The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, received yesterday in Rabat, September 8, Mr. Mouhamadou Youssifou, Ambassador of Cameroon to Morocco. The discussions focused on cooperation between the Organization and Cameroon in education, science and technology, and culture.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s rejuvenated strategy to reposition the organization as a base of reference for research and a facilitator for global outreach. The Organization adopted a new communication approach with authorities in Member States to identify country-specific needs, and design tailor-cut programs. ICESCO also prioritizes African Member States, specified the DG.

He added that ICESCO maintains inclusive partnerships with non-Member States, international organizations, and civil society institutions. The Organization recently developed a Charter for Observer States for active participation and expertise transfer with countries in the Islamic world.

 It also set up specialized centers for strategic foresight, artificial intelligence, heritage preservation, cultural dialogue and diversity, and Arabic courses for non-native speakers.

Dr. AlMalik mentioned ICESCO’s measures to curb the impact of COVID-19 on education, science, and culture. He particularly focused on remote schooling aid and hygiene kits.

Ambassador Youssifou reaffirmed his country’s willingness to cooperate with ICESCO to achieve joint objectives, including the eradication of poverty through education, countering extremist thought, and the empowerment of women and girls.

The Ambassador also lauded ICESCO’s achievements during the pandemic. He also commended the Organization’s interest in interfaith dialogue, noting that Cameroon has a strong background on the topic given the country’s diverse ethnic and religious community.