On Monday, May 26, 2025, a meeting was held at the Rectorate of the Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ), bringing together Prof. Salah Abou Jaoude, SJ, First Vice-Rector of USJ and Dean of the Faculty of Religious Studies, Prof. Carla Eddé, Vice-Rector for International Relations, Prof. Richard Maroun, Vice-Rector for Research, Prof. Toufic Rizk, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Fadi Geara, Vice-Rector for Administration, Prof. Elie Nemer, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Georges Dabar, Medical Director of Hôtel-Dieu de France (HDF), Prof. Michèle Kosremelli Asmar, Director of the Higher Institute of Public Health, Prof. Walid Ammar, Director of the Doctorate and Research in Public Health Program, Prof. Myrna Gannagé, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Prof. Boutros Ghanem, Head of its Psychology Department, Prof. Céleste Younes Harb, Director of the Institute of Psychomotor Therapy, Prof. Nadine Riachi, Secretary-General, and an official Iraqi delegation.

This delegation included Prof. Nassif Al-Humairi, Chairperson of the Scientific Council for Psychiatry, Iraqi Board of Medical Specialties, Iraqi Ministry of Health; Dr. Shaimaa Al-Abdulwahed, Representative of the Office of Minister of Health, Iraqi Ministry of Health; Dr. Amer Diab, Director of the Department of Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Director of the Mental Health and Autism Division, Responsible for Tobacco Control, Supervisor of the Antimicrobial Resistance Control Division (AMR) at the Ministry of Health of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq; Dr. Omar Al-Ani, Coordinator at the Ministry of Health; Mrs. Rand Al Ajeel, Iraqi Project Focal Person; and Dr. Ban Houshy, the Iraqi Cultural Attaché in Beirut.

The session, moderated by Prof. Eddé, reaffirmed USJ’s commitment to fostering academic and healthcare collaboration across the Arab world.

Abou Jaoude

Prof. Salah Abou Jaoude, SJ opened the meeting by emphasizing the University’s enduring ties with Iraq, rooted in the legacy of the Jesuit-founded Al-Hikma University in Baghdad. He highlighted USJ’s resilience amid Lebanon’s challenges and its dedication to regional cooperation within the framework of the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

Riachi Haddad

Prof. Riachi Haddad outlined USJ’s academic structure, comprising 13 faculties, 15 institutes, and 5 doctoral schools, supported by international accreditations, including ACQUIN, ABET, the International Coaching Federation, and SSH. She noted the University’s global presence, reflected in its alumni network, across 10 regional and international campuses. She also emphasized the integration of digital technologies and AI, sustainability, and the pivotal role of HDF in delivering comprehensive medical education and services.

Geara

Prof. Fadi Geara emphasized the ongoing infrastructure upgrades and environmental sustainability efforts. He highlighted post-conflict campus restorations and reaffirmed USJ’s status as a “Green University,” with initiatives like tobacco-free and car-free zones. He also noted the use of solar panels, motion-sensor lighting, and water-saving systems, alongside awareness programs on energy conservation. Prof. Geara concluded by presenting USJ’s international expansion, including a new campus in Côte d'Ivoire offering four academic programs, reinforcing the University’s regional outreach and commitment to sustainable growth.

Rizk

Prof. Toufic Rizk focused on health sciences education. He highlighted the Institute of Physiotherapy, which offers bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs structured around European credit standards and fully accredited by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, like all other degrees awarded by the University. Prof. Rizk also mentioned the Higher Institute of Speech and Language Therapy, the Institute of Psychomotor Therapy, the Higher Institute of Public Health, along with the faculties of Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, noting their integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and practice. He concluded with a mention of the School of Midwifery, reinforcing USJ’s commitment to comprehensive health education.

Maroun

Prof. Richard Maroun highlighted USJ’s dynamic research ecosystem, encompassing five main disciplines. He detailed key metrics, including 544 full-time instructors-researchers, 3,298 publications, and 35 patented inventions. Prof. Maroun presented concrete examples of research commercialization, such as Prof. Nicolas Louka’s work on preserving the quality and properties of defatted seeds and nuts, as well as innovations like intensified vaporization by decompression to vacuum (IVDV) and apple chip production. These projects were developed within USJ’s laboratories, reflecting the University’s focus on applied, market-driven research.

Eddé

Prof. Carla Eddé highlighted the extensive global engagement, encompassing 374 partnerships across 42 countries and membership in 98 networks including AUF. She emphasized key collaborations through programs such as Erasmus+, ICRC, Berytech, and Murex, and noted USJ’s recognition in the WURI rankings. Prof. Eddé also mentioned ongoing projects with Al Bayan University in Iraq and the Catholic University in Erbil, underscoring USJ’s commitment to international cooperation. She further acknowledged the global recognition of USJ community members, such as Fadi Abboud, a student at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, who received 6 international awards for entrepreneurship in health, and USJ Rector, Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, who was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from Boston College. She also praised initiatives like the tobacco-free campus, which reflect the University’s ongoing commitment to health and well-being.

Dabar

Prof. Georges Dabar introduced HDF, USJ’s University Medical Center, highlighting its advanced medical services, active research, and integrated emergency services. With over 200 doctors across various specialties, HDF serves patients from Lebanon and the wider Middle East. The hospital emphasizes sustainability through solar energy, efficient waste management, and eco-friendly practices. Its network includes a dispensary, a family medicine center, and nationwide hospitalization services, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of national healthcare.

Ghanem

Prof. Boutros Ghanem presented the full academic track, enriched by active research and field training through the University Center for Psychological Support. He emphasized the department’s humanitarian focus, providing psychological care to students, as well as integrating a new University Diploma in Psychoeducational Support for People with Sensory Impairments - Assessment and Guidance. Post-crisis social services, numerous seminars, and community projects further reflect the department’s commitment to mental health and its role in shaping competent, socially responsible professionals.

Kosremelli Asmar

Prof. Michèle Kosremelli Asmar presented the Institute’s comprehensive academic and research framework, encompassing master’s and PhD programs. She highlighted its research centers, observatories, and numerous national and international partnerships, including collaborations with WHO, UNESCO, the Ministry of Public Health, NGOs, the private sector, and USJ’s Faculty of Medicine. Prof. Asmar emphasized the Institute’s strong sense of social responsibility, reflected in its commitment to training students who are engaged, ethical, and responsive to public health challenges.

Ammar

Prof. Walid Ammar presented the program’s strong academic and research orientation. He emphasized its role in shaping healthcare professionals and leaders equipped with tools for sustainable development. Prof. Ammar also highlighted the program’s international impact, strategic agreements, and the active participation of students in key academic and professional events, reinforcing their engagement in global public health initiatives.

The Iraqi Delegation

Prof. Nassif Al-Humairi expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to be in Beirut, especially after the challenges both Iraq and Lebanon have faced. He reflected on Iraq’s post-conflict recovery and stressed the critical role of education and healthcare in rebuilding. He praised the historic ties between the two countries and the excellence of Lebanon’s academic and medical institutions. Moved by the warm hospitality and high-quality presentations, he voiced a strong interest in deepening collaboration. He affirmed Iraq’s openness to Arab partnerships, particularly with Lebanon, and encouraged USJ to submit a proposal to the Ministry of Education to formalize academic cooperation through joint research, faculty exchanges, and the creation of new departments.

Dr. Houchy closed the session by expressing gratitude to all participants and reaffirming her support for future collaboration. She emphasized the importance of building strong academic and institutional ties between Lebanon and Iraq, viewing the discussions as a foundation for meaningful partnerships. Looking ahead, she welcomed the prospect of new cooperative initiatives, particularly in higher education and healthcare, and expressed her full support for endeavors that would benefit both countries.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of USJ’s 150^th anniversary book to each delegate, followed by a lunch at L’Atelier, marking the end of a productive and forward-looking session.

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