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    Category: News

    Caftan Al Khair Gala at ICESCO Headquarters Celebrates Arab Heritage, Mobilizes Aid for the Visually Impaired

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, in cooperation with the Moroccan Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, and the Mains Blanches Association, organized on Saturday evening, 22 November 2025, an exceptional charity event themed “Anamil Al Nour, Caftan Al Khair,” hosted at Khaimat Al Khair Hall at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).

    The event was held as part of the celebrations marking the fiftieth anniversary of Morocco’s Green March, with proceeds dedicated to funding eye correction surgeries for those in need.

    The gala, attended by Her Highness Princess Lalla Lamia El Solh, and Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, combined refined art with a humanitarian purpose. It featured traditional fashion shows by leading designers from Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, and Jordan, alongside a musical performance by Moroccan artist Salma Rachid, in an evening distinguished by elegance and creativity in service of social solidarity.

    In her opening remarks, Dr. Naima Ben Yahia, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, stressed that the event reflects the importance of charity work in strengthening social cohesion and highlights the pivotal role of civil and international organizations in building bridges of solidarity. She expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors, the Mains Blanches Association and ICESCO in ensuring the success of this creative and humanitarian initiative.

    For her part, Ms. Rania Shobaki, Chairwoman of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations, thanked ICESCO for hosting the event, emphasizing that traditional attire is an integral component of Arab cultural identity. She noted that reviving heritage breathes new life into traditions and makes them active in humanitarian initiatives, adding that safeguarding heritage is an act of resilience, particularly for Palestinian heritage targeted by erasure and theft. She described the gala as a platform to showcase this heritage globally and paid tribute to Palestinian women as steadfast guardians against distortion and dispossession.

    Following this, Ms. Jumana Ghunaimat, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, stated that Arab heritage represents a rich mosaic stretching from the East to the Maghreb, underscoring that Moroccan-Jordanian relations exemplify cultural convergence and the spirit of fraternity uniting Arab and Islamic nations with their wealth and deep-rooted traditions. She affirmed that Jordan’s presence as guest of honour is a source of high appreciation and pride.

    Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain AlJazairy, Chairwoman of the Cultural Committee of the Diplomatic Corps in Morocco, highlighted that this gala celebrates traditional attire, particularly the caftan as an aesthetic symbol narrating a long history and reflecting Arab women’s creativity. She noted that the event’s timing with the anniversary of the Green March, led by the late King Hassan II and carried forward by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, gives the event a national dimension linking identity to collective will. She expressed appreciation for ICESCO’s inclusion of the caftan in the intangible heritage list and for the efforts of all contributors to this cultural event embodying creativity and openness.

    Following this, Ms. Ghariba El Jaouhari, President of the Mains Blanches Association, commended the tangible cooperation among all partners to ensure the gala’s success, stressing that the synergy between the Ministry, ICESCO and the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors resulted in a distinctive charity event achieving its humanitarian objectives.

    The gala featured a short film introducing Jordanian heritage as the event’s guest of honour, followed by a presentation of traditional fashion collections from participating countries, and concluded with diverse musical and artistic performances.

    Participants expressed their satisfaction with the success of “Caftan Al Khair” in offering a model that combines the revival of Arab heritage, the empowerment of women’s creativity, and the pursuit of humanitarian goals, reaffirming the role of cultural and charity initiatives in promoting values of solidarity and generosity.

    ICESCO Reviews Initiatives to Prepare Skilled Generation for Space Careers at ICAST

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The International Conference on Applications of Space Science and Technology (ICAST 2025), organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in partnership with several Pakistani and international institutions, concluded on Thursday, 20 November 2025, in Islamabad, with the participation of 70 officials and experts and 2,000 attendees from various countries.

    In the opening address, Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor for the Science and Environment Sector at ICESCO, stated that space has become a pivotal tool for addressing pressing global challenges, including climate change, food security, and disaster prediction. He explained that Earth observation through satellites is now an essential component for achieving sustainable development, highlighting the Organization’s initiatives in this field, which include specialized academic chairs, training programs, a workshop for designing an educational satellite (CanSat), and partnerships with leading international space institutions.

    Dr. Sharif also reviewed during the conference the rapid economic growth trends in the space sector, pointing to ICESCO’s diverse programs and research aimed at preparing a new generation of youth in the Islamic world trained to work in future space professions.

    On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Sharif held meetings with heads of space agencies and officials from scientific networks and international bodies to discuss future cooperation projects, expand youth-oriented programs, organize joint training sessions, and develop satellite applications to strengthen capabilities in addressing climate change.

    ICESCO Calls for Adopting Comprehensive Knowledge Policies for the Islamic World at the Dubai Knowledge Summit

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a round table discussion on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in Dubai, as part of the 10th Knowledge Summit, titled “Building Knowledge Policies,” with the participation of the Director-General of the Organization, Dr. Salim AlMalik, Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Aide to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, and a number of heads of sectors and directors at ICESCO, decision-makers, and experts.

    The round table discussions, moderated by Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector at ICESCO, and attended by a large number of summit participants, addressed ways to lay the foundations for policies that drive the transition to a knowledge-based economy and promote transparency and trust in an era of increasing misinformation.

    In his speech, Dr. Salim AlMalik emphasized that ICESCO’s action is not limited to the transfer of knowledge but goes beyond that to its production and localization in Member States, with special priority given to young people as the main actors in building new knowledge societies. He stated that the Organization’s vision is based on linking knowledge to identity, values, and ethics, allowing for the formulation of policies that take into account cultural specificities and harness the opportunities offered by digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

    In his speech on the cultural dimension of knowledge policies, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector, affirmed that building knowledge societies requires a real development of cultural development policies in the fields of education, training, and scientific research.

    In his turn, Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector at the Organization, addressed the role of the media as a guardian of knowledge in an era of information flow and the rise of fake news, stressing the need to build reliable content and use digital media as a tool for policy-making and enhancing information security, and fostering critical thinking among the younger generations to protect them from misleading and fake news.

    On the subject of multilingual content, Dr. Ahmed Al-Banyan, Director of the Translation and Publishing Center at ICESCO, presented an integrated vision for designing open knowledge environments through digital translation and publishing policies that promote local knowledge production and expand access to scientific and cultural content in Member States.

    The Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, Anar Karimov, tackled the importance of cross-border partnerships, noting that international and South-South cooperation should shift from channels of funding to platforms for the exchange of experiences and the production and localization of knowledge.

    Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences at the Organization, reviewed the role of national commissions in transitioning from traditional coordination functions to excellence centers of knowledge by unifying statistical and knowledge efforts.

    During the round table, Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Aide to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, presented a scientific paper in which he talked about the need for young people to move from consuming knowledge to producing it, through flexible education systems, innovation incubators, and the promotion of entrepreneurship in the field of knowledge.

    In conclusion, the ICESCO delegation participating in the Knowledge Summit affirmed that the Organization will endeavor to translate the conclusions of this discussion into practical recommendations to be submitted to Member States, thereby contributing to the development of a roadmap for knowledge policies in the Islamic world during the coming period.

    ICESCO, UNESCO Launch Global Dashboard to Monitor Progress in Greening Education at COP30

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched the Global Dashboard for Monitoring Progress in Green Education during the third annual meeting of the Greening Education Partnership (GEP), held as part of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, from 10 to 21 November 2025.

    During the virtual launch session, Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, conveyed the appreciation of ICESCO’s Director-General, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, for the efforts made by both ICESCO and UNESCO teams in developing the Dashboard. He further emphasized that green education remains one of ICESCO’s top strategic priorities, noting that the Framework for Greening Education launched by the Organization at COP29 guides Member States toward achieving the goals of the Greening Education Partnership.

    Mr. Karimov added that ICESCO recently conducted several capacity-building workshops to support the integration of climate action into educational systems in several countries, including the Maldives, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. He also affirmed that these programs will be expanded and strengthened under the Education Sector’s Action Plan for 2026–2030.

    Moreover, Mr. Karimov explained that the Dashboard will feature comprehensive progress indicators for all Greening Education Partnership countries ahead of the next COP31, serving as a key tool to enhance access to information, strengthen follow-up and evaluation systems, and promote knowledge exchange and learning across countries.

    Mr. Christopher Castle, Director of the Division for Peace and Sustainable Development at UNESCO, praised the commitment of ICESCO’s Director-General and his shared determination to ensure the success of the impactful partnership with UNESCO in developing the Global Dashboard.

    During the session, Mr. Waqas Afridi, expert at ICESCO’s Education Sector, and Ms. Zineb Habbal, Head of the Project Management Section at ICESCO’s Sector of Strategy and Institutional Excellence, delivered a detailed presentation outlining the Dashboard’s components and structure. Additionally, Ms. Fatima Abira, Web Developer at the Section of Business Intelligence and Applications, also participated in the meeting, having contributed to the platform’s development.

    It is worth noting that ICESCO’s Director-General, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, had announced the Project during the second annual meeting of the Greening Education Partnership, held last November on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

    ICESCO Presents Its Strategy to Combat Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property at Regional Conference in Muscat

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the Regional Conference on Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property, organized by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman, in cooperation with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. The event was held in Muscat from 17 to 19 November 2025.

    Dr. Asmaa Mehdioui, Expert at the Legal Affairs and International Standards Department of ICESCO, delivered a scientific paper outlining the Organization’s strategy to support Member States in safeguarding their heritage and strengthening mechanisms for the prevention of smuggling and illicit trafficking.

    Moreover, Dr. Mehdioui emphasized the need to intensify efforts to restitute cultural property, highlighting key challenges such as the complexity of legal procedures in destination countries, inadequate documentation, and limited coordination among relevant national and international institutions. She called for launching the Advisory Committee for the Recovery of Cultural Property in the Islamic World, describing it as a vital mechanism to assist countries in preparing comprehensive restitution files.

    Dr. Mehdioui also underscored the importance of implementing international conventions, reinforcing national legal frameworks in Member States, and leveraging modern technology to secure cultural property and reduce its vulnerability to illicit transfer.

    ICESCO Director-General Participates in Knowledge Summit 2025 in Dubai

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, participated in the 10th edition of the Knowledge Summit 2025, held on 19-20 November 2025 in Dubai under the theme: “Knowledge Markets: Developing Sustainable Communities,” organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    During a keynote session titled “Knowledge at the Core of Collective Progress,” Dr. AlMalik highlighted the importance of placing youth at the heart of national strategies to shape the future of knowledge economies and build capacities for long-term development. He pointed to several ICESCO programs that support youth in Member States in contributing to innovation, education, and cultural initiatives in their countries, such as the Young Professionals Program (YPP) and the Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS).

    The ICESCO Director General also emphasized the need to strengthen joint efforts to build resilient and sustainable communities, particularly in the fields of education, science, culture, environmental practices, and traditional knowledge, noting the pivotal role of the Arabic language as a cornerstone of cultural identity and a primary means of transmitting knowledge across generations.

    The session saw the participation of Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, Secretary-General of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, and Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Aide to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan.

    A delegation from ICESCO accompanied the Director-General to the Summit, where several heads of sectors and directors will participate in specialized sessions covering knowledge policies, governance and ethical frameworks in the digital era, creativity and innovation, multilingualism and open data, and cooperation mechanisms for integrated, future-ready knowledge systems.

    ICESCO Calls for Protection of Children from Bullying on World Children’s Day

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    On the occasion of World Children’s Day, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a symposium at its headquarters in Rabat on Monday, 17 November 2025, under the theme “Addressing the Faces of Bullying: From Schoolyards to Digital Spaces.” The event was organized in partnership with Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC), and the Conference of Ministers of Education of French-Speaking Countries (CONFEMEN), and brought together around 70 children alongside several education and psychology experts.

    In his opening remarks delivered on behalf of ICESCO Director-General Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to the Organization’s Director-General for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), emphasized that ICESCO places children at the heart of its strategic vision and considers the protection of future generations from violence and bullying a constant priority. He highlighted the Organization’s practical initiatives and programs that reflect its firm commitment to promoting mental health and well-being among youth, noting that the “Mental Health and Well-being” program is a key pillar of this approach.

    Speaking during the symposium, Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain AlJazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Diplomatic Corps in Morocco, affirmed that every child has intrinsic value and uniqueness, and that each child carries a special light unlike any other. She stressed that differences in appearance, voice, or expression are not flaws but sources of distinction and beauty, offering children advice on self-respect and rejecting mistreatment.

    In a recorded address, Ms. Bahar Avaz Muradova, Chair of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of Azerbaijan, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to protecting children and combating all forms of violence. She outlined several ongoing initiatives, including “Child-Friendly Spaces” and “Family and Child Support Centers,” as well as nationwide anti-violence campaigns.

    Next, Ms. Kenza Abourmane, Head of the Youth Department at Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, praised the ongoing collaboration with ICESCO in producing educational content for children and adolescents. She noted the alignment of ICESCO’s film “Show Me Your Smile,” which addresses school bullying, with national efforts to combat violence in educational settings.

    In his recorded remarks, Mr. Abdel Rahamane Baba-Moussa, Secretary-General of CONFEMEN, stated that turning any story into an animated film provides an effective educational tool that resonates with all age groups in schools. Mr. Mustafa Ali, Secretary-General of GNRC, underscored that a safe child is the foundation of a safe world, affirming the convergence of this initiative with the GNRC’s vision to enhance children’s psychological and social protection.

    The symposium featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr. El Hajjami Hassan, expert in ICESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, with participation from educators, psychologists, and school administrators. The panel explored the latest educational and psychological approaches to combating bullying. The event concluded with a dedicated session for children, during which they shared their experiences and perspectives on confronting bullying.

    Tunisian Foreign Minister Discusses Strengthening Cooperation, Promoting a Culture of Peace with ICESCO and the UN Alliance of Civilizations

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    Mr. Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, received on Monday, 17 November 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Tunisia, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and UN Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

    The meeting served as an opportunity to exchange views on the growing challenges related to the rise of hate speech and intolerance, as well as exploring ways to enhance initiatives aimed at promoting a culture of peace and coexistence. Discussions also touched on strengthening joint programs between Tunisia and the two organizations, particularly in the fields of youth, education, and cultural innovation.

    The Tunisian Foreign Minister expressed his country’s pride in hosting the Tunis International Symposium on “Strengthening the Role of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in Promoting International Peace and Security”, organized by ICESCO in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UNAOC. He reaffirmed Tunisia’s full readiness to support any initiatives and conferences that advance multilateral action in an increasingly volatile global context. He also reiterated Tunisia’s unwavering position in supporting the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people to establish their independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik praised Tunisia’s initiatives in the fields of education, cultural heritage preservation, and capacity-building, stressing ICESCO’s commitment to expanding joint projects with Tunisia, especially in areas related to youth inclusion and women’s empowerment.

    Mr. Moratinos also commended Tunisia’s leading role in promoting intercultural dialogue, affirming that the partnership with Tunisia stands as an important model supporting global efforts in this field.

    The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue trilateral coordination to launch new joint programs and further reinforce Tunisia’s position as a hub for dialogue and civilizational convergence.

    Tunisian President Receives ICESCO Director General for High-Level Exchange on Cultural and Civilizational Issues

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    On Monday, November 17, 2025, His Excellency Kais Saied, President of the Republic of Tunisia, received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations and United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

    During the meeting, discussions focused on a range of current cultural and civilizational issues. President Kais Saied affirmed that no hierarchy should exist between nations or civilizations, stressing that the world is undergoing rapid change that requires us to rethink certain concepts that have become obsolete or outdated.

    The Head of State also stressed the need to base any alliance on common human and universal values. He pointed out that those who advocate confrontation between civilizations or express hostility towards Islam and many peoples have been proven wrong by reality and will ultimately be discredited by history.

    The President of the Republic concluded by recalling that justice and freedom must prevail within states and form the foundation of any human society. He denounced the division of peoples into “civilized” and “barbaric,” which he described as a racial discrimination inherited from colonialism, the source of tragedies, wars, and the plundering of the wealth of long-oppressed peoples. He reaffirmed that a new legitimacy is emerging, bringing with it the values of freedom, justice, and true emancipation.

    For his part, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik highlighted the need to find practical solutions to humanitarian crises, based on reliable data, rapid response, and capacity building for local actors. He stressed that these approaches are inspired by the Tunisian national motto, “Order, Justice, and Freedom,” which he considers to be the pillars of any inclusive civilizational project. He further added that a world that does not rely on these values will not be able to establish lasting peace or guarantee equitable development.

    ICESCO Affirms the Central Role of the Alliance of Civilizations in Promoting Peace and Intercultural Dialogue

    Posted on by abdelmohcine.benhlal

    The Tunis International Symposium on “Activating the Role of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in Supporting International Peace and Security” kicked off in Tunis, Tunisia, on Monday, 17 November 2025. The event was organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, as well as the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. The opening session witnessed the presence of several ministers and senior officials, ambassadors of Member States, representatives of international and regional organizations, in addition to experts and academics from various countries around the world.

    In his speech during the opening session, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized the central role of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in confronting the escalating challenges that threaten international peace and security. He pointed out that the symposium serves as an essential preparatory milestone for the 11th Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations, which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over the period spanning from 14 to 15 December 2025. He also stressed that the symposium contributes to shaping unified visions aimed at strengthening international cooperation in dialogue and intercultural understanding.

    Dr. AlMalik presented ICESCO’s new concept of “Civilizational Diplomacy” as an ambitious vision that moves from idea to implementation through partnerships. He also affirmed that establishing an operational network for civilizational diplomacy is the path toward realizing the goals of the unifying theme of dialogue. He further highlighted the establishment of the ICESCO Chair for the Alliance of Civilizations at Qatar University and the development of a track of related educational, scientific, and cultural programs aimed at empowering youth.

    For his part, Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, stressed that civilizational alliance should not remain a rhetorical framework but must become an effective mechanism for addressing major issues that shake the human conscience, foremost among them the Palestinian cause and what civilians in Gaza are enduring under occupation.

    Similarly, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, affirmed that peace is not built on fear or suspicion, but on dialogue, dignity, and mutual respect—values that form the essence of the Alliance and the reason for its existence.

    During the discussions, participants addressed the most pressing contemporary challenges facing intercivilizational dialogue, with special focus on the five pillars of the Alliance: education, media, migration, women’s empowerment, and the role of youth. They underscored the need to develop innovative mechanisms to consolidate values of mutual understanding and enhance societies’ capacities to counter hate speech and division, particularly amid rising international crises.

    Following this, participants presented a set of practical proposals to reinforce the principles of the Alliance, most notably: launching national and regional initiatives for intercultural dialogue; developing plans to combat hate speech and misinformation; supporting the integration of women and youth in peace and reconciliation programs; enhancing international cooperation in civilizational diplomacy; developing preventive mechanisms to address conflicts with cultural or civilizational dimensions; and building the capacities of media institutions through specialized “Media for Peace” training programs.

    The symposium concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation and ensuring sustainable financial and logistical support for initiatives related to dialogue and peace, while renewing participants’ commitment to continuing joint efforts to entrench the values of understanding and to reinforce international efforts that support global peace and security.

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