In a royal message to ISESCO on its 30th anniversary: King Mohammed VI lauds ISESCO and its achievements and praises it Director General

In a royal message addressed by HM King Mohammed VI of Morocco to the participants in the celebration of the 30^th anniversary of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), and read out by H.E. Mr Abdelilah Benkirane, Head of the Moroccan government, HM lauded ISESCO’s achievements and praised its Director General. In this regard, he said: “We are most appreciative of all that the Organization has accomplished during the past three decades. Indeed, it has implemented various plans and strategies to develop education curricula in Islamic countries, keep pace with scientific progress, encourage scientific research and promote Islamic culture.”

He also added: “Furthermore, the Organization has made significant contributions to cultural dialogue, to the alliance of civilizations, to co-existence and acceptance of others, to the endorsement of the principles of human rights and responsible citizenship, and to the promotion of the ideals of pluralism and consultation.”

Similarly, HM the King highly acclaimed ISESCO Director General, Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri. In this respect, he said: “I should like to express my deep appreciation to His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri for his earnest efforts at the head of the Organization’s General Secretariat, his sincere keenness to serve Islamic objectives, his efficiency and competence, his wisdom and far-sightedness as well as his endeavors to promote the Organization as much as possible and enhance joint Islamic action in ISESCO’s fields of competence.”

Moreover, HM the King underlined the important role ISESCO plays and reaffirmed the Kingdom of Morocco’s continuing support for the Organization, and underlined that the challenges faced by the Islamic world require further solidarity, coordination and cooperation between Islamic countries in the areas of education, training, science, modern communication technology and sustainable development. “The aim is to prepare today’s young people as well as future generations so that they may be part of the global civilization, gain in self-confidence, be proud of who they are and uphold their time-honored values. Our goal is also to protect them against extremism, spiritual emptiness, blind subservience and alienation”, he underscored.

Likewise, HM the King Mohammed VI commended ISESCO for providing a forum for debate and exchange of views and expertise, and for bringing together prominent Muslim intellectuals, academics and key figures in its areas of competence.  He also praised it for providing support as well as technical and academic assistance to Member States and to Muslim minorities and communities, and awarding scholarships to students from Member States.

Similarly, in his letter addressed to the participants of the ceremony, which was attended by a host of Moroccan ministers as well as ambassadors to Morocco, political figures, scholars and media pundits, HM the King said: “Through effective action and careful planning, ISESCO has become one of the most successful and credible specialized regional organizations, gaining in status and recognition in the international arena thanks to cooperation and partnership mechanisms with like-minded regional and international institutions.”

Furthermore, he underscored: “In a world of sweeping changes, successive crises and uncertain frames of reference that further compound the problems of intolerance, extremism and insularity, the reasons that were behind ISESCO’s creation have become even more relevant today. This is particularly true regarding the need to enhance and safeguard the Islamic identity, while remaining open to the world around us and fully involved in the knowledge and communication-based society.”

Equally, he highlighted that the means of acquiring education are no longer restricted to the family, school and society, for there are now other parallel channels made possible by modern technology and the digital revolution. In this regard, he underlined: “Our states, societies and organizations must rely on their own capabilities and adopt genuine, solidarity-based policies in order to rise to the crucial task of bridging the digital divide between Islamic countries and developed nations. Thus be able to benefit from science and innovation, which open up vast prospects for development in all fields. This is an urgent priority for our peoples, who have become increasingly reliant on digital technology.”

Additionally, His Majesty said: “As human development must constitute a top priority for Islamic countries, ISESCO should contribute to the development of an educational and cultural model that keeps pace with the times. Such a model should also build on the rich legacy of the Ummah’s distinguished scholars and thinkers, as well as on the distinctive Islamic values of peace, concord, tolerance and dialogue which have, from time immemorial, been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for other human civilizations.”

“This means we have to identify the most effective ways and mechanisms to promote science and scientists as well as culture and cultural figures in Islamic countries in order for science and culture to play their crucial role as engines of growth, progress and the advancement of democracy”, His Majesty added.

In this respect, HM the King called for furthering support to the Organization in this area, and for providing it with all the means and resources it needs to achieve its lofty objectives.

Furthermore, HM the King said: “I am confident that this esteemed Organization, which my venerable father, His Majesty King Hassan II - may he rest in peace - viewed as "the conscience of the Muslim Ummah", will contribute, through committed action and the support of Member States, to the achievement of comprehensive, sustainable human development, give concrete substance to Islamic solidarity and promote cooperation between Islamic countries to uphold righteousness, piety and good deeds.”

Similarly, HM the King underlined: “As well as working hard to promote education, science and culture in the Islamic world, ISESCO has made effective, commendable contributions to the defense of the city of Al-Quds and the preservation of its spiritual and cultural identity as well as its historical and archaeological sites, through exposing the blatant Israeli violations of holy shrines and the continuing destruction of Palestinian educational and cultural institutions in the occupied city, or through its endeavors to have Palestinian natural and archaeological sites included in the World Heritage List.”

Likewise, HM the King stressed the need for concerted efforts and initiatives to address the Israeli unacceptable practices, which are not only inconsistent with international legitimacy resolutions and the United Nations conventions, but they are also incompatible with the teachings of the revealed religions and the lofty values of mankind.

At the end of his letter, HM the King said: “The celebration of ISESCO’s thirtieth anniversary is more than an occasion to reminisce on past achievements. It should be a defining moment for exploring future action. Considering the reputed intellectuals gathered here today and the high-level participation from Member States, I am sure your conference will develop a constructive, promising and forward-looking vision for the future action of this esteemed Organization.”