Category: News

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Dr. Sadia Faizunnesa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of Morocco, to discuss arrangements for the upcoming visit of ICESCO’s delegation to the Republic of Bangladesh next October.

During the meeting, held on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, the two parties reviewed the visit program of the delegation, which will be headed by the ICESCO Director-General as a guest of honor at the World Teachers’ Day celebration, to be held by the Ministry of Education of Bangladesh. The delegation will also hold a series of meetings with high-level officials of the Bangladeshi government.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in the Organization’s areas of expertise through a number of programs and projects tailored to Bangladesh’s specific needs, notably activities aimed at building the capacities of young people and women, and training teachers and educational staff.

For her part, Dr. Faizunnesa underscored that the visit of ICESCO’s delegation, headed by its Director-General, would be a great success and yield concrete outcomes, stressing the importance of developing joint programs for girls to ensure their right to education and reintegration into schools.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of ICESCO Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of ICESCO Science and Environment Sector.

The third Nasimi Festival of Poetry, Art, and Spirituality kicked off on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in the Azerbaijani capital Baku. The festival is organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, in cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The festival aims to promote dialogue between cultures and generations, build bridges between traditional and modern experiences, and highlight the legacy of the famous Azerbaijani poet and thinker Imadaddin Nasimi.

The festival opened with an international forum under the theme “In Search of Eternal Truth,” which was attended by Mr. Adil Gabil Karimli, Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, and Mr. Isa Habibbayli, President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. Also in attendance were Mr. Rafael Baba Huseynov, Director of the National Museum of Literature, and a host of experts and specialists in poetry, art, and culture from 13 countries.

During the forum’s opening session, Dr. Salim AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stressed in a recorded speech that Imadaddin Nasimi’s poetry, composed in Azeri, Persian, and Arabic, demonstrated that civilizations rise when poetry, philosophy, and spiritual values go hand in hand, praising Nasimi’s intellectual and poetic journey and his rich legacy that placed him among the immortals.

Dr. AlMalik added that, once again, our world is seeking peace. Nasimi took this call upon himself by working to overcome divisions, promote knowledge, and support freedom of expression. In conclusion, he noted that immortalizing the name of the Azerbaijani poet renews faith in the universal human values that unite nations.

The three-day festival, which will take place in Baku and Shamakhi (Nasimi’s birthplace), will feature discussions and academic sessions on Nasimi’s legacy, as well as literary and artistic evenings and theatrical and musical performances. A select group of artists, poets, and intellectuals will participate.

Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the third edition of the St. Petersburg International Religious Forum (SPIRF-25), held on Monday, 22 September 2025, in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, under the theme: “Interreligious Cooperation for the Spiritual and Moral Development of Humanity in the Modern World.” The Forum gathered a distinguished group of religious, intellectual, and academic figures from around the globe.

During the plenary session, Dr. Benarafa delivered a keynote speech highlighting the importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue in addressing global challenges, countering extremism and hate speech, and promoting the values of coexistence and peace.

Moreover, Dr. Benarafa outlined some of ICESCO’s leading initiatives in this field, including the organization of the International Virtual Forum on the “Role of Religious Leaderships in the Face of Crises” during the COVID-19 pandemic, the “International Conference on the Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah,” the publication of the “Encyclopedia on Deconstructing Extremist Discourse,” the launch of the “Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS),” as well as various training and research programs that foster intercultural and interreligious understanding.

In conclusion, Dr. Benarafa reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to building a global framework of solidarity that upholds peace and security and strengthens a culture of tolerance and creativity in service of humanity.

The Forum also featured discussions on a range of key issues, including interreligious cooperation and prospects for collaboration, the role of traditional spiritual and moral values as a foundation for interreligious solidarity, and the contribution of religious diplomacy to bridging peoples and fostering mutual understanding.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), paid an official visit to the City of Turkistan in southern Kazakhstan on 21 September 2025, where he was received by Mr. Altayev Ertay Kanjenbrkovich, Deputy Akim (Deputy Governor) of Turkistan Region, and Mr. Azimbek Pazylbekuly, Akim (Mayor) of Turkistan City, along with several senior officials.

During the visit, Dr. AlMalik toured the city to explore its urban and cultural development, and held a meeting with the Deputy Akim of Turkistan Region and the Akim of Turkistan City to discuss opportunities for cooperation, including the possible nomination of Turkistan as the Cultural Capital in the Islamic World for 2027 or 2028. Dr. AlMalik emphasized that the Islamic Culture Capitals Program is a rich and diverse initiative that reflects the civilizational and historical wealth of cities, praising Turkistan’s strong potential for this nomination.

Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik visited a number of historical and cultural landmarks, including the Uly Dala Eli Center, Farab Library, Music and Drama Theater, Karavansaray Tourist Complex, and the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

At the end of the visit, the Deputy Akim of Turkistan Region, Mr. Altayev, and the Akim of Turkistan City, Mr. Azimbek, offered their parting remarks to Dr. AlMalik and the accompanying delegation, which included Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku. Ms. Aktoty Raimkulova, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, also took part in the visit and meetings.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), delivered a high-level lecture at Khoja Ahmet Yassawi International Turkish-Kazakh University during his official visit to Kazakhstan.

In his lecture, delivered on Sunday, 21 September 2025, to the University’s students and faculty, Dr. AlMalik emphasized that “science is an eternal mission, not a degree, and that students who combine reason and values are the ones who can build the future.” He also offered ten valuable advice to the students, encouraging them to make the most of their youth, preserve their cultural identity, respect their teachers, and embrace the world while staying firmly connected to their roots.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted the prominent role of Khoja Ahmet Yassawi University in training young talent to serve Kazakhstan, the Turkic world, and the entire Islamic world. He also called for strengthening academic cooperation between the University and ICESCO in the fields of education, scientific research, and innovation.

In addition, Dr. AlMalik invited the University to join the Federation of Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW) in order to benefit from student exchange programs and contribute to the awarding of scholarships to students from the Islamic world, thereby strengthening its leadership role at the regional and international levels.

For her part, Dr. Janar Temirbekova, President of Khoja Ahmet Yassawi University, praised Dr. AlMalik and stressed the University’s pride in his conference, which inspired students and encouraged them to be pioneers in the service of their communities and countries.

Every year on September 21, the world celebrates the International Day of Peace under the theme: “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) takes this opportunity to call for greater synergy and cooperation to consolidate world peace, particularly in conflict zones.

In this vein, ICESCO renews its commitment to promoting the values of peace, tolerance, and civilizational dialogue within the communities of its Member States through various programs and initiatives, and to mobilizing key actors such as religious and traditional leaders, youth leaders, and women to achieve this goal.

In this regard, ICESCO highlights its Peace 360° initiative, an inclusive and multidisciplinary approach to peacebuilding, aimed at establishing peace among key social actors and making development a tool for consolidating the values of peace.

The Leadership Training in Peace and Security, which is part of this initiative, has trained and mobilized 180 Peace Ambassadors from 68 countries. The Organization’s efforts in this area were recently recognized with the King Abdulaziz Center for Civilizational Communication Award in Saudi Arabia.

ICESCO’s innovative concept of Civilizational Diplomacy has also made a major contribution to the global debate on peace, seeking to consolidate civilizational action within traditional diplomacy.

In order to broaden the scope of its initiatives and programs related to peace and civilizational dialogue, ICESCO and its Youth Peace Ambassadors have officially joined the World Youth Peace Initiative (WYPI) in China, which is an important opportunity for these ambassadors to join a global network of young leaders committed to promoting peace and security.

In conclusion, ICESCO reiterates its call for intensifying international efforts to promote world peace by consolidating the values of tolerance, moderation, dialogue, and cultural diversity, and by strengthening the capacities of young leaders and women at the local and global levels.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), paid an official visit to Shymkent, Kazakhstan, where he was received by the Mayor, Mr. Gabit Syzdykbekov, and senior local officials.

During the meeting, the Mayor reviewed the city’s ancient history and its prominent role in Islamic civilization. He warmly welcomed Dr. AlMalik and his delegation, stressing his readiness to strengthen cooperation with ICESCO in culture, science, and education, and to host future symposiums and conferences organized by the Organization.

The Mayor also accompanied the Director-General on a field visit to the city’s historical and cultural sites. He later hosted a formal dinner in his honor, featuring authentic Kazakh folk performances. As part of his visit, the Director-General led collective prayers at the Seyitjan Kari Esjanuly Grand Mosque, built in the modern Islamic style and comprising a school, a library, a large amphitheater, and several educational institutions. The mosque was built with the generous support of the well-know businessman Serikjan Seitzhanov, who dedicated the mosque to his father, Seyitjan Esjanuly, to serve as a beacon of knowledge, learning, and worship.

Shymkent is the third-largest city in Kazakhstan and one of its oldest. Located in the south near the border with Uzbekistan, it was originally a Silk Road stop and played a major commercial role over the centuries. Today, it is recognized as a leading industrial and commercial hub, blending modern and historical influences. It is also a cultural center, home to major theaters, museums, and monuments.