Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called for prioritizing gender equality in the sustainable development plans, eliminating the various forms of gender discrimination and establishing institutions, bodies and organizations to build the capacities of women and support them to assume leadership positions.

This statement was part of Dr. AlMalik’s address, delivered on Monday (October 24, 2022), at the plenary session of the three-day workshop on the best practices and international lessons on women’s rehabilitation and gender equality, held by the World Bank and the Saudi Institute of Public Administration, at the headquarters of the World Bank in Washington D.C., and via videoconference. The workshop aimed at sharing knowledge and expertise, and drawing lessons on women’s rehabilitation policies. It was the participation of high-level officials and experts.

At the outset of his address, Dr. AlMalik stressed the importance of the workshop, the theme of which intersects with ICESCO’s vision and action strategy, praising the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its great commitment to enhancing the presence of women in leadership and decision-making positions, and commending the World Bank’s initiatives and role as a leading institution in breaking down barriers facing women development and advancement.

He also reviewed ICESCO’s programmes and initiatives on girls’ and women’s rehabilitation as a mechanism to enhance women’s presence in the fields of education, science and culture given that the progress and prosperity of societies largely depend on providing women and girls with adequate opportunities to fulfill their potential and contribute to international efforts geared towards achieving sustainable development.

Moreover, ICESCO DG stressed that the Organization has adopted the principle of gender balance in its various sectors and departments, proclaimed 2021 as the Year of Women, and built partnerships and cooperation with several international bodies and institutions to enhance the leading role of women in the Islamic world and beyond.