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    Category: News

    ICESCO Director-General and Egyptian Minister of Culture Discuss Creative Culture and Innovation Promotion

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received, at ICESCO headquarters, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, Minister of Culture of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and together they explored prospects of cooperation between the Organization and Egypt in the fields of creative culture and innovation promotion.

    During the meeting, held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, the two parties discussed the cultural indexes launched by ICESCO with the aim of offering a better understanding of the cultural scene in the Islamic world, and highlighting the need to capitalize on modern technologies to develop cultural work to keep up with the global rapid advancements. The two parties also discussed the prospect of launching joint programs in the fields of Arabic calligraphy and heritage promotion.

    Moreover, the Director-General highlighted ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations which embrace creativity and innovation, include women and young people, and attract great profiles across all specialties from different parts of the world. The Director-General also noted that 40% of ICESCO staff members are younger than 35, while women hold 50% of leadership positions at ICESCO.

    Talks also focused on the importance of promoting creative culture and supporting cultural industries and knowledge economy, and highlighted ICESCO’s efforts over the past years to invigorate the cultural field in the Islamic world, through its innovative and creative activities, programs, initiatives. The two parties also discussed the Organization’s steadfast view of culture as a soft power, stemming from its belief in the significance of safeguarding the plurality and diversity of the civilizational heritage of the Member States spanning various historical eras.

    For his part, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano commended ICESCO’s impactful roles in promoting cultural creativity in the Islamic world, stressing the importance of promoting collective intelligence to foster creativity and ensure the representation of an identity of plurality and diversity in cultural action, within the civilizational and historical contexts of nations.

    Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik took Minister Hano and his accompanying delegation on a tour to The International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO headquarters.

    ICESCO Director-General receives Lebanese Minister of Culture

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received the Honorable Judge Mohammad Wissam El-Mortada, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Lebanon.

    The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, at the headquarters of the Organization in Rabat, focused on the latest developments in cooperation between ICESCO and Lebanon in the fields of preservation and promotion of culture and heritage, and explored ways to strengthen it.

    Dr. AlMalik opened the meeting by reviewing the activities implemented by the Organization in its various fields of action, highlighting the successes achieved thanks its strategy of openness, which reflects a deep conviction of the richness of cultural and social diversity in the countries of the Islamic world.

    For his part, the Lebanese Minister expressed his country’s pride in the strong relations with ICESCO. He praised the visionary role of the Organization, which reflects a deep understanding of contemporary international issues and their cultural and civilizational dimensions. In his view, this approach paves the way for enhanced and effective cooperation between the two parties, especially in a context of cultural and social change in Lebanon, which further steps up coordination with ICESCO.

    The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to adopt an innovative plan to strengthen their shared commitment to a deeper cultural partnership.

    ICESCO and UNESCO Discuss Cultural Indicators and Support for Creative Industries

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture. The meeting discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and develop joint working mechanisms, especially in supporting cultural indicators and launching programs to strengthen the capacities of local communities in the field of culture.

    During the meeting, held on Wednesday (January 15, 2025), at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik commended the educational, scientific and cultural efforts of UNESCO as a major international organization, and lauded its continuous support for outstanding initiatives and partnerships in its areas of competence. He also highlighted the main lines of ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, as well as its programs and projects, which are in line with the relevant international efforts, especially in the fields of heritage preservation and promotion, stressing the importance of fostering joint efforts at all levels, and launching joint projects to build the capacities of experts and specialists in academic and cultural fields and space science, and develop capacity-building programs for local communities.

    Moreover, Dr. AlMalik stressed the pivotal role of ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Center in protecting cultural elements through their inscription on the Organization’s Islamic World Heritage List, highlighting the Center’s workshops organized to build the capacities of workers in the field of heritage preservation and promotion.

    For his part, UNESCO Assistant Director General for Culture commended ICESCO’s remarkable achievements over the past years in its areas of competence, calling for complementarity between the two organizations in the field of culture to support Member States’ efforts to achieve their cultural goals. He also expressed his aspiration to establish a joint research chair between ICESCO and UNESCO, and jointly identify cultural indicators likely to help grasp and enhance Member States’ cultural development.

    The meeting also discussed joint action mechanisms to launch programs in the field of creative and cultural industries, and support efforts geared towards removing heritage sites from the List of Heritage in Danger.

    The meeting saw the presence of Mr. Eric Falt, Regional Director of UNESCO Office for the Maghreb in Rabat, and Mr. Karim Hendili, Head of Culture Program at UNESCO Maghreb Office, as well as Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture and Communication Sector, Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Director of ICESCO Director-General’s Office.

    ICESCO and Mauritania Discuss Enhancing Cooperation in Culture

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr El Houssein Ould Meddou, Mauritania’s Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament, Spokesperson of the Government, on Wednesday 15 January 2025 at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The meeting explored strengthening the distinguished partnership between ICESCO and Mauritania in the cultural sector.

    The meeting was attended by Mr. Mohamed Ould Sidi Abdallah, Secretary-General of the Mauritanian National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, and explored various aspects of the fruitful partnership between ICESCO and Mauritania, which has been further strengthened by the recent visit of Dr. AlMalik to Chinguetti. During this visit, ICESCO committed to rehabilitating the historic Chinguetti Mosque, with both parties agreeing to immediately commence the restoration project by appointing specialized focal points to oversee its implementation.

    Additionally, the meeting addressed several requests submitted by the Mauritanian National Commission and discussed the potential recruitment of Mauritanian talent to work within ICESCO’s departments.

    The meeting was also attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of the Culture and Communication Sector, and Ambassador Fathalrahman, Head of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue.

    ICESCO Webinar on Enhancing Green and Digital Skills in MENA Region

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in collaboration with the World Bank, organized a webinar titled “Exploring the Demand for Green and Digital Skills in the MENA Region: A New Pathway for Youth Employment.” The event focused on emerging transformations in green skills aimed at achieving environmental sustainability, transitioning to a green economy, reducing pollution, preserving natural resources, and addressing urgent climate challenges.

    Held on Tuesday, 14 January 2025, via virtual conferencing, the webinar brought together prominent experts and officials to exchange insights on the opportunities available for youth in the MENA region and ways to enhance their capabilities by leveraging modern digital technologies.

    ICESCO was represented at the webinar by Dr Haddy Jatou Sey, Head of the Education Sector, and Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of the Science and Environment Sector.

    Dr. Qamar highlighted the organization’s numerous initiatives in the field, including:

    • Developing smart agricultural practices through modern technology and data analysis to enhance food security and sustainability.
    • Building the capacities of youth and women by providing digital skills training through software technology workshops.

    Dr. Haddy Jatou Sey emphasized the organization’s prioritization of education and artificial intelligence, underlining the need for Member States to integrate technology and digital skills into education systems. This integration aims to maximize the quality of learning outcomes and empower youth by providing them with essential digital skills. She also presented examples of open and remote learning fields as practical approaches to achieve these goals.

    ICESCO Director-General: Culture is a lever of civilizational progress and ICESCO’s efforts confirm its ability to take initiative and anticipate

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), affirmed that culture is the fundamental lever of every country’s civilizational progress and renaissance in various creative fields, and the most important gauge of its contribution to the progress of human civilization as a whole. He added that ICESCO is fully aware of its responsibilities towards its Member States in this regard, pointing out that this responsibility is reflected and in the pioneering programs, projects and initiatives implemented by the Organization in the culture, a field that ranks high at the top of its priorities.

    This was part of his speech today, Wednesday (January 15, 2025) at the opening session of the 24th Conference of Ministers of Cultural in the Arab World, held under the theme “Cultural and Creative Industries and the Challenges of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence”, by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in Rabat, capital of the Kingdom of Morocco. The Conference witnessed high-level participation by a number of ministers and senior officials concerned with cultural affairs in the Arab region, and representatives of relevant regional and international organizations.

    ICESCO Director-General also stated that the Organization’s activities in the cultural field confirm its ability to take the initiative, follow up and anticipate. Over the past period, it has suggested many valuable initiatives, including a proposal to adopt culture as the 18th SDG, the launch of the project of “the Cultural Index in the Islamic World” in partnership with the Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the inauguration of heritage centers in the Islamic world, and the inscription of more than 740 elements on the Islamic world tangible and intangible heritage lists.

    In the same vein, Dr. Al-Malik unveiled a number of cultural initiatives due to be launched by the Organization in the near future, including the “ICESCO’s Index for Cultural and Creative Technologies”, and the “New Economies of Culture Index”. He also reviewed some of ICESCO’s implemented initiatives on civilizational dialogue between nations, respect of the specificities of the other and cultural diversity, most notably the “Read it… to Understand it” initiative to understand the Holy Quran, which was recently taken up by one of the largest European universities to establish a specialized academic chair in Quranic studies in cooperation with ICESCO, as well as the formulation of the “civilizational diplomacy” concept, intended to promote international dialogue between different peoples, civilizations, and cultures.

    Osama Heikal Appointed Head of the Sector of Media and Communication at ICESCO

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) announced the appointment of Mr. Osama Heikal as the Head of the Sector of Media and Communication. This appointment aligns with the Organization’s vision to strengthen its media presence and develop a communication strategy that reflects its significant achievements over the past five years.

    Mr. Osama Heikal brings extensive experience in media and culture, having held prominent positions, including Minister of State for Information, Chairman and Managing Director of the Egyptian Media Production City (EMPC), and Chairman of the Committee for Media, Culture, and Antiquities in the Egyptian House of Representatives. He also served as the editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper Al Wafd and regularly contributed as a columnist in various Egyptian newspapers.

    In addition to his professional career, Mr. Heikal represented Egypt at numerous international conferences and has had a significant impact on the Arab media landscape through his books and publications, notably 150 Days in the History of Egypt and Fourth Generation Wars: Media and the Fragmentation of Societies.

    Mr. Heikal has received several honors both nationally and internationally, including the 2020 Best CEO Award from the Egyptian Union of Administrative Associations, as well as recognition from the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, along with numerous accolades from prestigious academic and media institutions.

    It is anticipated that Mr. Osama Heikal will significantly contribute to advancing ICESCO’s media and communication efforts in an ever-evolving field. Mr. Heikal will oversee the development of a focused strategy designed to achieve measurable outcomes that align with ICESCO’s new vision and goals and serve the interests of its Member States across the Islamic world.

    ICESCO Director-General Receives Djiboutian Minister of Culture

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Hibo Moumin Assoweh, Minister of Youth and Culture of the Republic of Djibouti, and her accompanying delegation on Monday 13 January 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. Extensive discussions were held on several topics related to the cultural field.

    The talks focused on strengthening efforts in training, organizing joint seminars, and attracting Djiboutian talent to work within the Organization, in recognition of the steady progress Djibouti is achieving through its citizens. The Meeting also addressed the importance of supporting and paying attention to traditional industries as a leading sector in the country’s industrial development.

    Both parties agreed on the necessity of intensifying meetings to further strengthen relations and ensure fruitful collaboration.

    The Meeting was attended by Mr. Mohamed Dohour Hersi, Djibouti’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, and Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO.

    Discussion on Launching ICESCO Chair for Quranic Studies at Osnabrück University, Germany

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), welcomed Dr. Habib El Mallouki, Dean of the Faculty of Educational and Cultural Studies at Osnabrück University in Germany, to ICESCO’s headquarters today, Thursday, January 9, 2025.

    The Meeting explored avenues of collaboration between ICESCO and Osnabrück University in scientific and cultural fields. Discussions also focused on preparations for establishing the ICESCO Chair for Quranic Studies, which will be hosted by the University. The Initiative aims to fast-track the necessary steps to ensure the chair is launched in 2025, reflecting Osnabrück University’s growing commitment to fostering promising projects that promote global intercultural dialogue.

    The Meeting was attended by Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, and Dr. Abdelmalek Hibawi, Secretary-General of the German Institute for Dialogue and Understanding (Mouatana).

    ICESCO participates in 14th Conference of Arab Ministers of Education in Doha

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the 14th Conference of Arab Ministers of Education held by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

    The Conference, which was organized in the capital, Doha, from 5 to 7 January 2025, under the theme: “Inclusive Education and Empowering Teachers: A Strategic Vision for Education in the Arab World”, witnessed wide participation from ministers of education in Arab countries and from international and regional organizations concerned, in addition to a group of experts and specialists in the field of education.

    ICESCO was represented by Ms. Faizah Alaoui, expert at Education Sector. In her speech, she highlighted the rich educational heritage of the Arab world and reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to promoting education in its Member States through effective strategies and lasting partnerships aimed at empowering youth and ensuring quality education for all, stressing ICESCO’s commitment to renewing education as a transformative tool.


    Ms. Alaoui stressed the urgent need for future generations to have critical thinking skills, creativity and flexibility in a rapidly changing world, and called for capitalizing on emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to empower teachers develop human potential, the primary goal of education.

    The Conference discussed several strategic themes, namely: ways to provide comprehensive and sustainable education for all, ensuring equal access to high-quality educational, with special focus on the need to integrate persons with special needs into the education system, digital transformation and the use of technology to enhance and develop education and support research and innovation in education. It also tackled ways to empower teachers, develop their capacities, and provide them with the necessary tools to achieve optimal levels of efficiency in the educational process.