Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) explored today, September 21, with Mr. Pekka Hyvönen, Ambassador of Finland to Morocco cooperation prospects between the Organization and Finland.
The discussions focused on education, given the republic’s pioneering successful educational system.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted ICESCO’s open-door policy. He added that the Organization seeks to sustain productive partnerships in education, science, and culture with non-Member States, international organizations, and civil society institutions. The desired outcome is to benefit countries of the Islamic world and Muslim communities in non-Member States.
Dr. AlMalik also listed the amendments to ICESCO’s Charter, internal regulations, and the recent observer status. The measure ensures the active participation of non-Member States in the Organization’s activities, programs, and conferences, except the right to vote.
He seized the opportunity to invite Finland to join ICESCO as an Observer State.
The DG underlined ICESCO’s substantial initiatives, activities, and programs to support Member States’ efforts mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Comprehensive Humanitarian Coalition” is one of ICESCO’s major initiatives, stated the DG, noting that Finland’s institutions and major corporations are welcome to join the coalition.
The talks also revolved around ICESCO’s specialized centers for strategic foresight, artificial intelligence, Arabic courses for its non-native speakers, heritage, dialogue and cultural diversity.
The DG underscored the vital role the centers play in foreseeing the progress and changes in the Islamic world, based on sound scientific foundations and in-depth studies. He added that these centers also seek to consolidate peaceful coexistence and safeguard cultural and civilizational heritage.

Dr. AlMalik stated that the ICESCO’s recent videoconferences and international forums yielded strong outcomes. Heads of states, ministers, and prominent international figures brought a significant added value to the events.
The meeting also addressed education as one of the main prospective areas of cooperation between ICESCO and Finland.
The country’s robust educational system is based on three key pillars: great respect and appreciation for teachers, premium training for teachers, and harnessing students’ creativity and honing their skills.

ICESCO’s DG and the Finnish Ambassador explored ways for the Organization’s Member States to benefit from Finland’s success story.
The two parties also reviewed the participation of Finnish officials in ICESCO’s future events, especially in the field of education.
The Ambassador reaffirmed his country’s willingness to cooperate with ICESCO. He also commended the Organization’s new strategy and the work carried out throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.