ICESCO and BLCU Sign Cooperation Memo for Civilizational Dialogue and AI
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization signed a cooperation memorandum with Beijing Language and Culture University in China on September 28, 2026. The agreement establishes joint initiatives in scientific research, Arabic and Chinese translation, scholarships, and artificial intelligence to foster civilizational dialogue.
Memorandum Targets Civilizational Dialogue and Artificial Intelligence
Signed at the Beijing Language and Culture University headquarters, the pact bridges academic expertise between China and the Islamic world. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Dr. Duan Peng, President of Beijing Language and Culture University, finalized the framework during a leadership delegation visit on Monday, 28 September 2026.
The action plan creates a joint Chair for civilizational dialogue that taps into Chinese civilizational thought. It also introduces a multilateral translation program spanning Arabic, Chinese, English, and French. Partners will also develop a youth capacity-building program alongside specialized artificial intelligence initiatives for the Arabic language.
Academic Infrastructure and Multilingual Publishing
Under the terms of the memorandum, both institutions will publish a Chinese-language edition of the ICESCO Multilingual Data and Artificial Intelligence Dictionary. The framework supports academic research, joint knowledge platforms, research forums, and youth skills development alongside a dedicated scholarship program.
Advanced research into language models for artificial intelligence forms a core pillar of the pact, alongside mutual cooperation in mental health fields. Beijing Language and Culture University, widely recognized as a mini United Nations due to its globally diverse student body, operates as China’s largest center for Chinese language teaching and specialized language education.
Bilateral Talks and Institutional Implementation
Following the signing ceremony, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Duan Peng to review implementation strategies for the agreed programs. The Director-General subsequently met with several university professors to map out practical steps for launching the joint initiatives.