The University of Balamand (UOB) and the Lebanese Red Cross, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 5, 2026, to establish a structured academic collaboration at Cash Center of Excellence (CCoE) in the Middle East and North Africa, which is hosted by the Lebanese Red Cross, and to promote academic exchange while linking university education with field-based humanitarian practice. The MoU was signed by the President of UOB Dr. Elias Warrak, and the Secretary General of the Lebanese Red Cross, Mr. Georges Kettaneh.
The agreement aims to engage faculty members and students in real-world humanitarian programs, contribute to the development of learning and research materials, and strengthen knowledge and capacity in the areas of disaster response and Cash and Voucher Assistance.
In his remarks, Dr. Warrak stated: “This MoU reflects UOB’s commitment to its academic and community role by linking higher education with applied humanitarian action, and by providing students and faculty members with opportunities to participate in initiatives that enhance research-based knowledge and field experience.”
For his part, Mr. Georges Kettaneh emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that it contributes to bridging academic knowledge with field-based humanitarian practice, strengthens capacity in Cash and Voucher Assistance, supports humanitarian action grounded in learning and experience exchange, and serves the most vulnerable populations in Lebanon and the region.
This MoU reflects the commitment of both parties to strengthening institutional cooperation and developing applied knowledge, in support of preparing an effective academic and humanitarian generation capable of addressing growing humanitarian challenges.
Representatives of the delegations of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the British Red Cross, the Norwegian Red Cross, and the Netherlands Red Cross also participated in the signing ceremony.