Category: Director General

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), underscored the pivotal spiritual role of faith leaders in raising awareness about the importance of preserving the planet’s well-being; as they stand as thought leaders and guiding figures in their communities, reminding people of ethical virtues and cautioning against the deplorable behaviors of monopolization and excessive consumption as condemned in all divine teachings.

These profound insights were shared during his remark on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Global Faith Leaders Summit on Climate Action, held in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The summit drew the participation of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, as well as Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, President of the UAE Council for Fatwa, along with 30 faith leaders, figures, academics, scholars, and experts from around the world. This gathering is organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the presidency of the 28th edition of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) and the UN Environment Programme.

Dr. AlMalik initiated his remarks by commending the summit’s distinguished theme, embodying a message of wisdom, inclusivity, and foresight. He further emphasized that every religious doctrine, without exception, directs its followers’ focus towards preserving the environment and securing the continuity of life on Earth. Moreover, he stressed that the proper practice of any religious rite hinges on an environment that is fundamentally and outwardly sound.

He reiterated ICESCO’s acknowledgment of the value of spiritual leaders and their role in advocating for the environment and safeguarding its treasures. In 2020, amidst the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ICESCO organized the international virtual forum titled “Role of Religious Leaders in the Face of Crises” in collaboration with the Muslim World League (MWL) and the World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC). This forum yielded the document “Towards a Global Moral Solidarity,” which prominently integrated environmental considerations into its contents.

In his closing statement, Dr. AlMalik proposed that the summit should culminate in an international environmental and spiritual covenant that pledges to nurture an environmentally conscious spirituality for the new generations, integrate environmental values into educational curricula as an essential aspect of proper religious practice, promote these values and their preservation in public discourse, reinforce the environmental focus within spiritual organizations, and create a meaningful emblem that embodies novelty, sustainability, and innovation.

In accordance with the High Royal approval of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is delighted to announce the extension for an additional year of hosting the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, housed at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat. The hosting of this event comes as part of the tripartite strategic partnership between ICESCO, the Muslim World League, and the Mohammadia League of Scholars.

Since its official inauguration on 17 November 2022, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and with the presence of His Royal Highness, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Morocco, Prince Moulay El Hassan, the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization have enjoyed a great turnout from the various segments of the Moroccan population, foreign residents in the Kingdom, as well as international tourists and figures. It is the first edition of the Prophet’s Seerah exhibitions, permanently headquartered in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, to be organized outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The gracious Royal approval to extend the hosting of the Exhibition and Museum in Rabat has been granted in response to a request formulated by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, in a letter to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah protect him, considering the consistent high demand for the Exhibition, which has attracted nearly four million visitors since it opened its doors to the public on 28 November 2022. Visitors have been calling for its continued operation for a longer period, emphasizing that it has become a preferred destination for those interested in delving deeper into the details of the noble Prophet’s Seerah.

The Exhibition and Museum consist of three main components: “the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization,” and “Panorama of the Noble Prophet’s Chambers in the Early Era,” using 3D technology and virtual reality techniques for the first time, both of which are overseen by the Muslim World League, as well as the “Exhibition of Moroccans’ Connection to the venerable Prophetic lineage, the Beauty of Love and Loyalty,” overseen by the Mohammadia League of Scholars of the Kingdom of Morocco.

This great scholarly event aims to convey the message of Islam that is represented by justice, peace, mercy, tolerance, coexistence, and moderation, relying on the Quran and the noble Prophet’s Sunnah, and the enlightened Islamic history. The Exhibition opens its doors to the general public for free from 10 AM to 6 PM throughout the week, except for Mondays.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Mr. Ahmed Abu Hisa, Minister of Industry and Minerals in the Libyan Government of National Unity, explored prospects for cooperation in the field of modern technologies.

During the meeting, which took place on Wednesday, 1 November 2023, at ICESCO Headquarters, in the presence of a delegation of officials accompanying the Minister, Dr. AlMalik lauded the significant cooperation between ICESCO and the Libyan entities evident in ICESCO’s programs and projects implemented in coordination with the Libyan National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s ongoing key programs, in light of its new vision and strategic orientations, particularly in the field of youth capacity-building in technology and innovation fields to meet the requirements of the professions of tomorrow, contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and encourage digital transition in its Member States, notably ICESCO’s program on training youth to establish and develop small-scale technology and innovation enterprises.

Additionally, the two parties reaffirmed their keenness to build fruitful cooperation to support youth-oriented programs, within the framework of ICESCO Year of Youth, develop scientific research in technology and innovation, and mobilize ICESCO’s support for Industrial and Technology Pole in the State of Libya, which aims to embrace and support young innovators to turn their ideas into projects, thus disseminating investment opportunities in ICESCO Member States, internalizing technology and leveraging its potential in the Islamic world countries.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik took Mr. Ahmed Abu Hisa and his delegation on a tour of the different pavilions and sections of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, utilizing modern display techniques to narrate and document, in detail, the Seerah of our noble Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as part of the strategic partnership between the Organization, the Islamic World League, and the Mohammedia League of Scholars.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Khaled Al-Anani, former minister of tourism and antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Arab nominee for the position of Director-General of the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the term 2025 to 2029. The meeting came as part of the Arab tour undertaken by Dr. Al-Anani as part of his campaign preparations, following the decision of the Council of the Arab League during its 160th Session held at the ministerial level to endorse his nomination.
At the outset of the meeting, held on Wednesday 1 November 2023, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of the ambassador of Egypt to Morocco, Dr. AlMalik extended his congratulations to Dr. Al-Anani for the trust placed in him by the Egyptian government in nominating him for this prestigious international position and the unanimous Arab support and endorsement of his nomination, wishing him success in securing the position.

ICESCO Director-General also emphasized the Organization’s support for Dr. Al-Anani’s nomination and its full readiness to provide all forms of support and assistance to ensure his success in the elections, in coordination with the countries of the Islamic world, praising the academic qualifications, executive achievements, and international experience of the Arab nominee, which span over 30 years.

On his part, Dr. Al-Anani expressed his gratitude to Dr. Al-Malik for the audience and ICESCO’s support of his nomination for the position of UNESCO Director-General. He also noted that consultations are underway with Arab countries to understand their proposals, visions, and priorities in the fields related to education, culture, science, and communication in the coming period.

The meeting was attended by Minister-Delegate Wael Abdel Wahab, Coordinator of Dr. Al-Anani’s election campaign, and Ms. Imane Bellah Ghattouri, Counselor at the Egyptian Embassy in Rabat, and from ICESCO, Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the Director-General, and Samy El Kamhawy, Director of the Department of Communication and Institutional Communication.

Following the meeting, Dr. Al-Malik accompanied Dr. Al-Anani on a tour of the different galleries and sections of the International Museum and Exhibition of the Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently hosted at ICESCO’s headquarters. Upon the tour’s completion, Dr. Al-Anani expressed his delight at visiting this distinguished scholarly exhibit, noting that it offers a journey through time by seizing the benefits of cutting-edge display technologies.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mr. Simon Martin, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Morocco, and together they explored prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and the UK in the fields of education, science and culture.

During the meeting, held Thursday, October 26, 2023, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations which both adopt openness to all parties and support building partnerships for the benefit of its Member States and Muslim communities across the globe. The Director-General also shed light on ICESCO’s key programs and activities, especially in the field of youth and women’s capacity-building and training in leadership for peace and security. He added that the Organization also accords special attention to anchoring the values of coexistence and civilizational dialogue and promoting investment in the fields of technology, AI and space sciences, expressing his keenness to build fruitful partnership between the Organization and a number of British institutions active in the fields of education, science and culture.

For his part, Mr. Martin commended the roles ICESCO assumes in service of developing the fields of education, science and culture in its Member States, stating that he looks forward to building cooperation relations with the Organization.

The meeting discussed and reviewed the implementation mechanisms of a number of cooperation proposals for the upcoming period, including providing scholarships for the Islamic world youth to study in prestigious British universities, creating scientific chairs in these universities, and collaborating with British institutions to support ICESCO’s programs and projects in several countries in needs, within the Organization’s areas of competence.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Sector of Social and Human Sciences, Dr. Koumbou Boly Barry, Head of the Education Sector, and Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Sector of Partnerships and International Cooperation.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik took Mr. Martin on a tour of the different pavilions and sections of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat. At the end of the tour, the British Ambassador expressed his delight at visiting this scientific edifice, stating that it represents an encyclopedic reference for all those interested in human history.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby, the Executive Director of the Women Development Organization (WDO), and together discussed mechanisms and plans for future cooperation between the two organizations, particularly on empowering and building the capacities of girls and women, providing leadership training, and enhancing their role in peacebuilding and social cohesion.

During the meeting, held on Friday 13 October 2023, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. AlMalik stressed that ICESCO, in line with its vision and strategic orientations, focuses on supporting girls and women due to its pivotal role in societal prosperity through practical programs and projects aimed at nurturing their leadership capacities, fostering innovation, and promoting gender equality in various fields.

He also pointed out that in 2021, proclaimed as ICESCO’s Year of Women, constituted an exceptional success through the implementation of numerous initiatives and programs, as well as the launch of awards for women across the Islamic World.

Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between ICESCO and WDO, which is the starting point for partnership in exchanging knowledge, expertise and the best practices to improve the protection and education of girls and women and provide them with leadership training for the promotion of peace and social cohesion.

On her part, the Executive Director of WDO commended ICESCO’s endeavors to empower women, expressing her aspiration for further collaboration with ICESCO, leveraging on the signed MoU.

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Kamil Akathov, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Ms. Solikul Silukizy, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Morocco, where mechanisms for developing cooperation between ICESCO and Kazakhstan in the fields of science, higher education, and scientific research development were discussed.

During the meeting, held on Wednesday (October 11, 2023), at ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat, Dr. Al-Malik commended the distinguished relations between ICESCO and the Republic of Kazakhstan, stressing the Organization’s keenness to enhance cooperation through implementing a set of programs and projects to develop scientific research and provide scholarships for students from countries of the Islamic world to study in Kazakh universities, and encourage them to explore the horizons of space science, new technology and artificial intelligence.

He highlighted the successful organization of the first session of the International Conference on the Islamic World Scholars, jointly held by the two parties, under the theme “Al-Farabi and his contributions throughout human history,” at ICESCO Headquarters, which saw the presence of Dr. Akathov, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan.
For his part, Dr. Akathov praised the Conference’s sessions, which discussed the contributions of Al-Farabi and his role in developing science and philosophy for the renaissance of the Islamic world, stressing Kazakhstan’s aspiration for further cooperation with ICESCO through the establishment of scientific chairs in Kazakh universities, and the organization of conferences and seminars in the field of education and scientific research.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to continue coordination to develop cooperation between ICESCO and Kazakhstan.

Dr. Salim AlMalik, the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received a high-level delegation from the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. During the meeting, they explored prospects for cooperation between ICESCO and Tatarstan in the fields of culture, science, and youth capacity building.

Dr. AlMalik initiated the meeting, held at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat on Wednesday 11 October 2023, by expressing his gratitude and appreciation to the Republic of Tatarstan, His Excellency President Rustam Minnikhanov, and the officials for the warm reception he received during his recent visit to the capital, Kazan, last August.

The Tatarstan Republic delegation, including Mr. Timur Suleymanov, Timur Suleymanov, Aide to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, and Head of All-Russian Public-State movement of children and youth in the Republic of Tatarstan “Movement of the first”, and Mrs. Irada Ayupova, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan, expressed their thanks to ICESCO and its Director-General for inviting them to attend the first edition of the International Conference on Islamic World Scholars, themed “Al-Farabi and his contributions throughout human history.”
The meeting delved into discussions regarding potential collaboration between ICESCO and Tatarstan, with a particular focus on youth capacity-building and skill development to align with global advancements. The Tatarstan delegation noted that a major youth festival is scheduled for March 2024 in Sochi, featuring the participation of 20,000 young individuals, half of whom are from the Russian Federation and the other half from around the world. They also underlined ICESCO’s involvement and organization of a range of activities throughout this event. Additionally, the delegation confirmed their ongoing preparations for a cultural program to coincide with Russia’s presidency of the BRICS group in 2024. Furthermore, they discussed the possibility of registering several historical sites of the Islamic civilization in the Republic of Tatarstan on ICESCO’s World Islamic Heritage lists.

At the end of the meeting, an agreement was reached to maintain coordination to formulate comprehensive implementation plans that would oversee and guide the collaborative programs and projects jointly agreed upon between ICESCO and the competent parties in the Republic of Tatarstan.

The meeting was attended by Mrs. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Social and Human Sciences Sector, and Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, from ICESCO. Representing Tatarstan were Ms. Dilbar Sadykova, Chairwoman of the Academy of Youth Diplomacy, and Ms. Alla Kondrateva, Deputy head of All-Russian Public-State movement of children and youth in the Republic of Tatarstan “Movement of the first”.

The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted the first edition of the International Conference on the Islamic World Scholars, under the theme: “Al-Farabi’s and contributions throughout human history,” on Wednesday 11 October 2023. The two-day Conference is organized by ICESCO in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, represented by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Rabat.

The Conference’s opening ceremony saw high-level attendance, including officials and members of the diplomatic corps, as well as a group of distinguished researchers and university professors from several countries. Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of Culture and Communication Sector at ICESCO, began the opening session with an overview of the world-renowned scholar Abu Nasr Al-Farabi, his unique contributions, and his significant role in enriching global thought and the Islamic renaissance.

In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, emphasized that Al-Farabi has left an unmatched wealth of scientific knowledge in language, philosophy, and music. “He authored nearly 100 books on most of the subjects of his era, tackling the legacies of Plato and Aristotle, and faithfully translating their work into Arabic. The body of his work, thus, became the channel through which ancient and Islamic philosophies were passed on to the European Renaissance era. Even today, he is highly regarded and studied by researchers and philosophers and is often referred to as the “Second Teacher” after Aristotle,” underline Dr. AlMalik.

ICESCO Director-General highlighted that Al-Farabi’s homeland, Kazakhstan, is characterized by its ethnic and religious diversity and that it has brought up many other prominent leaders and scholars, adding that it encourages and promotes dialogue among different religions and cultures. He concluded his remarks by stressing ICESCO’s keenness to underline the pioneering role played by Islamic scholars throughout the ages as an inspiration for youth.

For his part, Dr. Abdellatif Miraoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation of the Kingdom of Morocco, in an address delivered on his behalf by Mr. Mohamed Khalfaoui, the Ministry’s Secretary-General, highlighted that the Conference is an opportunity to showcase the role of Al-Farabi in shaping human thought, reviewing the Ministry’s efforts to encourage scientific research.

In his address, Dr. Kamil Akathov, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, pointed out that the Ministry strives to highlight Al-Farabi’s scientific legacy by supporting numerous scholars in studying his contributions and research in innovation and science, considering the wealth of scientific knowledge that this great scholar left, which serves, to this today, as a reference to advance scientific research.

Following this, Dr. AlMalik, Dr. Akatov, and Ms. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Rabat, presented awards to the winners of the competition for the best research papers on the intellectual contributions of Al-Farabi. The first prize was jointly awarded to Dr. Zadash Dukenbayeva from Kazakhstan and Dr. Salem Ayadi from Tunisia, while the second prize was jointly awarded to Dr. Ahmed Attia from Egypt and Dr. Ahmed Saadi from Morocco. The third prize was jointly awarded to Dr. Huda Mubarak Aldayri from the Sultanate of Oman and Dr. Iqbal Maulana Alfiansyah from Indonesia, and lastly a recognition award was given to Dr. Anis Meddeb from Tunisia.

The opening session also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Federation of Universities of the Islamic World, affiliated with ICESCO, and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, aiming to strengthen cooperation in the fields of education, science, and technology. The MoU was signed by Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General in charge of the Federation of Universities of the Islamic World, and Dr. Ainur Kurmanalieva, the Executive Director of the university.

In his address via videoconference following the signing ceremony, Dr. Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in the Republic of Kazakhstan, praised the significant legacy left by this scholar, through which he laid the foundations for inter-civilizational dialogue.

Afterward, the participants watched an introductory film on Al-Farabi and enjoyed a musical performance from the Republic of Uzbekistan. Following that, the names of the winners of the second phase of the Turathy Photography Competition in Egypt and the Islamic world were announced. The Competition, which focuses on the ” Architectural and Urban Heritage of Islamic World Cities,” and was launched by ICESCO and the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, exhibited its winning photographs at ICESCO Headquarters.

The first day of the Al-Farabi Conference continued with sessions covering “Al-Farabi and his Impact on humanist philosophy” and “Al-Farabi’s theories in the fields of the philosophy of science and political philosophy.” These sessions featured rich discussions that explored Al-Farabi’s contributions in various areas and their impact on human thought throughout the ages.

The Center of Strategic Foresight at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, have signed a partnership agreement to establish the ICESCO Chair for Innovation and the Future in Africa, at the University. The aim of this partnership is to promote scientific research, training, information exchange, and documentation in the field, as well as to encourage collaboration among experts, researchers, and university professors in South Africa.

The agreement was signed via videoconference, on Tuesday, 10 October 2023, by Dr. Kais Hammami, Director of the Center of Strategic Foresight, representing ICESCO, and Dr. Jason Cohen, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management at the University of Witwatersrand.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Hammami delivered an insightful overview of the Center and its mission, emphasizing the importance of utilizing foresight tools in building the future, and the pivotal role of the Chair in disseminating knowledge, promoting research, and shaping a pioneering future for Africa. For his part, Dr. Cohen expressed his delight in collaborating with ICESCO through this Chair, which strengthens the impact of foresight in the attainment of sustainable development goals.

The Chair seeks to contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals pertaining to industry, innovation, and sustainable cities. It also seeks to analyze trends in the field of foresight and innovation in Africa, and develop research programs and educational resources in this area.