The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Francophone University Agency (AUF) signed on March 29, 2021, a framework agreement to enhance cooperation between the two parties in improving governance in university training and research institutions. The cooperation also includes implementing joint programmes to enable graduates in the ICESCO Member States to meet the labor market requirements.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and Dr. Slim Khalbous, AUF Dean, signed the agreement, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of some directors of the Agency as well as the directors of ICESCO sectors and departments.

In his statement at the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main lines of ICESCO’s new vision and action strategy, which adopt an open-door policy and enhance the role of women and youth in building the future. He also commended the Organization’s programmes adding that the agreement will be an example to follow and a new step towards constructive cooperation to support the ICESCO Member States.

Dr. Khalbous expressed his happiness at the signing of the agreement, which will strengthen the bilateral relationship between ICESCO and AUF and help develop cooperation between the two parties. He also congratulated ICESCO on its promising vision while stressing that the converging visions and strategies of the two parties will help build strong cooperation.

The agreement sets forth cooperation between ICESCO and AUF in developing the capabilities of graduates, providing them with the necessary skills to meet the requirements of the professions of tomorrow, promoting cultural and creative industries, women entrepreneurship, and educational creativity. The agreement also covers spreading the foresight culture, addressing digital challenges, supporting scientific research programmes on the Francophonie, and promoting governance through joint development of training and planning tools to enshrine good practices in governance policy, particularly in universities.