Fake Webometrics University Rankings (WURs) are targeting universities in the Global South, leading to the rise of dissemination of inaccurate ranking data through news outlets and consulting agencies.
But they have remained largely obscured from the European academic community due to Geo-IP masking tactics, which necessitate the adopting of institutional measures to enhance vigilance and safeguard the integrity and authority of academic rankings.
This is the outcome of a study that provided a comprehensive analysis of the fake Webometrics University Rankings (WURs) phenomenon observed in the first half of 2026 after investigating 300 publications gathered from 39 countries between 6 January and 6 July 2026.
Titled “Fake Webometrics University Rankings: Network expansion, Geo-IP cloaking, and institutional vulnerabilities in the global south”, the study was published on 18 August in Preprints.org – a free multidisciplinary platform providing a preprint service dedicated to making early versions of research outputs permanently available and citable.
The author of the study, independent researcher and consultant Dr Vladimir Moskovkin, said: “This study moves beyond identifying isolated web scams; it documents an aggressive, transnational ‘metric chimera’ economy”.
Moskovkin is the former director of the Centre for the Development of Publication Activity at Belgorod State National Research University, Russia, where he was also a professor in the university’s Department of World Economy.
He told University World News he was able to confirm obscuration in Europe because that is where he is based – in the Czech Republic – but he believes the fake rankings are also obscured in other developed countries, such as the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and surmises that the information campaigns involving fake rankings were targeted exclusively at countries in the Global South.
“The evolution from simple fake website clones (spring 2025/early 2026) to complex ‘July 2026 new wave’ domains (webometrics.one, webometrics.top, webometric.org) indicates that perpetrators are highly adaptive,” Moskovkin pointed out.
“By exposing how fake domains bypass European detection through Geo-IP masking and successfully penetrate official state documents and international recruitment portals (like SMAPSE or BAYHOST), the research highlights a systemic threat to the integrity of global higher education,” Moskovkin indicated.
“The scammers configured the server so that the fake webometrics.org content was displayed only to users from specific regions (South-East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa) – areas where the demand for rankings is highest and vigilance is lower,” Moskovkin pointed out.
“Therefore, safeguarding higher education requires a coordinated global response involving researchers, media watchdogs, and state accreditation bodies,” Moskovkin stressed.
Phenonomon driven by technologies
Moskovkin said: “The study reveals that approximately 65% of cases involving the dissemination of inaccurate ranking data were initiated by news outlets and consulting agencies.”
He noted that this proves that the phenomenon is “largely driven by PR technologies and information aggregation, rather than isolated errors by universities themselves”.
“The most striking finding is the pronounced geographical imbalance: 81.3% of fake publications originate from the Global South, with Indonesia acting as the primary epicentre (accounting for over 50% of all recorded publications), followed by Turkey (10.3%), Ukraine (8.7%) and both the Philippines and Egypt (7.0%),” Moskovkin added.
Other countries – totalling 34 countries, 23.3% of publications – include developing countries such as Montenegro, Jordan, Moldova, Uganda, and Yemen.
“The presence of developed nations (the US, Spain, Israel, the UK, Germany and Canada) is sporadic and associated with local marketing errors or the activity of international consulting and recruitment agencies.
“Overall, this confirms the transnational and opportunistic nature of the fake WUR market, penetrating any region in search of image-driven demand,” Moskovkin indicated.
“This shows that universities in developing regions, facing immense pressure regarding publication performance and rigid KPI/accreditation systems, are uniquely vulnerable to fake rankings and actively exploit them to simulate international prestige,” Moskovkin pointed out.
“Furthermore, the data demonstrates a clear Pareto distribution, where a small number of countries hold the vast majority of ‘fake webometric weight’, creating an institutionalised illusion of global success,” Moskovkin indicated.
Takeaway messages to HE policymakers
Asked about the most important takeaway messages for higher education policymakers and decision makers, Moskovkin said: “Policymakers and university leadership must realise that relying on unverified web metrics for national KPIs, hiring criteria, and institutional benchmarking creates a dangerous feedback loop of misinformation.”
He said ministries of higher education need to establish rigorous, independent audit mechanisms for academic metrics and rely solely on authentic, verified international repositories, such as the official data hosted on Figshare via the Cybermetrics Lab.
“An example of such successful work is the effort of the Center for Civic Education (CCE) in Montenegro, which, based on our research, succeeded in having an erroneous Order of the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro revoked.
“The Order had been based on the fake webometrics.org ranking when hiring faculty for Montenegrin universities,” Moskovkin pointed out.
He said several actions must be taken to deal with the rise of the fake university ranking systems.
First, he said, official ranking providers and the academic community must take technical and legal action.
“Official providers must implement proactive legal and technical defences, while the academic community must establish global observatories.”
Moskovkin has published several studies and reports about fake university ranking sites in 2026, including the study titled “Pandemic of ‘Predatory’ Rankings: Why academic integrity fails the stress test” and the article titled “Predatory university rankings jeopardise the value of Webometrics”, and is involved in a group of higher education experts which is in the final stage of launching Global Observatory on Academic Metrics and University Rankings (GOAMUR), which will “continuously monitor, expose, and neutralise predatory ranking networks before they distort educational policy and consumer trust”.
Second, strategies identified in the group’s research must be implemented.
“These include the urgent restoration of the official webometrics.info portal as a single source of truth, the enforcement of strict verification protocols that require universities to cross-check any ranking claims solely against authentic repositories (such as the official Figshare archive), and the establishment of global monitoring systems to inform regulators about the geo-targeting tactics used by scammers to bypass detection,” Moskovkin said.
Third, GOAMUR is preparing an open letter to the ministries of higher education and scientific research worldwide, calling on national governments to take direct responsibility for monitoring and sanctioning the use of fake metrics within their own jurisdictions.
“Given the unprecedented, global scale of this academic fraud, it is time for ministries to ensure that institutional ‘prestige’ is not built on digital deception and to hold local universities accountable for upholding academic integrity,” Moskovkin stressed.
A threat to global HE sector
Global higher education expert and director of strategic insights at RMIT University in Australia, Angel Calderon, told University World News: “The continued proliferation of fake global university rankings, alongside the growing visibility of fraudulent or unsubstantiated expertise, is a matter of significant concern for the global higher education sector.
“While strategic geo-targeting is increasingly evident, particularly in emerging economies that are strengthening their higher education systems, it is important to emphasise the need to empower university leaders and the broader academic community to uphold academic integrity and adhere to the ethical principles of responsible scholarly publishing and information dissemination,” added Calderon, who is the author of “Sustainability Rankings: What they are about and how to make them meaningful”.
Proliferation of fake rankings expected
Calderon warned that the proliferation of fake global rankings and fraudulent expertise is unlikely to disappear anytime soon in an era of rapid technological transformation.
“I anticipate that academics and institutions will increasingly become targets of unscrupulous entities seeking commercial gain, as competition for resources intensifies and the pressure to demonstrate institutional relevance grows.
“This underscores the need for continued vigilance against such practices and for sustained efforts to raise awareness among university leaders, policymakers, academics, the media, and society more broadly.”
He said it is imperative to foster greater collaboration between academics in established higher education systems and their counterparts in emerging and developing systems, enabling them to learn from one another while strengthening quality assurance, upholding academic integrity, and promoting responsible academic practice.
Governments should be ‘more active’
“At the same time, national governments should be encouraged to play a more active role in establishing and strengthening frameworks for academic integrity, as well as robust systems for the verification and dissemination of reliable information.”
He said that while many critics contend that global rankings should be discontinued, they are unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Similarly, the pressure on academics to publish is unlikely to diminish in the foreseeable future.
“Ideally, we should reframe the ways in which academic staff are recognised and rewarded by reducing the sector’s reliance on quantitative performance indicators, including bibliometric measures.
“These challenges are complex and unlikely to be resolved easily,” he said.
“Nevertheless, it is important to continue discussions on reforming academic promotion and reward systems to ensure that they more fully recognise the breadth, quality, and impact of academic contributions.”
University World News reached out to the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, QS World University Rankings, ShanghaiRanking’s Academic Ranking of World Universities and THE World University Rankings for reaction to the study but received no responses.
The field of engineering is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid advancement of emerging technologies. From AI in engineering to the Internet of Things (IoT), these innovations are reshaping the way engineers approach problem-solving, design, and manufacturing. As the world enters the era of Industry 4.0, it is crucial for aspiring engineers to understand the impact of these technologies and how they will shape the future of the profession.
In this article, we will explore the key emerging technologies that are revolutionizing engineering, including artificial intelligence, IoT, 3D printing, renewable energy, and more. We will also discuss the importance of integrating these technologies into engineering education and the role of academic institutions like Amrita University in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI in engineering and Machine Learning (ML) are at the forefront of the technological revolution. These technologies enable systems to learn from data, make predictions, and improve over time. AI and ML are being applied in various areas of engineering, such as
Automation and Optimization
AI algorithms can analyze complex datasets to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs in manufacturing. By optimizing processes and automating repetitive tasks, AI is helping engineers streamline operations and improve productivity.
Predictive Maintenance
AI-powered predictive maintenance systems can monitor the health of equipment and infrastructure in real-time, identifying potential issues before they lead to costly breakdowns. This proactive approach improves reliability, reduces downtime, and extends the lifespan of assets.
Design Optimization
AI and ML can assist engineers in optimizing product designs by analyzing vast amounts of data, simulating scenarios, and identifying the most effective solutions. This leads to improved performance, reduced material usage, and faster time-to-market.
Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities
The Internet of Things (IoT) is connecting everyday objects to the internet, allowing them to collect and exchange data. This technology is creating smart environments where devices communicate seamlessly, leading to improved automation and control. In engineering, IoT is being used to:
Infrastructure Monitoring
IoT sensors can monitor the health of bridges, buildings, and other critical infrastructure, providing real-time data on structural integrity, environmental conditions, and potential hazards. This enables engineers to make informed decisions and proactively address maintenance needs.
Supply Chain Optimization
IoT devices can track assets throughout the supply chain, providing visibility and optimizing logistics. By monitoring inventory levels, transportation routes, and environmental conditions, engineers can streamline operations and reduce costs.
Smart City Development
IoT is playing a significant role in the development of smart cities. Engineers are designing IoT systems that facilitate communication between devices, improving overall functionality. Smart cities utilize IoT for traffic management, energy efficiency, and public safety, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
Additive Manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is transforming product design and manufacturing processes. This technology enables the creation of complex geometries and customized parts with high precision and minimal waste. The benefits of 3D printing in engineering include:
Rapid Prototyping
3D printing allows engineers to quickly create physical prototypes of their designs, reducing development time and enabling faster iteration. This accelerates the product development cycle and facilitates early detection of design flaws.
Customization and Personalization
3D printing enables the production of customized and personalized products tailored to individual needs. This is particularly valuable in fields like medical engineering, where patient-specific implants and prosthetics can be created.
Sustainable Manufacturing
3D printing reduces material waste and enables the use of eco-friendly materials. By producing parts on-demand and minimizing inventory, 3D printing contributes to a more sustainable manufacturing process.
Renewable Energy Technologies
The urgent need to address climate change has driven significant advancements in renewable energy technologies. Engineers are developing innovative solutions to harness solar, wind, hydro, and other sustainable energy sources. The key areas of focus include:
Solar Energy
Engineers are working on improving the efficiency and affordability of solar panels, developing new materials and designs to maximize energy capture. They are also designing smart grid systems to integrate solar energy into existing power networks.
Wind Energy
Advancements in wind turbine technology, such as larger blades and more efficient generators, are increasing the power output and reliability of wind energy systems. Engineers are also developing offshore wind farms to harness the abundant wind resources available at sea.
Energy Storage
The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources requires efficient energy storage solutions. Engineers are developing advanced battery technologies, such as lithium-ion and flow batteries, to store excess energy and ensure a stable supply of clean power.
Preparing for the Future of Engineering
To prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future, engineering education must adapt and integrate emerging technologies in engineering into their curricula. Amrita University, one of India’s premier private institutions for higher education and research, is at the forefront of this transformation.
Amrita University offers a dynamic curriculum that undergoes rigorous updates every three years, ensuring alignment with the standards of leading institutions. The university provides a comprehensive education that emphasizes both technical skills and ethical development, preparing students to become knowledgeable and principled professionals.
Moreover, Amrita University maintains strong partnerships with industry leaders such as Microsoft, Infosys, Bosch, and Wipro, creating exceptional placement opportunities for students. These collaborations expose students to real-world challenges and provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.
Final Thoughts
The future of engineering lies in embracing emerging technologies in engineering such as AI, IoT, 3D printing, renewable energy, and more. These technologies are reshaping industries, driving innovation, and presenting both opportunities and challenges for engineers.
To thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape, aspiring engineers must develop a deep understanding of these technologies and their applications. They must also cultivate a mindset of continuous learning, adaptability, and collaboration.
Institutions like Amrita University play a crucial role in preparing students for the future of engineering. By providing a comprehensive education that integrates emerging technologies, fostering industry partnerships, and emphasizing ethical development, Amrita University equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to succeed in the era of Industry 4.0.
If you are considering a career in engineering or looking to enhance your skills in emerging technologies, Amrita University offers a wide range of programs tailored to meet the demands of the future. From undergraduate to postgraduate studies, Amrita University provides an exceptional learning environment that nurtures innovation, creativity, and social responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key emerging technologies shaping the future of engineering?
The key emerging technologies in engineering include artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, renewable energy technologies, and more. These technologies are transforming various aspects of engineering, from design and manufacturing to infrastructure monitoring and smart city development.
How is AI transforming the field of engineering?
AI in engineering is being applied in areas such as automation, predictive maintenance, and design optimization. AI algorithms can analyze complex datasets to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve product performance. AI is also enabling engineers to make data-driven decisions and streamline processes.
What role does IoT play in engineering?
IoT is connecting everyday objects to the internet, allowing them to collect and exchange data. In engineering, IoT is being used for infrastructure monitoring, supply chain optimization, and smart city development. IoT sensors can provide real-time data on the health of assets, optimize logistics, and improve overall functionality.
How is 3D printing revolutionizing manufacturing?
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is transforming product design and manufacturing processes. It enables the creation of complex geometries and customized parts with high precision and minimal waste. 3D printing facilitates rapid prototyping, personalization, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
What should aspiring engineers focus on to prepare for the future?
To prepare for the future of engineering, aspiring engineers should develop a deep understanding of emerging technologies in engineering such as AI, IoT, 3D printing, and renewable energy. They should also cultivate a mindset of continuous learning, adaptability, and collaboration. Pursuing education at institutions like Amrita University, which integrate emerging technologies into their curricula and foster industry partnerships, can provide a strong foundation for success in the era of Industry 4.0.
In recent years, archaeologists from around the world have marked the centenaries of some of Iraq’s most influential archaeological discoveries.
The excavation of the ancient city of Ur, for example, transformed understanding of early urban life, long-distance trade, royal tombs and burial customs. There has also been a century of research into the Jemdet Nasr period – pivotal in the development of some of the world’s earliest administrative systems and forms of writing.
These milestones are reminders of the profound influence of the archaeology of ancient Mesopotamia. It continues to inspire generations of researchers around the world, including recent work led by the University of Glasgow at the archaeological site of Shakhi Kora in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
This has brought new insights into the nature of the first public institutions, their development and demise. Other surveys in southern Iraq seek to understand long-term human relationships with Iraq’s rapidly disappearing marshlands.
But these milestone celebrations and fresh discoveries also invite reflection about the role of Iraq’s scientists and institutions in this developing story of human civilisation.
Changing the narrative of loss and rescue
International discussions of Iraqi heritage have long been dominated by stories of catastrophe. These range from looting after the 2003 US-led invasion and the destruction wrought by Islamic State, to endangered archaeological sites and emergency efforts to save what remains.
Many of these represent genuine crises. But they also frame Iraqi archaeology as a narrative of loss and rescue, with international institutions as providers of expertise. Local archaeologists are often portrayed as recipients of support, rather than equal partners in shaping future research.
Today, Iraqi archaeologists are still underrepresented in the bodies that decide research priorities and interpretations. Many institutions generating archaeological knowledge about Iraq are disproportionately directed from outside the country.
So, when 20 archaeologists and heritage professionals from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq gathered in Glasgow alongside international colleagues in May 2025, they seized the opportunity to shift this narrative. Their discussions ranged from social media misinformation to women’s participation in archaeological fieldwork and the challenges that climate change poses, both to heritage and local communities.
Such conversations often came back to one key question: who gets to decide what archaeology in Iraq should focus on today?
Attempts to decolonise archaeology
Discussions about the future of archaeology often focus on participation: who receives funding, who directs projects, and who is included as a collaborator or author. These questions are important.
But meaningful attempts to decolonise this field of study also need to address how archaeological problems are defined, whose expertise is recognised, and who gets to shape research priorities.
At the Glasgow workshop, Iraqi and Kurdish archaeologists, heritage professionals, government officials and university leaders were asked to identify the issues they regarded as most urgent. Creating space for them to articulate priorities marked an important shift away from externally imposed agendas.
The discussion on gender highlighted a striking contradiction in Iraq. At the University of Al-Qadisiyah in the city of Al Diwaniyah, women account for around 70% of archaeology students – yet only around 2% of Iraqi excavation team members and approximately 15% of academic leaders are women.
This raised the question: is increasing women’s participation just a demographic goal – or will it influence the breadth of knowledge produced through archaeology? For example, a wider range of participants may encourage more archaeological attention to labour, care, social relationships and community life in the ancient past, complementing the traditional focus on kings, temples and powerful states.
It became clear that “heritage” meant more than just preservation. Traditional relationships between communities and landscapes offer valuable lessons for adapting to environmental uncertainty. Archaeology becomes less about recovering the past, more about helping to imagine sustainable futures.
According to Rozhen Mohammed-Amin, president of the Cultural Heritage Organisation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, one of the most significant achievements was bringing together people who are often “disconnected due to political and institutional divisions”.
Within months of the event, two women were promoted to senior positions at the University of Al-Qadisiyah. Participants also reported stronger engagement between Iraqi universities and the country’s State Board of Antiquities and Heritage.
These changes may seem modest – such developments rarely attract headlines in the way of a spectacular discovery or heritage emergency. But they may prove just as important to the future of archaeology – for Iraq and the wider world.
Closeup of team members examine ESG-related documents, pointing and discussing investment strategies for sustainable and renewable energy resources. Eco-Friendly Business Discussing ESG Goals. – Getty
For a long time, measuring sustainability in higher education and corporate sectors was confusing. Many institutions wanted to show they cared about the environment and social progress, but everyone used different rules. Many organizations created their own self-made criteria, leading to a fragmented system. This made it difficult to tell which universities and institutions were actually making a real difference and which were just using clever marketing.
Today, that landscape is rapidly maturing. Some global sustainability rankings are moving away from custom, handmade lists and are instead adopting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a universal, standardized framework. Beyond rankings, 74% of companies publishing environmental, social and governance (ESG) reports use the SDGs in their reporting, according to KPMG’s Survey of Sustainability Reporting 2024 (download required for full report).
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The Challenge With Self-Made Rules
When organizations set their own rules, they may cherry-pick the metrics where they already excel. For example, a university might launch a massive marketing campaign about eliminating plastic water bottles on campus, declaring itself a “green institution.” At the same time, that same institution might completely ignore its massive carbon footprint from inefficient legacy buildings or overlook significant social inequalities within its regional branch campuses.
Self-made criteria allow institutions to hide their operational weaknesses. For educational architects, international students and regulatory bodies, this creates a major due-diligence problem. It is difficult to benchmark institutional progress, compare two universities or make informed decisions when everyone is grading their own homework using a different system.
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Why Universal Criteria Can Work Better
The UN created 17 SDGs to address comprehensive global challenges, including quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5) and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). By integrating these goals, modern ranking systems can create a single, shared scorecard that demands holistic compliance.
The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings show how this works in practice. As a major ranking system that rates institutions on sustainability, its rules look beyond basic historical reputation. In its methodology, relevant academic research output accounts for a maximum of 27% for each SDG score (roughly 7% of the overall score).
While that research is vital, the remainder of the scores focus primarily on real-world SDG compliance and action. This evaluates how an institution manages its daily operations, governs its resources, implements quality assurance policies and supports its local community. In short, writing academic papers about sustainability is only a small part of the test. The vast majority of the grade depends on actually practicing what you preach at an operational level.
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Four Ways Institutional Leaders Can Adapt
If you are leading a university, managing a transnational education group or driving corporate strategy, adapting to UN SDG standards requires a clear, practical approach. Here is how leaders can align with these global metrics:
1. Link programs to specific goals.
Move away from vague terms like “eco-friendly.” Instead, map your specific modules, curriculum designs and campus projects directly to UN goals. For instance, if you are launching a new community outreach program, connect it directly to SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). This makes your institutional progress easy for key stakeholders and international accreditation bodies to measure and verify.
2. Focus heavily on internal operations.
Because standardized rankings place significant weight on real-world action, internal habits matter most. Look closely at how your organization operates across all departments. Do your human resources policies actively support gender equality? Are your procurement standards prioritizing sustainable vendors? True sustainability starts with how you manage your own physical and human resources.
3. Foster global partnerships.
SDG 17 focuses entirely on “partnerships for the goals.” No institution can solve global challenges alone. Universities can collaborate with other international business schools, local governments and industry leaders to share knowledge and resources. Build strategic alliances that expand your impact beyond your own campus borders.
4. Share clear, verifiable proof.
Standardized ranking systems require rigorous evidence, not just promises. Centralize your data, and publish clear, accessible reports on your institutional platforms. If you claim to be reducing energy consumption, provide the exact tracking numbers that prove it. Transparent, easily verifiable data is the strongest currency you have for building international reputation and trust.
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Conclusion
Traditional tables like the QS World University Rankings, the Quality Ranking Network, the Academic Ranking of World Universities and even THE’s standard reputation-based rankings remain vital barometers of institutional prestige. However, the future belongs to standardized accountability.
By relying on universal criteria, impact-focused rankings are fundamentally changing how institutions are evaluated. Aligning your strategic road map with sustainable development goals does more than improve a metric—it can future-proof your organization and ensure your educational mission leaves a genuine, measurable mark on society.
Exterior view of Babel Restaurant featuring distinctive stone architecture and lush greenery. by Maryam Afana via Pexels
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UNESCO Director-General reaffirms the Organization’s commitment to Lebanon
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During his first official visit to Lebanon, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany met with President Joseph Aoun, and members of the Lebanese Government to review UNESCO’s activities across education, sciences, culture, communication and information and discuss priorities to advance recovery efforts and long-term resilience.
18 August 2026
Last update:20 August 2026
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As Lebanon continues to face evolving emergencies UNESCO stands in solidarity with its people and recognizes Lebanon’s extraordinary cultural heritage. Our role is to work alongside Lebanese partners, guided by nationally defined priorities, to respond to urgent needs and advance sustainable development. Through our joint initiatives on education, heritage protection and information integrity, we aim to expand opportunities and social cohesion, and support an inclusive recovery that contributes to lasting peace for all
During his visit, the Director-General met with President Joseph Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Minister of Culture Ghassan Salamé and esteemed members of the Government. The visit also saw the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Lebanon, establishing a strengthened framework for cooperation through 2029.
Expand Education Recovery Efforts
Thanks to a grant from the Global Partnership for Education (USD 1 million), UNESCO will reinforce government-led efforts to strengthen national education planning and build a more resilient education system. This new contribution from GPE brings UNESCO’s targeted assistance to emergency education response and recovery in Lebanon to USD 1.8 million, reinforcing efforts to restore learning and strengthen national capacities across the education sector.
During a visit to Mohamad Shamel Public Mixed Elementary School in Beirut, the Director-General met students and teachers participating in UNESCO-backed recovery activities. The visit highlighted the flagship six-week Summer Learning Programme, which is helping students catch up on learning missed due to the conflict and displacement, while providing psychosocial support ahead of the new school year.
Since 2023, UNESCO has trained over 4,000 teachers in digital and flexible learning approaches, reaching more than 10,000 students in the most affected regions.
Increasing efforts for Lebanon’s heritage
The Director-General visited the World Heritage site of Tyre recently added to the List in Danger, where he announced USD 100,000 from the Heritage Emergency Fund. This will advance emergency support to assess damage, stabilize vulnerable structures, protect archaeological remains and mosaics, train young Lebanese heritage professionals, and underpin community-led recovery efforts to safeguard and revitalize one of Lebanon’s most iconic cultural sites.
At Khan Al-Askar in Tripoli, the Director-General acknowledged the potential of the site to serve employment-oriented skills development and TVET programmes. The Director-General visited also the World Heritage Property Rachid Karami International Fair and underscored UNESCO’s support for the conservation of this iconic modern architectural site including through the implementation of a Conservation Management Plan, funding for the restoration of the Water Tower (76.000 USD), and capacity-building for national experts.
Commitment to information integrity and media freedom
The Director-General welcomed the launch on 13 August of the National Campaign against Hate Speech, led by the Ministry of Information, with the support of UNESCO. He also announced a new contribution from the LOOPS Foundation to the Libraries for Resilience initiative. Together with the MCN Build Foundation and Norway, the initiative has now mobilized USD 650,000 to expand access to reliable information, strengthen community resilience, and enhance public library services across Lebanon.
The Director-General also acknowledged the adoption of a new Media Law by the Lebanese Parliament. UNESCO stands ready to continue supporting related reforms and implementation of the law in order to ensure freedom of expression, media independence, and the safety of journalists in line with international human rights standards.
Partnerships and call for international mobilization
The Director-General thanks all of UNESCO’s partners and donors, and reiterates UNESCO’s appeal for increased international mobilization for the new UNESCO Action Plan for Lebanon (2026–2028), which structures UNESCO’s response around three pillars: monitoring, coordination, the provision of emergency assistance to lay the ground for sustainable recovery, and long-term prosperity.
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