Category: Director General

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Lebanese University in Lebanon signed an agreement to establish ICESCO Chair on “Arts, Culture and Humanities East-West: Intercultural relations and inclusiveness,” at the Doctoral School of Literature, Humanities and Social Sciences. The Chair aims to promote comprehensive research works and knowledge exchange through scientific, cultural and creative activities, and strengthen East-West Civilizational ties.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG); Dr. Mohammed Mohsen, the Dean of the Doctoral School of Literature, Humanities and Social Sciences at the Lebanese University; Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy DG of ICESCO; and Dr. Dima Hamdan, Chair Supervisor, took part at the signing ceremony, held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, via videoconferencing, with the participation of several heads of sectors and experts at the Organization.

In his address, Dr. AlMalik expressed his happiness at signing the agreement, noting that the Chair will strengthen ICESCO’s ties with its Member States, considering that Lebanon is a culturally diverse country.

Dr. AlMalik added that this step is in line with ICESCO new vision based on openness, noting that the Organization has developed international art programs to support creativity and promote the works of intellectuals and artists within and outside the Islamic world.

“The Organization has established an international network of chairs on literature and arts to support scientific chairs and restore the role of culture within scientific research,” stated Dr. AlMalik.

Dr. Mohammed Mohsen expressed his happiness at signing the agreement while highlighting the prominent position of the University, which enrolls around 80 thousand students, 10% of whom are from Arab countries, and has 7,000 Professors. The University encompasses three doctoral schools that currently enroll 800 students and collaborate with various international institutions around the world.

Dr. Dima Hamdan stressed that the Chair will strengthen East-West ties and aims to restore Lebanon’s role in promoting civilizational and cultural convergence and knowledge exchange, encouraging student creativity, and fostering the culture of peace.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the National e-Learning Center of Saudi Arabia, and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Science and Culture held today, Tuesday 22 June 2021, via videoconference, a meeting to discuss drafting a framework for cooperation and partnership in the field of education between ICESCO and the Center and explore prospects for advancing education.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG); Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad Al-Walidi, General Manager of the Center; and Prof. Hattan Muneer bin Samman, Secretary-General of the Saudi National Commission. Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy DG, several ICESCO heads of sectors and advisors, and a number of the Center’s officials also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik stated that ICESCO’s new vision adopts an approach of renewal in the programs it offers within its areas of competence. He added that he is looking forward to building fruitful cooperation with the Center to transfer the remarkable expertise and successful experiences of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of e-learning to several countries in the Islamic world.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed that the Saudi Center is a source of pride and a great model for advancing education systems in the Islamic world through promoting trust, complementarity and innovation in the field of e-learning.

Dr. Al-Walidi noted that the significance of e-learning lies in its ability to provide quality education and guarantee equal opportunities to a maximum number of learners, expressing the Center’s readiness to provide support and share expertise and experiences with ICESCO and its Member States.

Prof. Samman reaffirmed the National Commission’s keenness to support ICESCO and build fruitful partnerships between the Organization and Saudi institutions and bodies within ICESCO’s areas of competence.

Mr. Najmeddine bin Issam Al-Homssi, Director of Strategic Relations at the Center, gave an overview of the Center’s roles and goals, which focus on improving the quality of e-learning, granting authorizations, overseeing programs, conducting research works and studies, and providing consultation in the field of e-learning.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to set up a joint working team to outline the parameters of the partnership between ICESCO and the Center. They also agreed to continue meeting to draft executive programs to be agreed upon.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held on Monday, June 21, 2021, the second session of the Leadership Training in Peace and Security Program. The Program is held in partnership with the UNESCO Office for the Maghreb, the Conference of the Ministers of Education of French Speaking Countries (CONFEMEN), and the Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sports of French Speaking Countries (CONFEJES).

The key Program aims to hone the leadership skills of young people as they are the agents of change who are capable of establishing peace and building the societies we want. It also seeks to make them true ambassadors of peace in their societies by providing them with knowledge and tools through exchanges with inspirational leaders and experts.

At the beginning of the opening session, held both face-to-face at ICESCO headquarters and via videoconference, Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Sector of Human and Social Sciences at ICESCO, welcomed participants, noting that the Program represents a platform for knowledge, research, and experience exchange among leaderships, experts, and young people.   

In his opening address, Mr. Nidal Benali, a trainee in the 2021 Leadership Training in Peace and Security Program, President of the National Local Youth Councils Network in Morocco, stressed the need to join efforts to achieve peace and security through building the capacities of young people to become active citizens.

For his part, Mr. Abdel Rahamane Baba-Moussa, CONFEMEN Secretary-General, highlighted the importance of incorporating peace and security in school curricula and programs, stating that education is the key to peace. The CONFEMEN official called on states and governments to build education systems that allow for life-long learning and embraces education on the principles of peace and security.  

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), talked in his address about the Organization’s vision in the field of peace and youth leaderships and stressed the need for decision-makers to open to young people and their ideas as it is only logical to include them in shaping the future. Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed that achieving prosperity and sustainable development hinges upon promoting and capitalizing on the youth’s innovative capacities in various fields, ensure their active participation and build their leadership capacities.

During the session discussion, ICESCO DG answered the questions of the Program trainees, university students, and civil society activists from different Member States, reaffirming the need to build partnerships, promote cooperation among countries and societies, and foster scientific research to come up with innovative solutions to the conflicts undermining peace.

The DG urged participants to seek the truth and refrain from taking rumors and fake news at face value. He also recommended they travel and immerse themselves in other cultures to enhance their views about the other and build a better future.

The Expert Session featured several remarkable presentations, including “Education for peace” that Dr. Conrad Hughes, Director of the International School of Geneva, delivered; and “Global citizenship and peace” that Dr. John Crowley, Chief of Section for Research, Policy and Foresight at UNESCO, delivered.

The session also featured a presentation on “The significance of the Gender-based perspective in establishing peace and security” that Dr. Lina Abi Rafii, Executive Director of the Arab Institute of Women, delivered. She stated that the desired change cannot be achieved without a proper understanding of the world we live in, calling on young people to strive to improve the situation of women as it is a way to achieve peace, security and prosperity.  

The Leadership Training in Peace and Security Program will continue with several virtual training sessions that will be held between June and September 2021. The Program focuses on 10 modules focusing on peace issues. The 2021 trainees will form the first group in the ICESCO Youth and Women Network for Peace.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the First Meeting of the High Committee overseeing Egypt’s hosting of the 14^th Session of ICESCO General Conference. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, President of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, chaired the meeting, which was held yesterday, Sunday, June 20, 2021, via videoconference, in the presence of Dr. Ghada Abdel Bari, Secretary-General of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, and a host of the Commission’s members.

During the meeting, Dr. Abdel Ghaffar highlighted the key role ICESCO assumes in the fields of education, science, and culture, noting the need to support cooperation between Egypt and the Organization in scientific research, technology, science and innovation. He added that the Egyptian Government and its people appreciate ICESCO’s leading role in promoting peace and knowledge and supporting development efforts in the Islamic world. The Egyptian Minister also called for maintaining the Organization’s endeavors to achieve peace and human development, expressing his good wishes for the success of the proceedings and deliberations of the Conference, which will be held in December 2021.

The meeting discussed the proposed topics to be discussed on the sidelines of the General Conference, including ICESCO’s Year of Women with the participation of Egypt’s First Lady, ICESCO Program for Young Professionals, OIC First and Second Summit for Science, Technology and Innovation, and the First Regional Forum for Open Science in Arab Countries.

The meeting also reviewed the Conference’s administrative and logistical measures and the suggested organizations, bodies and ministries to take part in the Conference. Likewise, the two parties discussed the organization of an exhibition capturing ICESCO’s areas of interest in the fields of higher education and scientific research, all while abiding by the preventive precautions against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting discussed the proposals of the scientific program to be held on the sidelines of the General Conference, which will address key issues such as the internationalization of education, higher education and scientific research, future professions, scientific research and industry, and AI incubators.

Dr. AlMalik expressed his thanks and appreciation for Egypt for hosting the 14^th Session of the General Conference and the Executive Council, commending the great interest of the Egyptian National Commission, represented in Dr. Abdel Ghaffar, in ensuring the success of this event. The DG underscored that the activities held on the sidelines of the General Conference and Executive Council should pertain to the fields of education, culture, science, archeology, and peace to benefit from Egypt’s leading experience in these areas.

ICESCO DG affirmed the Organization’s keenness to sustain cooperation with Egypt, particularly in the programs and activities of ICESCO’s Year of Women 2021, particularly after the participation of Ms. Intisar al-Sisi, First lady of the Republic, at the launch ceremony with an inspiring recorded message. He added that the First Lady highlighted the great role that Egyptian women have assumed throughout the ages in building this ancient civilization and the rights they have gained thanks to their strong political will.

In her review of ICESCO’s vision, Dr. Ghada Abdel Bari stated that the Organization aims to strengthen cooperation and establish stronger relations among its Member States in the fields of education, science, culture and communication, and promote understanding between peoples and contribute to peace and security worldwide. She added that ICESCO aspires to reflect the true image of Islam, promote inter-civilizational, intercultural and inter-faith dialogue, spread the values ​​of justice and peace, and the principles of freedom and human rights, promote cultural diversity, strengthen cooperation and partnership with governmental and non-governmental institutions, and highlight the attributes of the Islamic culture.

The Committee members are: Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister’s Deputy for University Affairs; Dr. Yasser Refaat, Minister’s Deputy for Scientific Research Affairs; Dr. Mahmoud Sakr, President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology; Dr. Muhammad Latif, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities; Dr. Ashraf Al-Azzazi, Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector; Dr. Hisham Farouk, Minister’s Assistant for Digital Transformation; Dr. Mohamed El-Tayeb, Minister’s Assistant for Strategic Planning and Technical Affairs; Dr. Reem Derbala, Technical Advisor to the Council for Foreign University Branches Affairs; Dr. Adel Abdel Ghaffar, Media Advisor and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry; Mr. Ahmed Al Sheikh, Head of Development and Services Sector at the Ministry; Dr. Rasha Kamal, President of the Central Administration for Foreign Student Affairs; Mr. Ahmed Mujahid, Director General of the Minister’s Office for Scientific Research; Mr. Sayed Musa, Acting Assistant Secretary of the National Commission; and Ms. Hanan Abdel Salam, Director of Financial and Administrative Affairs at the National Commission for Education, Science and Culture.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Amal Jalal, President of Al-Qarawiyyin University in Fez, Morocco, explored ways to promote cooperation between the Organization and the University.

The meeting was part of the visit of ICESCO DG, along with a delegation of the heads of the sector at the Organization, to the University. Dr. Amal Jalal, president of the University, and Dr. Idriss Al Fassi, the University’s Vice-President, received the delegation.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik expressed his happiness at visiting Al-Qarawiyyin University, which he considers as the mother of all universities, and meeting its leading scientific and intellectual figures.

The meeting also reviewed the University’s restoration project, conducted under the high patronage of H.M. King Mohammed VI, as well as the monarch’s constant support to give new impetus to the University’s prominent role.

Dr. Jalal stressed that the University selects the most talented students, who have memorized the Holy Quran by heart and have a good command of Arabic, English, and French. “Prospective students should also sit for a test organized by a specialized admission committee,” added Dr. Jalal.

The two parties agreed upon further cooperation between the Organization and the University in the areas of common interest.

At the close of the meeting, the President of Al-Qarawiyyin University offered ICESCO DG a shield bearing the University’s logo, as well as a set of its most recent publications.

ICESCO DG and his delegation made a tour of the University’s library “Khizanat al-Qarawiyyin,” during which they explored the library’s treasures of over 4000 manuscripts, as well as the University’s manuscripts restoration laboratory, which uses state-of-the-art restoration technologies. The delegation then made a visit to Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque in the Old Medina of Fez.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez (UEMF) in Morocco, signed an agreement on the creation of ICESCO Chair for Arts, Science, and Civilizations. The Chair will be based at the University and aims to develop scientific research works to benefit and promote the fields of arts and thoughts, and build fruitful cooperation relations among artists, researchers and students, especially the youth.

The Chair also aims to promote knowledge-based economy and human development through scientific research and cultural networking between the different educational institutions and universities in the ICESCO Member States.

The parties signed the Agreement on Thursday, June 17, 2021, during a ceremony held at the University headquarters in Fez. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and Dr. Mostapha Bousmina, UEMF President, signed the Agreement, in the presence of several heads of ICESCO sectors and several University officials, including Dr. Abdelrahman Tankoul, Official in charge of the Chair.

In his address at the signing ceremony, ICESCO DG expressed his delight in signing the key document with the University, noting that the visit ICESCO delegation made to the University’s various facilities and labs provided insights into this institution’s capacities, a source of pride to both its educators and students.

Dr. Bousmina also expressed his delight in signing such an agreement and thanked ICESCO for its support for scientific research, reaffirming his keenness to develop relations between the University and the Organization.

Dr. Abdelhaq Azzouzi, a member of UEMF Board of Directors, commended the signing of the Agreement, expressing his confidence that the Chair will carry out outstanding work.

According to the Agreement clauses, the Chair aims to set up a body for training and research in the Chair’s main areas of specialty and seeks to involve researchers, authors and intellectuals in its missions to publicize arts, science, and civilizations, promote societies and preserve their cultures, heritage, and identities.

The headquarters of the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez (UEMF), in Morocco, saw the inauguration of the headquarters of ICESCO Chair on “Women in Science: Artificial Intelligence and the Future,” whose establishment agreement was signed on May 17, 2021, with the aim of promoting scientific research on artificial intelligence, encouraging the participation of girls and women in this field, and consolidating the foresight culture.

In his address at the inauguration, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), expressed his happiness at the start of the Chair’s activities at Euro-Mediterranean University, which is one of the outstanding universities in the Islamic world despite its young age.

Dr. AlMalik added that the establishment of the Chair, which falls within the framework of ICESCO Year of Women 2021, will contribute to encouraging and supporting women and girls in the field of science, stressing that enhancing women’s opportunities to study and use artificial intelligence applications will contribute to achieving gender equality.

Dr. Bousmina Mostapha, UEMF President, indicated that women represent 51 percent of the University’s staff. “UEMF has also distinguished female students. ICESCO Academic Chair will contribute to achieving gender equality by building the capacities of young women and enhancing their presence and contribution in the field of artificial intelligence and other new areas,” he underscored.

Abdelhak Azzouzi, a member of UEMF’s Board of Directors, said that the Chair will be a great success as it aims at developing international partnerships, providing training on research and innovation, and attracting young researchers from the ICESCO Member States to develop algorithms and artificial intelligence technologies for the benefit of society.

Dr. Maha Kamira, who is the charge of the Chair, reviewed the key measures and steps that have been taken since the signing of the establishment agreement, stressing that the University, in coordination with ICESCO Center for Strategic Foresight, laid down the objectives of the Chair. Among its goals is to provide opportunities and support girls and women in the field of artificial intelligence. The measure includes organizing workshops, summer school, expanding the scientific knowledge base, and developing scholarship programs and student exchange programs over the next five years.

Following the inauguration, UEMF President took ICESCO DG and his delegation on a tour of the various laboratories and facilities of the University, during which many professors and students of different nationalities reviewed their scientific research and experiments.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Ibrahim Al Hammad, DG of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) in Morocco and West Africa, who visited ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, on Wednesday (June 16, 2021).

The meeting also brought together Dr. Mohamed Al-Samrani, Director of Saudia Airlines in Morocco; Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy DG; and some of the heads of sector, department and center at the Organization; as well as Ms. Kawthar Hammouchi, Director of Cooperation and Social Responsibility in SABIC Morocco and West Africa.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed the main themes of ICESCO’s vision and action strategy as well as the key initiatives, programs and activities that the Organization implemented in many Member States, particularly in Africa to support the efforts geared towards addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in the areas of health, education, and water.

The meeting also touched upon the major current programs and projects of ICESCO, being implemented in cooperation with the competent parties in the Member States, and the new ideas and initiatives that ICESCO adopts to meet its Member States’ needs in its areas of action.

Mr. Al Hammad commended the efforts of ICESCO to support its Member States, stressing his willingness to build cooperation between SABIC Morocco and West Africa, which collaborates with 35 African countries, and ICESCO. He explained that the office supports projects in the fields of environment, water, education, and health in these countries, as part of the company’s social responsibility.

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, stated that the Islamic civilization encompasses all forms of knowledge, including jurisprudence, literature, and natural sciences, and calls for using reason to contemplate and reflect upon the universe that Allah created.

“We need to follow such lofty teachings which urge us to be bold in addressing every contemporary issue based on the solid foundations of our faith,” Dr. AlMalik affirmed.

The statement came at the DG’s address during the opening ceremony of Imam Maturidi International Scientific Research Center in Uzbekistan Symposium on “The Maturidiyya Teachings and the Present.”

The event, which took place on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, via videoconferencing, witnessed the participation of Mr. Shah Azim Minovarov Shahaslamovich, Advisor to the President of the Uzbekistan and Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan; Ambassador Dr. Mahmud Erol Kılıç, DG of the Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA); the Grand mufti Osmankhun Alimov, Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan and President of the International Scientific Board of Imam Maturidi Center; Dr. Davron Makhsudov Rustamovich, Director of  Imam Maturidi International Scientific Research Center and Dr. Muzaffar Komilov Muradovich, President of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan.

In his address, ICESCO DG pointed out that Imam Abu Mansour al-Maturidi’s thought is innovative, helps in combating heresies and superstition, and combines both reasoning and the religious texts, highlighting that humans had been endowed the gift of knowledge. Dr. AlMalik also underscored that ICESCO and Imam Maturidi International Scientific Research Center’s joint efforts aim at promoting knowledge and scientific trends that the Islamic World is in urgent need.

ICESCO DG stated that the two parties share the same areas of competence and praised the memorandum of understanding they signed. He also reviewed ICESCO’s major activities and initiatives carried out to promote coexistence and peace, including the Symposium on Space Sciences which aimed at exploring the role of technology in promoting coexistence, the International Conference on Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah, and the Conference on “Role of Religious Leaderships in Face of Crises.”

At the close of his address, Dr. AlMalik called for capitalizing on the unlimited potentials that modern technologies offer, thus contributing to the development of the Islamic world.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the International Camel Organization (ICO) held, on Monday, June 14, 2021, a virtual working session to explore areas of cooperation between the two parties.

The two parties examined ways to set up a strategic plan of cooperation on several programs and activities pertaining to promoting camels’ civilizational and cultural heritage, conducting scientific studies on this subject, supporting the traditional and handicraft industry, and promoting the desert cultural heritage.

H.H. Prince Sultan bin Saud bin Mohammed, ICO Vice President, and Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG) chaired the meeting. The session also witnessed the participation of H.R.H. Prince Abdulrahman bin Khalid bin Musaad, Representative of Saudi Arabia to the ICO, Dr. Mubarak Al-Suwailem, ICO Secretary-General, and Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy ICESCO DG, in addition to advisors and heads of sectors and departments at the Organization.

At the beginning of the meeting, H.H. Prince Sultan bin Saud conveyed to the participants the greetings and gratitude of H.E. Sheikh Fahd bin Hathleen, Founder and Chairman of the ICO Board of Directors.

During the meeting, which was held as part of the implementation of the Partnership Agreement signed between the two organizations in April 2021, the two parties reviewed the broad lines of the proposed programs and cooperation activities as well as implementation plans to achieve the expected outcomes of the programs. The list includes programs on civilizational and cultural heritage relating to camels and desert culture, the inscription of this heritage on the List of Intangible Heritage of the Islamic World, and participation in King Abdulaziz Festival of Camels and camel races, in addition to the organization of conferences, symposia, festivals and fairs dedicated to camels.

The working session also focused on the studies and scientific research that parties will jointly conduct to protect camel breeds, improve their DNA through genetic research and increase the production of camel milk and meat, to promote camel economy and investment in the field.

The two parties also agreed to issue several publications, such as the encyclopedia of camels, and publicize camel heritage by employing various mediums such as documentaries, digital content and children’s stories. The goal is to bring the new generations of the Islamic world closer to this heritage, which is a source of pride.

At the end of this meeting, which was marked by rich discussions and practical ideas and proposals, both parties reaffirmed that this cooperation will be fruitful, given the two Organizations’ complementary visions and shared objectives, especially in the field of heritage protection and identity promotion. The participants also agreed to hold bilateral technical meetings, to launch the implementation of the agreed-upon programs and activities.