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    Head of Culture Sector Reviews ICESCO’s Achievements to Promote Cultural Affairs

    Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), gave an address during the 19th Meeting of the Consultative Council for Cultural Development in the Islamic World, held by ICESCO in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, 10 February 2025.

    In this regard, Dr. Zine El Abidine presented the Organization’s report on its achievements in culture, which included a set of successful initiatives aimed at promoting cultural affairs in its Member States, notably ICESCO’s Initiative on Cultural Rights and the Right to Culture in the Islamic World, which contributed to securing 21 programs for ten African Member States, with the number of beneficiaries reaching 1,000.

    Moreover, he highlighted ICESCO’s Creative Intelligence Incubator, “Ibdaa,” which mentored young entrepreneurs across various cultural fields and supported 100 startup projects. He also announced the establishment of two new specialized centers: the Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts and the Center for Poetry and Literature. Additionally, Dr. Zine El Abidine reviewed ICESCO’s Culture Capital program, which celebrates Marrakech, Shusha, and Benghazi for their rich cultural heritage within the Islamic world.

    In conclusion, Dr. Zine El Abidine stressed that the Organization’s efforts in the cultural field align with its “Paths towards the Future” program, serving as a model for Member States to foster innovation and solidify culture as a foundational pillar.

    The Consultative Council for Cultural Development in the Islamic World is convened to review the agenda, draft resolutions, and documents to be presented at the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, scheduled for February 12–13 in Jeddah.

    ICESCO Submits Proposals to Amend the Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World’s Rules of Procedure

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) proposed a number of amendments to the Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Ministers of Culture of the Islamic World, submitted to the 19th Consultative Council for Cultural Development in the Islamic World, held on Monday, 10 February 2025, in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    In his statement during the meeting, Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Director of ICESCO’s Legal Affairs and International Standards Department, indicated that the new Rules of Procedure aim to enhance the organizational structures and promote governance and transparency, thus contributing to improving the efficiency of the Conference’s proceedings and regulating its mechanisms and procedures.

    “The new Rules of Procedure are in line with ICESCO’s vision of enhancing cooperation in the fields of heritage preservation, cultural dialogue, and joint projects. The proposals are submitted in fulfillment of the recommendations of the 12th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, held in Doha on 12-13 September 2023,” added Mr. Shili.

    In the same vein, Mr. Shili highlighted several key amendments, most notably renaming the “Consultative Council for Cultural Development” to the “Executive Committee of the Conference of Ministers of Culture” and restructuring and regrouping the committees under one heading to ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities.

    He also pointed out that the amendments provide for the permanent membership of the State of Palestine in all the Conference’s committees, emphasizing the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the importance of preserving Palestinian cultural heritage.

    Consultative Council for Cultural Development in the Islamic World Holds Its 19th Meeting in Jeddah

    The Saudi Ministry of Culture hosted the 19th Consultative Council for Cultural Development in the Islamic World on Monday, 10 February 2025, in Jeddah. The meeting, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, focused on discussing the agenda, draft resolutions, and documents to be presented at the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, scheduled for February 12–13 in Jeddah.

    The opening session began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by ICESCO’s address delivered by Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of the Culture Sector. He emphasized the organization’s efforts to cultivate excellence and innovation in the Islamic world as foundations for research and renewal in scientific, artistic, technical, and communication fields. He also highlighted ICESCO’s achievements in cultural development and the initiatives and documents to be presented at the upcoming conference.

    Dr. Zine El Abidine further noted that ICESCO is establishing specialized centers for calligraphy, manuscripts, poetry, and literature, stressing that the organization collaborates with its member states to develop strategic action plans that elevate culture to a central and foundational role in the Islamic world.

    Afterward, Dr. Talal bin Saud Al-Ruwais, Chairman of the Consultative Council for Cultural Development in the Islamic World, discussed the contributions of Islamic civilization to cultural advancement and stressed that the meeting serves as a preparatory step for the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, which aims to enhance cultural cooperation among ICESCO member states and review key resolutions on preserving tangible and intangible heritage.

    The opening session also included the approval of the new Council Bureau for its 19th session, with Saudi Arabia assuming the presidency from Qatar, which now serves as rapporteur, while Palestine and Senegal were appointed as vice presidents.

    Following the opening, the Council proceeded with two working sessions. The first session focused on approving the meeting’s agenda and reviewing several executive reports to be presented at the 13th Ministerial Conference, including arrangements for electing new Consultative Council members, the draft internal regulations of the Ministerial Conference, ICESCO’s cultural achievements report, and the report of the Islamic World Heritage Committee.

    In the second session, the Council examined key policy documents, including:

    ​•​ICESCO’s Initiative on Cultural Rights and the Right to Culture in Islamic World Countries

    ​•​A document on strengthening efforts to recover cultural properties in the Islamic world

    ​•​An analytical report on the list of world heritage sites in danger in the Islamic world

    ​•​A document on digitizing bilingual dictionaries in Islamic countries

    ​•​A document on the historical illustrated dictionary of Arabic calligraphy, presented by Saudi Arabia

    The meeting concluded with the adoption of the agenda, schedule, and documents for the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World. Members of the Consultative Council praised ICESCO’s efforts in strengthening collaborative cultural initiatives across the Islamic world and acknowledged its achievements under its new strategic vision, underscoring the need for continued support of its endeavors.

    Winners Announced for the 4th Hamdan-ICESCO Prize for Voluntary Development of Educational Facilities in Islamic World

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences have announced the winners of the 4th Hamdan-ICESCO Prize for Voluntary Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World. The prize honors outstanding voluntary initiatives that support and develop educational environments in countries of the Islamic world.

    The Hamdan-ICESCO Prize aims to achieve several strategic objectives, including encouraging and rewarding voluntary initiatives in education, promoting sustainable development efforts to create new and lasting educational environments, and supporting educational infrastructure in the Muslim world. These efforts contribute to improving education quality and ensuring equal access to educational opportunities.

    Announced in December 2023, the fourth edition of the prize attracted applications from both organizations and individuals across various Islamic countries. This year, nine educational initiatives from seven countries participated, reflecting the growing interest in voluntary action within the education sector.

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, commended the prize’s role in fostering voluntary action in education and highlighted the importance of developing educational facilities as a cornerstone for societal advancement.

    “Ensuring sustainable and inclusive education requires continuous support for voluntary efforts and philanthropic initiatives, which is the essence of this prize, organized in partnership with Hamdan Foundation. This edition’s winning projects reflect a real commitment to achieving positive change in beneficiary communities and provide pioneering models that can inspire further initiatives in the future. ICESCO remains committed to strengthening this initiative by collaborating with organizations that support education, contributing to the overall advancement of the sector,” Dr. AlMalik stated.

    H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, emphasized that the prize reflects the foundation’s vision of fostering an advanced educational environment that supports sustainable development in Islamic countries.

    “Investment in education is key to the future of societies. This prize honors and recognizes voluntary efforts that contribute to improving the educational environment. This edition’s winners have provided exceptional examples of projects with real impact, helping to build modern and sustainable learning environments and opening new horizons for students in beneficiary communities. We are proud of our partnership with ICESCO and look forward to supporting more inspiring projects that enhance the quality of education in the Muslim world,” H.E. Al Qatami added.

    The Prize Jury selected three outstanding institutions for their pioneering projects in developing educational facilities:
    • Hadramawt Foundation – Human Development (Yemen): Awarded for its “Pilot High Schools” project (Models), which aims to establish and develop modern pilot high schools in Hadramawt Governorate, enhancing the region’s education quality.
    • Heydar Aliyev Foundation (Azerbaijan): Recognized for its “Educational and Social Support Project,” which focuses on building and rehabilitating schools in multiple countries, both within and beyond the Islamic world.
    • Moroccan Foundation for Primary Education (Morocco): Honored for its initiative to equip primary education departments in rural, semi-rural, and urban areas across the Kingdom, ensuring an integrated learning environment for children in remote regions.

    This edition of the prize reinforces its commitment to encouraging voluntary initiatives that improve educational environments by recognizing innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges in the education sector. The strong participation numbers further establish the Hamdan-ICESCO Prize as one of the leading programs supporting voluntary action in education and contributing to the sustainable development of the sector across the Islamic world.

    The winners will be honored at an upcoming official award ceremony, where each will receive the prize shield and a financial award to support their projects and benefit their target communities.

    ICESCO and SASO Explore Aspects of Joint Cooperation in Quality Standards

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Saad bin Othman Alkasabi, Governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), Vice-Chairman of its Board of Directors, discussed prospects for cooperation between the two sides in quality standards, raising awareness of their importance, and adopting them as a key driver for enhancing performance across various sectors.

    At the outset of the meeting, held on Friday 7 February 2025, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the international awards and quality certifications ICESCO has received in recent years in management, governance, and innovation. Dr. AlMalik highlighted the Organization’s adherence to scientific and methodological standards to enhance performance, positioning it as a distinguished organizations recognized by international bodies, organizations, and governments.

    Dr. AlMalik outlined key initiatives undertaken to achieve this progress, including reviewing the staff regulations, recruiting outstanding talent from diverse countries without discrimination, strengthening transparency and credibility, and adopting an intensive work approach in the Organization’s fields of action. Dr. AlMalik also emphasized ICESCO’s commitment to renewal, with young professionals comprising over 40% of its staff and women holding 50% of leadership positions. This strategic approach has resulted in significant achievements across projects and activities in collaboration with Member States and global partners. Many of these initiatives have gained international prominence due to the added value they offer participants across various fields and disciplines.

    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted Organization’s rigorous performance evaluation and continuous development processes, which have strengthened its position as a center of expertise in education, science, and culture. Through its open and inclusive approach, ICESCO has expanded cooperation with a broad network of partners, securing additional funding for its projects and programs. Many of these initiatives align with the priorities of key stakeholders, particularly those focused on youth and women’s capacity building, heritage preservation, and the protection of heritage sites in the Islamic world. Dr. AlMalik further emphasized ICESCO’s efforts in publishing cultural indicators guide, promoting coexistence, peace, and civilizational dialogue, countering extremist ideologies, and fostering investment in technology, innovation, space science, and artificial intelligence.

    In this regard, the Organization has launched the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence, advanced the culture of foresight, and strengthened the global standing of the Arabic language. These initiatives, along with other strategic programs, are executed through ICESCO’s specialized centers, which adhere to high standards. Among these the Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, Civilizational Dialogue Center, Translation and Publishing Center, and the Center of Foresight and Artificial intelligence. Additional centers, such as the Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts, are set to be launched soon.

    Dr. Alkasabi commended ICESCO’s efforts in advancing its areas of expertise across the Islamic world, expressing particular interest in the Organization’s approach to aligning its work with international quality standards while also developing specialized standards tailored to its needs. He highlighted key areas such as artificial intelligence, heritage preservation, and Arabic calligraphy and manuscripts.
    Dr. Alkasabi emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation to integrate ICESCO’s quality standards into the SMIIC’s framework and proposed nominating these standards for ISO certification to establish them as globally recognized benchmarks.

    Given the historical significance of metrology and standardization in the Islamic world, Dr. Alkasabi underscored ICESCO’s role as a modern extension of this legacy. He further advocated for the development of a comprehensive document outlining the distinctive characteristics of this field in the region, incorporating new advancements, and promoting public and educational awareness on it.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to collaborate on organizing specialized forums and workshops in quality, measurement, and standards, and to work together to have the newly developed quality standards adopted by the relevant Islamic and international bodies.

    The meeting was attended by Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Office of Director General, Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of Legal Affairs and International Standards Department, and Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Translation and Publishing Center.

    ICESCO Launches Green and Clean School Campus Contest in Bangladesh to Promote Environmental Awareness

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in collaboration with the Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO, launched the “Green and Clean School Campus Contest”, which aims to transform schools into centers of sustainability. As part of this initiative, students and teachers will collaborate together to implement environmentally friendly projects, focusing on reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and delivering innovative green solutions.

    The Contest, which was launched on Thursday 6 February 2025, at a ceremony hosted by the International Mother Language Institute (IMLI) in Dhaka, saw the attendance of a number of officials, representatives of regional organizations, faculty members, and students who demonstrated a full commitment to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility in Bangladeshi schools.

    Representing ICESCO via videoconference, Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of the Science and Environment Sector, emphasized the urgent need to train future generations in environmental management. Dr. Raheel highlighted that the Green and Clean School Campus Contest aims to inspire and engage both faculty members and students in collective efforts to maintain environmentally sustainable schools.

    The three-month Contest engages ten selected schools in Dhaka, guiding them to implement green initiatives, integrate sustainability into students’ daily routines, maintain clean campuses, manage waste efficiently, and enhance water conservation. The goal is to extend these practices beyond schools into classrooms and communities.

    ICESCO Director-General Receives President of the African Space Council

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, President of the African Space Council of the African Space Agency, on Friday 7 February 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for cooperation between ICESCO and the Council to implement programs and projects that leverage space sciences to advance education, science, and culture in African countries.

    Dr. AlMalik opened the meeting by highlighting ICESCO’s commitment to space science and its various applications through encouraging Member States to invest in this field due to its significant potential for development and problem-solving. Moreover, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the Organization’s key programs and projects in this field and announced the establishment of a dedicated department for space science within the Organization.

    For his part, Dr. Ouattara praised ICESCO’s continued focus and interest in space science and its applications, expressing his aspiration to build joint cooperation in this regard. Dr. Ouattara invited Dr. AlMalik to attend the NewSpace Africa Conference, to be held next April in Cairo, Egypt, and to participate in the opening of the Office of the African Space Agency in conjunction with the Conference.
    The meeting included discussions on a range of educational programs and initiatives proposed for implementation in collaboration between ICESCO and the Agency.

    These initiatives aim to benefit African countries by showcasing the advantages of space technology in enhancing daily life within communities. The two parties also explored the possibility of signing a cooperation agreement.

    The meeting was attended by Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of Science and Environment Sector, and Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at the same sector.

    ICESCO Announces Winners of “Marrakech Heritage through the Eyes of Youth” Photography Contest

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is pleased to announce the winners of its photography contest Marrakech Heritage through the Eyes of Youth Organized as part of the celebration of Marrakech, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2024. The Contest aimed to encourage the youth to contribute to the preservation of the city’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage by showcasing their talents and creativity in documenting it.

    The winners were selected based on evaluation criteria set by a specialized jury comprising experts in photography and heritage preservation. The contest featured two categories: Tangible Cultural Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage. The results are as follows:

    Tangible Cultural Heritage Category:

    Six winners were selected:

    • First place: Achraf Rouad
    • Second place: Mohamed Amine Kabbouri
    • Third place: Khadija El Aamrich
    Encouragement awards were granted to: Jouayria Idzem, Youssef Jaghnane Idrissi, and Khawla Lamine.
    Intangible Cultural Heritage Category:

    Five winners were selected:

    • First place: Jamal Jalal
    • Second place: Hiba Ait Elghassal
    • Third place: Mustapha Oussi
    Encouragement awards were granted to: Amira Adil and Mohamed Ait Ouznag.

    ICESCO and Milo Institute Collaborate on Space Science Capacity Building

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. David Thomas, Executive Director of the Milo Institute for Space Science, on Thursday, 6 February 2025, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat. The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration through programs aimed at building young researchers’ capacities, raising awareness of space science applications, and organizing international outreach activities.

    Dr. AlMalik expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between ICESCO and Milo in space science capacity building, entrepreneurship, and technology, emphasizing its impact on developing young talent in Member States. He reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to harnessing space science and its applications to address critical challenges such as climate change and food security.

    For his part, Mr. David Thomas stressed the importance of international partnerships in fostering innovation and scientific research, creating better opportunities for young researchers in the space industry.

    The two sides explored plans for an outreach event in Egypt, in collaboration with the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA), aimed at engaging young researchers and space enthusiasts. They also discussed co-hosting an international conference on artificial intelligence applications in the space industry.

    The meeting was attended by Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of Science and Environment Sector; Osama Heikal, Head of Media and Communication Sector; and Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at the Science and Environment Sector.

    ICESCO and Iraq Explore Ways to Strengthen Cooperation on Heritage Preservation and Manuscripts

    Rabat: 06/02/2025

    Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Fuad Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, on Thursday, 6 February 2025, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat. The two sides discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation in the fields of preserving and valuing heritage and protecting cultural property, Arabic calligraphy, and manuscripts.

    During the meeting, which was attended by Dr. Bhutan Dizayee, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations and the most prominent programs and initiatives it implements in its fields of competence for the benefit of its Member States, noting that in recent years, the Organization has added to its areas of action new topics such as artificial intelligence, environmental protection, and space sciences and their applications.

    ICESCO Director-General highlighted the Organization’s efforts to inscribe the Islamic world heritage through its Islamic World Heritage Center, to protect cultural properties and heritage elements from damage, looting, and illicit trafficking by documenting them, building the capacity of workers in the field, and employing the latest relevant technologies.

    Dr. AlMalik expressed the Organization’s readiness to cooperate with Iraq in the field of Arabic calligraphy in light of ICESCO’s interest in manuscripts, as an authentic cultural and artistic heritage that should be publicized and preserved for future generations, given the various challenges it faces.

    For his part, Mr. Hussein stressed the importance of cooperation between ICESCO and Iraq in developing the intellectual and cultural movement to confront extremist ideas and protect the heritage and civilization of the Islamic world, noting that the Ministry has adopted the concepts of cultural diplomacy and recovery diplomacy as two soft powers to preserve and value Iraq’s rich heritage.

    The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Director of the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards; and Dr. Idham Hanash, expert at the Culture Sector.