Category: News

Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the scientific seminar organized by the Dar Al-Hadith Al-Hassania Institute on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, under the theme: “Early Islam in Morocco: Historical Context, Characteristics, and Expansions.” The event was attended by Dr. Ahmed Toufiq, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco; Dr. Amal Jallal, President of Al-Qarawiyyin University; Dr. Abdelhamid Achak, Director of Dar Al-Hadith Al-Hassania; along with prominent figures including professors, experts, and researchers in the field.

Dr. Benarafa presented a scholarly paper at the seminar entitled “Establishing the Legitimacy of the Schools of Thought Coming from the East to the Maghreb,” in which he discussed the spread of the Maliki school of thought in Morocco. He stated that “the Hanafi school was among the first schools to reach Ifriqiya from the schools of Iraq. Following that, Moroccans began traveling to the Hijaz in pursuit of knowledge and Hajj, and narrated directly from Imam Malik. Their return led to the dissemination of the Maliki school, which gained wide renown, and Ifriqiya and Cordoba became among the most renowned centers of jurisprudential study across the Islamic world.”

The ICESCO Deputy Director-General explained that the choice of the Maliki school by the people of the Maghreb was due to several reasons, such as the nature of the Maliki school, its compatibility with reality, and its distance from forced interpretations. He added that the Maliki school is a practical jurisprudence linked to real-life contexts and people’s interests, while remaining firmly rooted in foundational Islamic principles.

In addition to presenting his scholarly paper, Dr. Benarafa chaired the first session of the seminar, titled: “The Islamic Conquest of Morocco: Context, Course, and Characteristics,” which explored the historical context of the Islamic conquests and their specificities in the Maghreb in general, and Morocco in particular. It also addressed the course of the Islamic conquest of Morocco and the distinctive events and incidents that accompanied it, through observation, analysis, critique, and synthesis.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, Pope of the Vatican and Head of the Catholic Church. He praised the Pope’s unwavering commitment to human values and his consistent calls for peace, the cessation of wars, respect for human dignity, and the sanctity of human life.

Dr. AlMalik also conveyed his sincere appreciation for the late Pope’s openness to interfaith and intercultural dialogue, as well as his noble initiatives that embodied the principles of coexistence and tolerance. He emphasized that the world has lost a wise and sincere voice, one who championed shared human values and firmly opposed hatred and violence.

ICESCO Director General pointed out that during their meeting, Pope Francis offered him a valuable advice saying, “Always keep the doors open,” a statement that perfectly explains his constant advocacy for openness, love and intercultural and people-to-people communication.

The ICESCO Director-General further noted that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to serve as a source of inspiration for peace and humanitarian advocacy, adding that his memory will remain etched in the hearts of humanity.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno, Egyptian Minister of Culture, to discuss prospects for enhancing bilateral cooperation, implementing upcoming joint programs and activities, and strengthening the partnership in the fields of cultural indicators and creative industries.

During the meeting, held on Saturday, 19 April 2025, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik praised the fruitful cooperation between the Organization and the Arab Republic of Egypt, as well as the efforts made by Egyptian authorities to support ICESCO’s initiatives in the country, particularly in the fields of culture and innovation.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno commended the significant roles played by ICESCO in promoting sustainable development within its areas of competence, especially in cultural creation and heritage preservation. He also affirmed the Egyptian authorities’ willingness to continue their collaboration with the Organization through the implementation of pioneering activities, programs, and initiatives in the cultural field.

The meeting also addressed the mechanisms for implementing the joint projects and programs planned for the upcoming period, including ICESCO’s participation with a special pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair 2025, in addition to a series of activities and events related to the Organization’s areas of expertise.

Subsequently, the two parties discussed the development of a roadmap for an initiative aimed at promoting Egyptian Cultural Week in Islamic countries, as well as cooperation in the field of cultural indicators, the launch of programs in the sector of cultural and innovative industries, and the organization of symposia and conferences to support Member States in developing their strategic visions and orientations in the fields of culture and innovation.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to explore the possibility of forming a joint academic team, in partnership with the Supreme Council of Culture, to explore opportunities offered by artificial intelligence to promote culture and innovative industries.

On Friday, 18 April 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in a celebration organized by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, on the occasion of the 11th edition of Arab Poetry Day. The event was held on the sidelines of the Rabat International Book Fair.

The literary celebration served as an occasion to honor creative expression and pay tribute to iconic figures in poetry and the arts across the Arab world. It featured the esteemed Egyptian actor Yehia El-Fakharany as the guest of honor, who was recognized for his rich artistic career and pioneering role in enriching the Arab artistic and cultural scene.

Also honored were five prominent Arab poets: Mohammed Bennis (Morocco), Saleem Al-Nafar (Palestine), Yaseen Taha Hafiz (Iraq), Abdullah Al-Baradouni (Yemen), and Ahmad Al-Adwani (Kuwait). The event broadcast videos documenting their poetic and artistic journeys and highlighting their influence on Arab culture.

The celebration was attended by Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication; Mr. Ahmed Fouad Hennawi, Minister of Culture of the Arab Republic of Egypt; several members of the Arab diplomatic corps; and an elite group of intellectuals, writers, and poets from across the Arab world.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates of appreciation were presented to the honored artists and poets, or their representatives, in a moment of gratitude and recognition for their contributions to enriching the Arab cultural and artistic landscape.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), to discuss recent developments in cooperation between the two organizations in areas of shared interest. The meeting also explored future prospects for joint action to promote the Arabic language among non-Arabic speakers in African countries, support creative industries, harmonize curricula and educational systems, and raise awareness on the ethics of artificial intelligence.

At the beginning of the meeting, held on Friday, 18 April 2025, Dr. AlMalik praised the depth of the strong relationship between ICESCO and ALECSO, affirming that it goes beyond complementarity to encompass fraternity. He expressed his pleasure at Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar’s visit to ICESCO headquarters, describing it as a reflection of the two organizations’ synergy—ICESCO being a beacon for the Islamic world, and ALECSO a reference for the Arab world.

For his part, Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar lauded the strength of the relationship between the two organizations, which has created significant opportunities for cooperation and for overcoming challenges to achieve common goals. He stated: “We consider ICESCO a part and an extension of ALECSO’s work, and we are pleased with this meeting. While we face major challenges, joint action will enable us to overcome them.”

During the meeting, the two parties discussed ICESCO’s key initiatives, programs, and projects being implemented under its new vision, and the prospects for a strategic partnership between the two organizations in various areas. These include educational development, capacity-building for institutions and individuals in teaching and learning Arabic, enhancing its global presence, and exploring ways to issue a joint reference framework for the Arabic language as a strategic step toward improving its teaching quality in Arab and African countries.

They also discussed efforts to harmonize curricula and educational systems in shared member states, strengthen the creative cultural industries, and promote the role of culture in shaping economic, social, and digital policies, as well as cooperating in the field of artificial intelligence ethics.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, to explore avenues for cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The meeting, held on Friday, 18 April 2025, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, featured a presentation by Dr. AlMalik on the Organization’s initiatives, programs, and activities across its various sectors, departments, and centers. He emphasized ICESCO’s efforts in capacity-building, particularly targeting youth and women, and highlighted the establishment of new specialized centers, including the Calligraphy and Manuscripts Center, the Training Center, and the Center for Poetry and Literature, in addition to the recently launched Media and Communication Sector.

Dr. AlMalik also briefed Her Highness on ICESCO’s ongoing institutional development, which has reinforced its position as a leading organization and a hub of expertise in its fields of action. He outlined the Organization’s strategic expansion through regional offices and centers in several Member States and its forward-looking vision designed to address emerging global challenges.

The Director-General explained that ICESCO’s vision places significant emphasis on preserving and safeguarding the heritage of the Islamic world, inscribing historical sites and cultural elements on Islamic World Heritage Lists, and digitizing them. He also pointed to the launch of programs in the field of creative and cultural industries, noting that the Organization focuses on contributing to the support of good governance, enhancing knowledge production, encouraging the use of space sciences and artificial intelligence technologies, and developing the skills required for future professions, all in service of its Member States and in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.

For her part, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi praised ICESCO’s role in advancing education, science, and culture, its expansion into new fields, and the modernization of its operational frameworks and specializations. She reaffirmed her commitment to fostering a strong and fruitful partnership with ICESCO in the future.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the opening ceremony of the 30th Edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL), held in Rabat. The event is organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him. The opening ceremony was presided over by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, in the presence of several Moroccan ministers and officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and prominent Moroccan, Arab, and international figures.

ICESCO is participating in this edition with a special pavilion that will host 68 activities over the course of ten days. These include intellectual seminars, literary meetings, and poetry readings featuring intellectuals and literary figures from ICESCO’s Member States and beyond, along with the Organization’s experts and leaderships.

The pavilion also showcases ICESCO’s publications in the fields of education, science, culture, media, and human sciences, as well as materials highlighting the Organization’s flagship programs and initiatives. In addition, audiovisual screens have been installed to display multimedia content documenting ICESCO’s various activities and areas of expertise.

This year marks the introduction of an interactive media platform at ICESCO’s pavilion, to showcase diverse digital content, including interviews, podcasts, and daily coverage of the Fair’s activities. This initiative aims to enhance the Organization’s outreach and engagement with audiences both within and beyond the Islamic world.

A large number of ICESCO officials, including heads of sectors, departments, and specialized centers, are actively participating in the pavilion’s programming. The lineup also features distinguished academics affiliated with ICESCO’s scientific chairs, who will deliver lectures and lead seminars in their respective fields of expertise.

In a solemn ceremony held under the patronage of H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, celebrations marking the conclusion of “Shusha Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2024,” organized by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), brought to a close a year rich with remarkable activities carried out under ICESCO’s Program of Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World.

The closing ceremony, held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, commenced with a recorded speech by Dr. Salim Al-Malik, ICESCO Director-General. He expressed ICESCO’s pride in having chosen Shusha, “the jewel of Azerbaijani heritage,” as the 2024 Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, citing its rich cultural and intellectual heritage and significant role in preserving Azerbaijani identity. He highlighted the remarkable cultural renaissance currently unfolding in the city.

Addressing a large audience of senior Azerbaijani officials and members of the ICESCO delegation, Dr. AlMalik emphasized, “Shusha is a vibrant city,” attributing the cultural dynamism to a “wise vision” under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, “whose dedication to serving national identity, culture, and historical justice is unparalleled.” He praised the remarkable transformations Shusha has undergone during President Aliyev’s tenure, ushering the city into a golden era characterized by cultural flourishing, heritage restoration, and national pride.

Dr. AlMalik also conveyed deep appreciation to Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Lady and First Vice President of Azerbaijan, noting her “unwavering commitment to heritage, generous support for the arts, and affection for Shusha, which has enriched every initiative and brightened every moment.” He added that the city’s cultural revival “bears her marks on every stone, every melody, and every restored memory.”

Coinciding with the closing celebrations, the Islamic World Cultural Forum titled “Protection and Revival of Cultural Heritage in Post-Conflict” was held, featuring the participation of the ICESCO delegation alongside international experts, policymakers, and representatives from global and regional organizations. The forum focused on developing effective strategies to protect and restore cultural heritage in areas affected by conflict.

Prior to the ceremony, Mr. Aydin Karimov, the President’s Special Representative for the Shusha District, received the ICESCO delegation, commending the profound partnership between Azerbaijan and ICESCO. In response, the delegation reaffirmed ICESCO’s steadfast commitment to preserving the cultural identity of its Member States, particularly those impacted by war, displacement, and destruction.

The ICESCO delegation included Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku; Dr. Webber Ndoro, Director of ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Center; Mr. Mohammed Al-Absi; and Dr. Mahamat Abba Ousman, experts at the Center.