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The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, will name the Secretary-General of the Tyre Foundation, Maha El-Khalil Chalabi, as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in a ceremony at the Organization’s Headquarters on 17 February (6.30 p.m.).

Maha El-Khalil Chalabi is named “in recognition of her committment in favour of the League of Canaanite, Phoenician and Punic Cities (LCPPC), notably her work with the International Association to Save Tyre and the Tyre Foundation, and for her dedication to the ideals of UNESCO.”

Born in southern Lebanese city of Tyre, Maha El-Khalil Chalabi has led numerous welfare and cultural campaigns for her native city, which has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1984. She notably initiated the establishment of a medical and social care centre and of the International Festival of Tyre.

In 1980, she founded the International Association to Save Tyre which has lent its support to undertakings including UNESCO’s International Campaign for the Preservation of Tyre and Its Surroundings, which was launched in 1998 to develop and revitalize the city. She also initiated the creation of the Tyre Foundation, which has been working for the development of a museum for the city, among other projects.

As a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Ms El-Khalil Chalabi will contribute to the work of the League of Canaanite, Phoenician and Punic Cities. Created in 2009 by the International Association to Save Tyre and the Tyre Foundation, the Leagues facilitates cooperation and the exchange of skills, experiences and know-how among the members of the network it constitutes.

are an outstanding group of personalities who have generously agreed to use their talent and status to help focus the world's attention on the work of the Organization in education, science, culture and communication.

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Journalists wishing to cover the ceremony are invited to contact UNESCO’s Media Section for accreditation

Contact: Agnès Baron, a.bardon@unesco.org