Faculty members from Haigazian University played a pivotal role in the “Schools for the Future: Across Lebanon & Beyond” planning conference, held on November 14–15, 2025, at the Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut (AUB). Co-chaired by Dr. Saouma BouJaoude (Advisor to the Dean for Faculty Affairs, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, AUB) and Dr. Moise Khayrallah (Founder, Lebanon & Beyond, Beirut and North Carolina), the conference convened leading educators, scholars, and policymakers to co-develop a long-term, inclusive vision for educational transformation in Lebanon.
Structured around four interrelated themes—local and diaspora synergy, inclusive school models, global standards through innovation, and identity-infused curricula—the conference embraced the complexity of Lebanon’s educational landscape and encouraged integrative, forward-thinking approaches. Participants engaged in interactive workshops and thematic discussions, proposing pilot initiatives and forming action-oriented groups dedicated to translating shared insights into systemic change.
Dr. Nizar El Mehtar, Coordinator of the Education Department at Haigazian University, served on the planning committee and contributed significantly to the conference’s conceptual framework. His efforts were acknowledged throughout the event. In addition, Dr. Shaghig Hudaverdian and Dr. Rola Balaa made substantial contributions to Theme II, which focused on bridging societal divides through inclusive school models. Dr. Hudaverdian also presented a group project developed during the thematic sessions, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the conference.
Looking ahead, the established working groups will reconvene in Fall 2026 for a follow-up conference, where they will present a comprehensive blueprint for a pilot program—an outcome of a full year of collaborative research, inquiry, and design.
This forward-looking initiative reflects Haigazian University’s ongoing commitment to educational innovation, community engagement, and collaborative leadership at both the local and global levels.