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    ICESCO Director-General Meets with Ministers of Culture and Education, and Chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee in Tajikistan

    Discussions focused on heritage preservation, green education, and climate change action

    On the sidelines of the International Conference on Glacier Preservation, held in Dushanbe from 29 to 31 May 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a series of bilateral meetings with Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture, Minister of Education and Science, and Chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee, to explore avenues for strengthened cooperation in cultural heritage protection, environmental education, and sustainability.

    The first meeting, held with Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture, Ms. Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, discussed ways to further strengthen the existing cooperation in the field of preserving and documenting Tajik heritage. The two parties agreed to implement joint programs and initiatives in the fields of environmental culture, arts and literature, and supporting Tajik traditional industries, in continuation of the recent achievements made by the two parties, including the inscription of about 20 sites on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Lists and the holding of several national workshops for workers in the field of heritage preservation.

    The ICESCO Director-General also met with Mr. Rakhim Hamro Saidzoda, Tajikistan’s Minister of Education and Science, discussing support for ICESCO’s “Greening Education” initiative, cooperation in teacher training, integration of artificial intelligence technologies in the educational process, and youth skills development to prepare them for tomorrow’s professions through joint programs and projects. Dr. AlMalik appreciated Tajikistan’s efforts aimed at strengthening its educational system and expressed ICESCO’s support for expanding cooperation in the fields of scientific research and innovation.

    In the bilateral meeting with Mr. Sheralizoda Bahodur, Chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee, the two parties agreed to prepare a document on the protection of glaciers and submit it to the upcoming Conference of Environment Ministers in the Islamic World, given that these rivers are located in nine ICESCO Member States and have a direct impact on food and water security. They also stressed the importance of integrating topics related to climate change into school curricula, training teachers and enhancing their competencies, involving youth in environmental issues, and promoting community awareness of climate issues.
    Dr. AlMalik expressed ICESCO’s willingness to support Tajikistan’s environmental goals. Mr. Bahodur commended the Organization’s efforts geared towards confronting climate change in the Islamic world.

    The meetings were attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku.

    ICESCO Director-General, Tajikistan FM Agree to Develop Action Plan to Intensify Bilateral Cooperation

    Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, met in Dushanbe to discuss the signing of a joint action plan as a framework for cooperation in the coming period, and ways to enhance cooperation between the two parties in the educational, scientific, and cultural fields.

    The meeting, held on Saturday, 31 May 2025, reviewed the future action plan between the two parties, including supporting ICESCO’s initiative to establish a regional observatory for glacier data in the Central Asian region; supporting Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon’s climate action initiatives; and organizing a series of cultural days at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat to highlight Tajikistan’s cultural diversity.

    During the bilateral meeting, Dr. AlMalik thanked Mr. Muhriddin for the kind invitation to attend the International Conference on Glacier Conservation, praised the address of H.E. President Emomali Rahmon to the conference, and reiterated ICESCO’s full appreciation for his leading initiatives and efforts in combating climate change.

    The ICESCO Director-General also affirmed the Organization’s keenness to strengthen its cooperation with Tajikistan in the Organization’s areas of competence, noting that Tajik talents may be recruited to work at ICESCO, in addition to the implementation of training programs for a group of Tajik young people at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat.

    For his part, Mr. Muhriddin highlighted the status of ICESCO and its leading roles in Tajikistan, stressing his keenness to sign a joint action plan between the two parties as soon as possible.

    ICESCO Director-General Commends Tajikistan’s Glacier Conservation Vision, Urges Global Action

    In his address to the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Conservation, held from 29 to 31 May 2025 in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), praised the forward-looking vision of H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, who has made the issue of glaciers a national and international priority.

    Dr. AlMalik pointed out that, thanks to the vision of its President, Tajikistan has established itself as a key player in global water diplomacy, playing the role of guardian of one of the largest glacier reserves in Central Asia. He also recalled that President Rahmon’s initiative, behind the United Nations’ proclamation of the “International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development” (2018–2028), marked a decisive turning point in the mobilization of global efforts to tackle one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time.

    ICESCO’s Director-General pointed out that over the last fifty years, the world has lost more than a third of its glaciers, with Central Asia alone losing almost 30% of its glaciers since the 1960s, noting that Tajikistan’s glaciers supply more than 60% of the water resources of the Amu Darya basin, a vital source for more than 43 million people.

    In view of this pressing situation, Dr. AlMalik called for immediate collective action, stating: “The figures are alarming, but they bear a common call to unite science with solidarity, and development with sustainability.”

    In this spirit, he announced ICESCO’s full commitment to supporting Tajikistan’s efforts, including the implementation of scientific research and joint glacier monitoring programs; the launch of an educational campaign in Member States to raise environmental awareness among young people; support for local knowledge and traditional practices in water resource management; and the creation of a regional glacier data observatory to serve the whole of Central Asia.

    In conclusion, Dr. AlMalik commended the efforts of H.E. President Emomali Rahmon in holding this crucial conference, noting that the initiative embodies Tajikistan’s moral leadership and highlights the profound harmony between its people and its natural environment. He called for inspiration to be drawn from this model and for united efforts to protect what remains of the glaciers and restore the ecological balance of our planet.

    President of Tajikistan Receives ICESCO Director-General in Dushanbe

    His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, received, on Friday, 30 May 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on the sidelines of the opening of the high-level International Conference on Glacier Conservation, held in Dushanbe. The meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the educational, scientific, and cultural fields.

    At the beginning of the meeting, H.E. the President of Tajikistan emphasized that his country attaches special importance to expanding cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and scientific research with international partners, expressing Tajikistan’s willingness to strengthen its cooperation with ICESCO to contribute to the efforts to develop the cultural and scientific fields in the Islamic world.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed ICESCO’s deep appreciation for President Emomali Rahmon and his great efforts to preserve glaciers, noting that under his leadership, Tajikistan has become a leading voice in global water diplomacy and a guardian of the largest glaciers in Central Asia.

    The meeting also touched on the development of a set of joint initiatives and programs in the fields of preserving and valorizing heritage, promoting traditional industries and crafts, and enhancing scientific efforts to protect historical monuments.

    The meeting was also attended by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Dr. Abdulhakeem Al Senan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku; and Mr. Azamsho Sharifi, Assistant to the President for International Relations.

    ICESCO Hosts 4th International Congress on Natural Products and Sustainable Development, with Participation from 47 Universities

    The 4th International Congress on “Natural Products and Sustainable Development” kicked off at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat, Morocco, on the morning of Thursday, 29 May 2025. The Congress is organized by the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), an affiliate of ICESCO, in partnership with Mohammed V University in Rabat and the Averroès Foundation for the Promotion of Scientific Research and Innovation, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him.

    This year’s edition, which is being held under the theme “Health, Nutrition, and Cosmetic Applications,” gathers participants from 47 universities across 27 countries, over the period spanning 29–31 May 2025. Its objectives include deepening scientific research in the field of natural products and promoting their applications in health, agriculture, nutrition, and cosmetics. It also serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and exploration of the latest scientific practices and technologies in this vital field.

    Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, inaugurated the event by delivering an opening address on behalf of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO. He reaffirmed the Organization’s steadfast commitment to supporting its Member States in formulating ambitious national policies grounded in the principles of sustainable development. He highlighted the diversity of ICESCO programs aimed at developing natural resources, valuing traditional knowledge, and promoting sustainable and equitable value chains, particularly in health and nutrition.

    Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General for FUIW, described the Congress as a prominent international scientific platform that will feature 240 scientific presentations by researchers, experts, and university professors. These presentations will address various aspects of utilizing natural products to support sustainable development. He emphasized that the Congress’s concluding recommendations would have significant scientific and strategic impact.

    Following that, Dr. Mohamed El Ghachi, President of Mohammed V University, stated that natural products represent a multidimensional strategic engine that bridges the economic, social, agricultural, and environmental sectors. He noted that Morocco has made substantial progress in this field thanks to the crucial role played by universities and national academic institutes in supporting scientific research and valorizing natural resources.

    For his part, Dr. Mohammed Regragui, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at Mohammed V University in Rabat, spoke about the faculty’s leadership in scientific research on natural products. This has been achieved through advanced laboratories and international academic partnerships. He noted that the Congress provides an important platform for exchanging expertise and building fruitful scientific and professional collaboration.

    In the same context, Mr. Mohamed Beroui, Director of Climate and Biodiversity at the Moroccan Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, and Dr. Hanae El Monfalouti, Vice President of the Averroès Foundation for the Promotion of Scientific Research and Innovation, both underscored the importance of the Congress in enhancing dialogue around the integration of natural products into sustainable development strategies, particularly in light of global health and environmental challenges. They further highlighted that the Congress agenda includes two roundtables, six thematic workshops, and three media sessions, in addition to the opportunities it offers for international scientific publication.

    ICESCO Director-General Arrives in Tajikistan for International Conference on Glacier Preservation

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), arrived in Dushanbe, the capital of the Republic of Tajikistan, on Thursday, 29 May 2025, to take part in the International Conference on Glacier Preservation. The event is organized by Tajikistan in partnership with UNESCO, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

    The two-day conference, which will kick off today, will see the participation of a number of senior officials, heads of international organizations, climate action leaders, and environmental experts, with the aim of highlighting the economic and environmental importance of glaciers and discussing the adoption of an integrated international approach to mitigate the negative effects of melting ice on water and food security.

    Ahead of the official sessions, a series of events took place, attended by Dr. Salim AlMalik, Ms. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, and Ms. Dilrabo Mansuri, Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, along with several ministers of environment and water from various countries. The events included an exhibition showcasing traditional Tajik crafts, followed by an official dinner featuring folk performances by groups from different regions of Tajikistan, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity.

    Dr. AlMalik’s participation in the conference is part of ICESCO’s ongoing commitment to promoting international solidarity in the face of climate change and supporting scientific efforts and sustainable environmental practices across the Islamic world to help safeguard water and food security.

    Dr. AlMalik will be accompanied by Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, and Dr. Abdulhakeem Al Senan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku.

    ICESCO Director-General Congratulates Ould Tah on AfDB Presidency

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), congratulated Dr. Sidi Ould Tah on his election as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

    Dr. AlMalik stated that Dr. Ould Tah was elected from among four candidates, winning 76% of the votes—a reflection of his prominent international economic status. He noted that this election marks another major achievement in his distinguished financial and economic career, adding to his leadership roles as former Minister of Economic Affairs and Development in Mauritania and former Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).

    Dr. AlMalik extended his best wishes to Dr. Sidi Ould Tah in leading the African Development Bank.

    Grand Ceremony Marks Celebration of Samarkand as Culture Capital in the Islamic World

    The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan organized, on Tuesday, May 26, 2025, a major ceremony on the occasion of the celebration of Samarkand as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2025. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, along with a number of dignitaries, ambassadors, and Ministers of Culture of ICESCO Member States.

    The ceremony opened with a field tour of the traditional handicrafts areas in the historical city of Samarkand, where guests were introduced to ancient heritage industries, notably plant-based papermaking, high-end traditional handmade knives, and decorative pottery—all reflecting the authenticity of the city’s crafts.

    Following the tour, H.E. Minister Nazarbekov accompanied the visiting delegation to a dinner reception, followed by an art show featuring a host of local artists and musicians. The show included traditional dances performed to the tune of folk music and highlighted the colorful and intricate designs of Samarkand’s traditional garments.

    In a special feature, the Uzbek Minister of Culture presented one of his famous songs, a performance received with admiration by the attendees. Prior to assuming his ministerial position, Mr. Nazarbekov was one of the country’s renowned singers.

    The ceremony concluded with a fireworks display that lit up the sky of the historic city. The spectacle brought together locals and visitors alike in a celebration aimed at highlighting Samarkand’s civilizational status as a cultural and historical hub throughout history.

    The celebration of Samarkand is part of ICESCO’s Programme for Culture Capitals in the Islamic World, which aims to promote cities known for their rich cultural and civilizational heritage. It also seeks to enhance these cities’ presence on the global cultural scene by offering a platform for cultural and artistic exchange among peoples and an opportunity to highlight the contributions of Muslim cities in advancing human civilization.

    ICESCO Director-General Visits Imam al-Bukhari Complex in Samarkand, Announces International Scientific Conference on Musnad Sahih of Imam al-Bukhari

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, concluded his visit to Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, with a tour of the Imam al-Bukhari Complex, which is under construction at the initiative of H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and due to be inaugurated soon.

    Dr. AlMalik was received by Mr. Shafusil Ziyadov, Director of the Imam al-Bukhari Complex, who took him on a tour of the complex, providing detailed explanations about its various sections and departments, as well as its objectives in preserving the heritage of Imam al-Bukhari and employing the latest technologies in this regard.

    Dr. AlMalik commended the Uzbek authorities’ great interest in the unique heritage of Imam al-Bukhari, noting that Imam al-Bukhari played a major role and made great efforts in preserving and authenticating the Prophet’s Hadith and Sunnah.

    During his visit, accompanied by Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization, ICESCO Director-General added that the Organization has a research chair at the Imam al-Bukhari Academy and has finalized the arrangements for organizing the international scientific conference “Jami‘ al-Musnad al-Sahih li’l-Imam al-Bukhari,” due to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

    Constructed in Uzbek architectural style, the Imam al-Bukhari Complex includes a mosque that can accommodate about 10,000 worshippers, a museum, halls to display the original copy of Sahih al-Bukhari, and a collection of books by the most prominent imams of hadith.

    ICESCO Participates in International Conference on Combating Islamophobia held in Azerbaijan

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the international scientific conference entitled “Islamophobia: Exposing Prejudice and Dismantling Stereotypes”, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 26–27 May 2025. The event brought together more than 200 prominent figures, including leading experts, academics, and decision-makers from around the world.

    The conference was marked by significant intellectual momentum, featuring the presentation of over 70 scientific papers that addressed the developments of Islamophobia and its current political, cultural, and social ramifications. It also proposed practical approaches to confronting the phenomenon. The sessions stood out for their diversity in themes and the richness of the discussions, reflecting a growing international awareness of the need to tackle this issue at its conceptual roots.

    The conference was officially opened with a speech by H.E. the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, delivered on his behalf by his Assistant for Foreign Affairs. The opening remarks presented a comprehensive strategic vision in approaching the challenges posed by hostility toward Muslims, emphasizing the need to strengthen international cooperation and intensify joint efforts to combat hate speech and counter harmful stereotypes, all with the aim of fostering values of coexistence and mutual understanding among peoples.

    ICESCO was represented at this international event by Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue, and Mr. Mohamed Hedi Shili, Head of the Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards. In his address, Ambassador Fathalrahman expressed his deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for his continuous support of the Organization, stressing that countering Islamophobia requires international coordination and the adoption of awareness initiatives that transcend geographic and cultural boundaries. Meanwhile, Mr. Shili presented a specialized briefing on the legal dimensions of discrimination against Muslims, highlighting mechanisms for addressing it within legislative frameworks grounded in the principles of equity and justice.

    The conference concluded with the adoption of a final declaration, recommending the term “anti-Muslim discrimination” as a more precise and fair alternative to the term “Islamophobia”—a direction that ICESCO has been among the first organizations to advocate for, out of a commitment to conceptual clarity and terminological precision in describing this form of hatred and discrimination.

    This conference was organized within the framework of a strategic partnership that brought together ICESCO and several major international institutions engaged in interfaith and intercultural dialogue, including the G20 Interfaith Forum, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, and the Muslim Council of Elders, in addition to notable European and Islamic bodies. This collaboration gave the event a global reach and constituted a human message that transcends geographical and religious boundaries.