ICESCO Regional Office Launches in Baku
New ICESCO Regional Office Opens in Baku, Azerbaijan
On April 29, the new regional office of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) was officially inaugurated within the historic "Icherisheher" State Historical-Architectural Reserve in Baku, Azerbaijan. The ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of officials, including Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Center.
Dignitaries present included Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan; Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture; Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Science and Education; Isa Habibbayli, President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences; and Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General. Ambassadors of Central Asian nations alongside various Azerbaijani figures also graced the event.
In his remarks, Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of the Baku Regional Office, expressed gratitude to attendees for their support of this significant milestone. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik emphasized that the office represents a long-cherished aspiration towards fostering connections and collaborations among ICESCO member states. He described Baku as a historical crossroads of civilizations and a fitting location for this new hub dedicated to education and cultural exchange.
AlMalik praised Azerbaijan’s leadership, specifically acknowledging President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for their unwavering support of initiatives in education and culture. He outlined the office’s commitment to innovative methods in fostering cooperation among member states, advancing projects related to environmental protection, artificial intelligence, and preserving cultural heritage.
"This office will symbolize a vibrant heart of collaboration, integrating education, science, culture, and communication," AlMalik stated. He envisioned it as a source of inspiration for future leaders and communities, promoting wisdom, peace, and a legacy of hope.
The inauguration concluded with a video presentation illustrating ICESCO’s history and its growing relationship with Azerbaijan, followed by Leyla Aliyeva’s heartfelt inscription in the office’s guestbook.
This regional office aims not only to serve Azerbaijan but also to unite Central Asia, creating a stronger spirit of cooperation across a wide array of fields.
