BEIRUT (Enmaeya News) - January 1, 2026

The American University of Beirut (AUB) hosted the conference “Schools for the Future: In Lebanon and Beyond,”part of the Jana Program launched by the organization Lebanon and Beyond, which aims to reshape the future of education in Lebanon.

According to a university statement, the event was held at the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs and brought together educators, policymakers, and civil society leaders from Lebanon and the diaspora.

Discussions focused on reimagining school education from kindergarten through secondary levels for the 21st century.

Guest speakers included AUB President Dr. Fadlo Khuri, Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence Dr. Kamal Shehadeh, Northeastern University President Dr. Joseph Aoun, and Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Rima Karami.

In a recorded address, Dr. Khuri described the initiative as urgent, calling for schools to be treated as “living systems” capable of responding to crises while preserving local identity and global engagement.

Minister Shehadeh highlighted the growing impact of technology and artificial intelligence on education, noting that the ministry is developing policies to prepare Lebanon for digital transformation.

Minister Karami emphasized the importance of the Lebanese diaspora, describing it as an extension of the national education ecosystem rather than an external resource.

Participants addressed a central question: how educators can collectively shape a more equitable and resilient education system amid rapid digital change.

The two-day conference concluded with collaborative workshops aimed at developing a shared vision, model projects, and frameworks for continued cooperation beyond the event.