The SDG Brain Lab is the latest youth program launched by the United Nations Global Compact Network Lebanon (UNGCNL). A virtual launch ceremony took place gathering UN Representatives, Corporate Experts, and Professional Academic Figures; of which Dr. Elias Warrak, President of UOB and SDG council member was a speaker.

The topic of discussion during the launch was around the vital role of youth in community development and nation-building through good education to become better citizens of tomorrow.

During his intervention, Dr. Warrak shed light on the importance of higher education going beyond teaching work, and into teaching life. “Education gives hope for a better future. Our role is not only to give out diplomas but to enhance human ethics, teach students to be sincere, lead by example and give back to their community.”

Dr. Warrak also stressed on the importance of bridging the gap between classroom concepts and real life. “Internships open up doors to opportunities. With employers seeking career ready graduated, the UOB encourages and supports the implementation of integration between academic studies and work experience.”

35 students from the University of Balamand are registered for the Brain Lab program, which aims at equipping and engaging the Lebanese youth with the global vision of the future. Participants will benefit from coaching and mentoring, blended learning and becoming part of a local network of change-makers. Not only that, but registered students will be recognized as SDG advocates with the potential to become a UNGCNL official SDG Ambassador. Throughout the implementation of the program 4 UOB members will be following up with students: Dr. Nivine Abbas, Dr. Ziad Nehme, Dr. Georges Rahbani, and Diala Farah. ​