Baku: Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Supreme President of the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, honored the winners of the fourth cycle of the Hamdan-ICESCO Prize for the Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World during a ceremony held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The award is organized in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 'Launch of the Artificial Intelligence Index in the Islamic World' conference, attended by His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, senior officials, representatives of international organizations, and leading scholars and experts. Three projects from Yemen, Morocco, and Azerbaijan were awarded over USD 28 million to advance educational infrastructure. The event also marked a new cooperation agreement between the Foundation and ICESCO to bolster educational initiatives in member states.
Sheikh Rashid emphasized the Foundation's commitment to investing in people and education, inspired by the vision of late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He praised ICESCO's leadership for their role in enhancing educational environments and fostering community partnership and volunteerism across Islamic countries.
H.E. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, highlighted the Prize's impact on educational development in member states and the importance of the partnership with the Hamdan Foundation in advancing educational facilities. The International Jury Committee awarded the prize to Yemen's Model Schools Project, Morocco's initiative for early childhood education, and Azerbaijan's Heydar Aliyev Foundation for its international educational support program.
A memorandum of understanding was also signed to enhance cooperation between the Foundation and ICESCO, aiming to develop educational facilities and improve education quality. His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi affirmed the Foundation's dedication to supporting innovative educational initiatives and fostering international partnerships.
The Foundation's ongoing commitment aligns with its vision to promote excellence and innovation in education across the Islamic world.