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Driven by a shared vision to accelerate Lebanon's digital modernization, the Office of the Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence and the American University of Beirut (AUB), through its Government Engagement Platform (GEP), have signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) establishing a long-term strategic partnership to advance digital transformation, strengthen institutional capacities, and expand opportunities for innovation and civic tech engagement across the country.
The signing ceremony was held at AUB and attended by Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president; Dr. Kamal Shehadi, minister of displaced and minister of state for technology and artificial intelligence; Dr. Zaher Dawy, AUB provost; Dr. Imad Baalbaki, the university's senior vice president for advancement and business development; Dr. Alan Shihadeh, dean of the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at AUB; Dr. Yusuf Sidani, dean of the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at AUB; Dr. Joseph Bahout, director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at AUB and GEP co-lead; in addition to senior university leadership; academics; students; and representatives from the ministry.
The two MoUs, one establishing a broad national partnership and the second launching the Code for Lebanon initiative with Htech, lay the foundation for coordinated action to modernize digital infrastructure, promote applied innovation, and expand experiential learning opportunities for students, contributing to public-sector digital reform.
In his remarks, Dr. Fadi El-Jardali, managing director and co-lead of AUB's Government Engagement Platform, highlighted the platform's commitment to enabling evidence-based public innovation. “Through the Government Engagement Platform, we are committed to supporting national digital transformation by providing evidence, expertise, and innovation where they are most needed," he said. “These MoUs position AUB to work hand in hand with the ministry to advance governance systems, integrate emerging technologies, and strengthen institutional capacities for a more resilient digital future."
Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, emphasized the university's national mission. “This marks a moment where we are truly turning a page, where AUB is putting its full expertise to work in service of the country," he said. “Our role is to help build the systems and opportunities Lebanon needs, and today's agreement moves us decisively in that direction."
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Kamal Shehadi, minister of displaced and minister of state for technology and artificial intelligence, underscored the broader vision guiding the partnership. “We need to make Lebanon a home for its youth and citizens, a place where people can succeed without having to leave. This is the first MoU we sign in this direction, and it will pave the way for many more to come," he noted.
This initiative exemplifies a model in which universities connect talent directly to national needs, empowering students to contribute to public-sector innovation while gaining hands-on experience in real-world digital transformation.
These MoUs mark a significant milestone in Lebanon's digital trajectory, combining the ministry's commitment to modernization with AUB's academic excellence and innovation ecosystem. By strengthening governance, investing in institutional capacity, promoting digital transformation, and engaging students in civic tech initiatives, this partnership lays the foundation for sustainable, future-ready progress that will benefit citizens, institutions, and the broader society.