Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), delivered a lecture titled “Post-globalization thinking” this Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Faculty of Letters and Humanities of the Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, on the occasion of the opening of the new academic year.
In his lecture, Dr. Fathalrahman presented evidence of the decline of the “era of globalization” in favor of an emerging new structure, that is being experienced by the world, offering a systematic critique of the concept of globalization and its attempts at unilateral ideological stereotyping based on Western theory with its capitalist economic and democratic political pillars as threatened themselves by the Western behavior itself.
He also highlighted the issue of “thinking” as a complex system that belongs to the realm of ideas, with all its requirements of intentionality and seriousness, in order to produce systematic visions based on the scientific framework. He also called on students and teachers to exercise the utmost diligence in creating new concepts in an age that allows for this kind of intellectual creativity, just as ICESCO has adopted the concept of “civilizational diplomacy”.
The conference was attended by Dr. Abdeljalil Lokrifa, Dean of the Faculty, his deputy and a number of teachers and students of the humanities.
Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the fourth edition of the International Spiritual Forum of Moulay Ali Cherif, who was buried in Marrakech, organized by the Moulay Ali Cherif Al Mourrakouchi Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in the Kingdom of Morocco, Cadi Ayyad University, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Regional Academy of Education and Training in Marrakech, in cooperation with Mohammed V University in Rabat, on the topic: “The Spiritual Heritage of the Prophet’s Family: Fundamentals and Innovations in the Contemporary Era: Study and Evaluation.”
During the opening session of the forum held on Thursday (3 October 2024) at the Mohammed VI Museum of Water Civilization in Marrakech, Dr. Benarafa commended the topic of the Forum, which is held as part of the celebration of Marrakech as the Capital of culture in the Islamic world, noting that it is witnessing an intensive participation of a number of faculties, scholars and researchers from Morocco and several Arab, African and Western countries.
The Forum featured two scientific sessions to reflect upon the origins of the spiritual legacy of the noble Prophet’s family and the extent of its importance and manifestations among Moroccans, as well as its effects on the Moroccan Sufism and its enlightened influence in its African and human sphere.
The Forum concluded with a spiritual ceremony celebrating the birth anniversary of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. The Moulay Ali Sharif Prize for Scientific Studies and Research was also presented at its first founding session.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), emphasized that no sector is more in need of being approached with a future-oriented perspective and addressed through the concept of sustainability than education. He noted that traditional schools will soon become a part of the past, giving way to schools driven by artificial intelligence, expanded virtual spaces, and remote learning environments. Future professions and jobs, many of which do not yet exist today, will replace about 85% of the current jobs. These remarks were made during his virtual address today, Sunday 6 October 2024, at the opening session of the international forum, “Education of the Future: Innovation and Technology for Sustainability.”
The Event is organized by Al-Saad Foundation for Knowledge and Scientific Research, under the patronage of Sheikha Fadyah Saad Abdullah Al Sabah, Chairwoman of the Foundation, in cooperation with several ministries and bodies in Kuwait. The Forum will span two days, featuring high-level international participation.
During his address, Dr. AlMalik pointed out that the Forum follows the conclusion of ICESCO’s Conference of Education Ministers, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman on 2-3 October 2024. This conference was one of the largest education events witnessed in the Islamic world in the past fifty years. One of its key outcomes was the reaffirmation of the close connection between education and upbringing, refuting all claims that call for a complete separation between the two. Education, he explained, is intrinsically linked to ethics and values, and the future demands that we adhere to frameworks that confirm the necessity of ethics, especially in the era of digitization and artificial intelligence.
He also stressed the inevitable importance of maintaining ethical principles in education, particularly as the younger generation is the most engaged with technological tools and digital applications. Global curricula are rapidly moving toward the adoption of AI applications, making it essential to recognize the family’s critical role as a full partner in completing the four pillars of the educational process: student, teacher, school, and family; ensuring harmony among these four elements is key to safeguarding a future free of extremism and intolerance.
In conclusion, Dr. AlMalik called for a balanced and well-thought-out approach to developing education, one that is open to learning from others while avoiding blind adoption of their methods. He noted that many Islamic countries still suffer from economic deficiencies that hinder their ability to meet modern educational requirements.
According to a recent UN report, there are 250 million young people globally who are considered school dropouts or have received inadequate education, with the majority of them coming from Islamic countries. This is largely due to misguided policies and unjust wars, such as those waged by the Zionist entity in Palestine, which targets schools and educational facilities. Dr. AlMalik urged for a louder call to stop this injustice and reduce this tragedy, to ensure that future generations receive an education in a safe and supportive environment.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a series of meetings with officials and representatives of major global organizations and companies specializing in education, on the sidelines of ICESCO Education Ministers Conference, held in Muscat, Oman, on October 2-3, 2024.
These meetings centered on strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and the entities represented by the Conference attendees, in line with the Organization’s vision and strategic directions, particularly in transforming education.
The first meeting featured representatives of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), including Mr. Olli-Pekka, Director General, Mr. Haif Bannayan, Global Director of Business Development, and Dr. Shehzad Jeeva, Chief Education Officer. The discussions focused on cooperation to develop a joint policy paper on improving teaching quality and mechanisms for teacher training.
Dr. AlMalik also met with Ms. Christine Ozden, Global Director of Climate Education at the University of Cambridge, and Ms. Jane Mann, Managing Director at the University’s Partnership for Education, and discussed the Green Education Project in ICESCO Member States.
Additionally, Dr. AlMalik received a delegation from NewGlobe Education, which included Dr. Shannon May, President of the company, Mr. Jay Kimmelman, CEO, and Mr. Isfundiar Kasuri, Director of Policy and Partnerships. The meeting tackled a project aimed at improving the quality of education.
Dr. AlMalik met with Dr. Wendy Kopp, CEO of the Teach For All Network, where they discussed their commitment to developing and improving education in ICESCO Member States, and emphasized the importance of diverse partnerships in transforming education.
Finally, Dr. AlMalik also met with a delegation from Avantis, which included Mr. David Fairbairn-Day, Head of Education Strategy, and Mr. Alistair Hayward, Chief Revenue Officer. The meeting explored the academic aspects of educational technologies and their impact on students.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held two separate meetings with the respective Ministers of Education of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The meetings focused on ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and the two countries in educational fields through the joint implementation of a number of initiatives, programs, projects and activities.
The two meetings took place in Muscat, on the sidelines of the Third ICESCO Education Ministers Conference, held by the Organization in cooperation with the Ministry of Education in the Sultanate of Oman, and in coordination with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. The Conference was held on October 2-3, 2024, under the theme: “Beyond the Transforming Education Summit: From Commitments to Actions”, and saw high-level participation.
During the two meetings, Dr. AlMalik stressed the Organization’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with its Member States, as part of its new vision and strategic orientations, in all areas of the Organization’s competence, especially education.
The DG also held a meeting with Mr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister of Education and Vocational Training in Pakistan, and together they discussed the latest developments of cooperation between ICESCO and Pakistan in education, training and scholarships.
The meeting focused on a set of proposals for cooperation between ICESCO and Pakistan in areas of common interest. At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to sustain coordination to implement a number of these proposals.
During his meeting with Alireza Kazemi, Minister of Education of Iran, and his accompanying delegation, the Director General explained that the Organization attaches great importance to supporting the efforts of its Member States in developing their educational systems, in accordance with the orientations and needs of each country.
For his part, the Iranian Minister praised the success of the ICESCO Education Ministers Conference and the Organization’s roles in supporting the efforts of its Member States in its areas of competence. The meeting discussed a number of ideas for joint cooperation between ICESCO and Iran, agreeing to work on examining and implementing some of them.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education, to explore new avenues for strengthening cooperation between ICESCO and the UAE in education.
The meeting was held in Muscat, Oman, on the sidelines of the 3rd ICESCO Education Ministers Conference, hosted by Oman on October 2-3, 2024, under the theme: “Beyond Transforming Education: From Commitments to Actions.”
Dr. AlMalik opened the discussion by congratulating Ms. Al Amiri on her appointment as Minister of Education, expressing his best wishes for her success in this key role. He reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the UAE within the Organization’s areas of competence, particularly in education, in line with its new vision and strategic directions, and in light of the outcomes of the Conference.
Ms. Al Amiri, in turn, praised ICESCO’s efforts in the field of education and commended the valuable discussions and documents presented at the Conference. She also reiterated the UAE’s support for ICESCO’s contribution to advancing educational systems in its Member States.
The meeting touched on key programs and projects under consideration for cooperation between ICESCO and the UAE in the coming period, particularly in the areas of education, training, and youth capacity-building.
The third session of ICESCO’s Education Ministers Conference, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, on 2-3 October 2024, concluded with the adoption of “Muscat Declaration”, which features historic resolutions approved by the education ministers of the Islamic world to strengthen commitments to transform education, develop effective mechanisms to disseminate best practices and accelerate their implementation, and build a thriving and prosperous future.
The declaration includes a set of commitments and orientations, formulated based on the conference documents prepared by ICESCO’s General Directorate and the discussions between the ministers and international experts in the field of education: enforcing all the resolutions adopted by the Conference, and establish a “Monitoring and Coordination Platform”, in cooperation with Member States’ competent authorities, to monitor the progress of our countries towards transforming education.
The Declaration welcomed the launch of the Charter of ICESCO for Artificial Intelligence Ethics in the Islamic World, adopted ICESCO’s initiative to adapt the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to the specificities and priorities of Member States, adopted the gender equality indicator as a strategic indicator within the education system, and highlighted the alignment between the goals of transforming education, and the values of the Islamic world.
The Declaration also condemned the vicious attacks on educational institutions in Gaza, Palestine and South of Lebanon perpetrated by the Israeli occupation, and in other Member States, which have deprived millions of students of their right to education, and reaffirmed solidarity and support for efforts to restore the right to education for students in Member States affected by wars, disasters, and crises.
During its second day, the conference reviewed and discussed a number of key documents, notably “ICESCO’s Educational Activities from January 2021 to July 2024”, “Status of Girls’ Education”, “Media Education: Horizons and Aspirations”, “High-Level Ministerial Dialogue (HLMD), London – May 2024: Transforming Education: Pathways to ICESCO Education Ministers Conference, Muscat 2024”, “Islamic World Artificial Intelligence Charter”, “Early Childhood Care and Education Development: Foundations for the Future”, “The Progress of Education Transformation from Commitments to Action 2022-2024: Post Transforming Education Summit (TES)”, “Greening Education for ICESCO Member States”, “Developing Teaching Quality”, and “Contextualizing PISA: Empowering ICESCO Member States for Global Excellence in Education” and “Digital Education”.
During the third working session, the heads of delegations of Member States delivered their statements, sharing visions during fruitful discussions to strengthen and promote the commitments of countries to transform education and agree on the appropriate mechanisms to fulfill such objective.
In his closing address, Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, ICESCO Director General, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Sultanate of Oman, under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, may Allah protect him, and all the parties involved in the conference, for their support and hospitality to ensure the success of this remarkable event. He also commended the contributions of the participants in the various sessions through their interventions, discussions and constructive proposals, to achieve the ambitions aimed at transforming education from a simple commitment to a concrete reality.
For her part, Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al-Shaibani, Minister of Education, Chairperson of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, thanked the participants and ICESCO, stressing the importance of the outcomes of the conference to build a better future for educational systems.
At the close of the conference, ICESCO Director General read a message of thanks and gratitude sent by the conference participants to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of Oman.
Participants in the Third ICESCO Education Ministers Conference (EMC) addressed, at the close of the Conference’s proceedings, a letter of thanks and appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of Oman, expressing their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the great interest accorded to this key conference, which Muscat graciously hosted on 2-3 October 2024. The participants also thanked the Sultan for the great facilitations and meticulous organization that has undoubtedly contributed to the success of the Conference, and His Majesty’s sustained support for joint action in all fields, particularly in education in service of achieving sustainable development in the Islamic world.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, read out the letter at the Conference’s closing session. The letter was signed by ICESCO Director-General and Dr. Madiha bint Ahmad Al-Shibaniyah, Omani Minister of Education, on behalf of the participants, who, the letter states, “avail themselves of this opportunity to express their sincere appreciation to Your Majesty for your remarkable efforts to promote the national educational system, in line with the Oman Vision 2040, which you have launched to usher in a new era of progress and prosperity”.
The letter beseeched Allah Almighty to preserve His Majesty the Sultan, guide his endeavors to achieve more success, progress and prosperity for the Sultanate of Oman and its people, and assist him in his efforts to support the Muslim Ummah at large.
Today, Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, the second day of the third ICESCO Education Ministers Conference kicked off. Organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in the Sultanate of Oman and coordinated with the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, the event is being hosted in the Omani capital, Muscat. The Conference is centered around the theme: “Beyond Transforming Education Summit: From Commitments to Actions.”
The session opened with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a procedural meeting where the Conference Bureau for the third session was elected. Oman assumed the presidency of the Conference, taking over from Saudi Arabia, President of the previous session and Rapporteur of the current one. The Republic of Benin was elected as Vice-President. Subsequently, Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibaniyh, Oman’s Minister of Education and Chairperson of Oman National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, presided over the subsequent sessions.
In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, emphasized that since 2020, the Organization has embraced a renewed vision with the motto “Renewal for Advancement and Improvement,” grounded in proactive and initiative-driven efforts to serve its Member States and humanity at large. He noted that the Conference aims to tackle the rapid transformations and complex issues of the technologiy and artificial intelligence era, with a focus on ensuring educational quality and inclusivity. Additionally, he highlighted ICESCO’s launch of the Islamic World Charter for Artificial Intelligence, urging efforts to bridge the gap between the Member States and more advanced nations in this area, while stressing the importance of media and digital literacy.
Dr. AlMalik expressed ICESCO’s hope that its Member States will usher in a new era of education, affirming that the Organization will continue to support its Members through innovative initiatives, particularly for those affected by conflicts and disasters. He also conveyed ICESCO’s full solidarity with educational systems and institutions in Palestine and Lebanon.
Her Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius and guest of honor at the Conference, underscored educational exclusion in many countries in the Islamic world. She stressed that any effective educational policy must ensure access to all segments of society across all geographic regions.
In his address, His Excellency Macky Sall, former President of Senegal and another guest of honor, stressed that investing in education is akin to planting the seeds of humanity in every child, nurturing discernment and enlightening minds against obscurantism. Furthermore, he addressed the need to restructure educational systems to better align with modern market demands.
Speaking via video-call, Dr. Michael Kremer, Director of the Development Innovation Lab and Director of the Development Economics Center at the University of Chicago, and Nobel Prize laureate, discussed the role of experimental methods and best practices in improving education, through gathering data to assess the outcomes of learning programs.
The first day of the third session the Education Ministers Conference of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held in cooperation with the Ministry of Education of the Sultanate of Oman, and in coordination with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, under the theme: “Beyond Transforming Education Summit: From Commitments to Actions”, in Muscat, Oman, concluded. The opening session saw a high-level attendance.
The first day’s working sessions, held on Wednesday ( 2 October 2024) relating to the academic aspect, witnessed rich discussions, during which ministers, experts, international officials in the field of education, and representatives of a number of international organizations discussed international efforts aimed at developing education and using artificial intelligence, as well as the importance of multilateral partnerships in transforming education, and the educational process during crises.
In the session on “Global Education Perspective: International Organizations,” chaired by Dr. Jokha Bint Abdullah Al Shukaili, CEO, Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education, speakers included Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director General of ALECSO, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al-Asmi, ABEGS Director General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization, virtually, Dr. Luis Benveniste, Director of Global Education at the World Bank, Ms. Min Jeong Kim, Director of Education 2030 at UNESCO, Dr. Leonardo Garnier, former Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General for Education, virtually.
In the session on “Unlocking Potential: Best Practices in leveraging AI and Digital Tools for Education System Transformation,” moderated by Mr. Mr. Stavros N. Yiannouka, CEO of WISE – Qatar Foundation, the panel featured Ms. Fadhlina Sidek, Minister of Education, Malaysia; Dr. Ayman Al-Bassal, Deputy Minister of Education and Technical Education, Egypt; Dr. Nasser bin Mohammed Al Fannah, Director of the Office of Technical Programs at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, Sultanate of Oman; and Mr. Mohammed Suhail Al Madani, Classera CEO.
In the “Multistakeholders Partnerships for Transforming Education” session, moderated by Dr. Marwan Awartani, Senior Advisor to ICESCO Director General, speakers included Mr. Yousef Bin Abdullah al-Banyan, Minister of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Mr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Islamic Republic of Pakistan; Mr. Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Kyrgyz Republic; Dr. Shannon May, CEO, NewGlobe Education; Dr. Wendy Kopp, CEO, Teach for All; Mr. Patrick Kyllonen, Distinguished presidential appointee, ETS.
In the session on “Greening Education: A Sustainable Future for All” moderated by Ms. Christine Ozden, Global Director of Climate Education-Cambridge, the panel featured Dr. Azmi Mahmoud Mufleh Mahafzah, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Mr. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Technology and Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Republic of The Gambia; Ms. Min Jeong Kim, Director of Education 2030, UNESCO; Ms. Jan Mann, Managing Director, Partnership for Education, Cambridge University; Dr. Abdullah Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman; and Dr. Aishah Al Yammahi, Strategic Advisor, Alef Education.
The day concluded with the session on “United for Education in times of Crises,” moderated by Ms. Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait (ECW), bringing together Dr. Amjad Saad Suleiman Dababat, Minister of Education and Higher Education, State of Palestine; Dr. Tariq Salem Saleh Al-Akbari, Minister of Education, Republic of Yemen; Dr. Mohammed Alshiriakah, Chairman of the Gulf Arab States Educational Research Center, Kuwait; Ms. Adele Khodr, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, UNICEF; Mr. Fahad Al-Sulaiti, CEO, Education Above All; Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mudiris, Director General, UNESCO Regional Centre of Quality and Excellence in Education; and Mr. Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir, Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education, Republic of Somalia.
Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey, Head of Education Sector at ICESCO, concluded with highlights of the first day, which featured discussions on the challenges facing education and the actions needed to contribute to transforming education.
