Beirut: The 14th Annual Alumni Business Networking Event offered food for thought, valuable exchanges and professional encounters for more than 300 alumni and industry leaders. As Lebanon stands at a critical juncture, initiatives for collaboration and leveraging expertise are more important than ever for national rebuilding and progress. In this context, more than 300 LAU alumni and business executives and LAU leadership gathered at LAU’s 14th Annual Business Networking Event to connect and explore partnership opportunities and new trends in the industry.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, delivering the keynote speech, Minister for the Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and LAU trustee Kamal Shehadi assessed the implications of AI on the Lebanese job market and industry and outlined a five-year plan to foster innovation and a dynamic economy in a digitalized world. The gathering, which took place on the Beirut campus on May 8, 2025, was co-hosted by the Alumni Relations Office and the Career Development Services at the Dean of Students Office. In attendance were senior LAU leaders, including LAU President Chaouki T. Abdallah, Provost George E. Nasr, vice presidents, chief of staff, deans, faculty and staff.
In his welcome remarks, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations Abdallah Al Khal noted how the annual event serves as a platform for professional exchange, collaboration, and strengthening the alumni network. For Lead Director of Student Services Zeina Trad Barakat, the large turnout was a powerful affirmation of the commitment to nurturing the next generation of changemakers. Addressing industry professionals, she underscored the shared goal of building a stronger, more resilient future for Lebanon and beyond.
Highlighting the university’s role in preparing students for the evolving job market, President Abdallah emphasized the need to embrace new technology, particularly AI. Consequently, Dr. Abdallah stated that LAU is constantly updating its curricula to keep pace with rapid advancements, allowing the university and the country to contribute to technology development.
This focus on cultivating capable, innovative talent in Lebanon was central to Dr. Shehadi’s argument. He emphasized Lebanon’s strengths, including its multilingualism, multiculturalism, and enterprising spirit, which positions the country to regain a leadership role, particularly in economic activities, education, healthcare delivery, and remote software services.
Dr. Shehadi outlined his ministry’s mandate to harness digital technology and AI for national development, empowering citizens, optimizing government services, fostering economic growth, and improving quality of life. He expressed aspirations for Lebanon to be among the top 50 countries worldwide in AI-readiness within five years, with 80 percent of government services powered by AI, complete cloud-based data storage, a well-funded technology industry, and a doubled AI workforce.
Minister Shehadi’s strategy, encapsulated in a four-point plan ‘LEAP,’ includes ‘Launch,’ establishing the ministry’s initial digital AI programs; ‘Enact,’ deploying regulatory frameworks and partnerships; ‘Advance,’ positioning Lebanon as a regional AI leader; and ‘Promote,’ realizing a tech-enabled economy and a recognized regional hub for AI talent in five years.
Dr. Shehadi assured the audience that his strategic vision is grounded in concrete advantages, noting Lebanon’s high proportion of tech leaders overseas. He invited alumni and business leaders to collaborate with the ministry, encouraging them to bring their ideas forward for the service of the country. Engaging extensively with attendees, he fielded questions and participated in discussions at the event’s conclusion.