OIC Calls for Strengthened Islamic Solidarity in Culture, Science, and Heritage Preservation

The OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Social and Cultural Affairs, Ambassador Dr Tarig Ali Bakheet, has highlighted the important role of ICESCO as one of the key institutions affiliated with the OIC, and its continuous efforts to promote mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence, particularly through education, science, culture, and communication.

Speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General of the OIC, H.E. Mr Hissein Brahim Taha, at the opening session of the 15th General Assembly of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO), held in Kazan, Republic of #Tatarstan, Russia, on 13 May 2026, Dr Bakheet called for intensified efforts by ICESCO’s Member States and bodies to improve the presentation, preservation, and development of Islamic cultural heritage.

He also stressed the importance of Member States aligning ICESCO’s cultural and scientific programmes with their national priorities, in order to consolidate collective efforts and gains in these fields. He commended the work of ICESCO and other #OIC organs in designing and implementing comprehensive cultural and scientific policies across the Member States, and congratulated its Director-General, Dr Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik, on his reappointment by the ICESCO Executive Council for a second term. The Assistant Secretary-General also welcomed the Executive Council’s earlier selection of Kazan as the Capital of Islamic Culture.