MP Mrs. Bahiaa Hariri invited Prof. Rami Abboud, Vice President for Internationalization & Engagement and Dean of Faculty of Engineering, to the “Public Budget and Finance Forum” entitled “Public Budget, Real Estate Reconstruction and Old Saida”. Dr. Amal Iaaly, delegating Prof. Abboud who was overseas, attended the forum that was held on Friday, August 23 2019 at the Rafic Hariri Hall in the Governorate Center of Sarai Saida. The forum was inaugurated by the Ministry of Finance, the South Lebanon Governorate and the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development. The inauguration was attended by the Minister of Finance, Minister of Social Affair, Information Minister, MP Mrs. Bahia Hariri, Governor and Mayors of South Lebanon, directors and head of department of governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, cultural and heritage organization, and a number of universities representative, among others.

MP Mrs. Bahiaa Hariri announced the initiation of the field survey of Old Saida in order to generate maps delineating parcels and their numbers. The mapping of Old Saida will enable the issuing of property ownerships to residents. MP Mrs. Bahiaa Hariri highlighted the role of universities and engineering students in carrying the field survey as they have the proper technology and expertise to ensure the success of this initiative.

The forum was followed by a meeting held between Dr. Iaaly and MP Mrs. Bahia Hariri. Dr. Iaaly introduced the Faculty of Engineering and its GIS Center at the University of Balamand and emphasized the role of the University in supporting and promoting local development initiatives, building the capacity of the public sector, and engaging and empowering youth. MP Mrs. Bahiaa Hariri commended this approach as it enables the proper exploitation of youth capabilities and knowledge in serving their societies and indicated her wishes to work closely with our Faculty.

Prof. Abboud stated: “I had no doubt that Dr Iaaly will be the most qualified and charismatic person to represent the Faculty of Engineering and its unique GIS Centre at the University of Balamand and promote the excellent work undertaken at our unique facilities. Amal’s one to one session with MP Mrs. Hariri was enough for us to be invited for a close session with MP Hariri to discuss educational collaboration”.