Dr. Salim M. AlMalik,
Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Sultan Bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of
the Saudi Fund for Development, who paid a visit to the Organization’s
headquarters, in Rabat, today, Friday, June 11, 2021.
During the meeting, which
also brought together some directors of ICESCO’s sector, Dr. AlMalik reviewed
the salient programs and projects that the Organization is implementing, in
cooperation with the competent authorities in several Member States. The DG
also reviewed the new vision and action strategy of ICESCO, which seek further
communication with the Member States to identify their priorities and needs,
develop programs and activities that meet these needs, open up to non-Member
States, international and donor organizations, bodies and institutions, and
build partnerships with them for the benefit of the countries of the Islamic
world and Muslim communities around the world.
ICESCO DG also highlighted
the key initiatives, programs, and projects that the Organization launched and
implemented to support the efforts geared towards addressing the COVID-19
pandemic and assisting many countries in facing the effects of the pandemic on
the fields of education, science, and culture.
For his part, the CEO of
the Saudi Fund for Development praised the roles of ICESCO in its areas of
competence and its support to its Member States during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Saudi Fund for
Development was established in 1974. Its objectives include financing development
projects by granting loans to developing countries and providing grants for
technical aid to finance studies and institutional support.
Innovative
ideas and rich discussions during the First International Symposium on Space
Science
The First International Symposium on “Space Science:
Importance, Challenges, and Emerging Opportunities in the Space Industry and
Islamic World” that the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (ICESCO) held, on Thursday, June 10, 2021, in partnership with the
American Space Foundation, under the theme: “Building tomorrow’s innovators.”
The Symposium brought together a powerhouse of high-level
space program officials and experts, scientists, and astronauts from around the
world, who exchanged innovative ideas, explored vital questions, and rich
discussions on the challenges and opportunities of space science and development
of space-related applications and industries.
The Symposium, organized both at ICESCO headquarters,
in Rabat, and on the Zoom platform, aimed at spreading awareness of the
importance of space science and technology, and the enormous potential of space
technology applications in achieving sustainable development and reinforcing the
drive of the countries of the Islamic world towards developing space programs
and using space technology in the fields of education, science, and innovation.
At the opening session, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO
Director-General (DG), gave an address, wherein he stressed that space science
and technology offer broad prospects that can help us overcome the challenges
facing our planet, which is why space science should be a major part of the
long-term plans and strategies of all countries.
Dr. AlMalik explained that data derived from space
science can help improve agriculture, increase crop productivity, discover new
sources of energy, contribute to safe waste recycling, and protect and monitor
the environment, and other vital areas of human activities.
ICESCO DG also considered that “the drive towards
space science in the 21st century heralds a new global industrial
revolution, which could be called “space industrial revolution” and constitute
in bringing about engineering and revolutionary changes able to create new
space markets, systems and technologies.”
In his address, Mr. Thomas E. Zelibor, Chief Executive
Officer of Space Foundation, called on all countries to direct their attention
towards space science, which should not be limited to certain countries, to
achieve a balance in this field, stressing that the world today hinges upon data
that space can provide.
On his part, Dr. Driss Ouaouicha, Minister Delegate in
charge of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Morocco, confirmed that 50
years of human activity in space enhanced life quality on Earth, noting that
Muslim scientists were pioneers in space sciences and planetary exploration,
including Al-Khwarizmi. He also reviewed Morocco’s projects in the field of
space science development.
Dr. Fawad Hussain Chaudhry, Federal Minister of Information and
Broadcasting, Pakistan, stated that stars and space have always been a source
of inspiration for humans through monitoring their motion and shifts and
developing telescopes. He also congratulated ICESCO for organizing such a key
event.
In his address, Dr. Modibo Diarra, Chairman of Africa Legal Network
(ALN), described space
exploration as an opportunity to bring together different civilizations,
cultures, and individuals. He added that space sciences should be accessible to everyone and that the Global South countries should work on
bridging the North-South gaps which prevent them from gaining access to the
space industry. Dr. Diarra also noted that space sciences could contribute to
the development of the African continent.
The Symposium’s first session, under the theme
“Space ecosystem awareness: the importance of space technology for humanity,”
saw the participation of Ms. Shelli Brunswick, COO of Space Foundation; Maj.
Gen. Jose Vagner Vital, Brazilian Air Force Executive Vice President; Maj. Gen.
Amer Nadem, Inter Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET),
Chairman at Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
(SUPARCO); and Dr. Farouk El-Baz, Director of Center for Remote Sensing at
Boston University, NASA Astronaut Trainer.
The second session tackled space commerce and
career opportunities in the space industry for young graduates. The
participants then took part in the first roundtable discussion on developing
leadership thinking in the fields of sciences and space among university
researchers, which witnessed the participation of several experts, including
Moroccan inventor Rachid Yazami. The second roundtable discussion touched upon
the importance of strategic relationships between the space industry and
academia in developing countries, while the last session explored ways of
creating the future space innovation workforce.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), underscored that
the Organization’s new vision, embodied in its renewed strategic documents,
accords great attention to the National Commissions for Education, Science and
Culture as a special strategic partner. The DG stated that National Commissions
shoulder the great responsibilities of outlining ICESCO’s future orientations
and identifying its programs and activities to meet Member States’ priorities.
Dr. AlMalik made the statement during the inauguration of the new
headquarters of the General Secretariat of the National Commission for
Education, Science and Culture of Morocco in Rabat, on Thursday, June 10, 2021.
The inauguration saw the participation of Dr. Saaïd Amzazi, Minister of
National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research,
President of the Moroccan National Commission; Mr. Jamal Eddine El-Aloua, Secretary-General
of the Commission; Mr. Abdeljalil Lahjomri, Permanent Secretary of the Academy
of Morocco; Mr. Alexander Scheschlik, Acting Director of the UNESCO Maghreb; Mr.
Abdelfattah Lahjomri, Representative of ALECSO, in addition to a host of the
National Commission’s officials and members.
Dr. AlMalik expressed his delight that ICESCO is part of such an event,
noting that the Organization takes great pride in having its permanent
headquarters in Rabat. He added that ICESCO greatly treasures the honor of the
high patronage of His Majesty King Mohamed VI. The Monarch granted his
patronage to ICESCO’s initiative to proclaim 2021 as the Year of Women, as well
as to the International Conference on the Civilizational Values in the
Prophet’s Seerah, held in partnership with the Mohammedan League of Scholars in
Morocco and the Muslim World League.
The DG stated that the Moroccan National Commission for Education,
Science and Culture is one of the major institutions that reflect the gains and
success Morocco scores in the sectors of education, science, technology, culture,
and communication, noting that cooperation between ICESCO and the Commission
took a major leap in 2020 and 2021 despite the impact of the pandemic.
At the close of his address, the DG reiterated the Organization’s
commitment towards the Seat country to provide through cooperation and
coordination with the National Commission to provide more venues for Moroccan
institutions and specialists to share expertise and leading initiatives in the
fields of education, science and culture with the rest of the world.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, the first session of its Leadership Training Program for Peace and Security, implemented 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 program aims to train young people on leadership for achieving peace and building the societies we want by providing them with knowledge tools through exchange with inspirational leaders and experts to become true ambassadors of peace in their societies.
At the outset of the opening session, held face-to-face at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat and on Zoom platform, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), gave a recorded speech, wherein he stressed the importance of training young people to build peace and contribute to the prosperity of their societies, noting that we should encourage our young people and instill in them the values of tolerance and coexistence.
In his address, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy DG of ICESCO, welcomed the participants in the training session and stressed that young people are better able to ensure civilizational mediation to achieve social cohesion, adding that leadership requires real peace. Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Director of Culture and Communication Sector at ICESCO, expressed his pleasure to take part in the training with young people, who represent hope for a better future, pointing out that Islam is a reference for the ethics and conditions for achieving and sustaining peace.
For his part, Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Senegal, Special Envoy of the International Organization of La Francophonie in Mali, stressed the need for peace and security to achieve development and prosperity. He also stressed the importance of the role of African women and youth, who are ready to lead the continent towards a secure and prosperous future thanks to their academic training and professional capabilities. In his address, Dr. Ahmed Senouni, Deputy Secretary-General of Mohammadia League of Scholars, stressed that faith in human brotherhood ensures further coexistence while stressing the need to find intellectual, value-based and cultural elements that strengthen the immunity of individuals and societies against all threats to peace.
Ms. Ramata Almami Mbaye, Director of Human and Social Sciences Sector at ICESCO, stressed that the Organization’s Leadership Training Program for Peace and Security constitutes an important opportunity to share expertise and experiences among experts, inspiring young leaders, adding that ICESCO attaches utmost importance to empowering and integrating women and youth in decision-making circles.
The training session began with the participation of 30 young ambassadors of peace representing 22 countries along with experts in the fields of education, peace, security, and strategic foresight. The event witnessed rich discussions and innovative ideas to achieve peace and promote the values of coexistence and dialogue.
ICESCO will continue the series of virtual training seminars between June and September 2021, which will focus on 10 modules related to peace issues. These young trainees will form the first cohort of ICESCO Youth and Women Network for Peace.
Participants in the
International Conference on the Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah
that the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(ICESCO) held on Thursday, May 27, 2021, sent a letter of thanks and gratitude
to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco for his high patronage of the
Conference. The international event was held in partnership with the Muslim
World League (MWL) and the Mohammadia League of Scholars.
In the letter, that Dr.
Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, read out at the close of the
Conference, participants stated that His Majesty’s high patronage had a great
positive impact on the response of a number of international leaderships and
academic figures who were eager to take part in the Conference, overseen by
great leaderships and expertise from ICESCO and its partners, the MWL and the
Mohammadia League of Scholars.
The
letter noted that these three parties represent the Islamic world, states,
nations and scholars’ institutions alike, in reaffirming the Ummah’ undying
devotion and reverence for its noble Prophet, peace be upon him.
ICESCO’s major International
Conference on the Civilizational Values of the Prophet’s Seerah, held under the
theme: “Towards a Future Vision for the Prophet’s Seerah”, on Thursday, May,
27, 2021, in partnership with the Muslim World League (MWL) and Mohammadia
League of Scholars, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,
concluded its proceedings by issuing the Conference’s declaration, outcomes and
executive recommendations.
During the Conference’s
addresses and discussions, which witnessed high-level participation of heads of
State, princes, international prominent figures, scholars and religious
leaders, the participants agreed upon the importance of reconsidering the
studies and writings on the Prophet’s Seerah. The focus was on its civilizational
dimension and the need to consider it as the perfect embodiment of divine mercy
as stated in the following verse from the Holy Quran: “And We have not sent you
but as a mercy to the worlds.”
The international event concluded its
agenda by issuing the Conference’s declaration, outcomes and executive
recommendations, which read as follows:
The Islamic World
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) paid tribute to Dr. Ahmed
Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammadia League of Scholars, in recognition of his efforts in
highlighting the role of religious scholars and enriching scientific research
and Islamic studies.
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO
Director-General (DG), presented the Secretary-General with the Organization’s
Gold Shield on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at the Organization’s headquarters in
Rabat, during the International Conference on Civilizational Values in the
Prophet’s Seerah.
Dr. AlMalik said that the tribute is paid to Dr. Abbadi and
the Mohammadia League of
Scholars in recognition for his efforts in deconstructing the discourse
of extremism and immunizing the youth against it, and for his unfailing support
for the causes of Muslims around the world.
The DG of ICESCO announced the publication of
the first volume of the Encyclopedia of Deconstructing the Extremist Discourse,
the fruit of a cooperation between ICESCO and the Mohammadia League of Scholars intended to be a
source of guidance for the
In recognition of his efforts in
serving joint Islamic action and promoting the civilizational values in the
Prophet’s Seerah, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (ICESCO) honored Dr. Mohammad Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General
of the Muslim World League (MWL).
During the International Conference
on the Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah held at ICESCO
headquarters in Rabat on Thursday, 27 May 2021, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO
Director-General (DG), handed Dr. Al-Issa the Organization’s Gold Shield.
Dr. AlMalik stressed that the tribute
is paid to Dr. Al-Issa and the MWL in recognition of their constant support for
the causes of Muslims worldwide, both inside and outside the Islamic world, as
well as for his efforts in establishing global peace and serving the Prophet’s
Seerah.
ICESCO DG reaffirmed that the
Organization will sustain its work with the MWL to serve the Ummah and showcase
the real image of Islam.
The
Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) kicked
off Thursday, May 27, 2021, its major event in love for the Prophet (PBUH),
under the theme: “Towards a Future Vision for the Prophet’s Seerah,” held in
partnership with the Muslim World League (MWL) and the Mohammadia League of
Scholars, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
After
the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, the honorary session started with
the address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), wherein he
explained that the conference is a demonstration of our duty towards the
Prophet (PBUH) in response to the misunderstandings of the various aspects of
his Seerah.
Dr.
AlMalik announced a set of key initiatives, including the organization of the
Conference on the Prophet’s Seerah on an annual basis, the proclamation of an
international day of the Prophet’s Seerah named “Day of Mercy,” and the
launch of a major prize for the best initiatives and research works on highlighting
and promoting the civilizational values in the Prophet’s Seerah.
In
a video address, the guest of honor, Mr. Imran Khan, Prime Minister of
Pakistan, underscored that the Prophet (PBUH) ran the Medina community, at the
beginning of Islam, with the most civilized methods and rules the world has
ever known in terms of the equal application of law to everyone and taking care
of the poor and needy for the first time in history.
In
a video address, the guest of honor, H.R.H. Prince Hassan bin Talal, President
of the Arab Thought Forum, stressed the importance of studying the Prophet’s
Seerah as an embodiment of the universal mercy established in the Holy Quran
“We have sent you ˹O Prophet˺ only as a mercy for the whole world.”
The
guest of honor, H.R.H. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, in his address,
delivered on his behalf at ICESCO headquarters by Mr. Simon Martin, UK
Ambassador to Morocco, highlighted that the spiritual dimension must be the
basis of our efforts to solve all social problems and face all global
challenges such as the current pandemic.
The
address of the guest of honor, H.E. Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, President of Nigeria,
that Mr. Baba Garba, Ambassador of Nigeria to Morocco, delivered on his behalf,
focused on the need to adopt a vision based on mutual understanding and
coexistence, which constitute the essence of Islam. He also underlined the need
to deconstruct and address the hostile messages posted on social media as they
exacerbate misunderstanding and spread extremism among their recipients.
In
his address, Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the MWL,
highlighted the crucial civilizational values in the Prophet’s Seerah that link
common sense with reason, which both constitute the moral basis of the ideal
human existence, paving the way for the seekers of the right path, and leave
non-Muslims in a state of astonishment and admiration.
Moreover,
Dr. Al-Issa added that the MWL has prepared many extensive studies, which
concluded that more than 50 percent of the causes of Islamophobia are rooted in
some Muslim societies, either due to lacking awareness or exploitation of
religion for material interests, along with other causes from outside the
Islamic world, while indicating that Islam can overcome such crisis just like
it did with many other obstacles throughout history.
Dr.
Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammadia League of Scholars, spoke
about the problems facing Islam, namely the damage that our corruption caused
to planet Earth; the extreme armament for fighting each other; the hidden
threats of the outbreak of major wars; 80 million studies are conducted each
year worldwide with no clear impact; and the human need for more wisdom.
Dr.
Abbadi also highlighted the studies and centers of the League, pointing out
that the daily presence of young people in the digital space requires our
presence as well in this space to provide guidance for them.
In
his video address, Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, High Representative of the
United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), reaffirmed that the
monotheistic religions share the call for mutual understanding and coexistence,
adding that the Messenger of Islam (PBUH) called for dialogue and benevolence
as he is deemed the high representative of civilizational dialogue, who
promoted tolerance and countered extremism and all forms of violent discourse.
At
the close of the honorary session, Dr. AlMalik, ICESCO DG, handed ICESCO
Honorary Shields to Dr. Al-Issa and Dr. Abbadi in appreciation of their efforts
in serving Islam.
With
the participation of prominent international figures, thinkers and scholars
from inside and outside the Islamic world, the International Conference on the
Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah will start tomorrow, May 27,
2021, under the theme “Towards a future vision for the Prophet’s Seerah,” that
the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO)
will hold, in partnership with the Muslim World League (MWL) and the Mohammedia
League of Religious Scholars, in Morocco, under the High Patronage of His
Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco
The
Conference, which will be held both at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, and
through videoconference, will start at 09:00 GMT (10:00 Rabat time) with the
recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the honorary session,
which features the addresses by the guests of honor, namely Mr. Imran Khan,
Prime Minister of Pakistan; H.R.H. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, United
Kingdom; H.R.H. Prince Hassan bin Talal, Chairman of Arab Thought Forum,
Jordan; and Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, High Representative of the United
Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).
Afterward,
two videos will be screened, one that ICESCO produced on the lineage of the
Prophet (PBUH) and the other one on the most prominent testimonials about the
Prophet (PBUH). Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG); Dr. Ahmed
Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammedia League of Religious Scholars; and
Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, MWL Secretary-General, will then give
their respective addresses. The next session will feature a video on the Museum
of the Prophet’s Seerah in Al-Madina Al- Munawarah followed by a Madih break.
The
representatives of the participating institutions will then deliver their respective
addresses, namely Dr. ShawKi Allam, Grand Mufti of Egypt; Sheikh-ul-islam
Allahshukur Pashazadeh, Mufti of Azerbaijan and the Caucasus; Dr. Mustapha Benhamza,President of Ulemas Council of Oujda,
member of the Supreme Ulemas Council, Kingdom of Morocco; Dr. Farhan Nizami, Director of Oxford Centre for Islamic
Studies, London; Dr. Amer Al-Hafi, Academic Consultant of the Royal Institute
for Inter-Faith Studies, Al al-Bayt University, Jordan; Prof. James Patton, President of the
International Center for Religion & Diplomacy, Washington D.C.; and Anba
Philotheus Faraj, Global Peace Ambassador, Khartoum.
In
a recorded video, Joram Van Klaveren will share with the participants his
experience in converting to Islam and seeking guidance from the Prophet (PBUH).
The
agenda also includes four working sessions on the following respective topics:
Prophet’s Seerah and academic efforts, Prophet’s Seerah and functional
dimensions, Prophet’s Seerah and contemporary issues, and world testimonials
about the Prophet and his final message.
In
conclusion, the Conference will issue its declaration and executive
recommendations, which will be shared in many languages with the
international organizations, institutions and bodies specialized in culture and
civilizational dialogue.
You
can follow the Conference live on the official Facebook page of ICESCO via the
link below:
