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Web Release
3 days ago
- Business
- Web Release
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.
Nahar Net
08-08-2025
- Business
- Nahar Net
Empowering women in informal sector: AUB celebrates QUDWA graduates
by Naharnet Newsdesk 08 August 2025, 12:24 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 sector. The 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 Baalbeck-Hermel. QUDWA 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 entrepreneurs. Opening 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 Ahmed. The 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 Network. The 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 remarked. Panelists 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 informally. Dr. 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 said. Closing 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.
Web Release
24-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
OSB at AUB, in Collaboration with MENA Financial Crime Compliance Group and Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime, Launches New Online Certificate in Trade-Based Financial Crime
OSB at AUB, in Collaboration with MENA Financial Crime Compliance Group and Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime, Launches New Online Certificate in Trade-Based Financial Crime The American University of Beirut's (AUB) Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) partnered with the MENA Financial Crime Compliance Group (MENA FCCG) and the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime (GCFFC) to launch an online certificate program in Combating Trade-Based Financial Crime (CTBFC); and announced the official release of the program's first certificate. The CTBFC program, now available through AUB Online, is designed to equip professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to excel in the fight against financial crime. This broad category includes illicit activities such as money laundering, fraud, tax evasion, corruption, and terrorist financing—each of which presents a serious threat to the stability and integrity of global financial systems. As financial markets become more interconnected and digitalized, the challenges of preventing, detecting, and prosecuting financial crime continue to evolve. Effective action against these crimes demands a comprehensive approach that integrates technology, regulation, cross-border cooperation, and education. The CTBFC program has attracted strong interest from financial professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in this rapidly evolving sector. Dr. Yusuf Sidani, dean of the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business said, 'The CTBFC program embodies our unwavering commitment to fostering transparent corporate cultures and healthy organization, free of financial crime, that positively impact society and serve as a force for good.' Hashem Taha from Arab Bank PLC was recognized as the top performer in this inaugural certificate cohort. Taha's dedication and academic excellence have set a high standard for the program, demonstrating both his hard work and the exceptional quality of the CTBFC certificate. His achievement highlights the program's success in preparing leaders for the financial sector. 'This course not only met but exceeded my expectations. Earning this certificate will help me achieve my professional goals. It has enhanced my decision-making skills and enabled me to apply best practices. As a result, I feel more confident in discussing and addressing complex trade-based financial crime matters,' Taha commented. The AUB Online platform offers flexible access to the CTBFC program, allowing busy professionals to pursue certificate while balancing their careers. This initiative is a testament to AUB's ongoing commitment to delivering world-class education that meets the evolving needs of today's workforce—combining academic rigor with practical, industry-relevant insights. 'The CTBFC certificate equips professionals with the skills to detect, prevent, and respond to trade- based financial crime, addressing the growing demand for experts in this field,' said Dr. Abdel Jalil Ghanem, CTBFC program academic director. 'Earning the CTBFC certificate enhances participants' professional profiles with specialized skills, helps them stand out in the compliance job market, opens new career opportunities, and connects them with a network of professionals dedicated to financial integrity.' With the third batch of certificates now available, the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at AUB looks forward to welcoming more professionals into its Combating Trade-Based Financial Crime (CTBFC) program, further strengthening the bridge between academia and industry. The program offers more than just theoretical knowledge; it provides an immersive learning experience led by experts with over 20 years of real-world experience in the field. Participants will gain invaluable insights from industry leaders and acquire practical skills to address the ever-growing challenges of trade-based financial crime. Additionally, the program serves as a steppingstone toward becoming certified in trade-based financial crime.
Web Release
10-03-2025
- Business
- Web Release
AUB Launches Policy Paper on the Integration of Sustainability and ESG Practices into Corporate Governance
The Rami F. Makhzoumi Corporate Governance Initiative at the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB), the American University of Beirut (AUB), launched a policy paper focused on integrating sustainability into corporate governance. The event brought together public officials, business leaders, and experts, marking the beginning of an important dialogue on how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles are reshaping corporate and governmental structures to create long-term value and address pressing environmental and social challenges. The meeting emphasized the urgent need for businesses and governments to adopt a more holistic approach to governance by embedding ESG principles at the core of their operations. Discussions centered on how these strategies can mitigate environmental risks, address social issues, and enhance transparency and accountability in governance structures. A New Era in Corporate Governance Dr. Yusuf Sidani, dean of the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business, spoke at the event, emphasizing the role of higher education in preparing future leaders to address pressing environmental and social challenges. He stated, 'The policy paper outlines the strategic efforts underway in Lebanon to incorporate ESG principles into both corporate and public policies. It addresses public-sector governance and its relationship with corporate governance in the private sector, focusing on improving effectiveness, fostering transparency, and ensuring accountability across both sectors.' Sidani also highlighted the importance of Business Schools for Climate Leadership (BS4CL), a network of institutions committed to advancing climate action and sustainability in business education. 'This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the policy paper to drive sustainable practices across Lebanon and the region.' The conversation that followed centered on how to align governance structures in public and private sectors to address pressing environmental and social challenges. The notion of sustainability was framed not merely as an add-on, but as a core principle capable of shaping organizational strategies. Building on this, Nada Naufal, director of the Rami F. Makhzoumi Corporate Governance Initiative and co-author of the policy paper, reminded the audience of why this moment mattered. 'Today's launch is more than just the introduction of this work; it is a call to action. We all share the responsibility to shape our governance systems, both corporate and governmental, to serve the needs of our society and our planet for generations to come. A long-term vision drives sustainable growth and can benefit both our communities and the financial bottom line. One does not have to be at the expense of the other.' She added that the aim is to create long-term value that strengthens businesses while also serving the greater good of society. 'At its core, it is simply about doing good business.' Working Together Across Public and Private Sectors to Reform Corporate Governance for a Sustainable Future The policy paper touches on Lebanon's efforts to embed sustainability and ESG principles into public and corporate frameworks. Dr. Simon Kachar, co-author of the paper, lecturer in political science, and founding director of the Good Governance and Citizenship Observatory at AUB, emphasized the importance of long-term vision and accountability in governance. He stated, 'Good governance has become essential in discussions on accountability, management structures, and stakeholder interests across sectors. To drive reform, improve performance, reduce scandals, and restore public trust, one way to strengthen governance is by aligning managerial incentives with long-term organizational goals, rather than prioritizing short-term financial metrics.' Expanding on this, Me. Mohamed Alem, co-author of the policy paper and founder and senior partner at Alem & Associates, offering a practical perspective. He pointed out, 'What's at stake today is not just an environmental or governance issue; it is a fundamental economic challenge that, if understood correctly, can become an economic opportunity'. He highlighted that governance is not merely an ideological or regulatory concern—it is fundamentally linked to real-world economic outcomes. He further noted, 'Governance is directly tied to capital. Investors want to see clear, transparent governance before committing funds. It is no longer just a local issue—it is now part of the global legal framework that affects us all.' The Path Forward: A Turning Point in Global and Regional Governance May Makhzoumi, whose generous support has been instrumental to the initiative's impact, echoed the need for collaborative action. 'We are at a critical time where everybody needs to work together,' she remarked. 'Decision-makers, lawmakers, and the government need to take action. I hope the necessary steps will be taken and that these issues will be treated with the seriousness they deserve.' Dr. Nasser Yassin, former minister of environment, also weighed in on Lebanon's progress, highlighting the leadership shown by some private companies in disclosing their emissions. He pointed out, 'We have a base when it comes to transparency, but as rightly put in the policy, we need to do more. Financing remains one of the most significant challenges in the drive toward decarbonization.' Yassin stated that while Lebanon has made strides, there's still much to be done. He explained, 'To move towards achieving decarbonization, good and credible ways of reporting are necessary,' and this process, he noted, needs to be embraced more fully by companies. The policy paper offers foundation and guidance for companies and organizations that are still at the beginning of their journey or for those who may have started but have yet to fully mature in their approach. Dr. Gladys Honein, a scholar-activist and community health initiative lead with SAIL for Change at AUB, highlighted the growing public health risks tied to climate change, such as the rise of infections and diseases like leishmaniasis, which are exacerbated by climate change. She emphasized that the environment is a critical determinant of public health and recommended stronger health policies to manage waste in hospitals and primary healthcare settings, noting, as one example, that dentistry is a significant polluter. While some progress has been made with waste segregation and recycling, these efforts are insufficient and need to be strengthened to protect public health and the environment. Dr. Mohamad Abou Haidar, director general of the Ministry of Economy and Trade, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen governance, warning that this opportunity may be the last. He echoed the concerns of the international community regarding how trust can be restored in the public sector. Abou Haidar emphasized that credibility is essential, serving as a stamp of quality assurance that attracts foreign direct investment (FDIs). He further highlighted that strong, transparent governance systems are essential not only for economic growth but also for improving healthcare outcomes through policies that address public well-being, especially given the growing health risks associated by climate change. Abou Haidar also spoke about the steps the ministry has taken in this direction, such as creating incentives for green startups and SMEs, developing ESG-friendly trade agreements, and encouraging circular economy practices. He added that the ministry's digitalization of services has been instrumental in improving transparency, reducing bureaucracy, and supporting sustainability. Chantal Akl, director general of the Ministry of Industry, reinforced the need for a comprehensive approach, pointing out that awareness and knowledge in the industrial sector are currently limited to less than 25 percent, mostly concentrated in Mount Lebanon, with insufficient national-level awareness. This concern aligns with the broader conversation about the need for systemic change. Dr. Maya Nehme, director of the Lebanese Reforestation Initiative (LRI) and member of the Lebanese Private Sector Network, where she leads its environmental division, emphasized that climate change is a major, undeniable risk that can no longer be overlooked. She stressed that it is unacceptable for companies to have risk assessments that do not account for climate-related risks. While the private sector is making strides in addressing these challenges, more action is needed, acknowledging that the work ahead is challenging and will take time. The discussions highlighted that this moment in history goes beyond an environmental debate. As Alem put it, 'This is no longer a debate about how much we care for the environment; it is an existential issue impacting industries, services, and tourism. The transition to where we want everybody to be is not that far. We must actively engage in this work.' As business leaders, public officials, and experts gathered, the focus was clear: integrating environmental, social, and governance practices is no longer optional. It has become an international imperative. The paper recommends that countries and businesses alike must now navigate global legal frameworks that demand sustainable practices, positioning them to lead the way in decisions that ensure long-term success, environmental resilience, and societal impact.
