Latest news with #AUB
L'Orient-Le Jour
4 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Tech alone won't save us: Grounding AI in Lebanon's realities
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Lebanon is often misunderstood. Some see it as a magical fix for all of the country's woes, a swift shortcut to bypass the deep reforms or hard work required to build strong institutions. Others see it as an imminent threat to jobs or reduce it to handy tools like text or image generators. The framing of AI as either a threat or a magic wand masks the profound shifts this new technology is bringing about. As thoroughly argued in a new white paper by Dr. Fatima K. Abu Salem from the American University of Beirut (AUB) and Dr. Wissam Saade from Saint Joseph University, no technology, no matter how advanced, can ever replace a strong society built on solid institutions, shared values and collective effort. Published as a working paper at AUB's Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, the report is more than just an academic document — it's a manifesto with urgent recommendations to strengthen Lebanon's five-year AI strategy, LEAP, launched by Technology and AI Minister Kamal Shehadeh, who also serves as Minister of the Displaced. LEAP — short for Launch, Apply, Advance, and Promote — is a national roadmap to make Lebanon a regional hub for artificial intelligence within five years. 'We want to integrate the latest technologies to create government services powered by AI,' Shehadeh told L'Orient-Le Jour in April, describing a vision that focuses on improving the efficiency and accuracy of public services. The strategy's first phase aims to establish the legal and institutional foundation, aiming to rank Lebanon among the top 50 AI users worldwide by 2030. "For LEAP to move beyond lofty aspirations, it must confront Lebanon's reality as a 'data desert' facing a 'talent exodus,' and embrace an AI approach co-created with the broader public," Abu Salem told L'Orient Today. Abu Salem and Saade lay the groundwork for a future Sociotechnical Observatory, which would serve as a public space to examine how technology and society interact and to explore new ways of thinking — informed by the local context — about AI in Lebanon's political, social and economic life. Abu Salem and Saade's white paper highlights a key insight: AI isn't just a technical tool; it's a deeply "socio-technical" project. This means that for AI to succeed in Lebanon, strategies for its adoption must allow for "co-evolution," meaning that the technology develops alongside Lebanon's unique local conditions, values and systems. This approach and the resulting recommendations will be discussed at the "AI Retreat in Aley," part of the "AI for Lebanon" conference (July 21-26, 2025). AI models developed elsewhere aren't neutral, and importing them without adaptation won't magically make them fit. Any national strategy must integrate AI into Lebanon's broader social fabric, including its labor market, infrastructure and power dynamics. "Without this deep integration, LEAP risks becoming just another initiative focused on technological adoption rather than sustainable transformation," says Saade. At the heart of this socio-technical approach is Responsible AI (RAI), which involves designing and using AI in ways that are ethical, fair, transparent and aligned with human values. It is supported by Trustworthy Machine Learning (TML), a framework that guarantees AI systems are understandable, secure and capable of adapting to real-world conditions. "TML also emphasizes the importance of having a clear understanding of an AI's level of confidence in its predictions — essential in critical fields like healthcare — and promotes Machine Learning for Small Data, a key method for data-scarce contexts like Lebanon," says Abu Salem. The white paper proposes three main pillars to guide this socio-technical transformation: 'Collective intelligence' reimagines AI not as a surveillance tool but as a way to broaden the scope of what distinct groups can achieve when their data is pooled together, often through crowdsourcing. In Lebanon, this means citizens can act as "human sensors," providing timely, low-cost data that fills institutional gaps and encourages community ownership and inclusion. 'Data democratization' refers to making data accessible and easy to use for everyone in an organization, not just IT or data experts. It's about breaking down barriers so that more people can engage with data and fostering a culture where decisions are based on facts, not just intuition. For LEAP, this would mean moving beyond fragmented, ad-hoc data practices to a scalable and integrated approach that empowers the general public to engage with data. 'Decolonizing AI' challenges Lebanon's dependence on imported AI models, which are shaped by Western values and power structures. The white paper warns against "data colonialism" and "algorithmic coloniality," where local data is exploited and inequality is reinforced. For Abu Salem and Saade, this power dynamic can be addressed by reclaiming control over how data is collected and categorized, as well as by whom it is collected. They also highlight the high energy requirements of large AI systems, which is a serious concern in a country facing severe electricity shortages. That's why the authors advocate for Micro-Model Alternatives: smaller, low-energy AI systems that can operate on basic devices, making AI more sustainable and better aligned with Lebanon's realities. "We want to explore how Lebanon can both create value from AI, through better decision-making, demand prediction and smarter services, and capture it by translating innovation into economic and strategic gains," says Saade. The paper warns that, if misused, AI could harm development, worsen inequality and waste resources. In some cases, traditional, non-digital solutions may be more effective, challenging the tech-first approach that prioritizes flashy projects over genuine impact. It also calls for rethinking human labor: Since AI handles routine tasks, the remaining work will require critical thinking, ethics and adaptability. This shift necessitates updates in labor policy, education and protections for hybrid work arrangements. For LEAP to succeed, Abu Salem and Saade emphasize that it must center on the human experience and be grounded in Lebanon's social reality, providing clear guidance for an ethical and inclusive AI strategy.
L'Orient-Le Jour
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Kinamania will help you create your own bag
The bag-making workshop launched by Kinamania will return to Lebanon for its second edition on July 31 and Aug. 7: A beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, a large table covered with leather scraps in every color and matching thread, snacks to nibble on and a mellow atmosphere. Those who have taken part in the experience are eager to do it again. The founder of Brussels-based Kinamania, which specializes in shoes, sandals and leather goods, Kristina Zouein, was also looking forward to reliving this moment with anyone willing to give it a try, after the success of her workshop last summer. In Ghbeleh, high above Adma in Kristina's family home, the view is stunning, the sun is radiant and the vibes inspire creation: a fitting atmosphere to design your own bag. No experience is needed to create one of the two proposed models: the Muse or the Carryall. The first is a structured trapeze-shaped bag with a shoulder strap, flap and a small contrast interior pocket. The second is a slouchy, unstructured tote with a shoulder strap and an exterior pocket for a credit card. Between sewing and lunch, four hours pass quickly, and you leave with the tremendous satisfaction of bringing home something that you fashioned to your liking. The leather is sourced mainly in Lebanon. The palette also includes metallized leathers for an evening look. "The idea of these workshops is to send a message of connection between Brussels and Beirut and to raise awareness about leatherworking with beautiful color combinations. Each person creates their own combinations. In Lebanon, we love color!" said Zouein. "The goal of this experience is to make participants proud. First, you gain awareness of craftsmanship. Then, you get to wear a bag that will draw attention, and you'll be able to say you made it yourself," she added. The Kinamania story began in Beirut at Johnny Farah's leather workshop in Saifi. It continued in Belgium, but it has never strayed from its roots in Beirut, with a showroom there and a collaboration with Cynthia Chamat (Boutique Hub). The aim is to offer work to Lebanese artisans while aligning with market realities. The creator's original idea was to make "minorquines," the traditional sandals of the Balearic Islands — called majorquinas in Majorca and minorquinas in Menorca, with a broad strap in the front and a strap at the back. Zouein, who trained in management and marketing at AUB, nevertheless became passionate about working with her hands, especially with leather. She finds obvious satisfaction in keeping her hands busy and developing her sense of geometry and measurement. This craft has also carried political messages and contributed to collective solidarity, sometimes providing work to Syrian refugee craftswomen and sometimes featuring the famous cross-stitch embroidery done by embroiderers in the Palestinian camps. "Making, acting, repairing" is the trilogy at the heart of this ethical brand, which will soon branch out into more sophisticated shoes, such as derbies and personalized bags. To experience this summer workshop set against the blue horizon, register by clicking this link or on WhatsApp at +961 3 68 69 36 to attend on July 31 or Aug. 7.
Al Bawaba
21-07-2025
- Health
- Al Bawaba
AUB's Global Health Institute, in Partnership with WHO, Convenes Regional Dialogue on Advancing Refugee Sexual and Reproductive Health in the MENA Region
The Global Health Institute (GHI) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) held the closing event of the Self-Efficacy and Knowledge (SEEK) project as part of its Refugee and Migrant Health Program (RHP) under the theme 'Advancing Refugee and Migrant Health in the MENA Region'. The event brought together leading voices from local and international NGOs operating in Lebanon, alongside global and regional experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the Lebanese Order of Midwives, the Ministry of Public Health of Lebanon, the Lebanese Association for Family Health (SALAMA), and AUB. The Self-Efficacy and Knowledge (SEEK) project is a community-led intervention, developed in partnership with WHO and supported by Elrha, designed to improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and well-being among refugee girls and young women. This is achieved through culturally sensitive, evidence-based education and psychosocial support delivered by trained refugee paraprofessionals. In his opening remarks, Dr. Fadlo Khuri, president of the American University of Beirut, described refugee health as one of the defining humanitarian crises of our time, requiring sustained, principled action. He emphasized that access to sexual and reproductive health is a right, not a privilege, especially for adolescent girls and young women displaced by conflict. Praising the SEEK project as a model of impactful, community-rooted intervention, he called for its lessons to be integrated into national strategies and long-term systems. Dr. Khuri also commended GHI for its leadership in refugee health through research, regional partnerships, and its commitment to collaboration grounded in trust and action. 'At AUB,' he concluded, 'we must continue to be active participants in shaping a healthier, more just future.' Following this, Associate Director of the Global Health Institute at AUB Nour El Arnaout, underscored that this moment marks more than the close of a project—it represents the beginning of a long-term, community-driven commitment to inclusive health, built on collaboration, meaningful impact, and a shared dedication to sustainability. Highlighting the SEEK project as a clear example, she spoke about GHI's mission of translating evidence into action, developing inclusive, digital, and community-rooted tools that advocate for a regional health agenda. Manager of the RHP program at GHI Rawad Malaeb, presented an overview of the Institute's portfolio of refugee health initiatives, including projects such as Sijilli, SEEK, MUH, and GAIN MHI, highlighting their commitment to high-impact, evidence-based interventions in partnership with local and international organizations. Research Consultant at GHI Hady Naal, then presented key findings from the SEEK project, which improved SRH and HIV knowledge, increased trust in healthcare providers, and enhanced well-being and coping skills among refugee girls and young women. The program's impact was sustained even in conflict settings, underscoring its potential for scaling and replication across fragile contexts. The event featured two panel discussions that examined both the realities and the opportunities for advancing SRH among refugee communities. The first panel, 'Mapping Realities', was moderated by GHI Associate Director Nour El Arnaout, and featured Dr. Christine AlKady, obstetricians team leader at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF); Dr. Michael Woodman, senior public health officer at UNHCR Lebanon; Dr. Rima Cheaito, president of the Lebanese Order of Midwives; and Wafa Kanaan, senior primary healthcare consultant at the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Panelists explored barriers to SRH access such as stigma, misinformation, legal insecurity, high costs, and service gaps, emphasizing the need for integrated care, antenatal support, and investment in equitable healthcare systems. The second panel, "From Implementation to Impact," moderated by Dr. Tania Bosqui, associate professor of clinical psychology at AUB, examined effective design and scale-up strategies for community-based SRH interventions, with a focus on the SEEK project. Panelists included Dr. Veloshnee Govender, WHO scientist; Dr. Hala Youssef, UNFPA regional SRH adviser; Dr. Gladys Honein, associate professor at the Hariri School of Nursing at AUB; and Lina Sabra, SALAMA executive director. Speakers highlighted co-creation with refugee communities, culturally sensitive delivery, and the importance of linking SRH to gender-based violence prevention services. They called for sustainable, government-led financing and stronger roles for local NGOs as co-leaders in health programming. A key highlight of the event was a short video showcasing SEEK's implementation, featuring testimonials from refugee girls and young women, along with insights from trainers, psychologists, and field coordinators. The event concluded with a call to carry SEEK's momentum beyond the project, emphasizing the need to embed its lessons into national strategies and policy.
L'Orient-Le Jour
19-07-2025
- Business
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Lebanon's poultry sector prepares ambitious growth strategy
The Lebanese Poultry Syndicate organized a conference this week at the American University of Beirut (AUB) to launch the preparations for a "National Strategy for the Poultry Sector," according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA). The conference was attended by the syndicate's president, William Boutros; the Agriculture Minister, Nizar Hani; the Industry Minister, Joe Issa al-Khoury; the Economy and Trade Minister, Amer Bsat; the Director General of the Agriculture Ministry, Engineer Louis Lahoud; the President of the American University of Beirut, Fadlo Khury, among others. During the conference, Boutros stated that "the sector employs about 36,000 people, directly and indirectly, spread over more than 2,000 farms and 60 factories," and produces "about 110 million poultry annually." He said the sector's potential is far from being reached, believing that it can be realized on the ground with this new situation, the new government and the current ministers. "We are going to propose major investments to the private sector in Lebanon, aiming to generate one and a half billion dollars in gross domestic product," he continued. He also said that the government should compensate farmers and poultry producers who have suffered losses as a result of Israeli attacks. Bsat, for his part, said the strategy in question must "create an environment conducive to investment and marketing, both locally and internationally." He added that the Ministry is determined to facilitate internal and external trade by revising bilateral agreements, and to strengthen oversight on points of sale and markets by empowering the monitoring agency to curb fraud, manipulation and ensure fair competition. Issa al-Khoury presented a strategic framework for the development of the industrial poultry sector, drawing inspiration from successful experiences in countries such as Brazil, Turkey, Thailand, the United States and Morocco. This framework is based in particular on securing raw materials, reducing production costs, modernizing manufacturing systems and value chains, as well as supporting cold chain infrastructure, packaging and refrigerated transport, to preserve quality and ensure market access.
Al Bawaba
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
AUB Holds Panel Discussion on the Reform of Governance in Saudi Arabia
The Good Governance and Citizenship Observatory (GGCO) at the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at the American University of Beirut (AUB) hosted a panel discussion titled 'Hawkama and Vision 2030: The Reform of Governance in Saudi Arabia.' The event featured Professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University Bernard Haykel, a leading expert on the Gulf and Middle East. The conversation explored how institutional reform and regulatory change are advancing transparency, accountability, and sustainable development as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's broader transformation panel drew a distinguished audience, including Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Dr. Waleed Al-Bukhari; Spanish Ambassador to Lebanon Jesús Santos Aguado; Mexican Ambassador to Lebanon Francisco Romero Bock; Dr. Fadi Makki, Lebanon's minister of state for administrative reform; and former ministers. Also in attendance were Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president; Dr. Zaher Dawy, AUB provost; as well as university deans, senior administrators, and faculty of the Asfari Institute Lina Abou-Habib opened the event by welcoming the attendees and highlighting the significance and timeliness of the discussion, describing it as 'within the mandate of the institute, to discuss prospects, trends, and emerging initiatives that influence governance structures in the Arab region, particularly at this incredibly important moment of transition and instability.'Dr. Simon Kachar, GGCO founding and current director, and lecturer in political science at AUB, followed with opening remarks that placed the discussion in a broader regional and institutional context. 'In an era marked by rapid transformations and evolving global dynamics, understanding the nuances of governance reform becomes paramount,' he said. 'Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 represents an ambitious and far-reaching blueprint for economic diversification and social change, and at its very core lies the fundamental pillar of governance.'Kachar noted that the GGCO was established to foster critical thinking, encourage informed dialogue, and advance knowledge on good governance and active citizenship within Arab contexts. 'We believe that genuine progress and sustainable development are linked to transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance structures,' he emphasized that the panel provided an opportunity to examine how Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is being translated into practice and how governance reforms are reshaping institutions. 'Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a forward-looking nation, globally integrated and domestically resilient,' he Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, then delivered his welcoming remarks, highlighting the panel's regional and global relevance. 'Questions like how Vision 2030 is shaping Saudi Arabia in the region are extremely germane to what's happening in Lebanon and the entire region,' he said. He added that understanding what is happening in Saudi Arabia is essential—not only for neighboring countries, but for the international community as a whole. 'Saudi Arabia is a global concern,' he went on to commend the event's keynote guest, Professor Haykel, for his academic depth and candid insight. 'I feel fortunate that today at AUB, we have arguably the most insightful expert—and also one of the most honest experts in the region. Not just academically qualified, but more than happy to share careful observations from a place of objectivity and great knowledge,' Khuri panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Tania Haddad, associate professor of public administration and nonprofit management at AUB and member of the GGCO Steering Committee. She opened by framing the scope of the conversation: 'Over the past decade, the kingdom has undertaken one of the most ambitious state-led transformation agendas in the region. Anchored in Vision 2030, these reforms span economic diversification, bureaucratic modernization, social liberalization, and institutional restructuring. This panel aims to critically examine the governance dimensions of these reforms, including their origins, mechanisms, and implications.'Haddad then introduced Professor Haykel as a prominent scholar of the Arabian Peninsula, whose work focuses on the politics, economics, and history of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Yemen, and 'has critically engaged with questions of state reform, institutional change, and governance in the kingdom.'The discussion unfolded as a moderated, in-depth exchange, structured around four key themes central to understanding Saudi Arabia's governance reform trajectory. It began by examining the driving forces behind the reform agenda. Haykel traced the impetus to a growing realization among Saudi leadership—and increasingly, among the public—that the previous system of governance had become unsustainable.'The driver for reform in Saudi Arabia is a sense that exists among the leadership—but I think it's also prevalent in society—that the country, as it was functioning before the accession of King Salman in 2015… was unsustainable, and that the country needed to dramatically change,' Haykel said. He added that 'what's particularly distinctive about the kingdom, and you don't find it in other countries of the GCC, is the brutal honesty with which the leadership in the kingdom talked about this need.'The conversation then explored how reforms have reshaped the relationship between the state and its citizens, particularly through the strategic deployment of nationalism, identity, and new narratives of civic responsibility. It also addressed the institutionalization of accountability, transparency, and citizen participation, and concluded with a reflection on the broader regional implications of the Saudi reform experience. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session that invited reflections on the sustainability, implementation, and broader impact of the reforms.
