Category: News

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, the Second International Conference on Cancer Research (MCRS 2026) opened on Monday, 30 March 2026, at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat. The event is organized in partnership with Moulay Ismail University in Morocco and the Moroccan Association for Cancer Research, under the theme “Translational Research in Support of Clinical Advances,” with the participation of 180 researchers and specialists from 10 countries. It aims to highlight the crucial role of translational science in transforming laboratory findings into practical clinical applications.

During the opening session of the three-day conference, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, affirmed in a speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, that the Organization is guided by the principle of making science serve humanity and accessible to all. He stressed that ICESCO builds bridges of communication and cooperation between the global North and South to enhance the exchange of expertise and accelerate health solutions.

Dr. AlMalik noted that ICESCO has accumulated significant experience in supporting scientific research, particularly in health sciences. He emphasized that the Organization’s work goes beyond research funding to investing in people and building capacities, including support for training programs in human genome analysis, based on the conviction that prevention begins with knowledge.

For his part, Dr. Aboubakr Bouyaad, President of Moulay Ismail University, stated that hosting this event reflects growing recognition of the importance of translational research as a cornerstone of medical progress. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering an academic environment grounded in openness and innovation.

Dr. Lhoussain Hajji, Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Moulay Ismail University, underlined that the conference seeks to promote scientific exchange and develop new strategies to improve patient recovery prospects. Dr. Mouad Edderkaoui, Adjunct Professor at the University of California, highlighted that scientific research and collaboration among researchers constitute two fundamental pillars for transforming the challenge of combating cancer into a pathway for progress.

Dr. Saber Boutayeb, Director of the Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, warned against delays in translating scientific findings related to cancer research into practical applications. Dr. Taoufiq Fechtali, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at Moulay Ismail University, stressed that strengthening cooperation among researchers helps accelerate the transformation of scientific knowledge into solutions that improve treatment outcomes.

The first session of the conference was moderated by Dr. Adel Smeda, Supervisor of ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, with the participation of four international experts in the medical and oncology fields. The session featured specialized presentations and interactive discussions on the latest developments in translational research and clinical innovation in cancer treatment.

The first day also featured a presentation by Dr. Stephen Pandol, Professor of Medicine at the University of California, on modern approaches to cancer prediction and treatment outcome assessment. He highlighted the role of predictive models and clinical data in improving early diagnosis accuracy and guiding therapeutic decisions toward the most suitable options for each case, drawing strong engagement from attending experts and physicians.

The conference program includes a series of scientific and discussion sessions addressing key topics such as immunotherapy in cancer recovery, evolving cancer control models in Morocco, targeted radiotherapy biology, and prospects for developing clinical research.

The twenty-first of March marks the annual celebration of World Poetry Day. On this occasion, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), extended his congratulations to poets across the Islamic world, praising their generous contributions and noble creativity that have enriched life, preserved values, and reinforced the meanings of love, goodness, and beauty. He reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to maintaining continuous engagement with poets and ensuring that poetry receives the distinguished standing it merits as a great human art.

ICESCO recently established a dedicated Centre for Poetry and Literature, which is set to significantly contribute to advancing poetic and literary activity in the Islamic world. The Centre is implementing several projects, including “20 Moons in the Poetry Sky,” which focuses on publishing twenty collections by twenty female poets participating in the ICESCO Women Poets Forum, comprising more than two hundred poets. Other initiatives include the “Cities of Poems” contest, the quarterly ICESCO Cultural Magazine, and the ICESCO Youth Creators Camp.

In these blessed days marking Eid al-Fitr celebrations across the Muslim world, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) announced that it had received a gracious royal directive from the esteemed Moroccan Royal Office to maintain the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization in Rabat, and to establish it permanently at ICESCO headquarters. This decision reflects the recognition of the Fair’s remarkable cultural impact, as it has welcomed more than ten million visitors since its launch in November 2022, representing diverse groups of citizens, tourists, and guests of the Organization.

The project is the outcome of a strategic partnership bringing together the Muslim World League, ICESCO, and the Mohammadia League of Scholars in the Kingdom of Morocco, within joint efforts to promote the Prophet’s seerah and highlight the richness and humanistic values of Islamic civilization.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stated that this royal directive is a badge of honor for all those contributing to this partnership. Dr. AlMalik stressed that it also serves as a distinguished incentive to intensify efforts to safeguard the landmarks of Islamic civilization, especially as the year 2026, according to a royal directive in the Kingdom of Morocco, marks the celebration of the 1500th anniversary of Prophet Muhammad’s birth.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded the activities of its Ramadan Gathering, “Excellence in Vicegerency (Istikhlaf),” on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, held at its headquarters in Rabat throughout the holy month of Ramadan in cooperation with the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco. The session featured a lecture by Dr. Khadija Abouzid, Professor of Higher Education at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, titled “When the Balance of Values Is Disrupted.”

The closing session was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, a number of ambassadors accredited to Morocco, members of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, as well as intellectuals and specialists in spiritual and educational affairs.

The session opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by young reciter Zayd El Bakkali, winner of the “Child Hafiz” Award in Morocco, followed by a poem recited by young reciter “munshida” Abeer Al Mahboubi. Dr. AlMalik then presented both children with honorary awards in recognition of their excellence in Qur’an memorization and recitation.

Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain AlJazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Group, delivered an introductory address in which she emphasized that history demonstrates that the fall of civilizations stems from losing the compass of values that governs human behavior, noting that sound reason and moral integrity are the true measures of individual worth and the foundation of thriving societies, which calls for reflection on how to elevate human values so they move from theoretical knowledge to tangible behavior and impact.

She added that the lecture would focus on Qur’anic principles guiding human conduct, the Qur’anic perspective on Vicegerency values, ways to translate theoretical principles into practical behavior, and the role of role models in instilling Vicegerency values among youth.

Dr. Abouzid began her lecture by highlighting the foundations of responsible human existence from an Islamic perspective: faith in God, ethical conduct, and responsibility toward society. Through these pillars, she explained, individuals become capable of fulfilling their life mission and serving as catalysts for positive change in their societies.

She added that human behavior in Islam is guided by a holistic system of values that shapes a balanced character in one’s relationship with God, the self, and the community. Acts of worship that cultivate inner discipline help anchor these values until they become daily practice, especially when youth and society at large can look to exemplary figures who embody these principles.

The session included a rich discussion among participants. Dr. AlMalik commended Dr. Abouzid for her contributions throughout the gathering’s sessions, noting that her insights had enriched the theme of “Excellence in Vicegerency (Istikhlaf)” and opened new horizons that illuminated previously overlooked dimensions.

The event concluded with Dr. AlMalik and Ms. Rania Shobaki, Chairwoman of the Group, presenting honorary shields to Dr. Abouzid, Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the ICESCO Director-General and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector at ICESCO, Qur’an reciter Hassnae Khoulali, and Mr. Ala Mula Al-Dwailah from the Office of the Director-General, in addition to several ICESCO sectors, divisions, and departments for their contributions to the Gathering’s success.