The Social and Human Sciences Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) took part in the third day of the first African-Arab Forum on Innovation and Investment in Health and the Environment. The forum is organized by Yenda Africa, in partnership with Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh, the Kingdom of Morocco, Helite Group, and Ecology Media Group, under the theme: “The Environmental and Social Stakes of Health Crises: Can Health and Environmental Sovereignty be Achieved in Africa and the Arab World?”

Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector, moderated a discussion on “Innovative Healthcare Solutions: Regional and International Cooperation,” with the participation of specialists from Africa, the Arab world and Europe. “The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the importance of placing human needs and welfare at the core of policies and programmes within a comprehensive, multisectoral approach,” noted the ICESCO official at the outset of the discussion.

In his intervention, Mr. Jamal Eddine El Aloua, Secretary-General of the National Commission for Education, Science and Culture in the Kingdom of Morocco, emphasized the “Countering COVID-19 Effects through Support to Innovation and Entrepreneurship among Women and Youth” Project, implemented by ICESCO in partnership with Alwaleed Philanthropies in ten (10) African countries, including the Kingdom of Morocco. He noted that this innovative initiative has empowered youth and women and promoted entrepreneurship among them, thus contributing to combating the negative effects of the pandemic.

The session also featured an exhibition of the disinfection and prevention materials that were produced as part of the project.