Latest news with #Khuri
Daily Tribune
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Khuri joins global knowledge elite
TDT | Manama A rare honour for Arab academic leadership is drawing global attention to the region's growing influence in higher education. Dr Fadlo R. Khuri, President of the American University of Beirut (AUB), has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, placing him among a select group of global thought leaders from across disciplines. Founded in 1780 by U.S. Founding Fathers, the Academy includes historic names like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Dr Khuri's induction into its latest class in Educational and Academic Leadership marks a symbolic breakthrough for the Arab world's academic institutions, which are increasingly being recognised on the international stage. Leadership under pressure Khuri's election is not just symbolic. It comes after a decade in which he steered AUB through Lebanon's economic crisis, the 2020 Beirut Port explosion, and the COVID-19 pandemic, while spearheading major institutional reforms. Under his leadership, AUB reinstated academic tenure, launched AUB Online, and opened AUB Mediterraneo, its first campus outside Lebanon. The university also saw a sharp rise in international rankings. 'This recognition belongs to all of us who have worked together through some of the most trying times in our university's history,' Dr Khuri said, crediting former AUB Board Chair Philip S. Khoury for his nomination. He added with personal pride, 'My mother will no doubt be thrilled that I was elected in the same class as Gloria Steinem, one of her heroes and one of feminism's greatest champions.' Wider impact Chairman of AUB's Board of Trustees, Abdo G. Kadifa, said Khuri's recognition was a reflection of his commitment to excellence and service. 'Under his guidance, AUB has not only survived but grown, against all odds,' he noted. Academy President Laurie L. Patton said the newest members demonstrate 'the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership, and persistence' across disciplines. 'We invite every new member to join us in our work to promote the common good,' she said. Dr Khuri's recognition marks a new chapter in how Arab academic leadership is seen, and increasingly valued, by the world's top institutions.
Web Release
04-06-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Audit and Accountability in Focus at AUB Panel on the Chehab Era and the Path Forward
The American University of Beirut (AUB) hosted a timely and thought-provoking panel discussion titled Audit and Accountability – The Chehab Era and the Path Forward, organized by the Fouad Chehab Foundation (FCF), and the AUB Good Governance and Citizenship Observatory (GGCO) housed at the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship. Held on AUB's campus, the event brought together leading legal and governance experts to examine the institutions established under former President Fouad Chehab—bodies tasked with supervising public administration and enforcing accountability—and to explore their relevance to Lebanon's current challenges in governance and state reform. The event was moderated by Attorney of Law Amine Bachir and featured three distinguished panelists: Judge Georges Attieh, president of the Central Inspection Board; Court of Accounts Judge Elie Maalouf, professor at La Sagesse University; and Judge Rana Akoum, head of the Enforcement Court in Metn. Dr. Simon Kachar, founding and current director of GGCO, welcomed the panelists and attendees, and spoke about the timeliness of the panel and the growing momentum in Lebanon for governance and institutional reform. He noted that the collaboration with the Fouad Chehab Foundation reflects a shared commitment to linking the lessons of the past with the reform efforts of today. In his recorded video message opening the event, AUB President Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri praised Chehab as 'one of the most important presidents Lebanon has known,' highlighting his commitment to the development of robust state institutions. 'We see today not only an opportunity to study the accomplishments, merits, and difficulties of the Chehab era,' Khuri stated, 'but also to apply what we learn from these studies to Lebanon's current reality.' He added that we must work toward building 'a state of institutions at a time when the Lebanese state is expressing its will and determination to reassert its authority across the country.' Khuri noted that the Chehab era was defined by the application of law and respect for institutions, a principle Lebanon has struggled to uphold since the onset of civil war, stating that enforcing the law and upholding institutional will are capabilities essential for restoring confidence in governance and rebuilding a viable state. President of the Fouad Chehab Foundation Adel Hamiyeh reflected on the enduring values behind the foundation's work. He noted that President Chehab built institutions that were not only administrative and financial, but also social, cultural, and developmental in nature. Hamiyeh said, 'We decided to organize a series of panel discussions on the Chehabist experience, addressing topics such as governance, and involving universities, with the aim of introducing the Chehabist message to the younger generation—especially during this period marked by the optimism that accompanied the election of President Joseph Aoun, his delivery of the oath of office, and the subsequent formation of a distinguished government known for its competence and its promising ministerial statement. This has given us hope that this new era may resemble that of President Fouad Chehab in terms of restoring the authority and institutions of the state and returning to a natural foreign policy.' The discussion unfolded in three parts: lessons learned from the Chehab era, the current state of institutional paralysis, and potential paths forward. The panelists discussed the rationale behind President Chehab's establishment of key institutions such as the Central Inspection, the Audit Bureau, and the Disciplinary Council. These bodies were conceived as independent mechanisms to promote transparency, discipline, and ethical governance across public administration. The discussion highlighted how these institutions once played a pivotal role in instilling accountability, protecting public resources, and professionalizing the civil service. The discussion also revisited the structural foundations that allowed these institutions to function with autonomy during the Chehab era, and considered the leadership decisions that helped insulate them from political interference. The conversation then moved to the contemporary state of these institutions, as the panel examined the range of factors that have contributed to their current dysfunction—including political encroachment, legal ambiguities, and insufficient staffing and funding. The panelists acknowledged that many of these bodies now face significant operational challenges, preventing them from fulfilling their original mandates. Despite this, there was recognition that these institutions still hold potential if revitalized with the appropriate structural and legal support. Looking ahead, panelists reflected on potential reform pathways. They explored ideas such as enacting legal safeguards to enhance institutional independence, leveraging digital tools to modernize audit and inspection functions, and fostering closer collaboration between oversight bodies, the judiciary, and civil society actors. The discussion emphasized the importance of reestablishing credibility through transparent practices and rebuilding public confidence in Lebanon's governance systems. Throughout the discussion, panelists revisited the core principles of the Chehab era—discipline, transparency, and institutional accountability—as potential foundations for Lebanon's future reform efforts. While acknowledging the serious structural and political challenges that remain, the conversation underscored the importance of rebuilding credible and independent institutions capable of advancing good governance and restoring public trust. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, during which attendees posed questions and shared reflections, enriching the conversation around the future of institutional reform in Lebanon.
Daily News Egypt
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
AUB President Fadlo Khuri joins American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Fadlo Khuri, the sixteenth president of the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon and Cyprus, has been elected as a new fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Khuri was elected in the category of Educational and Academic Leadership, a recognition of his contributions to the advancement of education and his steadfast leadership in the academic sphere, particularly during a decade marked by overlapping crises. This places him among a select group of global leaders. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, an honorary society and an independent research centre, convenes exceptional global leaders renowned for their excellence across disciplines, professions, and perspectives. Its members are recognised for impacting lives and societies in various fields of human endeavour. Founded in 1780 by figures including John Adams, James Bowdoin, and John Hancock, the Academy's first elected class included US Founding Father Benjamin Franklin and first US President George Washington. In response to the news, Khuri remarked, 'I am particularly proud to have been nominated by Board Chair Emeritus Philip S. Khoury for work we have all done together over the last decade at AUB.' He added, 'Being selected among a constellation of global leaders and pioneers is truly humbling. And my mother will no doubt be thrilled that I was elected in the same class as Gloria Steinem, one of her heroes and one of feminism's greatest champions.' Abdo G. Kadifa, Chairperson of the American University of Beirut (AUB) Board of Trustees, commented on the announcement, stating, 'Since assuming office in 2015, Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri has been a transformative leader. Under his guidance, AUB has navigated significant challenges, including economic crises, the Beirut explosion on August 4, 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic, while achieving remarkable milestones such as the reintroduction of academic tenure, the establishment of AUB Online, and the launch of AUB Mediterraneo, the university's first twin campus outside Lebanon. Dr. Khuri's leadership has also been instrumental in enhancing AUB's global reputation, reflected in its dramatic rise in international rankings.' He concluded, 'Dr. Khuri's election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is a testament to his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative leadership, and the betterment of society through education and research.' American Academy of Arts and Sciences President Laurie L. Patton commented on the academy's newest class: 'These new members' accomplishments speak volumes about the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership, and persistence. They are a stellar testament to the power of knowledge to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding.' She added, 'We invite every new member to celebrate their achievement and join the Academy in our work to promote the common good.'
Observer
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
AUB President elected to the American Academy
BEIRUT: The sixteenth president of the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon and Cyprus, Dr Fadlo R Khuri, has been elected as a new fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in the category of Educational and Academic Leadership. This latest milestone recognises Dr Khuri's exceptional contributions to the advancement of education, as well as his steadfast leadership in the academic sphere during a decade plagued by overlapping crises, placing him among a select group of global leaders. As an honorary society and an independent research centre, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences convenes exceptional global leaders renowned for their excellence that span across disciplines, professions and perspectives. All of its members have impacted the lives of people and societies, leaving their mark in every field of human endeavour. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1780 by, among others, John Adams, the second President and first Vice President of the United States; American political and intellectual leader James Bowdoin; and American statesman John Hancock. Its first elected class included US Founding Father Benjamin Franklin and first US President George Washington. Dr Khuri remarked, 'I am particularly proud to have been nominated by Board Chair Emeritus Philip S Khoury for work we have all done together over the last decade at AUB.' He added, 'Being selected among a constellation of global leaders and pioneers is truly humbling. And my mother will no doubt be thrilled that I was elected in the same class as Gloria Steinem, one of her heroes and one of feminism's greatest champions.'
L'Orient-Le Jour
02-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
AUB President Fadlo Khuri elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Chairman of the American University of Beirut (AUB) Board of Trustees Abdo G. Kadifa announced that on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, AUB president, was elected as a new fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in the category of Educational and Academic Leadership. 'Dr. Khuri joins an esteemed group of leaders recognized for their exceptional contributions to the advancement of education, policy and leadership in the academic sphere,' Kadifa said. In response to the news, Khuri remarked, 'I am particularly proud to have been nominated by Board Chair Emeritus Philip S. Khoury for work we have all done together over the last decade at AUB.' The American Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1780 by, among others, John Adams, James Bowdoin, and John Hancock. Its first elected class included U.S. President George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. "This company is humbling," said Khuri. "My mother will no doubt be thrilled that I was elected in the same class as Gloria Steinem, one of her heroes and one of feminism's greatest champions.' 'Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, the 16th president of the American University of Beirut, has been a transformative leader since assuming office in 2015. Under his guidance, AUB has navigated significant challenges, including economic crises, the Beirut explosion on Aug. 4, 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic, while achieving remarkable milestones such as the reintroduction of academic tenure, the establishment of AUB Online, and the launch of AUB Mediterraneo, the university's first twin campus outside Lebanon," said Kadifa 'Since 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences has honored excellence and convened leaders from across disciplines and divides to examine new ideas, address issues of importance, and work together 'to advance the interest, honor, dignity, and happiness of a free, independent, and virtuous people,'' he continued. American Academy of Arts and Sciences President Laurie L. Patton commented on the academy's newest class: 'These new members' accomplishments speak volumes about the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership, and persistence. They are a stellar testament to the power of knowledge to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding.'
