The University of Balamand (UOB) organized a roundtable discussion titled “Bridging Divides: A Diplomatic Conversation” on July 14, 2025, at its Dekwaneh Campus. The event brought together distinguished guests from the fields of politics, diplomacy, and academia for an engaging and insightful exchange. The roundtable served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on fostering collaboration and understanding across divides and it was moderated by journalist Rima Maktabi, who professionally guided the discussions, adding a dynamic tone to the dialogue.
The panelists were His Excellency Dr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations; His Excellency Fares Boueiz, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lebanon; His Excellency Alain Tabourian, former Minister of Energy and Water; Dr. Elias Warrak, President of the UOB; and Professor Fadi Georges Comair, Advisor to the UOB President and a global authority on hydro diplomacy. The event was also attended by prominent figures from the political, educational, military, social, and media sectors.
Discussions centered on the role of education in fostering coexistence, strategies for post-conflict recovery in the region, the need to rethink multilateral cooperation, and how environmental diplomacy, especially in water and climate, can support long-term peace. The panelists highlighted Lebanon’s potential to act as a platform for dialogue, and the importance of investing in youth, institutional reform, and sustainable development.
In his intervention, His Excellency Dr. Moratinos underscored the central role of education in shaping a more resilient and united society. He stated: “Lebanon is a major player when it comes to education and human capital. Education is not only a right, it is a responsibility. It must equip the next generation with the tools, knowledge, and training to address today’s complex challenges and to contribute meaningfully to the future of their societies.”
His Excellency Mr. Boueiz reflected on Lebanon’s broader contributions to the world and the hope for a new chapter in the region’s history. He remarked: “Lebanese people have always played an influential role beyond their homeland.” He added: “I hope that it will be time for peace. I hope that after all these wars, we are finally standing in front of a new situation, one that allows for reconciliation, renewal, and the building of a better future.”
Addressing Lebanon’s economic challenges, His Excellency Mr. Tabourian spoke candidly about structural reform and the need to reimagine the country’s economic model. He stated: “We are educating our youth, yet our economy is unable to absorb their talents. Our current model forces us to export our human capital and rely on remittances. This is unsustainable. We need a comprehensive restructuring of the economy, starting with rethinking our fiscal policies, to create real opportunities at home.”
Dr. Warrak, emphasized the university’s commitment to inclusive dialogue and transformative education. He said: “UOB is deeply committed to cultivating dialogue, fostering pluralism, and transcending divides. As educators and diplomats, we share the responsibility of preparing new generations to think critically, to empathize deeply, and to build bridges where others see walls.” He added: “Today’s roundtable is not merely an academic exercise. It is a call to action. It underscores the urgent need to build bridges of understanding and empathy in a world that too often celebrates differences instead of commonalities.”
Prof, Fadi Georges Comair addressed the urgent need for environmental diplomacy and climate education in the region. He noted: “We are experiencing a paradigm shift in the MENA region, and one of the key challenges is geopolitical fragmentation. Climate change education must be embedded in our academic systems. Students should be equipped to tackle environmental challenges, and hydro-diplomacy should be part of the solution for sustainable peace.”
Through this gathering, UOB renews its firm commitment to promoting a culture of open and constructive dialogue and to establishing the foundations of mutual understanding among various parties in Lebanon and the entire region. The university believes that dialogue is the cornerstone for achieving peace and stability, and that building bridges between communities and cultures is the best way to overcome conflicts and disputes.