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Al Bawaba
2 days ago
- General
- Al Bawaba
1,396 Undergraduates Receive Their Degrees at AUB's 156th Commencement Ceremony
The American University of Beirut (AUB) celebrated the second day of its 156th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 31, 2025, conferring undergraduate degrees to 1,396 students. The ceremony honored the perseverance, spirit, and achievements of the Class of 2025 and featured speeches by AUB President Fadlo Khuri; influential figure in the global climate movement and AUB honorary doctorate degree recipient Christiana Figueres; and student speaker Yasmine El a speech titled Forever Young that blended celebration with a powerful call to live with purpose and conviction, Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, AUB president, urged the graduates to carry forward the university's enduring values: to uplift, to empower, to enlighten, and to described the AUB experience as 'a high-speed Formula 1 race—intense, imperfect, yet completed with courage and skill,' telling the graduates: 'you worked alongside some of the brightest minds of your generation—like a perfectly synchronized pit crew.' He continued, 'Tonight, before you take your next step, pause. Take a moment to look around—at each other, at this historic campus, at those who helped you get here: your families, your professors, your friends. And reflect on what it means to graduate from AUB—not just with a degree, but with skills, tools, values, and purpose.''May you carry forward with clarity and purpose. May you hold tightly to the truth and the light, even when darkness creeps in. May you face the world with courage and use your strength to lift others as you rise. May your lives be rich in meaning and in joy. And through all the changes you encounter, may you stay forever young,' Khuri said in closing, referencing Bob Dylan's 'Forever Young' and linking it to AUB's hopes for its speaker Yasmine El Berjawi was introduced by President Khuri as 'a remarkable example of leadership, determination, and service.' A double major in political studies and public administration with a triple minor, El Berjawi maintained academic excellence while actively contributing to campus life and civil society. Her work has reflected a deep commitment to human rights, civic engagement, and public service—both within AUB and a deeply moving address, El Berjawi recounted her journey to and through AUB, reflecting on resilience in the face of crisis and the courage to hold on to one's the moment she and her father fled the scene of the August 4, 2020 Beirut port explosion, she said, 'I vividly recall grabbing one thing as we fled our car: that heavy SAT prep book. At the time, I didn't know exactly why. Maybe I hoped it would shield me, or maybe it symbolized the dreams and future I refused to let go of.'El Berjawi then spoke about the sense of belonging she found on campus. 'I found a community—a group of believers who acted when others hesitated. Believers who answered the call when my sister and I launched an emergency relief to help displaced families during the war.'She added, 'AUB taught us to act—to transform ideas into realities. This past year has been uniquely challenging for each of us, yet it's up to us to reshape the narrative we've inherited from war and hardship. Throughout our journey, we've proven what it truly means to be pioneers of change, showing up every day to support our communities.'She concluded with a call to carry their courage forward: 'As we step beyond these gates, let's carry forward the courage it took to begin this journey—the courage symbolized by holding tightly on to our dreams. Class of 2025, the world awaits—and it's ours to shape. What dreams will 'you' hold on to?'Keynote speaker Christiana Figueres, author, diplomat, architect of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, and one of this year's honorary degree recipients, delivered an emotional and empowering message to the Class of 2025.'You didn't just earn a degree here. You became part of something enduring: the heartbeat of the American University of Beirut,' Figueres said. She acknowledged the trials the students had faced: 'You've grown up not just during college, but during crisis—and you kept going. That is no small thing.''In a world tempted to call young people aimless, you proved otherwise. You are not just survivors. You are creators. You turned uncertainty into learning, scarcity into ingenuity, frustration into fuel,' she to the future, she urged: 'From this hill, look courageously toward the horizon. And don't just follow the light—Be the light.' The ceremony was filled with music and celebration, featuring performances by the AUB Choir and the AUB Classical Music Club. Graduates gathered with loved ones, marking the moment with pride and purpose, ready to take their next steps as AUB alumni.
Al Bawaba
4 days ago
- General
- Al Bawaba
The American University of Beirut Graduates Its 156th Cohort of Trailblazers
The American University of Beirut (AUB) Honorary Doctorate and Graduate Commencement Ceremony was held on May 30, 2025, conferring master's, doctorate, and medical degrees to 678 students and recognizing this year's honorary doctorate degree recipients: Christiana Figueres; Dr. Raif Geha; and Dr. Philip ceremony was attended by Dr. Nawaf Salam, president of the Council of Ministers, who represented His Excellency, General Joseph Aoun, the president of the Republic of Lebanon. In President Aoun's name, Salam decorated the two honorees of Lebanese descent—Dr. Philip Khoury and Dr. Raif Geha—by bestowing upon them the Lebanese Order of Merit, Silver Grade.'AUB graduates carry the potential not just to lead, but to build bridges, and to be peacemakers where peace is most needed... At AUB, we do not work for rankings. We work to change the world. We do not just train highly paid consultants, physicians, nurses, engineers, and scientists. We train change-makers,' said Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, to the graduates. 'We are here to uplift, to empower, to enlighten, to transform. We are not here simply to help you gain knowledge, or jobs, or opportunities, or degrees or wealth, but rather to help you in being uplifted, to uplift your families, communities, and nations. That has never been more critical than it is today.' Khuri spoke about the joy of living with purpose and every individual's right to the pursuit of health, happiness, and a more abundant year's graduate student speaker was medical student Nader Zalaquett, a high-distinction achiever who has held several leadership roles, co-authored numerous scientific publications, and received multiple research awards and grants. With extensive clinical experience focusing on otolaryngology head and neck surgery, Zalaquett will be joining Mayo Clinic's Department of Otolaryngology.'What are the odds that a sixteen-year-old from Zahle, with near zero exposure to Beirut and its universities, would graduate as a medical doctor from the best medical school in the Middle East?' said Zalaquett. 'Little did I know that AUB is a door to the entire world. From the halls of the #1 hospital to the #1 cancer center and the #1 tech firm in the world, an AUB graduate was always there, ready to guide, support, and uplift.' He added, 'AUB has given us more than an education, it has given us a launchpad to every single corner of the world.'President Khuri bestowed the university's honorary doctorate degrees upon this year's recipients, in recognition of their contributions and representation of the values and mission of AUB: diplomat, author, and architect of the Paris Climate Agreement, Christiana Figueres; allergist, immunologist, and James Gamble Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Raif Geha; and academic leader and historian of Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, and chairman emeritus of the AUB Board of Trustees, Dr. Philip commencement keynote speaker, Dr. Raif Geha, graduated from AUB to become a world-renowned physician-scientist with an enduring impact on pediatrics and immunology. He spoke about his experience as a biology and then medical student at AUB, and the role that holistic education, mentors, and relationships established at AUB played in his education and career.'Acquiring the skills needed to lead a meaningful, successful, and happy life requires the type of education AUB provides,' said Geha. 'One pillar of my education at AUB has been my mentors and role models... I learned from my mentors at AUB about rigor, hard work, tough love, grace, humility, compassion and humor.' Geha concluded with words of wisdom as the class of 2025 looked toward a new chapter in their journey of trailblazing leadership and impactful service, 'To the graduating students, I say work hard, nose to the ground.' He added that, 'the two things worth spending money on are education and memories. AUB has given you plenty of each. Use both to live life more abundantly.'
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Green buildings: Crafting tomorrow's legacy
Christiana Figueres, the architect of the Paris Agreement, once said, 'We cannot afford to treat sustainability as a side project — it is the main project.' Her words serve as a timely reminder, especially for the commercial real estate sector, where the intersection of design, investment, and environmental responsibility is rapidly reshaping the meaning of long-term value. Sustainability is no longer a peripheral consideration. For developers and institutional players alike, it is becoming central to how projects are envisioned, financed, and managed. According to the Thomson Reuters' State of Corporate ESG report 2024, 71% of C-suite leaders globally now view sustainability as a competitive advantage, while 82% believe it will play an even larger role in business performance in the years ahead. This shift is particularly evident in commercial real estate, where tenant expectations, investor strategies, and regulatory frameworks, are all converging around sustainable outcomes. Sustainability has moved from being a boardroom agenda item to a blueprint for building. Energy-efficient and resource-optimised spaces are not just better for the planet, they also deliver clear business advantages. They reduce operating costs, increase tenant retention, and enhance long-term asset performance. Economic signal A recent Knight Frank report found that green-certified buildings in India command up to 10% higher rentals and enjoy 15% greater investor interest than their conventional counterparts. For developers, this is a powerful economic signal. Sustainability isn't just a value, it is value creation. The shift to renewable energy is another area where commercial real estate is leading transformation. Developers and institutional owners are investing in solar power, battery storage, and AI-driven energy systems to lower emissions and cut energy consumption, often reducing energy costs by as much as 70%. Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and leading corporates — many of whom operate under robust sustainability mandates — are prioritising buildings that are renewable energy-integrated and net-zero ready. In today's leasing conversations, sustainability alignment is often as much a differentiator as location. Wider financial pathways For developers, embracing sustainability also opens up wider financial pathways. Green buildings are increasingly qualifying for green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and concessional financing. Banks and investors are no longer evaluating projects on credit metrics alone. Global financial institutions such as International Finance Corporation (a member of the World Bank Group) are backing projects with credible renewable energy and sustainability strategies. Government incentives such as accelerated approvals, additional FSI, and tax rebates, are further reinforcing the economic case for sustainable development. Developers are playing a catalytic role in enabling greener cities by integrating EV charging, waste management systems, water recycling, and district cooling infrastructure. Sustainability is a reminder that every solar panel installed, every ton of emissions avoided and every sustainable choice made is a step toward more resilient cities and more valuable assets. For developers, the path is clear: design spaces that serve both people and the planet, and profitability will follow. The writer is MD and CEO at Brookfield Properties.
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
DELIVER Europe Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Keynote from Christiana Figueres and Premier Supply Chain Matchmaking
DELIVER Europe, the premier logistics event for retail and commerce, returns to Amsterdam on 4-5 June 2025. 'I'm excited to join DELIVER Europe for its 10th Anniversary. Collaboration, creativity, and commitment within the logistics sector are crucial to achieving a sustainable future.'— Christiana Figueres, Founding Partner of Global Optimism and a pivot AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS, May 22, 2025 / / -- Deliver is celebrating its landmark 10th anniversary with an exceptional lineup of speakers, exclusive matchmaking opportunities, and notable industry sponsors. Renowned climate leader Christiana Figueres, Founding Partner of Global Optimism and a pivotal architect of the Paris Agreement, will deliver a keynote addressing urgent climate action through collaborative efforts in logistics and supply chains. 'I'm excited to join DELIVER Europe for its 10th Anniversary,' Figueres said. 'Collaboration, creativity, and commitment within the logistics sector are crucial to achieving a sustainable future.' Joining Figueres on the main stage will be celebrated entrepreneur Jo Malone CBE, sharing insights from her entrepreneurial journey, along with influential retail leaders including Ajit Sivadasan (Lenovo), Maria Hollins (Ann Summers), and Tom Killeen (THG). Premier Matchmaking and Industry Connections DELIVER Europe's renowned matchmaking system is already achieving remarkable success, with 75% of scheduled one-to-one meetings confirmed. This unique matchmaking approach strategically connects C- and D-level retail executives with innovative logistics and technology providers, ensuring focused, productive meetings throughout the event. Leading Industry Sponsors and New Experiences Prominent sponsors enhancing this year's event include DP World (also sponsoring the 10th Anniversary Party with DJ Bob Sinclar), GLS, Amazon Shipping, DHL, Geopost, Maersk, Ocado Intelligent Automation (featuring a live product demonstration), Spring GDS (sponsors of the new Sustainability Lounge), Seven Senders, GXO, Colissimo, nShift, Uber, Fiege, CIRRO, ID Logistics, Advanced Supply Chain Group, and Emirates Courier Express. The Sustainability Lounge, presented by Spring GDS, will serve as a dynamic hub for sustainability initiatives, launching at midday on 4th June. Additionally, DP World hosts an exclusive Anniversary Party featuring acclaimed DJ Bob Sinclar, offering attendees an unforgettable networking experience. DELIVER's Founder and Chairman, Stéphane Tomczak, remarked, 'This anniversary edition not only celebrates a decade of innovation and collaboration for DELIVER but also shines a spotlight on the themes that are shaping the future of our industry, like sustainability, technological transformation, and strategic collaboration.' For more information, visit the DELIVER website. About DELIVER DELIVER organises elite matchmaking events for the retail, commerce and supply chain communities in Europe, America and Asia. The tech-powered, unique matchmaking formula and bespoke DELIVER platform offer prime networking opportunities between C-/D-suite leaders and innovative solution providers. DELIVER fosters future partnerships, by carefully evaluating and matching active retail projects with potential supply chain suppliers. All attendees begin the event with a series of scheduled meetings, creating excitement and anticipation for valuable discussions and the potential for new collaborations. Founded by Stephane Tomczak in 2015, DELIVER operates as both carbon-neutral and profit-neutral across its global portfolio in Europe, America and Asia. Since its inception, DELIVER has worked to uphold the promise of sustainably bringing together regional leaders, to make meaningful connections and fast-track supply chain projects. Over the past 10 years, they have welcomed over 11,000 attendees around the world and empowered over 34,000 strategic meetings. Contact persons: Elena Regan Marketing Communications Manager [email protected] Gitte Willemsens CHARLIE PESTI +32 489 36 22 31 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
National News
30-04-2025
- Health
- National News
AUB to Award Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Christiana Figueres, Raif Geha, and Philip Khoury in May
NNA - President of the American University of Beirut (AUB) Fadlo Khuri announced that during AUB's 156th commencement exercises on May 30, 2025, the university will confer its highest honor—the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters—on three exceptional leaders whose work has had an enduring impact in service across global domains. "By honoring these luminaries, we reaffirm AUB's unwavering commitment to the values they embody and inspire. Their resolute dedication in advocating knowledge discovery and exchange, their excellence in service of humankind, and their steadfastness in the face of adversity reflect the very mission of our university," Khuri said. He continued presenting: "trailblazer in climate diplomacy Christiana Figueres, esteemed physician-scientist Raif Geha, and eminent historian Philip Khoury." "Christiana Figueres is a global leader in climate action. As UNFCCC executive secretary, she rebuilt trust and united 195 nations behind the historic Paris Agreement on climate change. She co-founded Global Optimism and co-authored The Future We Choose, advocating "stubborn optimism." She also co-hosts the podcast Outrage + Optimism, where activists, scientists, and policymakers explore climate change challenges. In recent years, she has championed integrating financial investment and nature conservation to achieve sustainable outcomes for both the planet and the economy. Her honors include the UN Champion of the Earth Award, France's Legion d'Honneur, and a UK Damehood." "Dr. Raif S. Geha (BS General '65, MD '69), James Gamble Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, is a world-recognized allergist, immunologist, and clinician who has advanced the understanding of immunodeficiency and allergic diseases. He transformed the Boston Children's Hospital into a global center for excellence in pediatric immunology and is renowned for identifying the genetic causes of primary immunodeficiencies and studies in the mechanisms of eczema. He established the International Consortium for Immune Deficiency, a network of more than 35 centers in 25 countries aimed at advancing research and clinical care of patients with immunodeficiency." "Dr. Philip S. Khoury, chairman emeritus of the American University of Beirut Board of Trustees, is one of the preeminent historians of the last two centuries of Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. Among the most renowned scholars of the modern Middle East, he holds the Ford International Professorship of History at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he also serves as vice provost. Over his transformative career, he has made significant contributions to the academic discourse and held influential roles at prominent institutions, earning numerous fellowships and honors. He has been instrumental in AUB's exceptional growth and resilience, leading its distinguished board for 15 years. An advocate for academic freedom, social justice, and geopolitical participation, his work continues to shape the intellectual landscape and foster global change." "We proudly welcome these inspirational role models to the distinguished community of AUB's honorary degree recipients—people who lead with purpose, drive progress, and commit to building a just and sustainable future. The American University of Beirut and its community thank them for their dedication toward creating a better world and improving lives worldwide," Khuri concluded. ==========R.H.
