Beirut, September 16, 2026 – As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, ESA Business School hosted the Anniversary Dinner on September 16 in the Henri et Nadège Garden of its Beirut campus, one of the highlights of a week-long program of commemorative events.
Held as part of the anniversary celebrations, the dinner brought together representatives of ESA Business School’s governing bodies, including the Banque du Liban, the French Embassy in Lebanon, and the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris Île-de-France), which oversees the management of the institution. Several ministers, business leaders, school partners, and prominent political and economic figures from the Lebanese and French communities also attended this event. Founded in 1996, ESA Business School marked this significant milestone through a series of events bringing together members of its academic, business, and institutional communities.
The celebration took place in the presence of the speakers Mr. Maxence Duault, Director General of ESA Business School, Mr. Jean-Paul Vermès, Vice President of the School and Honorary President of the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris Île-de-France), Mr. Bruno Pereira da Silva, First Counsellor to the French Ambassador to Lebanon, and H.E. Karim Souaid, Governor of Banque du Liban, all of whom addressed the audience during the evening. Their speeches highlighted the significance of this symbolic milestone and its place in the Institution’s history.
A moment of recognition and appreciation, the dinner paid tribute to the individuals and organizations that have contributed to the growth and influence of the institution over the past three decades. On this occasion, ESA Business School paid tribute to Jean-Pierre Lafon, former French Ambassador to Lebanon and one of the institution’s founding figures, in recognition of the decisive role he played in its creation.
The evening also featured the inauguration of the Donors’ Garden, a dedicated space honoring the individuals and institutions whose support has accompanied the School’s growth and strengthened its impact within the educational and business communities.
The dinner was part of a special program organized by ESA Business School to mark its 30th anniversary, alongside several other events held from September 14 to 18. Throughout the week, the School hosted conferences, inaugurations, networking events, as well as a graduation ceremony, all celebrating its history, achievements, and future ambitions. Together, these events reaffirmed ESA Business School’s role as a bridge between Lebanon, France, and the business world.