Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Ambassador Mohamed El Nokaly, Senior International Relations Advisor at the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSa), discussed means to strengthen cooperation between the Organization and the Agency on promoting space science and technology and developing scientific research and innovation in this field in the countries of the Islamic world.
During the meeting, held on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, on the sidelines of Mr. Al Qubaisi’s participation in ICESCO’s Global Space Science Forum, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the great interest that the Organization attaches to supporting the efforts of its Member States in developing space science programs and related industries, and leveraging the potential of space applications to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable development.
ICESCO DG noted that the Organization, as part of its new vision and action strategy, endeavors to build close cooperation with all space science actors to work jointly on raising awareness of the importance of investing in space science and technology, integrating them into school curricula, benefiting from space applications, and providing opportunities for researchers and scientists to exchange ideas and experiences in these fields. He added that the Organization has signed several cooperation and partnership agreements with several international organizations, institutions, and bodies, and that joint programs and activities are being implemented with these partners along with various donors.
For his part, Ambassador El Nokaly commended ICESCO’s efforts to organize a global forum on the promising field of space science that has gained international momentum, affirming the Egyptian Space Agency’s willingness to cooperate with ICESCO on organizing activities and implementing initiatives and programmes relating to space science and applications.
Partnership and Investment in Space Science is Necessity to Face Challenges in Islamic World
The Global Space Science Forum, held in cooperation between the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the US Space Foundation, concluded its proceedings, yesterday. The Forum issued a set of practical recommendations to strengthen international partnership and cooperation to bridge the gap between the developed and developing countries in the field of space science and encourage countries of the Islamic world to invest in space science applications and related industries.
The Forum, held under the theme “Exploring the Space Science Future – Together” on November 1-2, 2021, both at ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat, and via videoconference, saw the participation of officials, experts, and policymakers in the field of space as well as astronauts. The participants unanimously stressed the need to strengthen human resources to carry out space exploration research and studies and provide the necessary financial resources to develop the appropriate infrastructures. They also focused on the need to set incentives for youth and women in the Islamic world to ensure their integration into space science and technology by providing support for start-ups and incubators and raising awareness about the importance of space science in improving life on planet Earth.
On the second day, the Forum witnessed a series of scientific sessions and discussions, where participants reviewed the most prominent milestones of space science history in several countries of the Islamic World, the areas of cooperation to develop scientific research and innovation to achieve sustainable development, and the importance of space sciences to have access to data and information to respond to humanitarian disasters and reduce poverty.
The first session tackled ways to strengthen the partnership between academic and industrial sectors in space science applications, highlighting the attention that Muslims have paid, throughout history, to space science and innovation. The participants stressed the importance of the openness of academic institutions and researchers to space technology and the need to establish partnerships and involve the private sector to capitalize on the advantages of space science, strengthen the innovative capacities of young people and urge all countries to integrate into the field of space science and its applications to break the monopoly of space knowledge.
The second session focused on developing space technology to ensure food security, develop agriculture and reduce poverty. The participants reviewed the salient programs of the international institutions for using space technology to collect information and data to achieve sustainable development through monitoring crops and developing navigation, stressing the need to join forces and engage in research activities to exchange experiences, policies and strategies in the field of space science and technology.
In the third session, the participants explored the relationship between communications systems, cybersecurity, and space sciences. They reviewed the experiences of the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) and Oukaimeden Observatory in Morocco as well as the field experiences in aeronautical engineering of the International University of Rabat. They also explored cybersecurity challenges in light of space science development and the new prospects for space science and its applications to improve life on Earth and encourage innovation.
At the end of the Forum, the participants exchanged ideas and opinions, in a roundtable discussion, on the role of ICESCO Member States’ space agencies to help spread awareness about space technology.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Mizanur Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO), discussed prospects for cooperation between the two Organizations in strengthening efforts to develop scientific research, innovation, and space science and technology.
During this meeting held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, on the sidelines of Mr. Rahman’s participation in ICESCO’s Global Space Science Forum, Dr. Al-Malik stressed that ICESCO attaches great importance to supporting the efforts of its Member States to leverage the potential of space science and applications and new technologies, in general, to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable development.
ICESCO DG noted that the Organization’s new vision and action strategy are based on openness and cooperation with all to serve its Member States and Muslim communities around the world. He added that the Organization has signed several cooperation and partnership agreements with several international organizations, institutions, and bodies, and that joint programs and activities are being implemented with these partners along with many donors.
Mr. Rahman commended ICESCO’s Global Space Science Forum and noted that it provides an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and share experiences among Bangladeshi experts and specialists, stressing SPARRSO’s willingness to cooperate with ICESCO in the promising field of space science.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Mr. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, DG of the United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAESA), discussed prospects for cooperation between the Organization and the Agency in the field of space science and applications and sharing the Emirati distinguished experience in this regard with the Islamic world.
During the meeting, held on Monday, November 1, 2021, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, on the sidelines of Mr. Al Qubaisi’s participation in ICESCO’s Global Space Science Forum, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the great interest that the Organization’s new vision and strategy attach to supporting the efforts of its Member States in developing scientific research and enhancing investment in space science and applications.
ICESCO DG noted that the Organization signed a partnership agreement with the Space Foundation in the USA to cooperate closely and raise awareness of the importance of investing in space science and technology, integrating them into educational programs, contributing to the use of space applications, and providing opportunities for researchers and scientists to exchange ideas and experiences in this field. He also pointed out that ICESCO’s Global Space Science Forum is held within the framework of this partnership agreement and in cooperation with the Space Foundation.
UAESA DG commended ICESCO’s new vision and tireless efforts in establishing cooperation between countries of the Islamic world in the field of space science. He also confirmed the Agency’s willingness to cooperate in this field as building international strategic partnerships is one of the Agency’s major actin approaches.
The meeting was also attended by Engineer Nasser Bin Hammad, Head International Relations and Chief Innovation Officer at UAESA.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Eng. Majed Al-Onazi, Chief Operating Officer at the Saudi Space Commission, who is taking part in ICESCO’s Global Space Science Forum.
During the meeting, held yesterday, Monday, November 1, 2021, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik and Eng. Alonazi discussed ways to promote cooperation between ICESCO and the Saudi Space Commission, as part of the Organization’s vision, which accords great importance to supporting the efforts of countries of the Islamic World and encouraging them to invest in space sciences and applications as the science of the future.
Eng. Alonazi talked about the achievements of the Saudi Commission in the field of space, in the implementation of the Kingdom’s vision 2030, which was adopted by H.R.H. Prince Mohamed bin Salman, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. He added that the vision places great interest in investing in space sciences and applications given its importance as a key element in achieving sustainable development.
The DG commended the Kingdom’s leading vision, reaffirming that ICESCO stands ready to cooperate and partner with the Saudi Space Commission in launching and implementing space science initiatives, programs and activities.
The two parties reaffirmed the significance of joint action among countries of the Islamic world in the field of space and highlighted the need to open up to other countries that have made major strides in this field, with the aim of facing current and future challenges and contributing to improving people’s lives. They also reiterated the great benefits and potential of space sciences and applications in improving human abilities to deal with the crises and disasters the world is facing and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development.
Eng. Alonazi hailed the high level of organization of ICESCO’s Global Space Science Forum, which concludes its proceedings today, Thursday, November 2, 2021, noting that this event will be an opportunity to promote cooperation between countries of the Islamic world in this vital field.
The first day of the joint ICESCO-Space Foundation Global Space Science Forum under the theme: “Exploring the Space Science Future – Together,” featured scientific tours aiming to explore the promising future of space science and applications, and saw the participation of officials, experts, and policymakers who brought new perspectives into the dialogue on space science, emphasizing that it is the science of the future in which humanity must invest to meet current and future challenges.
The Forum kicked off on Monday, November 1, 2021, face-to-face at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, and via videoconference, with a speech by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), in which he highlighted the need for the enhancement of investment in space science and technology and stressed the importance of raising collective awareness and building the capacity of young people, women, and girls to stimulate their participation in the growing space science activities to support the world’s efforts to achieve shared sustainable development goals.
The DG explained that the technological progress achieved in the past decades, which led to a surge in the global economy, requires meeting social and economic challenges, noting the pivotal role that space science and technology play in this field.
Dr. AlMalik reiterated the Organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting scientific, educational, and cultural activities in its Member States through the adoption of new technologies, capacity building, support of the technology-driven economy, awareness-raising, modern knowledge dissemination. The policy recommendations emanating from the ICESCO Global Space Science Forum can help achieve all these objectives as they serve as a foundation for national policies that promote the Islamic world’s use of space science technology.
In his address, Dr. Abdellatif Miraoui, Moroccan Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, commended ICESCO’s programs and activities aimed at developing scientific research and innovation in the Islamic world, highlighting the special attention accorded by His Majesty King Mohammed VI – may God assist him – to the field of space science, and the Moroccan Kingdom’s initiatives in this field, namely the hosting of the African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology and the establishment of the Royal Centre for Remote Sensing.
Mr. Thomas Zelibor, Space Foundation CEO, explained that space science is critical to understanding climate change and natural hazards and their impacts, stressing that the initiatives of all actors, partners and institutions are key to advancing innovation and technology. Dr. Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, emphasized the importance of investing in space science to overcome challenges and improve the quality of life on earth, commending the initiatives of the international community in this field and underlining the necessity to support efforts to leverage space technology for human growth and prosperity.
For her part, Dr. Pascale Ehrenfreund, President of the International Astronautical Federation, stressed the need to benefit from space science in a world that is witnessing constant changes and transformations, noting the importance of cooperation in this endeavour through the promotion of innovation and student exchange between universities around the world to combat poverty and achieve development.
At the outset of the opening session, the first session of the Forum began with a speech by Mr. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, in which he pointed out that space science is a wide and ever-developing field that requires cooperation, that is why international strategic partnerships have become common practice for the UAE Space Agency.
Mr. Samaddin Asadov, Chairman of the Board of Azerbaijan Space Agency “Azercosmos,” provided an overview of the agency’s mission and scope of activities, noting that the Azerbaijanian space agency has been witnessing developments in space science and industry for 50 years.
In his address, Mr. Majed Alonazi, Chief Operating Officer at the Saudi Space Commission, stressed that the ICESCO Global Forum would pave the way for cooperation between the Islamic world countries in the field of space science, noting that Saudi Arabia seeks to raise awareness of space science, invest in related industries, and develop applications that contribute to achieving sustainable development.
The second session of the first day of the Forum touched upon the role of space agencies in building knowledge based on space applications and featured a roundtable on the importance of space science in reducing disaster risks, facing humanitarian crises, and eradicating poverty. The thought-provoking discussions encouraged participants to reflect upon ways to overcome the current challenges and build a better future for humanity through genuine cooperation in the field of space applications and related industries.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Dr. Abdellatif Miraoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation in the Kingdom of Morocco, discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry in the fields of scientific research, exchange between universities, granting scholarships to students, and the creation of scientific chairs.
During the meeting, which took place on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the headquarters of the Ministry in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik congratulated Dr. Miraoui for the trust placed in him by His Majesty King Mohammed VI (may God assist him) and for his appointment as Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, wishing him every success in his new mission.
ICESCO DG also reviewed the vision of the Organization, which attaches great importance to scientific research and innovation, and the importance of using the capabilities offered by modern technology and artificial intelligence applications to achieve sustainable development. He also presented the programme of establishing ICESCO scientific chairs in various fields in a number of universities around the world, including ICESCO chairs in Moroccan universities and in universities in Member States.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of organizing jointly the next session of the Conference of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ministers of ICESCO Member States.
For his part, Dr. Miraoui welcomed this meeting and expressed his support for reinforcing the fruitful cooperation with ICESCO, through the support of innovation and the promotion of student exchange between universities.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO’s Deputy DG, and Mr. Mohammed Khalfaoui, Secretary General of the Ministry, and Mr. Anass Bennani, Director of Cooperation and Partnership at the said Ministry.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met Dr. Chakib Benmoussa, Moroccan Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, President of the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture. The meeting examined the means of promoting cooperation between ICESCO and the Kingdom of Morocco in the Organization’s fields of action.
At the outset of the meeting, held on October 29, 2021, at the headquarters of the Ministry, in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik congratulated Dr. Benmoussa for earning the royal trust of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, and being appointed as the Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, wishing him every success in this major mission.
The meeting highlighted the main programs and projects implemented in cooperation between ICESCO and the Ministry, as part of the Organization’s new vision and strategy of action by identifying the respective priorities and needs of Member States, which constitute the core of these programs and projects.
ICESCO DG commended the key role of the Moroccan National Commission in developing an outstanding partnership between ICESCO and the Kingdom of Morocco in many fields. In this regard, the two parties reaffirmed their keenness to pursue joint action in the Organization’s areas of competence.
Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of ICESCO, also participated in this meeting.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Secretary-General of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), received Dr. Wail Benjelloun, Honorary President of the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED). The meeting explored the prospects for cooperation between FUIW and UNIMED.
The meeting, held on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, touched upon the arrangements for the Conference on “Women in University Leadership: Reality, Challenges and Prospects” that ICESCO will hold, in January 2022, in cooperation with Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, UNIMED, based in Italy, and the FUIW.
At the close of the meeting, the two parties stressed the importance of building cooperation between the FUIW and UNIMED, particularly in the exchange program between universities, scholarships, academic chairs, and the development of scientific research.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the 24th World Conference of the World Future Studies Federation (WFSF), held by the Federation in partnership with Prince Muhammad Bin Fahd University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where Dr. Kais Hammami, Director of ICESCO Strategic Foresight Center, took part in a discussion panel on MENA region, under the title “The Future of Higher Education and Tomorrow’s Skills: Discussing the Role of Higher Education in Reshaping Generations and Preparing Youth for the Digital Age.”
In his videoconference participation, today, October 28, 2021, Dr. Hammami divided his presentation into four parts. In the first part, he touched on a dynamic analysis of the history of foresight in the education sector, stressing that in order to correctly anticipate the future, it is imperative to think about the past. Foresight is a project for the future, and the transition from the past to a better future is integral to the activities of the present.
In the second part of his intervention, he dealt with a diagnosis of the current situation, as he indicated that the main trends that affect the present of education, such as artificial intelligence, demographic situation, and social problems, must be identified to assess the current changes and plan for the possible future in this field. In the third part, he talked about the diversity of future scenarios in education, as he stressed that many international organizations are currently working on developing forward-looking scenarios for the future of education, mainly the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
In the last part of his presentation, he pointed out the desired and potential scenario, stressing that ICESCO Strategic Foresight Center relies in its action on several best practices, which must be taken into account in re-imagining the future of education, especially in the digital age, to establish an educational system based on common knowledge to provide students with education basics in all fields of science and artificial intelligence.
