The Observatory on Public Service and Good Governance (OFP) at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ), in collaboration with the Lebanese Army and the Beirut Builders Lions Club, held a seminar titled “Oceans and Seas: Between Good Governance and Geopolitical Competition.”

The event successfully brought together a diverse assembly of academics, experts, military officers from the Lebanese Army and General Security, and students from USJ and the Army’s Centre for Research and Strategic Studies. The conference was inaugurated by Prof. Pascal Monin, OFP Director, who commended the productive collaboration between USJ, the Centre for Research and Strategic Studies, and the Beirut Builders Lions Club. He underscored the conference’s timeliness and significance in the current global context, advocating for the continuation of such seminars.

General Mansour Zougheib, Director of the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, followed with insights into the legal and geopolitical dimensions of the subject, expressing gratitude to USJ and the Beirut Builders Lions Club. Dr. Mahmoud Qobrosli, President of the Club, emphasized the vital role of governance in oceans and seas, calling for increased collaboration.

The seminar’s highlight was the first panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Charbel Maroun, titled “Gas and Oil Conflicts: Between Geopolitical, Legal Perspectives and Good Governance.” Dr. Sami Nader, Director of the USJ Institute of Political Science, discussed the geopolitics of energy and its impact on international relations. Prof. Rizk Zgheib, Attorney-at-Law, and Professor at the Faculty of Law, delved into necessary legislation for effective governance of Lebanon’s maritime area.

Dr. Marie Line Karam, legal adviser at the Research and Strategic Studies Centre of the Lebanese Army, shared insights on preventing and resolving maritime conflicts. Dr. Mona Sakr, an expert in oil and gas, addressed the role of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Organisation in European energy security.

The second panel discussion, moderated by energy governance expert Diana Al Qaisi, explored “Ocean Governance and Maritime Awareness.” Admiral Mazen Basbous of the Lebanese Army discussed the delineation of Lebanese-Israeli maritime borders, emphasizing conflict avoidance. Ms. Christina Abi Haydar, a legal expert in oil and the environment, underscored the importance of enlightened governance in resolving maritime conflicts. Attorney-at-Law Fares Abi Khalil of the Lions Club concluded the panel discussion with a focus on safety and environmental sustainability in offshore oil and gas operations.

General Mansour Zougheib closed the seminar, expressing gratitude to speakers and participants and highlighting the significance of ongoing collaboration. The closing session featured a speech by Dr. Muhieddin Al-Shihimi, an expert in governance at the International Centre for European Training, summarizing and commenting on presented ideas, along with recommendations for amending laws and regulations. Prof. Pascal Monin expressed gratitude to the participants and pledged to continue joint activities.

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Read also: Colloque « Océans et mers : entre bonne gouvernance et compétition géopolitique » à l’OFP