ICESCO Pavilion Engages in Cultural Discourse at SIEL Rabat 2026
The ICESCO Pavilion at the International Salon of Publishing and Book (SIEL) 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, became a hub for a variety of intellectual and cultural activities on May 7, 2026. This event highlighted the critical role of media in raising public awareness, the challenges faced by artists in the age of artificial intelligence, and the responsibilities of international organizations in fostering cultural exchanges among countries and communities, as detailed on the ICESCO website.
A key feature of the pavilion's activities was a seminar titled "The Challenges of Media and Communication Today and the Role of ICESCO." During this seminar, Professor Osama Heikal, the Head of the Media and Communication Sector at ICESCO, emphasized the importance of developing a media discourse that aligns with the organization’s aspirations and objectives. He elaborated on how this can be achieved through enhanced media coverage and the implementation of training programs tailored for journalists, media professionals, and content creators within the Islamic world.
In his presentation, Professor Heikal traced the historical evolution of media and its significance in public enlightenment and the promotion of ethical and human values. He underscored the necessity of regularly updating laws and regulations governing media operations to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. Furthermore, he highlighted the interactive nature of modern media and the associated challenges, particularly the use of artificial intelligence in disseminating misinformation.
Additionally, Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation at ICESCO, addressed the role of cultural diplomacy and soft power in enhancing the organization's international presence during a seminar on "International Relations and ICESCO's Position." He stressed the importance of building strategic partnerships based on trust and transparency, encouraging Islamic countries to shift from merely consuming cultural products to actively contributing to their production and crafting their cultural narratives.
The pavilion also hosted a roundtable discussion entitled "The Challenges for Creators in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," featuring Ms. Yousra bint Hussein Al-Jazairi, Chair of the Cultural Commission of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited in Morocco. Moderated by Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of the Director-General of ICESCO, this session included insights from Mr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, and Dr. Nesma Youssef Idris, Assistant Professor at the American University in Cairo. They elaborated on the challenges faced by the creative industries due to the rise of artificial intelligence technologies and the resulting cultural shifts, advocating for a reevaluation of creativity as a fundamentally human, psychological, and civilizational experience.
As reported by azertag.az.
