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L'Orient-Le Jour
6 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Tech alone won't save us: Grounding AI in Lebanon's realities
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Lebanon is often misunderstood. Some see it as a magical fix for all of the country's woes, a swift shortcut to bypass the deep reforms or hard work required to build strong institutions. Others see it as an imminent threat to jobs or reduce it to handy tools like text or image generators. The framing of AI as either a threat or a magic wand masks the profound shifts this new technology is bringing about. As thoroughly argued in a new white paper by Dr. Fatima K. Abu Salem from the American University of Beirut (AUB) and Dr. Wissam Saade from Saint Joseph University, no technology, no matter how advanced, can ever replace a strong society built on solid institutions, shared values and collective effort. Published as a working paper at AUB's Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, the report is more than just an academic document — it's a manifesto with urgent recommendations to strengthen Lebanon's five-year AI strategy, LEAP, launched by Technology and AI Minister Kamal Shehadeh, who also serves as Minister of the Displaced. LEAP — short for Launch, Apply, Advance, and Promote — is a national roadmap to make Lebanon a regional hub for artificial intelligence within five years. 'We want to integrate the latest technologies to create government services powered by AI,' Shehadeh told L'Orient-Le Jour in April, describing a vision that focuses on improving the efficiency and accuracy of public services. The strategy's first phase aims to establish the legal and institutional foundation, aiming to rank Lebanon among the top 50 AI users worldwide by 2030. "For LEAP to move beyond lofty aspirations, it must confront Lebanon's reality as a 'data desert' facing a 'talent exodus,' and embrace an AI approach co-created with the broader public," Abu Salem told L'Orient Today. Abu Salem and Saade lay the groundwork for a future Sociotechnical Observatory, which would serve as a public space to examine how technology and society interact and to explore new ways of thinking — informed by the local context — about AI in Lebanon's political, social and economic life. Abu Salem and Saade's white paper highlights a key insight: AI isn't just a technical tool; it's a deeply "socio-technical" project. This means that for AI to succeed in Lebanon, strategies for its adoption must allow for "co-evolution," meaning that the technology develops alongside Lebanon's unique local conditions, values and systems. This approach and the resulting recommendations will be discussed at the "AI Retreat in Aley," part of the "AI for Lebanon" conference (July 21-26, 2025). AI models developed elsewhere aren't neutral, and importing them without adaptation won't magically make them fit. Any national strategy must integrate AI into Lebanon's broader social fabric, including its labor market, infrastructure and power dynamics. "Without this deep integration, LEAP risks becoming just another initiative focused on technological adoption rather than sustainable transformation," says Saade. At the heart of this socio-technical approach is Responsible AI (RAI), which involves designing and using AI in ways that are ethical, fair, transparent and aligned with human values. It is supported by Trustworthy Machine Learning (TML), a framework that guarantees AI systems are understandable, secure and capable of adapting to real-world conditions. "TML also emphasizes the importance of having a clear understanding of an AI's level of confidence in its predictions — essential in critical fields like healthcare — and promotes Machine Learning for Small Data, a key method for data-scarce contexts like Lebanon," says Abu Salem. The white paper proposes three main pillars to guide this socio-technical transformation: 'Collective intelligence' reimagines AI not as a surveillance tool but as a way to broaden the scope of what distinct groups can achieve when their data is pooled together, often through crowdsourcing. In Lebanon, this means citizens can act as "human sensors," providing timely, low-cost data that fills institutional gaps and encourages community ownership and inclusion. 'Data democratization' refers to making data accessible and easy to use for everyone in an organization, not just IT or data experts. It's about breaking down barriers so that more people can engage with data and fostering a culture where decisions are based on facts, not just intuition. For LEAP, this would mean moving beyond fragmented, ad-hoc data practices to a scalable and integrated approach that empowers the general public to engage with data. 'Decolonizing AI' challenges Lebanon's dependence on imported AI models, which are shaped by Western values and power structures. The white paper warns against "data colonialism" and "algorithmic coloniality," where local data is exploited and inequality is reinforced. For Abu Salem and Saade, this power dynamic can be addressed by reclaiming control over how data is collected and categorized, as well as by whom it is collected. They also highlight the high energy requirements of large AI systems, which is a serious concern in a country facing severe electricity shortages. That's why the authors advocate for Micro-Model Alternatives: smaller, low-energy AI systems that can operate on basic devices, making AI more sustainable and better aligned with Lebanon's realities. "We want to explore how Lebanon can both create value from AI, through better decision-making, demand prediction and smarter services, and capture it by translating innovation into economic and strategic gains," says Saade. The paper warns that, if misused, AI could harm development, worsen inequality and waste resources. In some cases, traditional, non-digital solutions may be more effective, challenging the tech-first approach that prioritizes flashy projects over genuine impact. It also calls for rethinking human labor: Since AI handles routine tasks, the remaining work will require critical thinking, ethics and adaptability. This shift necessitates updates in labor policy, education and protections for hybrid work arrangements. For LEAP to succeed, Abu Salem and Saade emphasize that it must center on the human experience and be grounded in Lebanon's social reality, providing clear guidance for an ethical and inclusive AI strategy.
Lebanese Army
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Lebanese Army
The workshop titled "Good Governance in the State Restoration Project" was held at Fouad Shehab Command and Staff College
Wednesday, 23 July 2025 The Research and Strategic Studies Center of the LAF, in collaboration with Saint Joseph University and the Beirut Builders Lions Club, organized a workshop titled "Good Governance in the State Restoration Project" at Fouad Shehab Command and Staff College. The Ceremony was attended by the Director of the Research and Strategic Studies Center, representing the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander. During the workshop, Administrative Brigadier General Ali Bou Hamdan, the Director of the Center, delivered a speech emphasizing that good governance is the key to protecting stability and enhancing trust between citizens and the state.
L'Orient-Le Jour
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Lebanese woman wins speech contest at Panthéon-Sorbonne University
At the end of April, one hour before the contest final, Marianne Saghbini was ready to face her competitors. "I was on the steps of the Panthéon, rehearsing my speech over and over again in front of my friends, who must have heard it at least forty times!" she said. When the moment arrived under the Panthéon's dome, this 20-year-old speaker distinguished herself among the French and international competitors. Following the final arguments, the jury awarded her the Revelation Prize, alongside three other students who were granted the Grand Prize, the AUF Inspiration Prize and the Public Prize. "I have worked hard in recent years to acquire oratory skills and reach this level where I feel comfortable speaking in public, projecting my voice, and most importantly, making sure I am heard. So, winning this prize is a form of international validation of my work. It's also a source of pride to have represented Lebanon and my university, pride in myself as well, in my own journey and my learning," stated Saghbini, who had just earned her degree in political science from Saint Joseph University. Winner of the 2024 9th edition of the International Francophone Debate Championship at USJ, organized in partnership with the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie in the Middle East, she was automatically qualified for the second round of the International Speech Contest and then took part in the semi-final. Organized by Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, this competition brought together students from that university and, thanks to the partnership with AUF, international contestants. Each candidate had to convince and persuade the audience and the jury with their speech, illustrating the art of rhetoric. The finalists had to take on two challenges: one on a topic assigned by the organizers, and the other on a subject they had to choose themselves. During the debate on the assigned topic, tackling the problem, "Is suffering necessary for success?" Saghbini had to defend the negative answer, a duel she won. For the second part of the final, she chose to give praise to nothing. "I thought this subject could be funny!" she exclaimed. What captivated her was the ability of the topic to make people laugh and surprise them, allowing her to infuse a touch of irony into her speech. "With praise for nothing, no one is going to expect what I'll say, since there's nothing to say as such. I can give a definition, but it will only answer itself, since defining nothing ultimately means having nothing," she amusedly recalled, admitting that she enjoyed playing with this ambiguity. "The more I worked on the topic, the more interested I became. I ended up concluding my speech with the idea that nothing is, in the end, everything, and being content with nothing is also having everything. So praising nothing is inherently praising everything. It was an interesting subject, but also quite complicated to work with, which ultimately paid off." One of the keys to a successful speech: making the audience react Accustomed to parliamentary debates with a political tone based on factual information, she quickly realized at the time of the semi-final that she needed to change her approach for this contest. "The biggest challenge was succeeding in integrating the codes of this type of debate. I had to watch competitions from past years and understand their way of debating to learn how to do it," she said. She explained that it was more about "being able to raise or lower your voice, to make the audience cry or laugh," before adding that it's about putting on a performance, hoping for the audience's validation. "So it was important for me to integrate these techniques into my speech, and finally, I think it worked out rather well, because I saw a lot of smiles," she stated, convinced that one of the keys to a successful speech is making the audience react. "I understood that in eloquence competitions, it's important to play on emotions," such as moving from laughter to tragedy and vice versa. Having won the Revelation Prize, Saghbini believes that different skills contributed to this success. During the speech-writing phase, what was necessary was both thorough research and the ability to reflect, and a flair for language characterized by mastery of wordplay, an ironic and humorous tone, as well as a kind of self-mockery. She said that it was also essential to have "a critical mind, about yourself as well as about what you write, to spot flaws in your writing and reasoning," to anticipate possible jury criticism. As for the presentation, it requires "self-control and emotional mastery, being able to calm your nerves," when facing "an audience watching, a jury judging, and teammates who also want to win." At the same time, "being able to play with vocal intonation, hand movements, and body language" was necessary. In short, it was about having "oratory skills and a good presentation of yourself and your speech." The art of eloquence: a matter of transmission From the first year of her political science degree, Saghbini joined the debate club, through which she participated in several training sessions to prepare for inter-faculty competitions. "I remember my first training, where I couldn't even speak for two minutes on an assigned topic, I was shaking so much. As I participated more in the annual competitions, I ended up winning the prize in my third year. There is a big difference between my first debating experience and now, when I can speak in front of 200 people with complete ease," she said. Her interest in debates dates back to high school, when she started a philosophical debate club with the help of her teacher. Inspired by the people she met in her surroundings, from relatives to people she met on the street, as well as her university professors, by their way of speaking and interacting with others, Saghbini wanted to clarify how she views eloquence. "I'm a little afraid that eloquence will be seen as something elitist. For me, eloquence is the taxi driver who can discuss a political topic with good arguments, it's the corner shopkeeper who knows how to sell his products, etc. We Lebanese manage to express ourselves and play on emotions to reach our goals," she stated. She also explained that she was inspired by Dominique de Villepin's speech at the U.N. at the start of the Iraq war. "It struck me in particular, both in what he defended and in his way of expressing it. His speech is always present in my mind. It made me want to develop those same oratorical skills and to build a dialogue where listening and expression are at the heart of the subject," she said. This year, the awardee acted as organizer, jury member and moderator of the 10th edition of the International Francophone Debate Championship at USJ, having served as general secretary of the university's debate club during her final undergraduate year. "It was the beginning of a new journey where I was supporting and guiding students," stated the young woman, always ready to "teach others the skills of eloquence and debate, to help them improve their abilities and pass the torch on." Later, in her academic journey or career, she believes that her acquired skills will always be useful to her. "Eloquence is so broad that it doesn't apply just to an academic or professional setting. Whatever path I take, I will always use the art of eloquence and also try my best to share it with those around me," she said. Une Libanaise lauréate d'un concours d'éloquence de l'université Panthéon-Sorbonne.
Web Release
03-07-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Roche Lebanon and Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital and Saint Joseph University in Beirut Extend Strategic Memorandum of Understanding
In line with its mission of 'Doing now what patients need next,' Roche Lebanon SARL has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital (HSF) and Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut. The signing ceremony, held at the hospital premises in Beirut, reaffirmed the strength of this strategic alliance aimed at elevating the healthcare sector in Lebanon through sustained collaboration. The renewed MoU further anchors a framework of joint initiatives across a range of priority areas, including innovation and research, medical education, patient experience and support, medical tourism, and digitization and technology. It also marks an expansion of the collaboration into new disease areas and within the broader network of HDF/ USJ-affiliated institutions. The memorandum was signed by Professor Salim Daccache s.j., Rector of Saint-Joseph University of Beirut; Dr. Carole Hassoun, General Manager of Roche Pharmaceuticals Levant; and Mr. Nassib Nasr, General Manager of Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital. 'Signing this memorandum for a second year is a privilege and a testament to the strength of our shared belief that we can improve human health through partnership,' said Dr. Carole Hassoun. 'The foundation of trust and synergy we've built with Hôtel-Dieu de France and Saint Joseph University over the past year has been invaluable. We are driven by the idea that the rigorous pursuit of science can transform lives, and as we deepen our collaboration, we will continue to combine our expertise to push boundaries and bring breakthrough healthcare solutions to patients in Lebanon.' Sharing this enthusiasm, Professor Salim Daccache said: 'We are extremely satisfied with the partnership with Roche. This renewal underscores the long-term vision of all parties to foster a culture of continuous learning and research excellence in Lebanon. It also opens new avenues for cross-disciplinary collaboration, ensuring that future healthcare solutions are both cutting-edge and locally relevant.' Highlighting the practical success of the collaboration, Mr. Nassib Nasr added, 'This MoU goes beyond a simple partnership. Its strength lies in the dynamism, efficiency, and professionalism of the teams involved, and in the variety of interactive and productive committees from both sides that have enabled us to bring these pillars to life.' The renewed agreement highlights the shared belief that meaningful progress in the industry requires collective effort. In an increasingly complex and evolving healthcare landscape—especially amid Lebanon's current challenges—collaboration between academia and medical institutions is more critical than ever. By joining forces, Roche and Hôtel-Dieu de France / Saint-Joseph University of Beirut reaffirm their commitment to co-developing solutions that are innovative, patient-centered, and sustainable. These partnerships enable the alignment of science, clinical expertise, and real-world implementation, paving the way for healthcare advancements that better serve patients and strengthen the overall system. For more than 75 years, Roche Lebanon has been instrumental in strengthening the country's healthcare landscape. In the face of ongoing challenges in Lebanon and the wider region, the company remains firmly dedicated to building meaningful partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem. By harnessing its expertise and innovative capabilities, Roche continues to deliver impactful solutions that support both patients and healthcare professionals. These collaborations not only aim to ensure the resilience and longevity of the healthcare system but also to reinforce Lebanon's role as a regional leader in medical advancement.
Mid East Info
22-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
In the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Legal Affairs, the winners of the Habib Al Mulla Academy Legal Research Writing Competition were announced
Habib Al Mulla Academy, in collaboration with LexisNexis and Saint Joseph University in Dubai, proudly held the awards ceremony of the first edition of the Habib Al Mulla Legal Writing Competition, a unique initiative aimed at empowering future legal minds and encouraging innovation in legislative writing. This morning's ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria DIFC was attended by legal professionals, academics, and competition finalists. The event concluded with an award presentation by Dr Juma Alfalasi from the Dubai Legal Affairs Department (DLAD), followed by closing remarks from Dr. Habib Al Mulla. We are pleased to announce the top three winners: Alia Al Marzouqi – First Place Abeer Shalish – Second Place Aseel Abu Shehab – Third Place The competition invited students from across the UAE to submit legal research papers focused on current legislative developments and innovative legal solutions. Participants were evaluated by a distinguished panel of legal academics and practitioners. It was also announced that the first-place prize has been increased to AED 20,000 in the second edition and that a new category has been introduced for legal research in the GCC countries.
