Selangor, Malaysia, 25^th November 2023 – The Islamic Development Bank was conferred ‘Ibn Khaldun Merit Award for Global Social Transformation' by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) at its 39^th Convocation Ceremony.

The Ibn Khaldun Merit Award is a prestigious recognition presented by IIUM. It was introduced in 2018 and is named in honor of the influential Arab scholar Ibn Khaldun, known for his ideas about kinship, solidarity, and the relationship between culture and environment. The award is designed to honor his scholarly legacy.

The Ibn Khaldun Merit Award is conferred to individuals or organizations that lead and contribute significantly in terms of expertise or charitable work for the community, particularly without expecting monetary returns. It recognizes outstanding contributions to global social transformation.

Her Majesty, Seri Paduka Baginda the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Binti Al Marhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj (The Queen of Malaysia and the Constitutional Head of International Islamic University Malaysia) presented the Special Award in recognition of IsDB’s contribution to the University.

Mr. Samer Elesawi, the Head of the Center of Excellence Kuala Lumpur (KLCoE), represented IsDB and received the awards at the ceremony. In his remarks, Mr. Samer conveyed IsDB’s appreciation to IIUM and highlighted IsDB's contribution to the University, including a US$ 28.5 million financing to support the expansion of IIUM, benefiting multiple faculties.

Additionally, he mentioned the disbursement of US$ 2 million from the IsDB Waqf fund, reinforcing support for OIC universities. The IsDB scholarship program, providing opportunities for 102 students from 27 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America to pursue their studies and research at IIUM, was also acknowledged.