Category: Director General

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, received yesterday, October 14, at the Organization’s headquarters, Mr. Jamal Eddine Al-Aloua, Acting Secretary-General of the Moroccan National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, and a delegation from Association Coeurs Blancs and Association Amal pour le Développement Social from Morocco.

As part of the visit, ICESCO offered to the Amal Association a collection of books to award the winners of the association’s Holy Quran Contest.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s willingness to promote cooperation and partnership with civil society’s institutions and organizations. He further noted the event falls within ICESCO’s new open-door policy and strategy that aims to serve Member States’ citizens and Muslim communities across the world. He also stressed ICESCO’s strong support for civil society institutions and associations and its willingness to host any activity these institutions may organize in the fields of education, science, and culture.

The DG also highlighted the Organization’s strong partnership with the Moroccan National Commission, which yielded numerous programs during the COVID-19 pandemic that the two parties organized in different regions of the Kingdom.

Mr. Al-Aloua expressed his thanks to ICESCO and its DG on behalf of Mr. Said Amzazi, President of the Moroccan National Commission, Minister of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education, and Scientific Research, and Government Spokesperson.

The Acting Secretary-General also conveyed Mr. Amzazi’s appreciation on ICESCO’s efforts to promote education, science, and culture, and support Moroccan civil society institutions, particularly women associations.

The representatives of the two Moroccan associations thanked the DG for holding the meeting and the Organization’s efforts to support civil society institutions in Morocco, reaffirming these associations’ desire to work with ICESCO to support the youth in different fields of knowledge and fieldwork.

The parties agreed to hold a forum for Moroccan NGOs and civil society institutions at ICESCO’s headquarters, once the pandemic is over. The forum will be held in cooperation between the Organization and the Moroccan National Commission to explore the challenges faced by these institutions and examine ideas put forward to develop their work.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called upon all international organizations operating in the field of heritage to establish an ‘international support network for endangered heritage’ as well as a consolidated fund to support damaged sites and monuments due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. The measure should be under the supervision of a scientific and coordination committee made up of the representatives from each organization.

The statement was part of his address at the opening session of the Coordination Meeting that the Arab League of Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) held yesterday through videoconferencing. The meeting aimed at developing an urgent action plan to save the damaged heritage due to pandemic and natural disasters. It brought together many museum officials and heritage experts.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted that the fragile infrastructure, weak human capital, and the lack of conservation of heritage sites often constitute a challenge to the sustainability of the right to have access to the human breakthroughs.

“Most heritage sites worldwide are still closed due to the pandemic. A large number of heritage sites in Napata and Meroe, Sudan, face unprecedented threats due to the recent floodings,” he stressed.

The DG explained that “such damage may lead to the disappearance of this 700-year-long civilization as well as more than 640 historic buildings in the old town of Beirut which were partially damaged due to the blast of Beirut port, including 60 buildings that face the risk of collapse within months unless restoration measures are taken.”

Dr. AlMalik also said the Organization has taken upon itself to support Member and non-Member States in prompt intervention efforts to preserve their heritage. Amid the current conditions, which threaten the global civilizational heritage, ICESCO established the Islamic World Heritage Fund with an initial budget of USD250,000 to support the projects on heritage protection. It also allocated USD100,000 as a contribution to the efforts of protecting and restoring damaged heritage sites due to floods in Sudan. ICESCO dedicated another USD100,000 to support the educational and cultural institutions in Lebanon.

The Organization also earmarked one million US dollars to restore the collections of 30 museums affected by the pandemic in Muslim countries.
Dr. AlMalik reiterated ICESCO’s willingness to promote cooperation and partnership with all organizations operating in the field of heritage while calling for an in-person expert coordination meeting as soon as possible, at ICESCO headquarters.

The goal is to explore the establishment of an international support network to identify violations against endangered heritage. The coordination meeting will also explore an international strategic plan based on accurate and scientific indicators.

ICESCO will proclaim 2021 as the “Year of Women” in recognition of their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called for developing an anticipatory vision to prioritize women and girls as a solid strategic foundation for a sustainable development project in Muslim countries.

The DG also called for a better and accurate definition of the concept of “empowerment” with the contribution of women given their fundamental role in building society.

The statement was part of Dr. AlMalik’s address at the opening session of the International Forum on Economic Empowerment of Women and Girls. The Moroccan Ministry of Solidarity, Social Development, Equality and Family, held the event today, in Rabat, under the theme “Morocco’s efforts in the economic empowerment of women and girls.” presided by Dr. Saad Dine El Otmani, Head of Government, with the participation of many ministers and heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations.

Other Member States’ ministers of women affairs as well as the representatives of national and international bodies joined the videoconference.

Dr. AlMalik commended Morocco’s efforts to better integrate and empower women under the wise leadership and determined directions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, implemented by the government in various fields.

“The empowerment of the Moroccan women has been a strategic decision since the dawn of independence,” said the DG.

“Morocco should be proud of the achievements of the Moroccan women who achieved leading positions in the country and beyond,” he added.
Dr. AlMalik announced that ICESCO will proclaim 2021 as the “Year of Women” in recognition of their efforts during the pandemic and the advancement of their role in the society.

The DG also stressed the Organization’s keenness to implement the principle of gender equality in all positions of responsibility. Women represent 45% of the whole staff members of ICESCO, which continues the recruitment of competent women to achieve parity, he continued.

Dr. AlMalik also stressed the importance of seizing the opportunity amid the COVID-19 to protect women’s rights and support their economic situations.

“Women have stood in the front lines in the face of the pandemic in the medical, educational, and economic sectors. 57% of women work in the health sector and 64% in the social sector,” he highlighted.

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), made an official visit to the old town of Asilah. He toured Asilah’s historic buildings, alleys, and neighborhoods, which are considered as the largest open-air museum in Morocco.

During this visit, along with Mr. Yassine Isbouia, General Coordinator of the Mediterranean Youth Forum in Morocco, Dr. AlMalik admired the unique model of Asilah which had become a global cultural and tourism destination.

“Asilah portrays outstanding murals and includes the Culture Palace of Asilah which exhibits artistic treasures and many spaces for drawing and sculpting among other creative arts,” he added.
The visit also included a tour in the old town, with streets and parks named after prominent literary figures. The stops included places of artistic works and sculpted artifacts as well as Prince Bandar bin Sultan Library.

The official visit followed Dr. AlMalik’s participation in the opening session of the training workshop on “Strategic planning to serve decision-makers.”

ICESCO held the event at King Hassan II Center for International Gatherings, in cooperation with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and the Mediterranean Youth Forum, for the benefit of civil society associations and institutions.”

The opening session of the two-day training brought together Yassine Isbouia, General Coordinator of the Mediterranean Youth Forum; Mr. Mohammed Benaissa, President of Asilah Urban Council and Secretary-General of Asilah Forum; and Mr. Steffen Krüger, Director of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Office in Morocco.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in cooperation with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and the Mediterranean Youth Forum, held yesterday, in Asilah, Morocco, a training session for the benefit of civil society associations and institutions.

The two-day training is part of the comprehensive project of ICESCO’s Strategic Foresight Center, which aims to organize similar training sessions in the Member States. The beneficiaries are universities, companies, and civil society associations and institutions.

During his address at the opening session of the training, Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, ICESCO’s Director-General (DG), reaffirmed that the training agenda reflects the Organization’s new vision, which aims to entrench the culture of proactive behavior and build individual and institutional capacities for foresight. The approach is active participation, constructive, and collective reflection.

The DG also highlighted that this trend draws on young capacities and skills in line with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

The Monarch expressed the approach during his address on the “Throne Day” while stressing his trust in Moroccan youth to build a prosperous future.

Dr. AlMalik stated, “the current COVID-19 situation is a critical phase, loaded with changes that require proactive action to reap their results and avoid drawbacks.”

“Crises bring hope, stimulate action and give us good lessons to build a brighter future and the societies we want,” he continued.

The DG added that ICESCO seeks to support Member States to overcome crises and challenges, and properly address changes through strong strategic decisions and modern scientific means towards planning and future study. The most notable measures are the proactive approach based on strategic foresight technologies.

Mr. Yassine Isbouia, General Coordinator of the Mediterranean Youth Forum, said that decision-making is the backbone of success.

“Every decision should be built on in-depth data and studies. We are in a critical situation due to the pandemic and this training session is an opportunity to capitalize on and share visions on strategic foresight. I thank ICESCO and its Director-General and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for holding this event. I also thank the young volunteers of the Mediterranean Youth Forum,” he added.

Mr. Mohammed Benaissa, President of Asilah Urban Council and Secretary-General of Asilah Forum, welcomed ICESCO’s DG and expressed his gratitude for the Organization’s outstanding works in the fields of education, science, and culture. He also welcomed the Director of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Office in Morocco as well as the participants while commending the interesting theme of the training.

“Given the ongoing debate on youth, future, and strategies, we should discover ourselves and set our aspirations and vision to achieve our objectives,” he underscored.

“I hope that there will be a symposium on fieldwork and strategic foresight. Without fieldwork, we cannot achieve any major success. The virtual culture is prevailing with rapid development worldwide. Thus, future foresight should start from reality through unbiased and objective thinking,” he added.

Mr. Steffen Krüger, Director of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Office in Morocco, expressed his happiness on the constructive cooperation between ICESCO and his institution.

“This training session, which is part of a series of training sessions, reflects this collaboration, particularly in the current period of the COVID-19 pandemic. It benefits an outstanding group of people working in civil society associations and institutions from various regions of Morocco,” he highlighted.

Dr. Kais Hammami, Director of ICESCO’s Strategic Foresight Center, an international expert in foresight and future studies, supervised this training.

“The training is a response to the current global situation and its impact on the planning processes. It aims to train the participants in decision-making based on scientific studies and data. The pandemic-induced global crisis has stressed the important role of strategic foresight in proactive action to anticipate future opportunities, assist various leaders in taking strategic decisions, and reduce future risks,” underlined Dr. Hammami.

The workshop is the second training session following a first event held in Ifrane, Morocco, for the benefit of the executive directors and staff members of Al Akhawayn University.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called upon the international community to provide new mechanisms to support, develop, and commit to national legislations and international conventions to counter the illicit trafficking in cultural property.

He also reaffirmed that despite the exerted efforts, the rate of heritage crimes is increasing. The crimes have become a source of funding for terrorist activities and money laundering.
The statement was part of the DG’s address at the opening session of the International Symposium on “1995 UNIDROIT Convention – Cultural objects at the crossroad of rights and interests.”

International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) held today the videoconference, on the 25th anniversary of the Convention. Representatives of prominent international heritage bodies and organizations participated in the event.
Dr. AlMalik highlighted that the legislations and conventions on heritage preservation face the challenge of online marketing and the growing role of auctions on social media.

“The use of modern technologies worsened illicit trafficking of cultural property. Cultural heritage face several major threats, including theft and looting amid a lack of social awareness of the importance of heritage and the threat of such crimes, considered as organized crimes worldwide, on economies and public institutions,” he stressed.

The DG said that the Organization established a special unit within its Islamic World Heritage Center to assist Member and non-Member States to restore their looted heritage and cultural property.

ICESCO also established a special unit to capitalize on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in the fields of heritage. The goal is to contribute to the development of mechanisms likely to counter such crimes and protect heritage sites and museums.

Dr. AlMalik added that ICESCO prioritizes the protection and preservation of heritage. The Organization allocated one million US dollars to restore the collections of 30 museums in the Member States. It also donated USD100,000 to Lebanon and the Sudan to support the restoration of heritage sites and museums after Beirut blast and Khartoum floods.
“ICESCO is committed to cooperate with UNIDROIT. It will call upon its Member States, which have not yet signed the Convention of 1995, to join it,” he stated.

Dr. AlMalik regretted the fact that children know the cultural properties of their countries only through foreign museums. “It is our duty to promote heritage and the possibility of its restitution as the treasures of heritage can shine only in their homelands,” he continued.

UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects (1995) was initially an international legal claim to restitute the cultural properties looted through illicit exportation. The Convention is made up of 21 articles explaining the legal requirements of restitution and the relevant role of UNIDROIT. It also includes a defining annex on cultural properties.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received yesterday at the headquarters in Rabat, Mr. Faisal bin Zayd al-Mehana, Commercial attaché of Saudi Arabia in Morocco. The two parties explored the prospects of cooperation.

Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s development, new action plan, and strategy that adopt the open-door policy with civil society organizations and institutions. The goal is to promote developing partnerships for the benefit of Member States’ citizens and Muslim communities worldwide.

The DG also stated that ICESCO, in cooperation with donors, supported multiple Member States during the COVID-19 pandemic. The assistance included the necessary equipment and materials for producing and broadcasting the digital educational content to ensure the continuity of schooling.

“ICESCO also provided prevention materials and means, established best-cost sanitizer production units, and trained local community members to reduce the spread of the pandemic,” he added.

Mr. al-Mehana commended ICESCO’s outstanding work while stressing the keenness of the Saudi Commercial Representation in Morocco to build fruitful cooperation with the Organization. The representation was inaugurated on September 1, 2020.

The Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, paid his respects on Wednesday, September 30, to His Highness the late Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, may Allah rest his soul, at the Kuwaiti Embassy.

H.E. Abdullatif Al-Yahya, Ambassador of Kuwait to Morocco, and the Embassy’s staff received the DG.

Dr. AlMalik expressed his deepest condolences on behalf of all ICESCO employees and sympathy to the people of Kuwait. He stated that the death of the Emir is a loss to the Arab and Islamic Ummah and the world at large.

The DG also wrote in the Embassy’s Condolences Book, reaffirming that H.H. the Emir was a great leader with a remarkable sense of leadership, wisdom, and vision.

The Emir dedicated his life to serving his people as well as his Ummah and had significant contributions to supporting regional and international joint action. Dr. AlMalik beseeched Allah for the eternal rest the Emir’s soul and make Paradise his abode.

Jemaa El-fna Museum, a ceramics exhibition, Morocco’s virtual exhibitions and cooperation programs

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Moroccan National Museums Foundation (FNM) signed on Friday, October 2, a partnership agreement to implement several major projects and programs.

The programs include the establishment of the Museum of Moroccan Intangible Heritage at Jemaa El-fna Square in Marrakesh and the exhibition of ceramics and traditional costumes inspired by the works of Eugène Delacroix at ICESCO headquarters. The partnership also opened the door to the organization of an international forum of museums’ curators in the Islamic world. Another program is to host the collections of the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), and Artist Mehdi Qotbi, FNM President, signed the agreement at the Organization’s headquarters. The two parties reaffirmed their commitment to productive cooperation to publicize the heritage and arts of the Islamic world. The goal is to promote the true image of Islamic civilization and culture through art.

ICESCO decided that Morocco be the start-off point as it is the Seat country where it receives great patronage from H.M. King Mohammed VI. The support follows the patronage of H.M. late Hassan II to the Organization since its inception.

The agreement comes as part of ICESCO’s celebration of Museums’ Week in the Islamic World, which is observed annually from 26 September to 02 October. ICESCO’s celebration program features an international webinar on “Harnessing Modern Technology for the Management of Risks and Crises Facing Museums in the Islamic World,” which will bring together multiple managers of museum institutions in the Islamic world.

The program also included the DG’s visit, last week, leading the delegation of heads of sectors to the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Mr. Qotbi, Mr. Lakhlifa Dahmani, FNM Secretary-General, and Mr. Abdelaziz El Idrissi, Director of the Museum received the delegation.

The discussions during that meeting centered on ICESCO-proposed cooperation programs and projects, which were incorporated in the partnership agreement. Displaying Morocco’s virtual museums at “ICESCO Digital Home” enacted the agreement, on October 2. The museums include Moroccan collections and world paintings which are accessible at: https://www.icesco.org/?p=22850

Mr. Hakim Benchamach, Speaker of the House of Councilors of Morocco, received on September 28, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The two officials explored cooperation and partnership between the two institutions in mutual interests.

At the House of Councilors in Rabat, the DG highlighted the key features of ICESCO’s new vision. He added that the Organization launched several new programs and projects and amended its regulations and Charter. The Organization also introduced structural changes to its personnel and adopted new strategies. He also stated that ICESCO launched initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. AlMalik underlined that the Organization started to pay tremendous attention to building constructive communication with governmental and civil institutions in the Seat Country. ICESCO is keen to cooperate with them in implementing joint programs and activities, he continued. The DG expressed ICESCO’s interest in developing deeper cooperation with the House of Councilors.

Mr. Benchamach reaffirmed that he has been following up the work of ICESCO, the key roles it plays, and the challenges it addresses at the regional and international levels. He also expressed his appreciation for ICESCO’s noble mission and his good wishes for the Organization to make best use of the opportunities at hand.

The Speaker of the House of Councilors noted that he reviewed the broad lines of ICESCO’s new vision and expressed his admiration of the changes it introduces, the prospects it opens, and its response to global transformations.

Mr. Benchamach expressed the House’s willingness to promote cooperation and partnership with the Organization. He stated that legislative institutions are playing new roles in an extremely changing and transient world, especially in light of the emerging “fifth power” consisting of millions of citizens using social networks to express their opinions.

The Speaker added that the new reality puts legislative institutions in face with new challenges be it in relation to drafting bills, overseeing governmental work, contributing to public policy evaluation or assuming diplomatic parliamentary roles.

Mr. Benchamach expressed his admiration of ICESCO’s interest in artificial intelligence and his genuine willingness to conclude “thematic partnerships” between the two parties.

He further explained that the partnerships could touch on issues such as healthcare, education, culture, nutrition, environment, rights, and communication. He also listed national reconciliation experiences in Member States and conflict issues.

He recommended that ICESCO work on setting up a competence bank in the Islamic world to help Member States solve their problems, crises and challenges in health, education, and other fields.

The DG welcomed concluding such partnership with Morocco’s House of Councilors as well as Member States’ parallel institutions.