The Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Saida and the South (CCIAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening training and employment opportunities for young people in South Lebanon, while promoting entrepreneurship and innovation across the region through a dedicated scholarship fund: the “CCIAS Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award.”
The signing ceremony was held at the Rectorate in the presence of Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, Rector of USJ, and Mr. Mohammad Saleh, President of the Chamber, joined by several university officials: Prof. Salah Abou Jaoude, SJ, First Vice-Rector; Prof. Fadi Geara, Vice-Rector for Administration; Prof. Carla Eddé, Vice-Rector for International Relations; Prof. Nadine Riachi Haddad, Secretary-General; Mrs. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andréa, Director of Fondation USJ; Prof. Dina Sidani, Director of the South Lebanon Campus - Rev. Fr. André Masse, SJ (CLS); and Mrs. Ursula Hage, Director of the Career and Placement Office at USJ.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Dina Sidani welcomed a collaboration that has been firmly established over several years between USJ and CCIAS, a partnership she has personally worked to strengthen with determination. She emphasized the shared commitment to supporting and accompanying young people from the South, offering them opportunities to engage with the socio-economic world and to build a solid and sustainable professional future.
“I wish to thank the President of CCIAS, Mr. Saleh, for this valuable collaboration,” she added, “which enables our youth to contribute to the development of their region by putting their fresh ideas and vibrant energy to good use.”
Prof. Daccache highlighted “the importance of maintaining a strong link between the university and the professional world,” stressing that “while academic qualifications are essential, they must be complemented by practical experience enabling students to enter the job market with confidence and competence.” He also noted that many USJ students go on to pursue careers within the very companies where they complete their internships, reaffirming the relevance of such partnerships.
Mrs. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andréa reiterated that supporting the University’s regional campuses remains a central priority for Fondation USJ, firmly believing that educating Lebanon’s youth is the driving force of the country’s sustainable development. She added that such initiatives strengthen the Foundation’s mission to accompany students wherever they are, opening doors to a future filled with hope and opportunity.
Mr. Mohammad Saleh expressed his satisfaction with this collaboration, stating that “today’s economic and social challenges call for investment in education and for encouraging young entrepreneurs to transform their innovative ideas into tangible projects.” He said: “This agreement marks the launch of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award, in partnership with the Center for Competencies and Entrepreneurship(EC2), to create new prospects for the youth of Saida and the South.”
Through this memorandum, both institutions commit to enhancing employability and innovation through concrete initiatives, including:
• The creation of an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Academy,
• A joint USJ-Chamber certificate,
• An annual innovation program,
• An annual Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award,
• Internships and part- or full-time job opportunities within companies across the South.
This partnership is fully aligned with USJ’s mission to place knowledge at the service of society and to train a new generation of engaged citizens contributing to the economic and social development of Lebanon, and particularly the South.