The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) and Cambridge University Press & Assessment have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their collaboration in supporting governments facing urgent challenges such as climate change, emergencies, and digital transformation in education. The agreement was signed in Rabat, Morocco, by Dr Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director General of ICESCO, and Professor Bhaskar Vira, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Cambridge, in the presence of ICESCO Director General Dr Salim M. AlMalik.
The partnership builds on earlier work between ICESCO and Cambridge, including the launch of the Greening Education Framework in 2024, which provides nine recommendations to embed climate priorities into education system reform. Under the new agreement, the organizations will explore establishing a Greening Education Taskforce across ICESCO’s 53 member states. This initiative will support ministries in planning and delivering reforms aligned with national contexts and global climate goals, focusing on curriculum, teaching, schools, and communities.
Delegates at the signing emphasized that climate disruption, emergencies, and digital transformation are interconnected challenges for governments, colliding in classrooms, policies, and budgets. Dr Anna Kingsley, Head of Partnerships at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, noted that equitable digital transformation depends on purposeful choices, inclusion, and support for teachers and learners. She highlighted that ICESCO and Cambridge aim to help leaders chart fairer digital futures tailored to their national contexts.
The agreement also prioritizes strengthening Education in Emergencies. ICESCO and Cambridge will work together to help governments prepare for crises, reduce the resources required to sustain learning during disruptions, and support ongoing education in conflict-affected regions. Cambridge will contribute expertise from global initiatives such as the Learning Passport, developed with UNICEF and Microsoft, which has reached more than 10 million users, and partnerships with NGOs supporting vulnerable learners.
Digital transformation, particularly AI literacy, is another key focus. ICESCO and Cambridge will collaborate to ensure technology enhances learning outcomes while addressing ethical challenges. Cambridge will draw on global experience, including programs that deepen STEM teachers’ AI skills in partnership with the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences.
This expanded partnership underscores ICESCO and Cambridge’s shared commitment to helping governments align education reforms with climate priorities, resilience planning, and digital innovation.
Click here to read the original press release.
