Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) received on Wednesday, September 9, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Mr. Serge Dagnon, Ambassador of Benin to Morocco. The officials discussed cooperation between the two parties in education, science, and culture.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s recent milestones over the past year. He particularly focused on the re-engineered strategy to reposition the organization as a reference for research and a facilitator for global outreach. The Organization updated its communication approach with authorities in Member States to identify country-specific needs, and design tailor-cut programs. ICESCO also developed an observer status for non-member states to leverage assistance to Muslim communities worldwide, specified the DG.

ICESCO launched multiple initiatives to curb the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on education, science, and culture, highlighted Dr. AlMalik. The most notable initiatives were “ICESCO Digital Home,” the “Societies We Want,” and the “Global Humanitarian Coalition.” The Organization also provides aid to multiple Member States to maintain the continuity of schooling, mitigate the effects of the pandemic on women and young entrepreneurs, and produce best-cost disinfectants.

Dr. AlMalik noted that ICESCO organized several videoconferences and virtual forums during the pandemic, including an international webinar on the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property. The event was part of ICESCO’s efforts to inscribe heritage in Member States on the Islamic World Heritage List.

He added that ICESCO organized a global forum on the role of religious leaders in the face of crises. The forum was graced with a high-caliber international religious figure.

Ambassador Dagnon congratulated the DG for the Organization’s continuous efforts over the past period, and interest in civilizational dialogue and inscription of heritage in the countries of the Islamic world. Benin is among the African countries whose antiquities have been looted, and the country is currently working to restitute, he noted.

The ambassador stressed that Benin is committed to a sustainable cooperation and a mutually beneficial partnership with ICESCO in education, science, and culture. The embassy of Benin in Rabat will work to achieve this goal, assured Ambassador Dagnon.