Dr. Myriam Mrad, from the Department of Public Health at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand (UOB), has successfully secured a project funded by the GreenClimateFund and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme Lebanon and the Ministry of Environment following a highly competitive national selection process.

The project, CLIMA-LEAD (Climate Leadership Executive Adaptation Diploma), is developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Health Sciences at UOB, the Health and Environment Response Agency (HERA), and the CLIMA Center at the University of Southern California (USC). The proposal was selected for funding among submissions from leading Lebanese universities and institutions, highlighting the strength of the partnership and the quality of the proposed initiative.

CLIMA-LEAD aims to strengthen Lebanon's institutional capacity to address climate change by establishing a multidisciplinary executive diploma in climate adaptation leadership. Building on the University's experience through the GEOHub for Climate Change and Health Fellowship Program, the diploma will equip public officials and decision-makers with the knowledge, leadership skills, and practical tools needed to design and implement climate adaptation policies and programs.

The program will feature an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes expert-led seminars, technical workshops, field visits, and applied capstone projects. Participants will gain expertise in climate governance, climate risk assessment, adaptation planning, climate finance, disaster risk reduction, and leadership skills further reflecting the University's commitment to developing evidence-based solutions for Lebanon's environmental and public health challenges through cross-sector collaboration.

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