At the invitation of the UNESCO Office in Iraq and Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Lebanon, and as part of the project to restore the Central Library at the University of Mosul, which is being implemented by UNESCO with support from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Wahid Mahmood Al-Ibrahimi, President of the University of Mosul, led the university’s delegation in an official meeting held in Beirut on December 3, 2025, to discuss prospects for scientific and academic cooperation and the development of the library’s knowledge infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by representatives from UNESCO–Baghdad, along with Prof. Dr. Salah Abu Joudeh, Vice President of Saint Joseph University, Dr. Ban Houshi, Iraqi Cultural Attaché in Lebanon, Dr. Mufawq Sajat, Head of International Organizations at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Marwan Al-Shammari, Head of the University Libraries Division at the Ministry, and Dr. Mohammed Jasim Mohammed, Secretary-General of the Libraries of the University of Mosul. Prof. Dr. Al-Ibrahimi presented an overview of the achievements and academic milestones of the University of Mosul, while Saint Joseph University introduced its library management system, KOHA, which is also implemented in the libraries of the University of Mosul.

The parties discussed launching a strategic partnership to develop the Central Library management program and update its systems, including the study of providing Open Access to Saint Joseph University’s resources and references for University of Mosul researchers and students, as well as expanding scientific cooperation across various academic and research fields. The importance of this project was emphasized as a qualitative step towards digitizing and enriching scientific content and enhancing the research environment at the University of Mosul to meet the needs of future generations.

The meeting concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts from the Vice President of Saint Joseph University, followed by a group photo, reflecting the growing partnership between the two institutions and the continuous support from UNESCO for the revitalization of the Central Library at the University of Mosul