Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Ms. Benita Diop, African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security. The meeting discussed the prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and the African Union for supporting and building women’s capacities and consolidating the values of coexistence and peace.

At the outset of the meeting, held at ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat, Ms. Diop thanked Dr. AlMalik for the invitation to attend the closing ceremony of ICESCO Year of Women 2021, commending the Organization’s programs and activities to support women and enhance their roles.
For his part, ICESCO DG stressed that supporting women is part of the priorities of the Organization’s new vision and action strategy. 2021 was proclaimed as the Year of Women in appreciation of the great roles that women play at all levels. The end of this celebration does not imply the discontinuation of the programs and activities implemented to support women in the Members States and encourage policies aimed at achieving gender equality.

The meeting touched on the prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and the African Union for supporting women and building their capacities.

In conclusion, the two parties agreed to hold expert meetings to agree on several programs and activities of cooperation.