The Faculty of Engineering (FOE) at the University of Balamand successfully hosted the UOB–Water Expo, a dynamic series of university-based awareness activities and experimental sessions addressing today’s most pressing water-related issues.

More than 120 students participated in this impactful event, funded by Chambéry Solidarité Internationale (CSI) under the Qadisha Durable Program. This marks the first training out of six, setting the stage for a comprehensive capacity-building journey in water sustainability.

The expo was organized by Dr. Yasmine Jabali, Associate Professor at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, who led the hands-on sessions and discussions with students across multiple disciplines. Dr. Jabali believes that investing in youth today means protecting our water tomorrow.

At a time when water scarcity, pollution, climate change, and deteriorating infrastructure threaten the stability of communities worldwide, building the capacity of youth has never been more pressing than now. Today’s students are potentially tomorrow’s engineers, policymakers, innovators, and community leaders. Equipping them with knowledge on water quality, resource management, wastewater treatment, and sustainable solutions ensures that they can:

• • Understand the complexity of water challenges
• • Develop responsible and science-based decision-making skills
• • Contribute to community resilience and environmental protection
• • Lead future initiatives in sustainability and climate resilience

Through interactive demonstrations, real testing procedures, and practical exposure, the Water Expo encouraged students to transform awareness into action, an essential step toward shaping a water-secure future for Lebanon and beyond.

Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Rami Abboud expressed his enthusiasm for these initiatives, noting their significant role in promoting SDG 4 (Quality Education) in advancing SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and ultimately strengthening youth capacity building at UOB.







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