SESAME (Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) is a third-generation synchrotron light source under construction in Allan (Jordan). It will be the Middle East's first major international research centre.
It is a cooperative venture by scientists and governments of the region set up on the model of CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research). It is being developed under the auspices of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) following the formal approval given for this by the Organization's Executive Board (164th session, May 2002).
It is an autonomous intergovernmental organisation at the service of its Members which have full control over its development, exploitation and financial matters. The SESAME Members (as of June 2017) are: Cyprus, Egypt, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, the Palestinian Authority, and Turkey. SESAME also has several Observers offering with an advisory role. Current Observers (March 2016) are Brazil, China (People’s Republic of), the European Union, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Portugal, Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.