📍On Thursday, 20 August 2026, the National Council for Scientific Research in Lebanon (CNRS-L) held a farewell event at its headquarters in honor of Ms. Blerta Aliko, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon, on the occasion of the completion of her mission in Lebanon.

The event was attended by Dr. Assaad Eid, President of the Board of Directors of CNRS-L; Dr. Chadi Abdallah, Secretary General of CNRS-L; members of the CNRS-L Board of Directors; Directors of CNRS-L’s centres; Mr. Zahi Chahine, Head of the Disaster Management Unit at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in Lebanon; Ms. Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCR Representative in Lebanon; Dr. Nazar Hassan, Senior Science and Technology Advisor for the Arab States at the UNESCO Regional Office for Science, representing Mr. Paolo Fontani, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut; and Mr. Kassem Chaalan, Director of Disaster Risk Reduction at the Lebanese Red Cross representing Mr. Georges Kettaneh, Secretary General of the LRC.

During the event, Dr. Chadi Abdallah expressed his deep appreciation to Ms. Aliko for her partnership, trust, and lasting contribution to Lebanon. He highlighted her humility, collaborative spirit, and commitment, as well as her leadership in strengthening the partnership between UNDP and CNRS-L. He also emphasized the importance of scientific credibility, transparency, accountability, and concrete results in rebuilding confidence in Lebanese public institutions, while underlining the role of UNDP’s support in strengthening Lebanon’s national scientific capacities and enabling CNRS-L to serve public authorities, communities, and national recovery efforts.

In her remarks, Ms. Blerta Aliko expressed her appreciation for the cooperation and partnership established with CNRS-L and its teams throughout her mission. She highlighted the value of joint efforts in advancing scientific research and innovation, strengthening institutional cooperation, and contributing to sustainable and evidence-based development in Lebanon. She also expressed her gratitude for the warm relations and constructive collaboration that marked her engagement with CNRS-L.

Dr. Assaad Eid praised Ms. Aliko’s commitment to Lebanon and her belief in the role of knowledge and science in serving society. He also highlighted the importance of the partnership established with CNRS-L, noting that while missions may come to an end, meaningful partnerships endure.

The event concluded with the presentation of the CNRS-L Medal to Ms. Aliko, in appreciation of her leadership, commitment to Lebanon, and lasting contribution to strengthening scientific cooperation and institutional partnerships.

From the CNRS-L family, we wish you every success in your new journey.