Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Fadi Makki, Minister of State for Administrative Reform of the Lebanese Republic, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of development, administrative reform, institutional excellence, and the promotion of creativity and innovation.

During the meeting, held on Thursday, 2 July 2026, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of Amb. Ali Daher, Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon to the Kingdom of Morocco, Dr. AlMalik provided an overview of ICESCO’s history and the major strategic transformations and updates it has undergone in recent years. He noted that although Lebanon joined the Organization only three years ago, it has always remained at the heart of ICESCO’s priorities, given its distinguished cultural standing and its rich intellectual and creative output.

The Director-General emphasized that ICESCO has implemented several programs and initiatives for the benefit of Lebanon in recent years. These include allocating USD 100,000 to support Lebanese institutions following the Beirut port explosion, providing financial assistance to Lebanese students studying in Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine war, and implementing a program to support infrastructure development for a number of schools and educational facilities.

For his part, the Lebanese Minister expressed his pleasure at visiting ICESCO headquarters and gaining first-hand insight into its pivotal role in advancing its areas of competence across the Islamic world. He praised the Organization’s administrative transformation, which has positioned it among the leading international organizations in education, science, and culture.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied Dr. Makki on a tour of ICESCO’s sectors and centers, including the Media and Communication Sector, the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector, the Digital Transformation Department, and the Sultan Qaboos Library. The visit included presentations on the Organization’s operating mechanisms, its key programs and projects, and the reform and development of its administrative structure.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Dr. Kuanysh Yergaliyev, Head of the Science and Environment Sector; Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Supervisor of the Education Sector and Director of the Translation and Publishing Center; Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director-General’s Office and Supervisor of the Sector of Strategy and Institutional Excellence; and Dr. Wissam Chehade, expert in the Science and Environment Sector.