The President of the University of Balamand, Dr. Elias Warrak, warmly welcomed the Japanese Ambassador to Lebanon, Professor Takashi Okubo, and a delegation from the embassy at the university’s main campus in Koura. The Chief Operating Officer, Vice Presidents, Deans of Faculties and Dr. Manal Nader, Director – Institute of the Environment, were also in attendance on behalf of the university.
At the outset of their meeting, Dr. Warrak and the Japanese Ambassador discussed the general situation in Lebanon and the situation of higher education in particular as a result of the country’s financial and economic collapse.
Dr. Warrak presented an overview of the university’s history, followed by an explanation of its current status in terms of urbanization, academic curricula, programs and specializations, the number of students registered each year and the financial aid it provides, as well as its place on international ranking lists, more specifically the QS World University Ranking, where it has remained in the top two for three consecutive years. He also discussed some of the university’s future projects.
In his turn, the Japanese Ambassador, Professor Okubo, praised the splendor and beauty of the university’s main campus. He also presented the possibility of cooperation between the University of Balamand and prestigious universities in Japan, as well as ways of cultural cooperation between the two institutions. After the meeting, Dr. Warrak toured the university with the Ambassador and welcomed him to a luncheon at the Presidential House.