SAIDA - The Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development launched its new initiative, “Empowering Sectors with Artificial Intelligence,” during a ceremony at the National State Academy in Saida under the patronage of Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence Dr. Kamal Shehadi.
The event brought together Foundation President Mrs. Bahia Hariri, municipal and economic stakeholders, academics, sector representatives, and trainees from the engineering and trade sectors.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Hariri described the initiative as a foundational step toward renewing professional and sectoral life across disciplines, at a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping knowledge.
She praised the ministry’s efforts to place technology and AI at the heart of state reform and noted that this aligns with the National State Academy in Sidon, which quickly launched intensive AI training programs across multiple sectors.
Mrs. Hariri also voiced confidence in the Ministry of Technology and Artificial Intelligence’s mission to help build a modern state that meets the aspirations of future generations.
In his keynote address, Minister Shehadi outlined four national priorities: investing in human capital, building digital government infrastructure, fostering a supportive startup ecosystem, and expanding access to accredited technology certifications.
He acknowledged that public budgets remain largely traditional despite rapid technological shifts, but stressed that institutional reform is underway.
Minister Shehadi also highlighted efforts to digitize government services and integrate AI into public administration to streamline procedures and reduce bureaucratic delays.
He revealed plans to establish a $150-200 million investment fund to support technology startups and noted that Lebanon currently ranks fifth among Arab countries in AI usage.
The Rise of Youth Lebanon Forum presented previous initiatives, including AI training and digital solutions workshops, AI debates and sessions for youth, school, and university students, teacher-focused AI learning programs, and generative AI applications for various sectors.
Through the program, the foundation is equipping professionals with practical AI skills designed to increase employability, strengthen productivity, and support responsible and trustworthy adoption of emerging technologies.
Targeted trainings are being delivered across key sectors, including lawyers, engineers, doctors, traders and business owners, journalists, teachers, and school principals.
The initiative also includes youth workshops, sector-specific AI sessions, and educator-focused programs on integrating AI into school and university curricula.
Partnerships supporting the initiative include MOUs with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Sidon and South Lebanon, as well as Pearson and Certiport.
Hariri Foundation and Cetiport are currently working on developing a Cetiport testing center at the foundation.
Tarek El Basha, founder and CEO of ITLS and exclusive provider of Pearson and Certiport said that the “center is not an operational decision; it is a strategic declaration of quality, transparency, and future-readiness.”
The ceremony concluded with the honoring of the minister and the graduation of participants from the AI training programs.
This program highlights the importance of equipping professionals with practical skills to leverage AI tools and drive forward digital transformation in Lebanon.
