Beirut, September 19, 2026 – ESA Business School held its annual graduation ceremony at the Henri et Nadège Obegi Garden, on its Beirut campus, bringing together distinguished figures from the business, academic, and institutional communities. Organized as part of the School’s 30th anniversary celebrations, the event honored graduates from ten academic and executive programs who welcomed their families, partners, and distinguished guests who came to celebrate their achievements.
The evening began with a welcome reception of invited guests, followed by the academic procession and the entrance of the graduating class. In his opening words, ESA Business School’s Director General, Mr. Maxence Duault, congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments and recognized the dedication that brought them to this milestone. A one-minute video highlighting ESA’s 30-year journey was then screened, setting the tone of the celebration. The ceremony also featured addresses by Mr. Jean-Paul Vermès, Vice President of ESA Business School and Honorary President of the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris Île-de-France), and Mr. Éric Amblard, Consul General of France in Lebanon.
Graduates from the School’s various academic programs were recognized during the diploma presentation ceremony, including participants from the Cercle des Dirigeants (CDD), Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), Executive MBA (EMBA), Executive Master in International Affairs and Diplomacy (EMIAD), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Specialized Master’s in Marketing and Communications (MMC), Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MENT), Master in International Management (MIM), and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Jean-Pierre Lafon Trophy, named in honor of ESA’s founding Ambassador. The award ceremony was followed by remarks from H.E. Jean-Pierre Lafon himself. Guests were also inspired by the testimonial of Raphael Khoury, an ESA alumnus, who reflected on the lasting impact of his education and its role in shaping his professional journey.
Many distinguished guests attended the event, including representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris Île-de-France), among them M. Stephane Fratacci, Director General of the Paris Île-de-France Chamber, and Mr. Pierre Trouillet, Delegate Director to the President of the Chamber, responsible for investment solutions development, as well as international faculty members and many of the School’s partners.
The evening concluded with the celebration of a new graduating class, marking the successful completion of their educational journey at ESA Business School. The ceremony also represented an important milestone for the institution as it commemorates its 30th anniversary and reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and to developing the talents who will help shape the future of Lebanon and the region.