The Government Engagement Platform (GEP) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) successfully convened its inaugural high-level meeting today, bringing together more than 50 prominent international actors, diplomats, and experts to set the stage for Lebanon’s sustainable recovery. This landmark event, held on AUB’s campus, marked both the official external launch of AUB GEP — a transformative platform to connect academia, government, and international stakeholders — and the beginning of a multi-phase recovery process aimed at addressing Lebanon’s unparalleled polycrises.
The foundational meeting aimed at setting the strategic context for Lebanon’s recovery through aligning priorities, fostering partnerships, and building a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Against the backdrop of Lebanon’s compounded crises since 2019 and the devastating impact of the most recent war, the meeting underscored the urgency of systemic transformation and a recovery that goes beyond rebuilding physical infrastructure to restoring trust, social cohesion, and governance.
The session commenced with a compelling address by Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, who highlighted the significance of the initiative. “As Lebanon navigates a complex recovery process, the external launch of AUB GEP marks a crucial milestone in driving change and shaping the future of the nation. AUB GEP is here to lead, facilitate, and ensure that Lebanon’s recovery is not just about rebuilding infrastructure, but about transforming the country’s future for generations to come.” Dr. Fadi El-Jardali and Dr. Joseph Bahout, co-leads of GEP, further reinforced the platform’s mission to drive impactful and sustainable changes through transforming the interface between science, policy, and society. It bridges academia, government, and international organizations; leveraging the wealth of expertise within the AUB community; and enabling collective action to shape national conversations, provide innovative solutions and drive impactful changes across Lebanon and the region.
Through structured and dynamic dialogues, participants reflected on Lebanon’s recovery needs within the broader context of its current sociopolitical and economic challenges. They generated consensus on key guiding principles for Lebanon’s recovery, identified priority sectors, and established a framework for action. They also underscored the necessity of reforms in governance, economic policy, and social cohesion. Participants agreed that Lebanon’s recovery requires a phased, multisectoral approach with coordinated collaboration among governments, communities, and global actors. AUB GEP is positioned as a critical platform to bridge diverse stakeholders and foster ongoing partnerships, ensuring that recovery efforts remain inclusive, transparent, and aligned with both domestic and international priorities.
The discussions showcased strong international consensus, with ambassadors and representatives from global agencies reaffirming their commitment to supporting Lebanon’s sustainable recovery. Distinguished attendees included representatives from the Embassies of Sweden, Germany, Finland, Cyprus, France, Denmark, and Poland, as well as high-level officials from USAID, the World Bank, and the United Nations. Additionally, key figures from prominent international development organizations such as IDRC, GIZ, UNIDO, UNESCO, and UN ESCWA alongside representatives from leading NGOs, contributed to the rich discussions.
As this meeting concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to the process and the critical role that AUB GEP can play in bringing together diverse actors—academia, government, international organizations, and local communities—to drive Lebanon’s sustainable recovery.
This meeting is just the beginning. Through continued dialogue, collaboration, and strategic action AUB GEP will continue to lead and facilitate the next stages of Lebanon’s transformation.
About AUB
Founded in 1866, the American University of Beirut bases its educational philosophy, standards, and practices on the American liberal arts model of higher education. A teaching-centered research university, AUB has more than 750 full-time faculty members and a student body of over 8000 students. AUB currently offers more than 140 programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s, MD, and PhD degrees. It provides medical education and training to students from throughout the region at its Medical Center that includes a full-service 365-bed hospital.
Stay up to date on AUB news and events.
aub.edu.lb |Facebook |X