BEIRUT - The Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development and Lebanon’s Ministry of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence signed a memorandum of understanding on June 10, 2026, aimed at strengthening public awareness and building national capacity in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
The agreement was signed at the foundation’s office in Beirut by Mrs. Bahia Hariri, President of the Hariri Foundation, and Dr. Kamal Shehadeh, Minister of Displaced Persons and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence.
The signing ceremony was attended by municipal and business leaders, representatives of civil society, academics, and officials from both institutions.
Among those present were Saida Mayor Engineer Mustafa Hijazi, President of the Saida and South Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Mohamed Saleh, Head of the Saida Merchants Association, Ali Al-Sharif, and Head of the South Lebanon Workers and Employees Union Abdul Latif Al-Tiriaki.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Hariri described the agreement as a timely initiative amid Lebanon’s ongoing economic and social challenges, saying it represents a “window of hope” for young people and a step toward anticipating future challenges through education and innovation.
She stressed that the initiative would initially be implemented in Saida as a pilot model before expanding nationwide. “We are moving from education to empowerment,” Mrs. Hariri said, adding that young people must be equipped with modern digital tools to shape their own futures.
She also emphasized the importance of partnerships across sectors to ensure the success of the initiative.
Minister Shehadeh welcomed the collaboration, highlighting a shared commitment to unlocking the potential of Lebanese youth through training and skills development. He said artificial intelligence represents a new economic opportunity that Lebanon must not miss, particularly as global economies increasingly shift toward digital transformation.
The minister outlined ongoing government efforts in the sector, including the “Numu” training platform and the establishment of the Lebanese Angel Investors Network.
He also stressed the need for updated legislation to support the digital economy, reduce regulatory barriers, and encourage private sector engagement.
He added that the ministry’s work extends beyond individual capacity-building to broader economic development, including cooperation with municipalities. “We hope to expand this partnership from Saida to the entire country,” he said.
The memorandum aims to promote entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and collaboration between institutions to better align education with labor market needs.
A key component of the agreement is the launch of “Saida, an AI-Aware City,” a pilot initiative designed to bring emerging technologies closer to local communities and equip young people with future-ready skills.
The partnership also emphasizes responsible and inclusive use of artificial intelligence, aligning with global principles of “AI for Good” and supporting sustainable development goals through technology-driven solutions.
