Collaboration with NGOs

Destination Lebanon: A World-Class Supercomputing Center at the Service of Academic Research

LAU plays a key role in the establishment and operation of a CERN facility in Lebanon, offering students and faculty access to invaluable computing resources.

LAU’s research community will soon have access to high-performance computing thanks to a project initiated by the Geneva-based European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) to donate and help setting up a Tier-2 data center in Lebanon as part of its High-Performance Computing for Lebanon (HPC4L) project. 

The operation and setting up costs of the facility will largely be covered by the Lebanese Ministry of Telecommunications’ Ogero where it will be housed due to bandwidth requirements. It will, however, be governed and maintained by a consortium of five universities: LAU, the American University of Beirut, Saint Joseph University, Beirut Arab University and the Lebanese University, as well as the National Council for Scientific Research.

LAU will lead the system administration of this HPC setup, a key role that requires technical expertise and that will offer a unique learning experience for undergraduate and graduate students from various disciplines. Among other things, students will be able to use the center for their capstone projects and to run demos on site.

Assistant Vice President for Information Technology at LAU Camille Abou-Nasr clarified that system administrators who will run and support the HPC setup were handpicked by the CERN team. “They possess experience in running Linux in a cluster environment, running scientific applications, job queuing systems as well as experience in related storage and network infrastructure,” he said.

In addition to these technical skills, noted Abou-Nasr, administrators will provide training and one-to-one technical consultation to faculty and staff during their everyday activities.

The initiative took root in 2016 when an agreement between Lebanon and CERN opened the door for the country to join more than 40  powerful computer centers that store and analyze the huge amounts of data generated by CERN’s Large Hadron Collider – the world’s largest particle accelerator. Now that the needed funds to ship the equipment have been raised, the donated computer servers are scheduled to arrive in Lebanon on March 10.

An invaluable research and learning resource, supercomputers can perform complex computations in a small fraction of the time it would typically take on regular computers.

“Any academic program that needs to run complex equations or models will benefit from the speed of this supercomputing facility,” explained Abou-Nasr.

Building on this, Associate Provost Barbar Akle cited engineering programs – computing, mechanical, civil, petroleum, and industrial – computer science, bioinformatics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and data analytics in the business field, as examples.

Ultimately, the facility is “set to tremendously impact LAU’s computing resources and research output for faculty, undergraduate and graduate students,” said Dr. Akle.

It will be directly connected to the 90,000-processor core and 10,000-server cluster hosted at CERN in Geneva, that runs uninterrupted around the clock, according to LAU alumnus and Lead Lab Supervisor Salim Jamal-Eddine (BE ’09).  Jamal-Eddine will draw on his unique experience spanning more than a decade in the High-Performance Computing (HPC) field to administer and manage the facility for the university.

“I will provide capacity building for faculty, staff and students on the unlimited capabilities of the new cluster, which will enable them to dive deeper into more complex projects, exponentially leveraging the quality of publications,” he said.

Students will be able to apply for internships in operation, management, support and installation under Jamal-Eddine’s direct supervision. The LAU community will also be able to partner with the larger HPC industry toward providing solutions for parallel programming and cloud computing challenges.

LAU is not new to collaborating with CERN. For years, undergraduate and graduate students have engaged in research projects and year-long internships at the center, with one engineering graduate, Michael Maalouly (BE ’18; ME ’20), having completed a two-year paid internship with them.

A Lean Approach to Designing Sustainable Value Chains in Food, Pharmaceutical and Chemical Industries

Projects Description

This is a portfolio, comprised of three main projects, that focuses on developing a sustainable and lean value chain by reducing and/or valorizing waste across food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The main objective of this program is to integrate students in the work field, improve their hands on experience, and at the same time to help renowned Lebanese industries to efficiently optimize their operations and increase their return. To reach such mutual objective, a combination of innovative engineering processes and advanced lean manufacturing tools and techniques will be implemented, and relevant key performance indicators will be thoroughly assessed to evaluate the improvement in the supply chain’s performance. Based on the need of our industrial partners, wastes will be either reduced or processed and converted into valuable end-products that can be sold to farmers, food, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and/or cosmetics industries. The project has multidisciplinary facets that require the intervention of multiskilled students and professionals in different fields such as operations management, engineering (mainly petrochemical, food, mechanical and industrial engineering), chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, data analytics, marketing and advertising.

The projects that were initiated under this portfolio are the following:

The First Project aims at designing, modeling, and optimizing a sustainable castor oil value chain using advanced lean six sigma tools and techniques. In this context, specific pretreatments and emerging extraction techniques will be adopted to extract oil from castor seeds for multiple ulterior usages.

Within the scope of the second project, the research team will integrate lean manufacturing and six sigma approaches in the brewing process to improve the performance of a Lebanese Brewery. They will identify and reduce different types of wastes (defective products, excess energy consumption, inventory, motion, overproduction, transportation, processing, waiting lines and bottlenecks) to increase the manufacturing process efficiency.

Finally, the third project targets the implementation of lean and green practices in wineries. In this context, the losses generated from the production line of a Lebanese winery will be valorized by extracting some bioactive compounds. An emerging extraction process will be carried out to enhance the efficiency, yield and quality of the extracted compounds. The latter can be sold to pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotection, and immunity boosting properties.

Desired Disciplines

• Operations Management
• Engineering (mainly petrochemical, food, mechanical and industrial engineering)
• Chemistry / Biochemistry
• Pharmacy
• Data analytics
• Marketing / Advertising

Team Leader

Dr. Joelle Nader

PhD in Industrial Process Engineering

Assistant Professor of Operations and Production Management, ITOM department, AKSOB

Academic and Professional Collaborators

• Dr. Raed El-Khalil, Associate Professor of Operations Management, USA
• Dr. Karim Allaf, Professor of Process Engineering, FRANCE

Industry Partners

• Indevco
• Kassatly Chtaura

TL Undergraduate Program (TLU)

TLU Program Overview and Benefits

This program provides four-year university scholarships and internship opportunities at LAU to high school students who have the potential to become leaders. It aims to transform participants into well-rounded individuals, endowed with the knowledge and skills to be successful in the marketplace and to take on the challenges facing their home countries.

In addition to their studies, recipients are expected to engage in community service activities and internships. Limited English-language training is provided for some participants. Undergraduate students who maintain a 3.0 GPA may have an opportunity for a study abroad semester in the United States.

Student Life

In addition to pursuing rigorous academic studies on campus and a semester-long study abroad program in the United States, the LAU MEPI-TL students organize and participate in a number of supplemental activities designed to develop them into well-rounded professionals and leaders.

• Seminars/Roundtable discussions/Workshops: Academics, representatives of local and international NGOs, government officials, and business leaders lead students in a variety of programs.
• Site visits: Visits to businesses and public organizations, in addition to non-governmental and community associations give students a broad perspective on leadership and management as well as insight into the career paths available to them.
• Mentoring: The LAU MEPI-TL staff provides both academic and psychological support to students as they transition to life in Lebanon and the university. Selected faculty members also serve as mentors, trainers and supervisors to students throughout the duration of the program. In addition, new participants are paired with senior TL students who serve as mentors, helping newcomers quickly integrate into both the LAU community and the TL program.

Study Abroad in the United States

TL students have the opportunity to apply for a study abroad program and spend a semester in a US-affiliated partner university during their Junior year at LAU. Students are selected based on LAU’s study abroad rules and procedures. During their time in the States, students are expected to continue to pursue coursework toward their major requirements.

This experience is designed to broaden each student’s global perspective through cross-cultural and academic exchanges.

Supplemental Activities

In addition to their coursework, students are expected to participate in a number of supplemental activities aimed at developing their interpersonal, leadership and professional skills:

• Seminars/Roundtable discussions
• Summer internships
• Community service
• Networking activities
• Leadership skill-building
• Mentoring experiences
• TL Capstone Project

Student Governance

All LAU MEPI-TL students are encouraged to take a leadership role at LAU, so that they may affect their rights and lives at LAU. To this end, the students elect their representatives every October. The representatives liaise on the students’ behalf with the LAU MEPI-TL administrative team, and with the LAU student body and councils.

Leadership Engagements

In addition to their academic studies and supplemental activities, LAU MEPI-TL students benefit from leadership skills development programs and internships, which prepare them for leadership roles in the region’s public or private sector upon graduation.

Leadership skills sessions

Regularly conducted workshops and retreats help students build their leadership capabilities throughout the program. These sessions help students develop the soft skills key to being both a contributing team member and effective team leader.

Summer internships/Community service

The internships and community service programs have an international and reform focus. Students participate in summer internships following their freshman and sophomore years, as well as a six-month civic service project at the conclusion of the program. At the end of their internship/volunteer experiences, students prepare a public presentation.

Program Benefits

The LAU-MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Program provides exceptional opportunities and services for students, including:

• Full coverage of enrollment, tuition and related institutional fees.
• Medical insurance coverage
• A monthly living allowance
• An allowance for books
• A laptop
• Full housing coverage at LAU’s dormitories.(Double Room Occupancy)
• Leadership training including: team building, goal setting, time management, work ethics, public relations, networking, and other related skills.
• Exposure to and engagement in community development projects throughout Lebanon in order to learn about different forms of intervention and ways of interacting and interfacing with community-related issues and causes.
• Academic advising and mentoring services.

From MEPI TLG to the United Nations: Gaelle’s Journey of Economic Empowerment

Gaelle, a determined MEPI TLG alumna, recently graduated with a Master’s in Applied Economics. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she received the news that she was accepted into her desired field at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA).

During her studies, Gaelle consistently demonstrated her exceptional analytical skills and a deep understanding of economic theories. She actively participated in research projects and internships, where she gained practical experience in applying economic concepts to real-world scenarios. Her passion for making a positive impact on regional development in Western Asia was evident in her academic pursuits.

Upon joining UNESCWA, Gaelle’s expertise in applied economics quickly proved invaluable. She contributed to projects focusing on socioeconomic development, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth in the region. Her comprehensive understanding of economic models and analytical techniques allowed her to provide valuable insights and recommendations in her workplace.

From TLG Alumna to WHO Gender and Protection Officer: The Inspiring Journey of Racha Shalha

Racha’s success didn’t stop there. She is now a Gender and Protection Officer at the World Health Organization (WHO), and in 2022, she was chosen among thousands of applicants for a four-month fellowship to represent Lebanon in the United States with the Community Solutions Program funded by the U.S. Department of State.

Racha shares her experience about the leadership path saying, “I believe that the path to leadership is long and not straightforward. TLG Program has shaped my leadership skills and contributed to making me an effective leader in my community.”

When asked about the MEPI TLG program she says that the program equipped her with all the needed skills and knowledge to be a successful person. And she adds that “the MEPI TLG program has helped me in building strong networking connections which helped me in landing my dream entry-level job.”

Racha’s inspiring story demonstrates how the MEPI TLG Program helped shape her leadership skills, equipping her with the knowledge and connections needed to succeed. She is a shining example of how dedication, passion, and hard work can make a significant impact on society and inspire others to do the same. Congratulations, Racha, on your incredible achievements!

Racha Shalha, a TLG Alumna from Lebanon, is an inspiring example of how the MEPI TLG Program shapes tomorrow’s leaders to make a difference in their communities and the world. After completing her master’s degree in Migration studies, Racha focused on reforming juvenile justice, a crucial factor in building a better society. She came up with an innovative project called Methli Methlak, which aims to establish a post-detention reform center dedicated to youth. This project was selected as one of the 5 winning projects for funding under the MEPI Leaders Grants, as part of the MEPI Alumni Connection.

Muna Saeed Wins an Award for Best Research Paper on Women and Gender Studies

Having a well organized visionary plan to instill gender equity education back home in Yemen, Muna Saeed, an LAU MEPI TLG studying a Masters in Interdisciplinary Gender Studies, was focusing on academic rigor and social activism until she discovers within her a writing talent to use as a new tool to speak out against women suppression and deprivation from their basic rights, and propose creative approaches  to advocate for women’s rights and ensure the safety and security of women in Yemen.

Saeed challenged herself and participated in “Mary Turner Lane Award”, a student paper competition organized by ‘The Arab Institute For Women’(AiW). Saeed’s paper entitled ‘Gender, Islam and International Frame-Works in Yemen’ explores the intersection of Islam and International Frame Works that aims to work on gender development projects in the context of contemporary Yemen. Saeed chose to discuss the phenomenon of child Marriage as a discourse and explore whether aligning the views of international frameworks with Islam and introducing them to the Yemeni society is advantageous to Yemeni women and guarantees their peace and security.

Saeed’s paper caught the attention of AiW’s selection committee, as Saeed went beyond illustrating the current situation in Yemen; she had her own interpretation to the proposed reforms -based on her research -and highlighted the loopholes that prevent those reforms from being implemented in the Arab countries context in general and the Yemeni context in particular.

Saeed was awarded by AiW’s selection committee and received a certificate of appreciation and got the opportunity of having her paper published in AiW’s interdisciplinary journal ‘Al-Raida’.

Saeed attributes this success to her parents who constantly encourage her to challenge herself and cease every opportunity that make her academic path flourish further. Saeed is also thankful for LAU MEPI Program who believed in her capabilities and equipped her with the necessary tools and empowered her to take further initiatives laying the cornerstone for policy change regarding women’s rights in Yemen.

Capacity Building for Law Enforcement Personnel in Lebanon on Human Rights

The Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World (IWSAW) at Lebanese American University (LAU) collaborated with the Restart Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence and Torture (RESTART) to conduct a two-year training program for law enforcement personnel in Lebanon who handle investigations with detainees and prisoners and those who supervise prisoners throughout the country. The purpose of the project was to train law enforcement personnel in how to apply internationally recognized human rights-based approaches related to the treatment of detainees and prisoners, with a particular focus on the needs of women. Furthermore, the project prepared a selected group from the most successful trainees to become “trainers of trainers” to bolster the culture of human rights to the different units of the ISF.

With this program, IWSAW and its implementing partner RESTART intended to foster a culture of respect for human rights within the Lebanese detention system. In order to achieve this objective, IWSAW and RESTART shared their expertise and knowledge gained while providing services to support detainees in Lebanese prisons with law enforcement officers in the country. Participants from security services, judicial police forces and prison guards were all expected to demonstrate awareness of international standards involving human rights in prison, including prisoners’ rights and needs, as well as the capacity to enforce the domestic law while protecting human rights in prison. As part of the present action, the two Lebanese partners distributed the training material to all organizations involved in the Lebanese detention system.

In order to further the sustainability of this intervention, the most successful trainees were selected to become “trainers of trainers” through advanced training sessions and will continue to support this capacity-building process through an internal supervision of prison officers.

IWSAW and RESTART agreed on a comprehensive training program with the interior ministry, judiciary police leadership, the director of the ISF and unit heads within these organizations. A group of experts on the fields in question were hired on a consultant basis and proposed a set of subjects in line with our thematic priorities. These included:

• International standards and mechanisms
• Investigation techniques
• Human rights in prison
• Standards-minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners
• Code of conduct for law enforcement
• Women in prisons
• Psychological consequences of torture

The trainees were selected with the collaboration of the ministries and organizations that took part; collectively, IWSAW, RESTART and the government selected 150 law enforcement officers, who were involved directly in investigations and prison management. The project included newly recruited and well-motivated prison officers. The group of trainees was also gender balanced, with the ISF focusing on selecting a representative group of women to take part.

A training-the-trainers session also focused on leadership techniques, communications strategies and non-verbal dialogue, allowing our trainees to better explain this humanitarian viewpoint to a wider audience in Lebanon’s security organizations, as well as practice it in the field on their own.

The closing ceremony was attended by representatives of the ministries and directorates that took part in the training modules, along with the president of LAU, Dr. Joseph Jabbra and representatives of NGOs that also work in the Lebanese prison system.

The closing ceremony was also well attended by the Lebanese press, ensuring that the project’s goal of improving human rights in Lebanese prisons was well-highlighted.

During the closing ceremony, government representatives pledged to provide training material from our workshops, namely CDs and manuals, to newly recruited officers as part of a new internal curriculum as a substantial component. It will also be adopted by the ISF’s human rights institute. This will lead to the formal integration of all inherent subjects, already addressed during the training implemented by IWSAW and RESTART, within the academic background of ISF members and officials, as a compulsory course towards getting the diploma from the ISF Directorate.

Hiba Kammoun Shines at Women Deliver 2023 Conference: Uniting for Gender Equality

Hiba Kammoun, a recent graduate from the Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate program, and a passionate advocate for women’s rights, joined thousands of participants at the Women Deliver 2023 Conference (WD2023) in Kigali, Rwanda, and online from 17-20 July 2023. The conference brought together over 6,000 attendees in person and over 200,000 virtually, creating inclusive spaces that nurtured solidarity, and fostering sustainable solutions for gender equality.

Hiba Kammoun, a sponsored speaker recommended by her Gender Studies professor and the Arab Institute for Women at LAU, had a remarkable experience at WD2023. She joined a diverse array of participants, including heads of state, UN officials, grassroots advocates, and government officials from over 160 countries.

Reflecting on her experience, Hiba remarked, “Attending the Women Deliver 2023 Conference was a truly empowering opportunity. I met people from all over the world and had the chance to network with highly competent and achieving individuals. It was inspiring to be part of such a global movement for change.”

As a panelist, Hiba’s session focused on addressing the pushbacks faced by women and marginalized minorities in Tunisia, sharing her unique perspective as a student and young individual. She emphasized the importance of moving forward and finding solutions to overcome these challenges. Her contribution highlighted the resilience and determination of young voices in advocating for progress.

One of the highlights of the conference for Hiba was the safe space it provided for open discussions on gender and climate-related topics. She actively engaged in these conversations, exchanging ideas and insights with fellow attendees. Hiba expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to speak up and share her thoughts, saying, “WD2023 provided a platform where my voice was heard and valued. It was empowering to be part of a community that actively seeks to amplify diverse perspectives.”

Beyond the conference sessions, Hiba also had the chance to immerse herself in the vibrant culture of Rwanda. Exploring the country’s diversity and connecting with its people further enriched her experience. It showcased the importance of embracing different cultures and perspectives in fostering global solidarity.

Hiba’s participation in WD2023 reinforced her commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering marginalized communities. She returned from the conference with renewed energy and determination to continue her advocacy work. Inspired by the presence of influential leaders and fellow activists, Hiba emphasized, “WD2023 has empowered me to be an agent of change. It has reaffirmed my belief in the collective power of individuals and organizations working together to achieve gender equality.”

As Hiba carries forward the momentum ignited at WD2023, her continued dedication and efforts will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing pursuit of a more equitable and inclusive world.

Exploring the Future with AI: MEPI TLU Student Zina Kamel’s Vision for the Artificial Intelligence Club

Zina demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills by launching the Artificial Intelligence Club at her university, where she served as the inaugural president. Through her vision and dedication, she created a platform for students to explore and advance their knowledge and skills in the field of artificial intelligence. Her initiative not only fostered a sense of community among like-minded individuals but also provided valuable opportunities for learning and collaboration.

In addition to her contributions as club president, Zina’s exceptional academic performance and dedication to her studies led her to qualify for the finals in an esteemed international competition. Her hard work, perseverance, and ability to apply her knowledge in a competitive setting earned her recognition and propelled her to the forefront of her field.

Complementing her academic achievements, Zina actively engaged in various volunteering activities, showcasing her commitment to social responsibility and making a positive impact on her community. Through her selfless efforts, she contributed her time and skills to causes that aligned with her values, demonstrating her compassion and dedication to improving the lives of others.

Furthermore, Zina’s impressive accomplishments caught the attention of Amazon, a global leader in technology and e-commerce. As a testament to her skills and potential, she secured an internship at Amazon for the summer of 2023. This coveted opportunity allowed her to gain valuable industry experience, work alongside professionals in her field of interest, and further develop her expertise in the dynamic realm of technology and innovation.

Zina Kamel’s success story exemplifies her outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to community service. Her initiative in launching the Artificial Intelligence Club, her accomplishments in international competitions, her active involvement in volunteering activities, and her prestigious internship at Amazon all highlight her exceptional capabilities and her potential to make a significant impact in the field of technology and beyond.

Zina Kamel, a driven and accomplished student of the MEPI TLU program, returned from her semester in the United States with a string of remarkable achievements that showcased her exceptional leadership, academic prowess, and commitment to community engagement.

From MEPI TLU to RoboCup: Mohammad Shahine’s Journey of Innovation and Achievement

In addition to his achievements in robotics, Mohammad showcased his exceptional leadership and organizational skills by spearheading an Arab Night event at Kent State University. This event not only celebrated Arab culture but also fostered cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among the university’s diverse community. Mohammad’s attention to detail and ability to bring people together ensured the event’s success.

Furthermore, Mohammad actively participated in International Day at Kent State University, furthering his commitment to fostering international cooperation and cultural exchange. Through his involvement, he contributed to creating a vibrant and inclusive environment that celebrated the diversity of the university’s student body.

Moreover, Mohammad volunteered his time and efforts with NGOs focused on community development. He actively participated in building a fence and contributed to the rebuilding and restoration of a nursing home, displaying his commitment to social responsibility and the welfare of others. Additionally, he dedicated himself to the noble cause of distributing food to those in need, playing a vital role in supporting the underprivileged and promoting their well-being.

Mohammad Shahine, a dedicated and accomplished student of the MEPI TLU program, returned from his semester in the United States with a series of impressive achievements. His time abroad was marked by his unwavering commitment to personal and academic growth, as well as his active involvement in various extracurricular activities.

Global Breastfeeding Collective

Dr. Bahia Abdallah is currently representing LAU as an associate member in the Global Breastfeeding Collective.

The Global Breastfeeding Collective are calling to solicit membership applications to the Collective, a partnership of prominent international agencies, including WHO and UNICEF, calling on donors, policymakers, philanthropists, and civil society to increase investment in breastfeeding worldwide.

They want to expand their membership to include regional and country-led civil society breastfeeding organizations from low and middle-income settings to apply to become associate members. Associate members are welcomed to many of their monthly meetings, where they address critical issues affecting the seven policy calls to action and contribute to the global dialogue on breastfeeding advocacy with the Collective’s standing members.”

Breastfeeding gives all children the healthiest start in life. Breastmilk acts as a baby’s first vaccine, stimulates brain development, and protects a woman’s health. When mothers breastfeed, everyone benefits. Breastfeeding leads to lower health care costs, healthier families, and a smarter workforce.

Yet, only 44 per cent of children under six months of age are fed only breastmilk. UNICEF and WHO are leading a Global Breastfeeding Collective to increase political commitment for breastfeeding—one of the smartest investments a country can make. The initiative aims to increase early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond, together with appropriate, adequate and safe complementary foods.

We call upon implementers and donors from governments, philanthropies, international organizations, civil society to:   

1. Increase funding to raise breastfeeding rates from birth through two years          
2. Fully implement the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and relevant World Health Assembly resolutions through strong legal measures that are enforced and independently monitored by organizations free from conflicts of interest.
3. Enact paid family leave and workplace breastfeeding policies, building on the International Labour Organization’s maternity protection guidelines as a minimum requirement, including provisions for the informal sector.            
4. Implement the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in maternity facilities, including providing breastmilk for sick and vulnerable newborns.              
5. Improve access to skilled breastfeeding counselling as part of comprehensive breastfeeding policies and programmes in health facilities.          
6. Strengthen links between health facilities and communities, and encourage community networks that protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.
7. Strengthen monitoring systems that track the progress of policies, programmes, and funding towards achieving both national and global breastfeeding targets.

Advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholars Present their Papers in Egypt

At the Third Annual Middle East Partnership Initiative-Tomorrow’s Leaders Conference, the scholars tackle migration, gender, health sciences, education, economics, political sciences and international affairs, and contribute to the conversations around the SDGs.

From emigration and food insecurity to overeducation and the impact of Lebanon’s fuel price hikes, timely topics were the focus of wide-ranging and enriching presentations by LAU students who took part in the Third Annual Conference on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), organized by the Middle East Partnership Initiative Tomorrow’s Leaders Program (MEPI-TL).

The three-day symposium included 19 panel discussions, four debates and 80+ research paper presentations, and was hosted by the American University in Cairo (AUC) this summer.

The conference focused on climate change, diversity, equity and inclusion, bringing together 80 MEPI-TL presenters from the American University in Beirut (AUB), LAU, and AUC to discuss pressing global challenges.

It is noteworthy that the LAU scholars contributed to the conference with a total of 33 graduate scholars, three Gender Scholars, and two undergraduates, who delivered a total of 38 presentations. Additionally, seven faculty members took part in panel discussions.

Students brought their positive experience back to campus, reflecting on how they had connected with like-minded individuals, gained insights and networked with professionals from various fields.

“The conference was filled with enriching knowledge sharing, engaging presentations and discussions. I had the opportunity to network with and learn from other researchers,” said TLGer Zeina Lizzaik, who graduated this year with a master’s degree in Applied Economics.

Faculty members expressed their admiration for the students’ presentations and highlighted the engaging format of the conference, which included debates and interactive discussions.

“It was fascinating seeing the efforts of our students materialize and witnessing the level of impact their research has on providing valuable context and content for solutions to pressing issues facing the world,” said LAU MEPI-TL Executive Director Dina Abdul Rahman.

All in all, the conference was a resounding success for LAU Tomorrow’s Leaders graduate scholars. It fostered collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation among attendees. The students benefited from the conference to learn, connect, and make a positive impact, setting the stage for future endeavors in sustainable development.

	Faculty members expressed their admiration for the students’ presentations and highlighted the engaging format of the conference, which included debates and interactive discussions.
	Students brought their positive experience back to campus, reflecting on how they had connected with like-minded individuals, gained insights and networked with professionals from various fields.
	From LAU, a total of 33 graduate scholars, three Gender Scholars, and two undergraduates delivered a total of 38 presentations, while seven faculty members took part in panel discussions.
	The three-day symposium included 19 panel discussions, four debates and 80+ research paper presentations, and was hosted by the American University in Cairo.

Outreach and Civic Engagement

The Outreach, Leadership, and Empowerment (OLE) and the Community Service & Engagement (CSE) units at LAU integrate civic engagement with the extra-curricular activities of LAU students and encourage them to broaden their horizons both within and outside Lebanon through leadership training, skills development, and volunteering opportunities.

Outreach, Leadership, and Empowerment (OLE)

• Outreach and Leadership Programs

You’ll get the chance to participate in local and international programs, visits, and conferences

What is OLE and how will OLE transform my experience?

The Outreach, Leadership & Empowerment (OLE) at LAU aims at fostering holistic student empowerment. Through specific leadership and outreach programs, OLE aims to equip students with essential skills, promoting resilience and inclusive leadership. It fosters a diverse and inclusive campus environment and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. It encourages students to broaden their horizons both within and outside Lebanon through leadership training, skills development, and volunteering opportunities.

OLE prepares students for their future roles as global citizens and ethical leaders. Its main objective is to have students equipped with needed skills and tools to thrive both personally and professionally.

• You will be exposed to like-minded people in Lebanon and beyond.
• You will develop essential soft skills such as leadership, communication, conflict-resolution, team-work and resilience.
• You will grow your life-knowledge beyond academics, through volunteerism, local and international conferences, as well as seminars and training.
• You will benefit from OLE’s 10+ years of experience in offering unique programs and opportunities that will match your interests and challenge your givens

Community Service & Engagement (CSE)

• Volunteerism, Networking, and Civic Engagement

You’ll learn, engage in the community, and share your knowledge by training others

• Capacity Building

We’ll help you build your soft skills, character development and career-readiness

What is CSE and how will CSE transform my experience?

The Community Service & Engagement (CSE) at LAU aims to provide LAU students and student recipients of USAID scholarship grants with the tools, opportunities, and guidance needed to not only excel academically but also become active, compassionate, and socially responsible leaders within their communities and the world at large.

CSE serves as the driving force behind fostering a culture of community engagement throughout the LAU community. We provide innovative and immersive programming that encourages LAU students to explore the diverse landscapes of their nation while contributing to meaningful causes. This experiential learning is not just an addendum; it’s a vital facet of the LAU academic journey.

Join us in shaping compassionate pioneers dedicated to making a profound impact in their communities. Discover how CSE at LAU transforms students into engaged citizens, equipping them with the skills and empathy needed to build a better tomorrow.

How will CSE transform my experience?

• Aptitude Development: Participating in CSE programs allows you to hone your core competencies through practical experiences, workshops, and interactions with mentors, empowering you to become a more effective and influential changemaker.
• Community Impact: CSE offers chances to engage in community service and public service initiatives, enabling you to make a positive impact on society and develop a sense of social responsibility that goes beyond the classroom.
• Personal Growth: Beyond academic excellence, CSE promotes personal growth by encouraging self-discovery, resilience, and adaptability, preparing you to face challenges and seize opportunities with confidence.