11th Economic Conference on Global Debt Set for Next Saturday in Amman - Jordan News
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Jordan News
a day ago
- Jordan News
11th Economic Conference on Global Debt Set for Next Saturday in Amman - Jordan News
11th Economic Conference on Global Debt Set for Next Saturday in Amman The Jordan Society for Scientific Research, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity (JSSREC) has announced its 11th Economic Conference, set to be held next Saturday in Amman under the theme: "Global Debt and Fiscal Policy Reforms." اضافة اعلان In a statement issued Sunday, the JSSREC invited researchers, economists, and policymakers to attend the event, which will tackle urgent questions surrounding financial sustainability and economic resilience in the face of rising global debt. Rida Khawaldeh, JSSREC President, described the conference, organized in collaboration with the University of Petra, as a platform for bridging academic research with practical policymaking. He stressed the importance of linking research findings to decision-making bodies, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. According to Khawaldeh, economic security is now the primary line of defense against global crises. Samer Al-Rjoub, Chair of the Conference's Preparatory Committee, underlined the urgency for developing countries to adopt sound fiscal policies, implement structural reforms, and manage public debt in ways that safeguard long-term stability, especially in light of the accelerating debt burden worldwide. The conference will feature three main sessions: the first will explore the root causes of global debt and its implications for economic security; the second will focus on restructuring tools and the role of effective governance; the third will delve into economic justice and pathways to sustainable growth. The JSSREC noted that a distinguished group of academics and industry experts will participate in the sessions. The conference comes at a time of rapid global economic shifts, highlighting the growing necessity of financial sustainability to ensure national stability and development. (Petra)
Al Bawaba
5 days ago
- Al Bawaba
AUB's School of Business Hosts Regional Workshop to Support Startups and Sustainable Innovation in the Natural Products Industry
The Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) at the American University of Beirut (AUB), through its Business Practice and Policy Initiative, hosted a two-day regional workshop titled 'Supporting Innovative and Regenerative Startups: Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Natural Products Industry.' Held in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut; the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO); and the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO, the workshop brought together youth-led startups, entrepreneurs, and experts from across the Arab region to exchange knowledge, promote sustainable business models, and advance innovation in the natural products sector. The workshop focused on showcasing innovative ideas within the regional startup ecosystem, encouraging sustainability practices in business, and aligning projects with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly 'Quality Education' and 'Responsible Consumption and Production.' It also aimed to strengthen participants' ability to scale their ventures while promoting green education, and fostering meaningful connections between entrepreneurs, industry, funding bodies, and policymakers. The workshop further examined potential policy reforms to enhance the productivity and growth of small enterprises in Lebanon and the region. The opening session featured remarks by Raghda Kawass, knowledge and public policy specialist at the Business Practice and Policy Initiative at OSB, who stressed the importance of youth investment and evidence-based policymaking. Professor Yusuf Sidani, OSB dean, highlighted the school's role in developing entrepreneurs who value long-term purpose over short-term profit. Ramza Jaber Saad, director general of the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO, called for urgent support for youth entrepreneurship, emphasizing the value of partnerships and inclusive growth. Dr. Mohamed Sanad Abu Darwish, director of science and scientific research at ALECSO, addressed the role of startups in balancing economic and environmental goals, while Dr. Maysoun Chehab, senior education program specialist at UNESCO, and Assem Abi Ali, national education programme coordinator at UNESCO emphasized the power of education and innovation in shaping future green entrepreneurs. Participants included regional experts from Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Tunisia, as well as twelve Lebanese entrepreneurs in the natural products sector. They engaged in interactive sessions led by faculty members from across the university as well as the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business. Dr. Bijan Azad, director of the Darwazah Center for Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship at AUB, shared insights on startup growth, while Dr. Nada Khaddaj-Sobh, director of the Center for Women in Business at AUB, provided training on pitching and public communication. Dr. Marwan Wahbi, senior lecturer at AUB, addressed digital marketing strategies, and AUB's Environment and Sustainability Unit led sessions on clean production and green marketing. The workshop also featured contributions from key regional stakeholders and incubators. The Talal and Madiha Zein AUB-Innovation Park (AUB iPark) discussed startup financing tools. Guest speakers—including entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders such as Tunisia's Zubair Yahya, Jordan's Nidal Bitar, Lebanon's Suleiman Barda, and Kuwait's Dr. Ihab Khalid Maqableh—explored funding models, market access, and innovation empowerment. This two-day event marked a significant step toward building a more resilient and innovative entrepreneurship ecosystem in Lebanon and the Arab region. By uniting academia, startups, and policy actors, the workshop helped lay the foundation for sustained collaboration and youth-led solutions to regional development challenges.
Al Bawaba
08-08-2025
- Al Bawaba
Empowering Women in the Informal Sector: AUB Celebrates QUDWA Graduates and Holds Panel Discussion on Women's Work in Lebanon
The Center for Women in Business at the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) hosted a graduation ceremony marking the completion of QUDWA—an initiative supporting women in Lebanon's informal event honored twenty women from across Lebanon who successfully completed the QUDWA program. Over the past five years, these women have launched and grown their own businesses in regions including Tripoli, South Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and is designed to empower women working informally by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to transition into the formal economy. Through targeted training delivered by experts from the OSB faculty, the program fosters inclusive, sustainable, and dignified economic opportunities for women the ceremony, Dr. Nada Khaddage-Soboh, director of the Center for Women in Business, highlighted the challenges women face in the informal sector and reaffirmed the center's commitment to creating meaningful impact. She noted, 'We believe that investing in women is an investment in the prosperity of entire communities and the promise of generational transformation—contributing directly to AUB's mission of changing the world.'OSB Dean Yusuf Sidani praised the QUDWA program and shared reflections on the broader journey of women in business education. He emphasized the importance of trust, support, and inclusive leadership, stating, 'It was in 1923 that the first female student joined the School of Commerce at AUB, as it was called back then. This reflects broader patterns seen across disciplines—engineering, medicine, and more. We must continue to create space for women to thrive.'In her keynote address, Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs Haneen El Sayed called for systemic reforms to enable real economic equity. She stressed the importance of legal and structural support for women, noting, 'Our laws must serve everyone. That means gender-responsive labor regulations, flexible work options, and paternity leave that's more than a token—it's a right. It also means building affordable childcare so women can participate in the economy fully and fairly.'Certificates of completion were awarded to the graduates, as well as to OSB faculty members who contributed to the program: Leila Khauli, Dr. Hania Hammoud, Dr. Jessy Kfoury, Dr. Marwan Wahbi, and Dr. Neveen event also featured a panel discussion titled 'Women's Work in Lebanon: Status, Challenges, and the Path Forward' that brought together thought leaders from academia, business, and the public sector, including Dr. Najat Aoun Saliba, member of the Lebanese Parliament; Professor Ali Fakih, chair of the Department of Economics at the Lebanese American University; Asmahan Zein, CEO of Ardi Ardak SAL; and Rima Freiji, chairwoman of Tanmia Lebanon and president of the Lebanese Private Sector panel opened with remarks by Professor Lama Moussawi, associate dean for research at OSB, who presented key statistics on male and female participation in both the formal and informal labor markets in Lebanon, the MENA region, and globally. 'This indicates the importance of giving informal employment specific attention and underscores the relevance of the project's goals and the Center for Women in Business' mission,' she reflected on the vital roles women play in sustaining their families and communities amid Lebanon's ongoing socioeconomic crisis. The conversation explored the challenges of visibility, recognition, and policy integration for women working Najat Aoun Saliba articulated the need for action, stating: 'We have a long way to go, but we must start by acknowledging the women working informally—like the 20 QUDWA participants and many others—who are doing their best from home with limited resources. They serve our communities yet remain unseen. Academia, the public sector, and the private sector must come together to recognize and formalize their presence.'From an academic lens, Professor Ali Fakih provided regional context, noting: 'When comparing Lebanon to other MENA countries, we are below the regional average. Female participation in the informal sector across the MENA region averages around 68 percent, placing us below countries like Jordan.'Rima Freiji emphasized the importance of formalizing microbusinesses to protect Lebanon's formal economy. 'At the Lebanese Private Sector Network, our mission includes protecting the formal economy. We see widespread unfair and illegal practices—labor, business, and even criminal—fueled by a growing cash economy. Our challenge is to bridge the gap between informal and formal and explore actionable solutions,' she the panel, Asmahan Zein expressed her belief in the strength of women as a catalyst for Lebanon's recovery: 'With the presence and support of women, Lebanon will overcome its struggles and rise to fulfill its potential.' The celebration concluded with the QUDWA Market at OSB, where graduates showcased their products, applying the branding, marketing, and customer engagement skills developed during the program.
