Minister of State for Investment and Technology, H.E. Mr. Adel Afyouni, visited the Geographical Information System (GIS) Center at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Balamand on Friday October 11, 2019. He was greeted by the President of the University of Balamand, Dr. Elias Warrak, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Vice President for Internationalization & Engagement Prof. Rami Abboud, staff, faculty members, and students.

Prof. Abboud pointed out that this center is an essential hub in providing scientific and technical expertise and information for the development of GIS programs and projects.

In turn, Minister Afyouni stressed the role of universities in technological advancement, adding that GIS technology has become a global need. He congratulated the University of Balamand for its continuous and progressive achievements in the field of GIS, especially in the framework of projects that reflect positively on local communities.

The center is Lebanon’s first fully operational academic center devoted to advancing GIS (Geographic Information System) knowledge. The University uses GIS to integrate education with community-based research and service projects. With advanced software and technological tools the Center is actively engaged in research and cooperation projects with local and municipal authorities and has earned a number of awards and recognitions at local and international levels. The visit comes in conjunction with a workshop organized under the auspices of Minister Afyouni entitled: "Digital Transformation of Municipalities using GIS" organized by the Order of Engineers and Architects in Tripoli and the GIS Center at the Faculty of Engineering at UOB Saturday, October 12 at the order.