BEIRUT (Enmaeya News) — The National Council for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (NCEI) hosted the Lebanon AI National Conference on April 24 in Beirut, under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Technology and AI, Dr. Kamal Shehadi. The event marked the official launch of Lebanon’s National AI Vision, a strategic initiative to leverage artificial intelligence to drive digital transformation, economic growth, and public sector reform.
Although Dr. Shehadi could not attend due to a last-minute ministerial meeting, his vision was echoed throughout the summit. In a recent interview, he said that even a $50 million investment could dramatically improve government operations, including implementing a national ID system and digitized public payments.
The AI Vision builds on Lebanon’s educated, multilingual workforce and aspires to position the country as a regional innovation hub. The policy roadmap and governance strategy were unveiled alongside national security, institutional reform, and AI infrastructure discussions. Key themes of the conference included responsible AI use, data sovereignty, and the role of public-private partnerships in funding innovation. The president of NCEI highlighted the underinvestment in AI and called for stronger collaboration with the private sector.
In a keynote panel on AI in public governance, Dr. Manal Abdel Samad, former Minister of Information, stated, “AI is not the end goal—it’s a tool to reach it.” She emphasized the need for clarity between AI and digitization, transparency, and urgency in reforming Lebanon’s VAT system to align with emerging technologies.
An econometric model presented during the summit forecasted AI investments across sectors through 2030, pointing to the need for expanded spending in education, infrastructure, and public services. Speakers also called for a national framework on intellectual property to protect university-led innovation and ensure ethical AI deployment. A national survey revealed that while 30% of the population understands AI, 64% view it as dangerous, highlighting public anxiety and the need for awareness campaigns.
Sector-specific sessions explored AI’s application in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. In agriculture, the integration of drones, AI, and blockchain was shown to improve traceability and efficiency. In health, a case study from Russia demonstrated how AI could trace cancer genes and support the development of personalized vaccines.
A panel by the American University of Beirut’s Environment and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU) showcased applied AI systems for food security and climate resilience, while also addressing challenges such as digital illiteracy, limited tech access, and weak infrastructure in rural areas. The conference concluded with calls to build a robust AI ecosystem grounded in three priorities: national data centers, enforceable legislation, and locally developed AI platforms. As one expert said, “AI won’t replace humans—but a human who uses AI will replace one who doesn’t.”
