco, presented and analyzed the concepts of educational management and theories of effective leadership. These two concepts are complementary pillars that ensure the quality of the teaching and learning processes. Dr. Maslouhi emphasized that the quality and accreditation of educational programs primarily rely on enlightened educational leadership capable of understanding complexities, managing change, and translating standards and theories into effective professional practices.

Using ICESCO’s experience as an example, the expert led practical workshops to demonstrate how educational leadership, supported by reference documents and a clearly defined strategy, can become an organizational force capable of impacting the quality and sustainability of education.

For the record, this workshop is the 9th in the “Mishkat Educational Leadership” program for the 2025–2026 academic year. It is implemented by ICESCO in partnership with the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences and in academic collaboration with Sultan Moulay Slimane University in Beni Mellal, Morocco. The program trains hundreds of professionals in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers.

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.