Advancing Lebanon’s Digital Infrastructure
The American University of Beirut (AUB), through its Government Engagement Platform (GEP), presented the results of a national data center benchmarking exercise to the Ministry of State for Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence (MITAI Lebanon).
The initiative is part of the implementation of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AUB and MITAI, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening public sector performance and accelerating Lebanon’s digital transformation.
The benchmarking exercise was designed to answer two central questions critical to national digital planning:
- What type of data center model is most suitable for Lebanon?
- What are the projected costs associated with establishing and operating this model?
The project was conducted by 180 Degrees Consulting AUB, led by a team of outstanding AUB students, supported by AUB’s IT leadership. The collaboration highlights a strong model of partnership between academia and government, while enabling students to contribute directly to national reform priorities.
The presentation was delivered in the presence of the Minister of the Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Kamal Shehadi, representatives from MITAI, members of the AUB Government Engagement Platform team, and Mr. Mohammad Abbass, Director of IT Infrastructure Services at AUB, alongside the participating students.
Dr. Kamal Shehadi, Minister of the Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, commended the work and expressed pride in the students for delivering such impactful contributions to the public sector.
Dr. Fadi El-Jardali, Managing Director and Co-Lead of AUB’s Government Engagement Platform, stated:
“Despite the challenges, the team remained committed to delivering this output. This reflects a shared conviction that while crises may persist, they should not delay our preparedness for what comes next. The work presented today contributes to laying the foundations needed to position Lebanon on the digital and AI landscape.”
The findings will inform national decisions on data center strategy, capacity planning, investment priorities, and procurement models aligned with international standards.
Through GEP and its student-led initiatives, AUB continues to advance its partnership with public institutions and support the development of a more secure, efficient, and AI-ready public sector in Lebanon.
Ministry of Industry and AUB Sign MoU to Advance Evidence-Based
Industrial Policy and Innovation in Lebanon
The Ministry Of Industry - Republic Of Lebanon and the American University of Beirut (AUB), through its Government Engagement Platform (GEP), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a structured framework for long-term collaboration to advance evidence-based industrial policy and innovation in Lebanon.
The MoU supports the modernization of industrial policymaking by leveraging academic research, data analytics, and interdisciplinary expertise. It brings together experts from the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at AUB, the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at AUB, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at AUB, and the Faculty of Health Sciences - AUB, to enhance industrial policy planning, data systems, competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation across the sector.
The collaboration also prioritizes strengthening the Ministry’s data infrastructure, digitalization, and automation systems, while supporting entrepreneurship, startups, and small and medium industrial enterprises, alongside targeted capacity-building programs for Ministry staff.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Fadi El-Jardali, Managing Director and Co-Lead of AUB’s Government Engagement Platform, noted: “We see this partnership as a clear expression of AUB’s role as a neutral convener and a trusted knowledge partner. By linking academic excellence with policy implementation, we reaffirm our commitment to public service and national development.”
AUB President, Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, MD emphasized the strategic importance of industrial development: “If we are to truly serve our communities, developing the industrial sector is essential. Industry can act as a springboard for investment. Lebanon should be the primary beneficiary of the talent, knowledge, and capacity it possesses.”
H.E. Joe Issa-El-Khoury, Minister of Industry, highlighted the importance of measurable impact: “This partnership connects young minds with industrial transformation. Industry must be assessed through tangible outcomes, and there is no better partner than AUB to support this process through evidence, research, and innovation.”
By positioning research, data, and knowledge exchange at the core of reform, this partnership reinforces collaboration between government and academia and aims to contribute to a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable industrial sector in Lebanon.
Ministry of Social Affairs and American University of Beirut Formalize Strategic Partnership to Advance Evidence-Informed Social Policy in Lebanon
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Aiming to enhance Lebanon’s social development sector through evidence-driven approaches and innovative solutions, the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs and the American University of Beirut (AUB), through its Government Engagement Platform (GEP), formalized their collaboration with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU lays the groundwork for joint initiatives, supporting the ministry in enhancing data systems and analytics, improving policy planning, and implementing social sector reforms that are evidence-based and accountable.
This collaboration leverages the expertise of AUB’s faculties and research centers, bringing together the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business, the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, and the Faculty of Health Sciences, highlighting the interdisciplinary approach necessary to address complex social policy challenges effectively and cohesively.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Fadi El-Jardali, managing director and co-lead of AUB’s Government Engagement Platform, emphasized the importance of connecting academic knowledge with public-sector needs. “Today’s signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration between academia and government. It reflects a shared commitment to advancing evidence-informed policymaking, reinforcing institutional capacity, and enhancing the delivery of social services in Lebanon,” he said.
Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, MD, AUB president, highlighted how the MoU will be actively implemented, focusing on translating academic research into concrete actions and programs that directly support Lebanon’s social sector. He stressed the university’s commitment to ensuring that partnerships like this produce measurable, real-world impact.
Minister of Social Affairs, Haneen Sayed, emphasized that “this Memorandum of Understanding reflects our commitment to building evidence-informed public policy and strengthening the bridge between knowledge and implementation. At the Ministry of Social Affairs, we believe that effective social protection requires interdisciplinary collaboration, youth engagement, and institutional partnerships that translate research into real impact. This is how we build a modern social state, through cooperation, expertise, and shared responsibility.”
Media coverage: NNA Arabic, NNA English, The Bulletin, Al Modon, LBCI, Al Bawaba Arabic, Al Bawaba English, Mag Visions, El Nashra, Leb Talks.
Ministry of Labor and AUB Sign MoU to Advance Evidence-Informed
Labor Policies and Institutional Reform
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Driven by a shared commitment to strengthening Lebanon’s labor sector through evidence, innovation, and institutional capacity building, the Lebanese Ministry of Labor and the American University of Beirut (AUB), through its Government Engagement Platform (GEP), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a comprehensive framework for long-term collaboration.
The MoU advances evidence-informed policymaking, institutional strengthening, and innovation across the labor sector, leveraging AUB’s multidisciplinary expertise across its Faculties of Health Sciences, Medicine, Arts and Sciences, Business, and Engineering. The partnership will support research and policy action on child labor, youth unemployment, fair and sustainable wages, labor market dynamics, education–labor alignment, and occupational health and safety.
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Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Fadi El-Jardali, managing director and co-lead of AUB’s Government Engagement Platform, emphasized the importance of connecting academic knowledge with public-sector needs. “This partnership reflects our commitment to advancing evidence-informed policymaking and institutional reform in the labor sector. Through the Government Engagement Platform, we aim to translate research and expertise into practical solutions that respond to Lebanon’s most pressing labor and social challenges,” he said.
Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, MD, AUB president, highlighted the university’s national role, noting that the agreement reinforces AUB’s mission to place its academic excellence and innovation ecosystem in the service of the public good. He emphasized that, at a time when emigration continues to shape Lebanon’s reality, working closely with the Ministry of Labor is more important than ever to help create meaningful employment opportunities that enable people to build their futures at home.
Dr. Mohamad Haidar, minister of labor, underscored the importance of the partnership in strengthening the ministry’s ability to respond to complex labor challenges, emphasizing the value of research, training, and digital modernization in supporting effective governance and sustainable reform.
Office of the Minister of State for Technology and AI and AUB Sign MoUs to Advance Lebanon’s Digital Transformation
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.
Media coverage: NNA Arabic, The Bulletin, Al Bawaba Arabic, Al Bawaba English, Mag Visions, El Nashra, Al Markazia.
Ministry of Education and Higher Education and AUB Sign MoU to Advance Education Reform and Strengthen Online Learning in Lebanon
The signing ceremony was held at AUB and was attended by Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president; Dr. Rima Karami, minister of education and higher education; Dr. Zaher Dawy, AUB provost; Dr. Imad Baalbaki, the university's senior vice president for advancement and business development; senior administrators; academics; and senior representatives from both AUB and MEHE.
The MoU signed by the president of AUB and the minister of education and higher education lays the foundation for collaborative action to modernize the education sector, improve policymaking processes, and expand experiential learning opportunities for university students across public schools in Lebanon.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Fadi El-Jardali, managing director and co-lead of AUB's Government Engagement Platform, highlighted the platform's role in supporting public-sector innovation: “Through the Government Engagement Platform, we are proud to support the ministry's reform and modernization agenda by bringing evidence, expertise, and innovation to the heart of policymaking. This MoU enables us to work collectively to strengthen governance, enhance quality assurance, advance digital transformation, and build the institutional capacities needed for sustainable and meaningful change across Lebanon's education system."
Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, reaffirmed the university's commitment to the country's education ecosystem: “Lebanon's talent often looks abroad for opportunity, but our priority must be to build those opportunities here at home. Strengthening education requires deep structural work, work that builds capacity across the ministry and elevates both public and private education. When we invest in the system, we invest in Lebanon's future and in the potential of its people."
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Rima Karami, minister of education and higher education, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership: “This MoU strengthens the ministry's institutional capacity and embeds it within a framework of sustainable reform. It helps rebuild public trust by ensuring that data and expertise drive national impact. Stronger public institutions mean better learning outcomes and brighter futures for our students. This is why a strong academia–government relationship is essential. Education must once again become a source of national pride."
The partnership between the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the American University of Beirut will focus on five key areas. First, evidence-informed policy and research, with AUB supporting the ministry's reform agenda through research and policy advisory services, including a flagship initiative to develop national quality assurance and accreditation standards for online higher education that align with international best practices. Second, capacity building for ministry personnel, where targeted training and knowledge-transfer programs, such as specialized AUB diploma programs, will strengthen technical, pedagogical, and assessment skills for online learning. Third, governance and management support, with AUB providing technical and advisory assistance to enhance governance systems across the ministry's directorates. Fourth, digital transformation, supporting efforts to digitalize and automate operations for greater efficiency and transparency. Finally, experiential learning for AUB students, with a collaborative framework enabling student volunteers to support public schools through the Center for Community Engagement (CCE); students enrolled in the Phil 200B community-engaged learning course will complete 30 hours of fieldwork each semester, contributing to teaching, administrative tasks, and school activities.
This MoU marks a significant step toward modernizing Lebanon's education sector by combining the expertise of AUB with the ministry's commitment to reform. By strengthening governance, enhancing digital learning, building institutional capacities, and engaging students in hands-on community initiatives, this partnership sets the foundation for sustainable, evidence-based improvements that will benefit educators, students, and the broader Lebanese society for years to come.
From MOU to Action: AUB and OMSAR Launch Digital Transformation Initiative
The American University of Beirut (AUB), through its Government Engagement Platform (GEP), and the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) have officially launched an exciting collaboration to advance digital transformation in Lebanon. AUB’s stellar students from across faculties will take the lead in this initiative, turning their skills and innovation into real impact on Lebanon’s government processes.
This initiative marks the first operationalization of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between OMSAR and AUB on July 17, 2025, reinforcing both institutions’ commitment to advancing administrative reform, innovation, and evidence-informed policymaking.
The initiative aims to map, analyze, and reform more than 2,000 government processes, directly contributing to Lebanon’s digital modernization. Through this partnership, AUB students will work alongside OMSAR to develop solutions that enhance efficiency, transparency, and citizen experience in public service delivery.
Minister Fadi Makki emphasized the national importance of the initiative, noting that it seeks to “create a model and a legacy for sustainable reform and digital governance in Lebanon.” He added that this initiative will “serve as a model for how a new government could work — one that is evidence-based, efficient, and citizen-centered.”
Dr. Fadi El-Jardali, Co-Lead and Managing Director of GEP, described the initiative as “the beginning of a journey of learning, innovation, and public service.” He added: “Through the Government Engagement Platform, AUB is strengthening civil service among students, preparing them to actively contribute to national reform. AUB students are not just observers; they are contributors, problem-solvers, and partners in reform. Their participation represents a bridge between academia and governance, a bridge built on evidence, collaboration, and hope.”
The launch also featured remarks from Dr. Nayla Al-Akl, Dean of Student Affairs at AUB, who commended the initiative as a reflection of AUB’s mission to combine learning with civic engagement and service to society.
Dr. Yousif Asfour, Chief Innovation & Transformation Officer at AUB, highlighted the strategic role of digital innovation: "This serves as a model for transforming how institutions serve citizens and how young people can drive that transformation.”
The team from AUB’s 180 Degrees Consulting Club, composed of students from diverse majors including Economics and Engineering, expressed their enthusiasm to contribute to this national effort.
The team of students leading this initiative highlighted that it is a great opportunity to apply what they have learned in practice and support Lebanon’s public institutions. They emphasized that, before going on to serve governments abroad, they see it as their duty to serve their own government and help build the institutions they aspire to strengthen.
The partnership between OMSAR and AUB reflects a shared vision of empowering Lebanon’s youth to lead in shaping the country’s digital future — turning evidence into action and ideas into impact.
AUB and Hariri Foundation Sign MOU to Advance Sustainable Development, Evidence-Informed Policy, and Youth Empowerment
This partnership aims to:
- Enhance institutional and individual capacities
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and policy dialogue
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration
- Support experiential learning and civic engagement
Dr. Zaher Dawy, AUB Provost and Mrs. Bahia Hariri, President of the Hariri Foundation, reaffirmed their shared commitment to empowering Lebanese youth and bridging the gap between academia and community.
Dr. Fadi El-Jardali, Co-Lead and Managing Director of the Government Engagement Platform (GEP), highlighted: “This collaboration stands as a testament to what can be achieved when academia and civil society work hand in hand, translating knowledge into action, and ideas into impact.”
AUB and OMSAR Sign Landmark MoU to Drive Public Sector Transformation in Lebanon - July 17, 2025
Under the leadership of President Fadlo R. Khuri, the American University of Beirut (AUB), through its Government Engagement Platform (GEP) , has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the OMSAR - Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform —marking a pivotal step in advancing Lebanon’s public sector transformation agenda.
The MoU was signed by President Khuri, in the presence of Provost Dr. Zaher Dawy and senior leadership at AUB. OMSAR was represented by H.E. Dr. Fadi Makki, Minister of State for Administrative Reform, accompanied by members of his team.
This agreement outlines a framework for collaboration focused on:
- Driving innovation in public service delivery
- Bridging academic expertise with institutional reform efforts
- Strengthening evidence-informed policymaking
Key collaborative initiatives include:
- A Digital Platform for Academic Engagement
- A Behavioral Science and Innovation Lab
- A Digital Transformation Academy
- The Reinventing the State initiative
A Strategic Step Toward Building Institutional Integrity in Lebanon - April 29, 2025
The American University of Beirut (AUB), through its Government Engagement Platform (GEP), and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of transparent, ethical, and accountable governance in Lebanon.
The American University of Beirut delegation was led by Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, AUB president; Dr. Zaher Dawy, provost; Dr. Fadi El-Jardali and Dr. Joseph Bahout, co-leads of the Government Engagement Platform (GEP); and Zeina Sleem, GEP advocacy and engagement officer. Representing the National Anti-Corruption Commission were Judge Klaude Karam, president of the commission, Dr. Fawaz Kabbara, vice president; Judge Therese Allawi; Dr. Ali Badran; Dr. Joe Maalouf; and Dr. Kleib Kleib.
This MoU reflects a shared vision to embed anti-corruption values within higher education, strengthen institutional resilience, and cultivate a new generation of civic-minded leaders committed to public integrity. By bringing together the expertise of a leading academic institution and Lebanon’s NACC, the partnership aims to establish a framework for sustainable reform rooted in knowledge production, civic engagement, and policy innovation.
President Khuri affirmed AUB’s unwavering commitment to standing alongside the Commission to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in Lebanon’s public life. This partnership is not only a strategic framework for cooperation — it is a bold affirmation of Lebanon’s capacity to build a more accountable and just society when knowledge, education, and governance converge.
The Government Engagement Platform (GEP)- AUB of American University of Beirut will lead the Founding Middle East INGSA Group of Government Science Advice Leaders in the MENA region
The Government Engagement Platform (GEP) of American University of Beirut will lead the Founding Middle East INGSA Group of Government Science Advice Leaders in the MENA region. Just announced at the International Science Council Muscat. This esteemed founding group is comprised of parliamentarians, former ministers, senior executives, scientists, analysts and practitioners. This group will be chaired by Dr. Fadi El-Jardali. It will build a regional network of science advice practitioners and enable a broader understanding of national and regional science advice ecosystems in the Middle East. In addition, it will help build consensus on INGSA’s role in the Middle East to address gaps and support the capacity of science advice systems, and increase regional membership and institutional partnerships to provide a forum for regional collaboration, capacity-building, and knowledge sharing. By connecting the Middle East’s expertise to global resources and networks, the group will enhance the effectiveness of knowledge-to-policy mechanisms and strengthen the regional science advice ecosystem.
All Impact for Sustainable Recovery in Lebanon: Official External Launch of AUB GEP - January 21, 2025
The foundational meeting aimed at setting the strategic context for Lebanon's recovery through aligning priorities, fostering partnerships, and building a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Against the backdrop of Lebanon's compounded crises since 2019 and the devastating impact of the most recent war, the meeting underscored the urgency of systemic transformation and a recovery that goes beyond rebuilding physical infrastructure to restoring trust, social cohesion, and governance.
The session commenced with a compelling address by Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, who highlighted the significance of the initiative. “As Lebanon navigates a complex recovery process, the external launch of AUB GEP marks a crucial milestone in driving change and shaping the future of the nation. AUB GEP is here to lead, facilitate, and ensure that Lebanon's recovery is not just about rebuilding infrastructure, but about transforming the country's future for generations to come."
Through structured and dynamic dialogues, participants reflected on Lebanon's recovery needs within the broader context of its current sociopolitical and economic challenges. They generated consensus on key guiding principles for Lebanon's recovery, identified priority sectors, and established a framework for action. They also underscored the necessity of reforms in governance, economic policy, and social cohesion. Participants agreed that Lebanon's recovery requires a phased, multisectoral approach with coordinated collaboration among governments, communities, and global actors. AUB GEP is positioned as a critical platform to bridge diverse stakeholders and foster ongoing partnerships, ensuring that recovery efforts remain inclusive, transparent, and aligned with both domestic and international priorities.
This meeting is just the beginning. Through continued dialogue, collaboration, and strategic action AUB GEP will continue to lead and facilitate the next stages of Lebanon's transformation.