Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the First Meeting of the High Committee overseeing Egypt’s hosting of the 14^th Session of ICESCO General Conference. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, President of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, chaired the meeting, which was held yesterday, Sunday, June 20, 2021, via videoconference, in the presence of Dr. Ghada Abdel Bari, Secretary-General of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, and a host of the Commission’s members.

During the meeting, Dr. Abdel Ghaffar highlighted the key role ICESCO assumes in the fields of education, science, and culture, noting the need to support cooperation between Egypt and the Organization in scientific research, technology, science and innovation. He added that the Egyptian Government and its people appreciate ICESCO’s leading role in promoting peace and knowledge and supporting development efforts in the Islamic world. The Egyptian Minister also called for maintaining the Organization’s endeavors to achieve peace and human development, expressing his good wishes for the success of the proceedings and deliberations of the Conference, which will be held in December 2021.

The meeting discussed the proposed topics to be discussed on the sidelines of the General Conference, including ICESCO’s Year of Women with the participation of Egypt’s First Lady, ICESCO Program for Young Professionals, OIC First and Second Summit for Science, Technology and Innovation, and the First Regional Forum for Open Science in Arab Countries.

The meeting also reviewed the Conference’s administrative and logistical measures and the suggested organizations, bodies and ministries to take part in the Conference. Likewise, the two parties discussed the organization of an exhibition capturing ICESCO’s areas of interest in the fields of higher education and scientific research, all while abiding by the preventive precautions against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting discussed the proposals of the scientific program to be held on the sidelines of the General Conference, which will address key issues such as the internationalization of education, higher education and scientific research, future professions, scientific research and industry, and AI incubators.

Dr. AlMalik expressed his thanks and appreciation for Egypt for hosting the 14^th Session of the General Conference and the Executive Council, commending the great interest of the Egyptian National Commission, represented in Dr. Abdel Ghaffar, in ensuring the success of this event. The DG underscored that the activities held on the sidelines of the General Conference and Executive Council should pertain to the fields of education, culture, science, archeology, and peace to benefit from Egypt’s leading experience in these areas.

ICESCO DG affirmed the Organization’s keenness to sustain cooperation with Egypt, particularly in the programs and activities of ICESCO’s Year of Women 2021, particularly after the participation of Ms. Intisar al-Sisi, First lady of the Republic, at the launch ceremony with an inspiring recorded message. He added that the First Lady highlighted the great role that Egyptian women have assumed throughout the ages in building this ancient civilization and the rights they have gained thanks to their strong political will.

In her review of ICESCO’s vision, Dr. Ghada Abdel Bari stated that the Organization aims to strengthen cooperation and establish stronger relations among its Member States in the fields of education, science, culture and communication, and promote understanding between peoples and contribute to peace and security worldwide. She added that ICESCO aspires to reflect the true image of Islam, promote inter-civilizational, intercultural and inter-faith dialogue, spread the values ​​of justice and peace, and the principles of freedom and human rights, promote cultural diversity, strengthen cooperation and partnership with governmental and non-governmental institutions, and highlight the attributes of the Islamic culture.

The Committee members are: Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister’s Deputy for University Affairs; Dr. Yasser Refaat, Minister’s Deputy for Scientific Research Affairs; Dr. Mahmoud Sakr, President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology; Dr. Muhammad Latif, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities; Dr. Ashraf Al-Azzazi, Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector; Dr. Hisham Farouk, Minister’s Assistant for Digital Transformation; Dr. Mohamed El-Tayeb, Minister’s Assistant for Strategic Planning and Technical Affairs; Dr. Reem Derbala, Technical Advisor to the Council for Foreign University Branches Affairs; Dr. Adel Abdel Ghaffar, Media Advisor and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry; Mr. Ahmed Al Sheikh, Head of Development and Services Sector at the Ministry; Dr. Rasha Kamal, President of the Central Administration for Foreign Student Affairs; Mr. Ahmed Mujahid, Director General of the Minister’s Office for Scientific Research; Mr. Sayed Musa, Acting Assistant Secretary of the National Commission; and Ms. Hanan Abdel Salam, Director of Financial and Administrative Affairs at the National Commission for Education, Science and Culture.