Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Valéry Freland, Executive Director of the ALIPH Foundation, on Tuesday 30 September 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss avenues of cooperation between the two sides in the protection and preservation of heritage.

During the Meeting, ICESCO Director-General presented the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations, as well as its flagship programs and initiatives, particularly the activities of ICESCO’s Heritage Center and the role it plays in protecting heritage sites in Member States. He also highlighted ICESCO’s work to remove sites from international lists of endangered heritage, in addition to the registering 724 sites and elements on the ICESCO Islamic World Heritage Lists.

Both parties agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in November to develop joint cooperation in the field of heritage protection and to strengthen international efforts in this area.

The ALIPH Foundation is an international, multi-stakeholder platform that brings together states, private-sector partners, and experts, with the aim of protecting endangered heritage worldwide and safeguarding cultural heritage. Its membership includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, France, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Morocco, Luxembourg, China, and Cyprus, with additional support from Switzerland and contributions from major international institutions and charitable organizations.