National Education Platform Conference

Conference Brief

Under the esteemed patronage of Judge Dr. Abbas Halabi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, the National Education Platform Conference, "Bridging Horizons, Shaping Futures," convened parliament members, ministers, researchers, professors, and education experts on Friday, April 24, 2024, at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Organized by the Modern University for Business and Science (MUBS), the conference aimed to shape the future of education in Lebanon by addressing challenges and proposing innovative solutions for a smoother transition from high school to university, enhancing educational effectiveness, promoting sustainability in education, exploring AI's impact in education, highlighting higher education's role in public health, and empowering student voices.

NEP Conference Pictures

NEP Conference Videos

Conference Agenda

Dr. Hatem Alami, Chairman of MUBS Speech on the Importance of Bridging the High School University Gap

Commitment to Education Reform: Dr. Alami reaffirmed MUBS's dedication to contributing to the advancement of Lebanon's education system. He emphasized that comprehensive reform efforts are essential to bridge the gap between general and higher education, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of university life.
University Initiatives: He outlined various initiatives undertaken by MUBS to enhance students' skills and readiness for university education. These initiatives include workshops conducted in schools and institutes, aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in higher education.
Collaboration and Policy Development: Dr. Alami emphasized the need for policies that address the challenges faced by students transitioning from secondary to higher education. He stressed the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to develop and implement these policies effectively.
Educational Innovation: Highlighting the university's role in fostering educational innovation, Dr. Alami discussed MUBS's efforts to integrate modern teaching methods and technologies into the curriculum. He pointed out that such innovations are crucial for preparing students for the demands of the contemporary world and the job market.
Supporting Students: Dr. Alami spoke about the university's commitment to supporting students not only academically but also personally and socially. He mentioned the importance of providing a holistic educational experience that nurtures students' overall development and well-being.
Future Vision: Concluding his speech, Dr. Alami shared his vision for the future of education in Lebanon. He expressed confidence that through continued collaboration and dedication, the education system in Lebanon can overcome its challenges and achieve significant progress. He called on all stakeholders to work together to build an education system that meets global standards while being relevant to local contexts.

Dr. Alami's speech set the tone for the conference, emphasizing the critical role of education in shaping the future of Lebanon and the importance of collective efforts in achieving educational excellence.

Summary:

Dr. Hatem Alami, Chairman of MUBS, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between high school and university education. He highlighted the university's commitment to supporting the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and all stakeholders in advancing Lebanon's education system. Dr. Alami underscored the significance of comprehensive reform efforts to bridge the gap between general and higher education. He outlined the university's initiatives including workshops in schools and institutes aimed at enhancing students' skills and preparing them for university education. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for policies that address the challenges faced by students transitioning from secondary to higher education, highlighting the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

Keynote Speech by Judge Dr. Abbas Halabi

Judge Dr. Abbas Halabi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, delivered a keynote speech highlighting the government's commitment to advancing education and the importance of collaboration between stakeholders in shaping the future of education in Lebanon. He emphasized the importance of unity and dialogue in Lebanon, especially in times of crisis. Judge Dr. Halabi praised the efforts of the Modern University for Business and Science and all stakeholders in addressing the challenges facing education. He highlighted education as the key to building future generations and preparing them to lead the country. He stressed the need for educational reform to modernize and improve the quality of education, ensuring it meets global standards while maintaining its relevance to local contexts. Judge Dr. Halabi outlined efforts to reform the education system, including developing a national curriculum for pre-university education and focusing on student-centered learning, sustainable education, and bridging the gap between educational stages. He also highlighted the importance of addressing academic weaknesses among Lebanese students and reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing education and securing its foundations. Concluding his speech, he emphasized the role of education in national development and expressed confidence that the conference would produce recommendations to build bridges towards a better future.

Summary:

Judge Dr. Abbas Halabi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the government's dedication to advancing education and the importance of stakeholder collaboration in shaping Lebanon's educational future. He underscored the significance of unity and dialogue, especially in crises, and praised the efforts of MUBS and other stakeholders in tackling educational challenges. He highlighted education as vital for building future generations and leading the country, stressing the need for reforms to modernize and enhance education quality to meet global standards while remaining relevant locally. He outlined efforts to develop a national pre-university curriculum, focus on student-centered and sustainable education, and bridge educational gaps. Judge Dr. Halabi also emphasized addressing academic weaknesses and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening education. He concluded by expressing confidence that the conference would yield recommendations to build a better future.

The National Education Platform Conference, "Bridging Horizons, Shaping Futures," included four panel discussions:

Panel Discussion 1: Bridging the Gap & Overcoming the Challenges

Moderator: Ms. Hanin Ibrahim, Chairperson, Education Department-MUBS

Panelists:

Mr. Imad Al Ashkar, Director General of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE)
Prof. Hyam Ishac, President of the Center for Educational Research and Development (CRDP)
Prof. Nadim Mansouri, Professor of Sociology of Digital Communication at the Lebanese University (LU)
Dr. Iman Rabah, Dean of Quality at the Modern University for Business & Science (MUBS)

This panel addressed the challenges faced in the transition from high school to university, as well as the broader challenges within the education sector in Lebanon. It aimed to identify key issues and propose strategies to overcome these obstacles, ensuring a more seamless educational experience for students and a more effective education system in Lebanon.

Panel Discussion 2: Educating for a Sustainable Future

Moderator: Ms. Sara Abilmona, University Life Director-MUBS

Panelists:

HE Dr. Nasser Yassin, Minister of Environment, University Professor
MP Dr. Inaya Ezzeddine, Chair of: Women & Children, SDGs Committees, MD Pathologist
Ms. Deenah Fakhoury, Executive Director at the UN Global Compact Network Lebanon
Ms. Sawsan Bou Fakhreddine, Director General at the Association for Forests Development and Conservation (AFDC)
Dr. Taghrid Diab, Expert in Environmental Education, Instructor at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ)

Focused on the role of education in fostering sustainable development, this panel highlighted collaborative initiatives for environmental and social impact. It explored how education can be a driving force in promoting sustainability, both in terms of curriculum and institutional practices.

Panel Discussion 3: Incorporating VR & AI Responsibly in Educational Systems

Moderator: Ms. Amanda Hachem, Education Lead & AI Trainer at Zaka

Panelists:

Prof. Hussein Al Ghor, Chairperson of the Computer Science Department at the Modern University for Business & Science (MUBS)
Prof. Faisal Abu Khzam, Professor of Computer Science at the Lebanese American University (LAU)
Dr. Manal Jalloul, Artificial Intelligence Expert, Instructor at the American University of Beirut (AUB)
Dr. Youssef Bakouny, Assistant Professor at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ)

This panel delved into the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in education, discussing strategies to incorporate AI responsibly into educational systems. It aimed to provide insights into how VR and AI can enhance the educational experience while ensuring ethical and responsible use.

Panel Discussion 4: Higher Education's Role in Public Health: Navigating Challenges and Promoting Awareness

Moderator: Dr. Nada Alaaeddine, Dean, School of Health Sciences-MUBS

Panelists:

MP Dr. Bilal Abdallah, Chairman of the Parliamentary Health Committee, MD Dermatologist
MP Dr. Fadi Alame, President of the Arab Hospitals Federation (AHF), Chairman of Sahel Group
Prof. Nael Alami, President at MUBS, President at CEREC, Neuroscientist and Founder of the Virtual Exchange Program
Mr. Fadi Sanan, Director General of the Ministry of Public Health

This panel addressed the challenges in public health and highlighted the role of higher education in training healthcare professionals. It discussed strategies for higher education institutions to actively engage with communities, promoting health awareness, and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being.