Lebanon Wins Presidency of International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO)

Issued by the Directorate General of Civil Defence:

In an international achievement for Lebanon, the country, represented by Brigadier General Imad Khreish, was elected President of the General Assembly of the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) for the period 2026–2028. He was also elected as a member of the organisation's Executive Council for the period 2026–2030, during the proceedings of the 27th session of the General Assembly held in Geneva on October 29, 2026.

This election reflects international confidence in Lebanon and its civil defence expertise, strengthening its presence and role in shaping international trends and developing cooperation in the fields of civil protection, disaster management, and emergencies.

It is worth noting that the International Civil Defence Organisation, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, was founded in 1931 and became an intergovernmental organisation with a binding constitution on March 1, 1972. It aims to promote international cooperation in protecting populations and facing disasters and emergencies. The organisation currently includes 61 member states.

Lebanon joined the organisation on March 1, 1972, becoming a partner in international efforts to enhance civil defence capabilities through exchange of experiences, training, and cooperation in facing disasters, contributing to the protection of lives, property, and the environment, and enhancing readiness and emergency response.