Category: Director General

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development of the Sultanate of Oman, on Friday, 17 April 2026, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry in the fields of safe childhood, family cohesion, and civilizational upbringing.

During the meeting, attended by Ambassador Khalid Salim Bamakhalif, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Morocco, Dr. AlMalik expressed ICESCO’s pride in its distinguished partnership with the Sultanate of Oman, which has resulted in the joint organization of activities, programs, conferences, and projects, most recently the inauguration of the Sultan Qaboos Library at ICESCO’s headquarters with the generous support of the Sultanate of Oman.

The Director-General underscored the importance of cooperation in raising awareness of the concept of civilizational upbringing, with a view to strengthening young people’s attachment to the values of the Islamic world while encouraging openness to world cultures. He also reviewed ICESCO’s contributions to building the leadership and creative capacities of youth and women in the Islamic world through the development of training programs in modern technologies and innovation.

For her part, the Omani Minister commended ICESCO’s efforts in keeping pace with contemporary issues and the priorities of the Organization’s Member States, in disseminating knowledge and maximizing benefit. She expressed the Ministry’s willingness to develop programs and projects in the areas of safe childhood and family cohesion, and to harness modern technologies to support persons with disabilities.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied the Minister and her delegation on a tour of the Sultan Qaboos Library, which houses more than 6,000 printed titles, nearly 200,000 digital publications, and a number of rare documentary treasures, including a copy of the Holy Quran handwritten by Ibn al-Bawwab. They also visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization housed at ICESCO’s headquarters.

The meeting also saw the presence of Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector; Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector; Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue; and Dr. Salim Al-Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a meeting today, Friday, 17 April 2026, with Mr. Mohamed El Ferrane, Director of the King Abdulaziz Public Library in the Kingdom of Morocco, to discuss ways and mechanisms to strengthen cooperation between the Sultan Qaboos Library at ICESCO and the King Abdulaziz Public Library in the dissemination of knowledge, the exchange of expertise in the cultural field, and the preservation and valorization of manuscripts.

During the meeting, held at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik stressed that the Islamic world is rich in a vast collection of manuscripts and rare books, which necessitates enhanced cooperation among organizations and libraries across ICESCO Member States to develop mechanisms for safeguarding this invaluable heritage. He also highlighted ICESCO’s efforts in implementing programs and projects aimed at promoting the history and culture of the Islamic world.

For his part, Mr. El Ferrane expressed the readiness of the King Abdulaziz Public Library to strengthen its partnership with ICESCO and the Sultan Qaboos Library in developing a network of libraries across the Organization’s Member States, and in organizing international seminars and conferences to raise awareness of the manuscripts of the Islamic world and its rich heritage.

The two parties agreed to establish a technical team to identify a number of joint activities, programs, and projects of mutual interest, with a view to signing a partnership agreement in the near future.

ICESCO was represented during the Meeting by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, and Dr. Ahmed AlBanyan, Director of the Translation and Publishing Center. Following the meeting, Mr. El Ferrane toured the Sultan Qaboos Library, which was inaugurated in a grand ceremony earlier this week.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Sultanate of Oman, inaugurated the Sultan Qaboos Library at its headquarters in Rabat during a high-level ceremony held on Thursday, 16 April 2026, attended by a large number of ambassadors, officials from cultural organizations and institutions, and a group of prominent thinkers, researchers, and writers.

The inauguration ceremony opened with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, in which he emphasized that libraries are civilizational landmarks and repositories of humanity’s intellectual wealth. He noted that the Islamic world is a civilization of the book, whose first revealed word was “Read,” and the civilization of the House of Wisdom Library in Baghdad, which served as a center for research, translation, and publishing.

Dr. AlMalik added that ICESCO is inaugurating today a library bearing the name of an exceptional leader known for his devotion to knowledge and culture, the late Sultan Qaboos, may Allah rest his soul. He pointed out that the library represents ICESCO’s gift to the Islamic world at a time when the status of the book has declined, and concluded his remarks by expressing gratitude to the leadership and government of the Sultanate of Oman.

For his part, Ambassador Khalid Salim Bamakhalif, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Morocco, praised the inauguration of the Sultan Qaboos Library at ICESCO headquarters, considering it a message affirming that knowledge will remain the strongest bond among peoples, and that investment in culture is an investment in the future of humanity. He also stressed that the relationship between ICESCO and the Sultanate of Oman stands as a model of cooperation based on supporting cultural and scientific action in the Islamic world.

Introducing the ceremony, Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Director of the Translation and Publishing Center at ICESCO, highlighted the role of libraries throughout history, noting that they have consistently served as incubators of thought and platforms for civilizational interaction.

This was followed by the official opening of the library, during which Dr. AlMalik and Ambassador Bamakhalif unveiled the commemorative plaque and accompanied senior guests on a tour of the library’s facilities, with explanations provided on the knowledge edifice, including reading halls, multidisciplinary spaces, and a dedicated area for children.

The inauguration was followed by an intellectual symposium featuring three presentations. The first, titled “Libraries Between Preserving Heritage and Shaping Cultural Transformation,” was delivered by Dr. Albanyan. Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Director of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences at ICESCO, presented a paper on Omani cultural diplomacy and the means and mechanisms for its deployment, highlighting elements of the history and heritage of the Sultanate of Oman, as well as the distinction between cultural diplomacy and political diplomacy. Dr. Mahmoud bin Abdullah Al Abri, Secretary-General of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, reviewed his country’s relations with international organizations concerned with cultural affairs, taking ICESCO as a model.

The library provides a reading and research space equipped with the latest technological media and interactive devices. In its first phase, it includes more than 6,000 print titles, alongside a digital extension offering nearly 200,000 works available through ICESCO’s digital platform. The library also houses a number of rare documentary treasures, including a copy of the Holy Quran transcribed in the hand of Ibn Al-Bawwab.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), began his visit to Senegal with a meeting with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. During his visit, Dr. AlMalik participated in the closing ceremony of the Fourth Session of the Quranic Schools.

During the meeting held on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Dakar, the two sides discussed areas of mutual cooperation and ways to strengthen the partnership between ICESCO and Senegal in education, culture, and science.

Mr. Sonko commended ICESCO’s programs and projects that benefit Senegal, emphasizing the importance of developing this cooperation and building a distinguished strategic partnership that serves national priorities in these fields.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik affirmed that Senegal is one of ICESCO’s distinguished Member States and praised the level of existing cooperation between the two sides.

Mr. Sonko also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to settling its arrears, thereby enabling it to benefit more fully from ICESCO’s programs and opportunities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to supporting joint programs and ICESCO’s interest in strengthening the role of Quranic Schools and implementing the recommendations issued by the Fourth Session of the Quranic Schools.

Senegal’s Minister of National Education, Mr. Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, attended the meeting.

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, the Second International Conference on Cancer Research (MCRS 2026) opened on Monday, 30 March 2026, at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat. The event is organized in partnership with Moulay Ismail University in Morocco and the Moroccan Association for Cancer Research, under the theme “Translational Research in Support of Clinical Advances,” with the participation of 180 researchers and specialists from 10 countries. It aims to highlight the crucial role of translational science in transforming laboratory findings into practical clinical applications.

During the opening session of the three-day conference, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, affirmed in a speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, that the Organization is guided by the principle of making science serve humanity and accessible to all. He stressed that ICESCO builds bridges of communication and cooperation between the global North and South to enhance the exchange of expertise and accelerate health solutions.

Dr. AlMalik noted that ICESCO has accumulated significant experience in supporting scientific research, particularly in health sciences. He emphasized that the Organization’s work goes beyond research funding to investing in people and building capacities, including support for training programs in human genome analysis, based on the conviction that prevention begins with knowledge.

For his part, Dr. Aboubakr Bouyaad, President of Moulay Ismail University, stated that hosting this event reflects growing recognition of the importance of translational research as a cornerstone of medical progress. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering an academic environment grounded in openness and innovation.

Dr. Lhoussain Hajji, Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Moulay Ismail University, underlined that the conference seeks to promote scientific exchange and develop new strategies to improve patient recovery prospects. Dr. Mouad Edderkaoui, Adjunct Professor at the University of California, highlighted that scientific research and collaboration among researchers constitute two fundamental pillars for transforming the challenge of combating cancer into a pathway for progress.

Dr. Saber Boutayeb, Director of the Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, warned against delays in translating scientific findings related to cancer research into practical applications. Dr. Taoufiq Fechtali, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at Moulay Ismail University, stressed that strengthening cooperation among researchers helps accelerate the transformation of scientific knowledge into solutions that improve treatment outcomes.

The first session of the conference was moderated by Dr. Adel Smeda, Supervisor of ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, with the participation of four international experts in the medical and oncology fields. The session featured specialized presentations and interactive discussions on the latest developments in translational research and clinical innovation in cancer treatment.

The first day also featured a presentation by Dr. Stephen Pandol, Professor of Medicine at the University of California, on modern approaches to cancer prediction and treatment outcome assessment. He highlighted the role of predictive models and clinical data in improving early diagnosis accuracy and guiding therapeutic decisions toward the most suitable options for each case, drawing strong engagement from attending experts and physicians.

The conference program includes a series of scientific and discussion sessions addressing key topics such as immunotherapy in cancer recovery, evolving cancer control models in Morocco, targeted radiotherapy biology, and prospects for developing clinical research.

The twenty-first of March marks the annual celebration of World Poetry Day. On this occasion, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), extended his congratulations to poets across the Islamic world, praising their generous contributions and noble creativity that have enriched life, preserved values, and reinforced the meanings of love, goodness, and beauty. He reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to maintaining continuous engagement with poets and ensuring that poetry receives the distinguished standing it merits as a great human art.

ICESCO recently established a dedicated Centre for Poetry and Literature, which is set to significantly contribute to advancing poetic and literary activity in the Islamic world. The Centre is implementing several projects, including “20 Moons in the Poetry Sky,” which focuses on publishing twenty collections by twenty female poets participating in the ICESCO Women Poets Forum, comprising more than two hundred poets. Other initiatives include the “Cities of Poems” contest, the quarterly ICESCO Cultural Magazine, and the ICESCO Youth Creators Camp.

In these blessed days marking Eid al-Fitr celebrations across the Muslim world, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) announced that it had received a gracious royal directive from the esteemed Moroccan Royal Office to maintain the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization in Rabat, and to establish it permanently at ICESCO headquarters. This decision reflects the recognition of the Fair’s remarkable cultural impact, as it has welcomed more than ten million visitors since its launch in November 2022, representing diverse groups of citizens, tourists, and guests of the Organization.

The project is the outcome of a strategic partnership bringing together the Muslim World League, ICESCO, and the Mohammadia League of Scholars in the Kingdom of Morocco, within joint efforts to promote the Prophet’s seerah and highlight the richness and humanistic values of Islamic civilization.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stated that this royal directive is a badge of honor for all those contributing to this partnership. Dr. AlMalik stressed that it also serves as a distinguished incentive to intensify efforts to safeguard the landmarks of Islamic civilization, especially as the year 2026, according to a royal directive in the Kingdom of Morocco, marks the celebration of the 1500th anniversary of Prophet Muhammad’s birth.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) concluded the activities of its Ramadan Gathering, “Excellence in Vicegerency (Istikhlaf),” on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, held at its headquarters in Rabat throughout the holy month of Ramadan in cooperation with the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco. The session featured a lecture by Dr. Khadija Abouzid, Professor of Higher Education at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, titled “When the Balance of Values Is Disrupted.”

The closing session was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, a number of ambassadors accredited to Morocco, members of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, as well as intellectuals and specialists in spiritual and educational affairs.

The session opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by young reciter Zayd El Bakkali, winner of the “Child Hafiz” Award in Morocco, followed by a poem recited by young reciter “munshida” Abeer Al Mahboubi. Dr. AlMalik then presented both children with honorary awards in recognition of their excellence in Qur’an memorization and recitation.

Dr. Yousra Bint Hussain AlJazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Group, delivered an introductory address in which she emphasized that history demonstrates that the fall of civilizations stems from losing the compass of values that governs human behavior, noting that sound reason and moral integrity are the true measures of individual worth and the foundation of thriving societies, which calls for reflection on how to elevate human values so they move from theoretical knowledge to tangible behavior and impact.

She added that the lecture would focus on Qur’anic principles guiding human conduct, the Qur’anic perspective on Vicegerency values, ways to translate theoretical principles into practical behavior, and the role of role models in instilling Vicegerency values among youth.

Dr. Abouzid began her lecture by highlighting the foundations of responsible human existence from an Islamic perspective: faith in God, ethical conduct, and responsibility toward society. Through these pillars, she explained, individuals become capable of fulfilling their life mission and serving as catalysts for positive change in their societies.

She added that human behavior in Islam is guided by a holistic system of values that shapes a balanced character in one’s relationship with God, the self, and the community. Acts of worship that cultivate inner discipline help anchor these values until they become daily practice, especially when youth and society at large can look to exemplary figures who embody these principles.

The session included a rich discussion among participants. Dr. AlMalik commended Dr. Abouzid for her contributions throughout the gathering’s sessions, noting that her insights had enriched the theme of “Excellence in Vicegerency (Istikhlaf)” and opened new horizons that illuminated previously overlooked dimensions.

The event concluded with Dr. AlMalik and Ms. Rania Shobaki, Chairwoman of the Group, presenting honorary shields to Dr. Abouzid, Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the ICESCO Director-General and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector at ICESCO, Qur’an reciter Hassnae Khoulali, and Mr. Ala Mula Al-Dwailah from the Office of the Director-General, in addition to several ICESCO sectors, divisions, and departments for their contributions to the Gathering’s success.

Benali: Women are Active in Fields of Science, Education, and Culture

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a major celebration on Thursday, 12 March 2026, at its headquarters in Rabat, to mark International Women’s Day under the theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” aimed at promoting awareness of the contributions of women and girls within society and the importance of strengthening their capacities across various fields.

The event opened with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, in which he conveyed greetings to all women. He noted that the civilization of the Islamic world has, since its earliest days, honored women, upheld their rightful status, and laid the foundations for the achievements witnessed today, where women serve as pioneers and leaders occupying the highest positions of influence.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted that ICESCO places women’s issues at the core of its priorities, reflected in women holding fifty percent of leadership positions within the Organization. He affirmed that ICESCO has a clear vision in which women are accorded full dignity and occupy leadership roles commensurate with those of men.

For her part, Dr. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of the Kingdom of Morocco, stressed the particular importance of the celebration’s theme, as it places women’s roles in building, development, and influence at the center of discussion. She underlined that women in the Islamic and Arab world are active in science, education, culture, and action and reform, and she reviewed Morocco’s national efforts to empower women and strengthen their dignity and status.

The ceremony then featured a screening of a short film titled “Women Making Impact,” followed by verses of Prophetic praise, and a high-level panel discussion moderated by Dr. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector at ICESCO. The session included the participation of Dr. Yousra bint Hussein AlJazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to Morocco, who emphasized the importance of supporting women’s success stories, which reach their full impact when transformed into sustained contributions that open broader opportunities for other women.

Dr. Yousra AlJazairy noted that women’s experiences across the Islamic world vary, with some having access to education and leadership opportunities, while others continue striving to obtain them. She called for narrowing the gaps in education and empowerment.

In her intervention, H.E. Mawadda Omar Haj Al-Toam, Ambassador of Sudan to Morocco, affirmed that Islam advocates equality in rights, referencing several stages in Islamic civilization during which women assumed leadership roles.

Dr. Sadia Faizunnesa, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Morocco, reviewed her country’s efforts to promote girls’ education, considering it essential for women’s economic, social, and leadership development and a driver of sustainable development.

The celebration concluded with an exchange of commemorative shields between Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Benali. Following this, ICESCO’s Director-General presented commemorative shields to Dr. AlJazairy, H.E. Mawadda Omar Haj Al-Toam, H.E. Sadia Faizunnesa, and Dr. Almamy Mbaye in recognition of their efforts to advance women’s roles in various fields.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received, on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, Ambassador Yu Jinsong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Morocco, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between the Organization and China in the fields of education, science, culture, and civilizational dialogue.

At the beginning of the meeting, held at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik congratulated Ambassador Yu Jinsong on her appointment as China’s Ambassador to Morocco, wishing her success in her mission. He stressed the Organization’s commitment to enhancing its distinguished partnership with China, which has resulted in the implementation of several activities, programmes, and conferences in the fields of civilizational exchange and heritage preservation. The most recent initiative was a cultural celebration hosted at ICESCO Headquarters on the occasion of the Chinese Spring Festival 2026, featuring performances that reflected the harmony between Islamic civilization and Chinese culture.

Dr. AlMalik noted that, in line with ICESCO’s approach of openness, the Organization offers non-Member States the opportunity to join as “Observer Members,” extending an invitation to the Chinese side to participate with a high-level delegation in ICESCO’s General Conference scheduled for next May, which the Ambassador welcomed.

For her part, Ambassador Yu Jinsong affirmed her country’s keenness to strengthen its outstanding partnership with ICESCO in the fields of education, science, culture, and the exchange of expertise and knowledge in technology and civilizational communication.

Ambassador Yu Jinsong also delivered to Dr. AlMalik an official letter from Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), reaffirming ICESCO’s pivotal role in enhancing cooperation between the Islamic world and China in the fields of culture, science, education, youth, and the deepening of civilizational dialogue.

The meeting was attended from ICESCO by Anar Karimov, Head of the Sector of Partnerships and International Cooperation; Osama Heikal, Head of the Sector of Media and Communication; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director General’s Office and Supervisor of the Sector of Strategy and Institutional Excellence; Dr. Webber Ndoro, Head of the Islamic World Heritage Center; and Dr. Kais Hammami, Head of the Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence.