In recognition of his efforts in supporting women and community service as well as the success of the programs and activities of ICESCO’s Year of Women initiative 2021, the Arab Women’s Council for Social Responsibility honored Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, awarded ICESCO DG the Golden Shield of Excellence 2022, on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, during the opening of the 6th Regional Forum for Arab Women in Dubai, under the theme: “Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility after Covid-19.”

After receiving the Shield, Dr. AlMalik delivered a speech in which he expressed his gratitude to the Arab Women’s Council, stressing that ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations accord particular importance to supporting girls and women in all fields, as they are the foundation for building developed and prosperous societies, pointing to ICESCO key programs and activities implemented in this regard.

He also reviewed ICESCO’s key achievements during the Year of Women, pointing out that the Organization’s proclamation of 2021 as the Year of Women under the theme “Women and the Future” came as evidence of ICESCO’s deep awareness of the importance of the role of women in society and as an appreciation of their efforts in addressing the negative effects of the Covid 19 pandemic and the sacrifices they made in facing this unprecedented pandemic, inside and outside their homes.

ICESCO DG commended the choice of the theme of the 6th Regional Forum for Arab Women 2022 by the Arab Women’s Council, headed by Ms. Lynne Daglawe Moukarzel, under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and the League of Arab States, and in strategic partnership with the Arab Organization for Social Responsibility and cooperation with the Beirut Bar Association and Excellence Awards Academy. He explained that “sustainable development and social responsibility after Covid 19,” has become a common topic, especially in light of the great global challenges that require solidarity and joint action to be eradicated.

Dr. Al-Malik concluded his speech by inviting the Arab Women’s Council for Social Responsibility to hold its next meeting at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat.

The Council’s 6th Forum, which is held on June 15-16, witnessed the participation of high-level leaders, businesswomen and businessmen from various Arab countries. It aims to encourage women to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which rely on a collective responsibility to promote economic development, inclusive social development and environmental protection, as well as to establish a roadmap to achieve a better and more sustainable future after the Covid-19 pandemic. It also seeks to provide a high-level platform for interaction between participants of various specializations to strengthen the role of women and their partnership in achieving comprehensive social and development responsibility.