The University of Balamand (UOB) participated in the International Horticultural Expo 2023, hosted by Qatar from October 2, 2023, to March 28, 2024, under the theme “Green Desert, Better Environment”. The event was attended by Dr. Elias Warrak, President of the University of Balamand and Dr. Salim Kanaan, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Alumni Relations, along with several directors and professors from the university.
Under the auspices of the Lebanese Embassy in Qatar, UOB Alumni organized an exhibition showcasing Lebanese olive products, including oil, soap and various other items. The University of Balamand also contributed to the Lebanese Pavilion by presenting projects from the Faculty of Engineering and the Issam M. Fares Institute of Technology.
The Faculty of Engineering presented the “Green Roofs” project, which highlights sustainable construction practices by planting building rooftops. These practices offer benefits in energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and aesthetic enhancement. The project aims to provide clean energy, achieve sustainability, and improve air quality. It is supervised by Dr. Makram Bachawati and Mrs. Mantoura Nakad.
Under the supervision of Dr. Rodrigue Balaa, the Issam M. Fares Institute of Technology presented three projects through its Agriculture Department. These projects specialize in smart agriculture and are managed by Dr. Ibrahim Chambour and Engineer Jonathan Deep. They include the Smart Apiary, Smart Nursery, and Smart Digestor, serving various goals of sustainable development such as poverty eradication, hunger eradication, gender equality, responsible consumption, and more.
Over the course of three days, the University of Balamand participated in the activities at the Lebanese Pavilion, featuring three presentations. The first presentation centered on “Harmonizing Sustainability and Engineering: Building a Greener Future”. The second, titled “Solar Energy and Hydroelectric Power Plants”, delved into renewable energy sources. Lastly, the third presentation examined the “Internet of Things and its Application in Smart Agriculture”.
The University of Balamand’s vision along with its projects focusing on sustainable development, technology, agriculture and the environment aligns with the vision of Expo Qatar 2023, aiming to promote sustainable innovations and combat desertification through modern agriculture, technology, environmental awareness, and sustainability.
Dr. Warrak expressed his gratitude to the UOB Alumni Committee in Qatar, as they spared no effort in providing all the support and assistance necessary for the success of the event, demonstrating their dedication and loyalty to their university and country.
He also emphasized the importance of UOB’s participation in Expo Qatar 2023 highlighting the work and projects of the university in the fields of sustainable development, agriculture, technology, and environmental awareness. Dr. Warrak underscored the university’s dedicated efforts in environmental conservations, aiming to raise environmental awareness and find solutions to the environmental challenges facing our world. Additionally, he stressed the importance of providing students with opportunities to expand their knowledge and academic practices by encouraging them to innovate and create.