RESLOG is a project in which UOB had participated through the Center for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the Faculty of Engineering. The project aims to help build resilience and local development in the Akkar region with funding from Sweden through SKL International.

On Monday April 24, as a follow-up to the project, the GIS Center organized discussion sessions with the President of the Union of Municipalities of Al-Dreib Al-Awsat, Mr. Abboud M, and the President of the Union of Municipalities of Jarad Al-Qaytaa, Mr. AbdulIlah Zakaria, represented by Mr. Hatem Othman and some representatives of the municipalities of the two unions to set the priorities that must be worked on during the upcoming period to help enhance and nurture the authorities' readiness and to improve its capacity in responding to all crises, especially through the Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

In his welcoming speech, UOB Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Rami Abboud, indicated that these projects stem from the responsibility of the university towards its community, especially at the difficult time that Lebanon and the world is going through.

Professor Abboud concluded: “It is our duty to help one another, and as such, we strive as a university to place our capabilities at the service of our society and our country.” Professor Abboud also stressed the need for cooperation between municipalities and their unions with the university and SKL International in order to ensure the success of this project.

Dr. Amal Iaaly, Director of the UOB GIS Center, shared her experience presenting some of the projects that the GIS Center had undertaken with different municipalities as to what could benefit the various municipalities of Akkar and their unions.

Mrs. Greta Kelzi, Director of ESRI Lebanon, also participated in the meeting, presenting her experience in working with municipalities and the importance of data and GIS technology in municipal work, especially in the current situation.