The Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) and the American University of Beirut (AUB) celebrated the renewal of their memorandum of understanding in a ceremony hosted at the USJ Innovation and Sports Campus. The occasion was graced by distinguished figures, including the Minister of Education and Higher Education, H.E. Abbas El-Halabi, the President of AUB, Dr. Fadlo Khouri, at the head of a delegation from AUB, and the Rector of USJ, Prof. Salim Daccache SJ, along with the vice-rectors, deans, and directors.

The participants were greeted by the USJ Secretary-General, Prof. Nadine Riachi Haddad, who recalled that the initial agreement between the two universities dates back to 2018. She acknowledged the challenging conditions Lebanon has been facing since then and expressed gratitude to all those involved in its implementation, especially in the realms of student life and scientific research.

Following that, Prof. Richard Maroun, the Vice-Rector for Research, spoke about the results of the initial agreement and highlighted the projects accomplished in the field of collaborative research. He also emphasized the number of ongoing projects.

After welcoming his counterpart Khouri and H.E. El-Halabi, Prof. Daccache, reflected on the first agreement, highlighting its achievements, and declared, “Today, our commitment is to renew the MoU signed approximately five years ago. Since then, significant events have unfolded, starting with the October 17, 2019 revolution and the famous joint declaration of October 27, 2019, the HITS program for collaborative scientific research carried forward with the enthusiasm of the late Prof. Dolla Sarkis, to the struggle for the revitalization of the Universities Association of Lebanon, and many other activities... The financial crisis, the Beirut port explosion, and the resulting damages have compelled us to not give up but to stand tall and salvage Lebanese higher education, at least to some extent.”

He went on to say, “The two universities have collaborated closely, to the best of their ability, towards this salvation and continue to do so. In short, there is an intertwined history, and a tradition of cooperation has been woven, and we take pride in what has been achieved.” Drawing attention to the current situation in Lebanon, he noted that it “continues to deteriorate amidst the constitutional vacuum the country has been experiencing for over a year. The condemnable events in Gaza, resulting in the death of innocent people, have left an impact on southern Lebanon and the overall Lebanese situation. Today, by signing this memorandum of understanding once again, under the watchful eye of our Minister, numerous ideas are sprouting, and it is our responsibility, through our efforts and creativity, to bring them to fruition.”

He added, “I suggest forming a steering team consisting of three individuals from each university to brainstorm feasible projects, accompany their implementation, and consequently materialize our intentions and today’s understanding. One of the crucial points is to collectively contribute to building the new Lebanon envisioned by future generations – a Lebanon liberated from corruption and wrongdoers, a Lebanon proud of its sovereignty and freedom of thought, writing, and innovation; a Lebanon of love and communal living, a space for social justice for all segments of society.”

“We can be certain that we are working together for the glory of the Almighty, who grants abundant life to everyone,” concluded the Rector.

On his part, Dr. Fadlo Khouri thanked Prof. Daccache “for this integration, coordination, brotherhood, and loyalty that have manifested between our two universities since the beginning of the understanding.” He continued, “We have both understood the depth of our responsibility in these challenging conditions since 2015, which are intensifying by the day.” The President of AUB also highlighted the shared role of the two universities, stating, “Our past accomplishments include playing a pivotal role in safeguarding education, higher education, and the healthcare sector in Lebanon. Over the last four years, our students and researchers have received a record number of scholarships and research grants, and currently, more than 20% of our students benefit from free education. We have also worked to strengthen our overall financial support for education, which increased from just over 50 million dollars in 2015 to over 110 million dollars in 2023.”

Looking ahead, Khouri announced that “what lies ahead is more significant than what we have accomplished, and that is to preserve the civilized, educational, and healthcare way of life of this beloved nation, transcending all these challenges. There is no doubt that this responsibility has increased over the past four years with the collapse of the economy and the State, the lack of opportunities, and the absence of faith in institutions.”

He further discussed the role of the two universities in this context, stating, “Both institutions continue to play a crucial role in restoring hope to citizens. Therefore, today, we were pleased to reaffirm the connection between these two esteemed universities.”

Regarding the current situation, Khouri declared, “Today, we are confronted with a threat to the nation’s existence, identity, as well as the security and future of its citizens.” He emphasized that “as two universities, we must impart lessons on citizenship, shoulder responsibility, inspire hope, and be prepared to make sacrifices for a better future for everyone. In the realm of this educational endeavor, we commit ourselves to fostering love for the country, loyalty to its people and future, and embracing its profound Arab mission and bright prospects for future generations.”

He concluded by expressing the hope that “the relationship between the two universities lasts for more than a century and becomes stronger and deeper with each passing generation.”

As for H.E. Abbas El-Halabi, he underscored the significance of this meeting, characterizing it as an “exceptional and pivotal encounter between two esteemed universities.” He asserted that the understanding, initially signed in 2018 at the AUB Marquand House, “is being renewed to reaffirm the profound connection between these two pioneering institutions on the academic and scientific fronts, which have left an indelible mark on Lebanon’s history for over 150 years. They have molded an elite that has contributed to the nation’s development and shouldered significant responsibilities since its independence. This, in turn, has reinforced the concept of the State before it grappled with division, war, and destruction.”

“The renewal of this understanding”, the Minister continued, “confirms the determination of both universities to safeguard and strengthen higher education in Lebanon. As the Minister of Education and Higher Education, I support this initiative despite the fact that the last four years have posed challenges for Lebanon due to crises and collapse impacting all sectors and resulting in severe repercussions for education. We are dedicating our utmost efforts and resources to mitigate these losses and redirect our course.”

Regarding the two universities, El-Halabi stated, “These two institutions have not only played a role in shaping Lebanon’s history but have actively contributed to its construction from their respective positions. Thus, the significance of this understanding lies in introducing novel concepts to redefine the essence of academic work – transparent, transcending narrow boundaries, and aspiring towards universality.”

He continued, “Our endorsement of this agreement is in line with our vision and commitment to firmly establish quality, which serves as the bedrock of higher education. This is a fundamental matter and has been a top priority since we took charge of a dossier marked by numerous violations, particularly the disregard for academic and quality standards. Our efforts have been directed at reevaluating the university landscape, with the aim of preserving the sector’s excellence and leadership.”

He concluded by commending this creative endeavor, reiterating his endorsement of the initiative to renew the understanding, and expressing gratitude to Daccache and Khouri, “who are committed to ensuring the continuing role of both universities as hubs for scientific and academic research, alongside their humanitarian stances and dedication to nation-building and the promotion of liberties in Lebanon.”

Following the signing of two copies of the memorandum of understanding, Prof. Daccache presented the medal commemorating the 150^th anniversary of the University’s founding to Dr. Fadlo Khouri.

Read also: Renouvellement du protocole d'entente entre l’USJ et l’AUB
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