February 3, 2025
President of the University of Balamand, Dr. Elias Warrak, accompanied by UOB Deans, visited His Excellency the President of the Lebanese Republic General Joseph Aoun at the Baabda Palace on Monday, February 3, 2025.

The visit aimed to congratulate President Aoun on his election and discuss key issues concerning higher education in Lebanon as well as pressing national matters.

During the meeting, Dr. Warrak commended President Joseph Aoun on earning the trust of the Lebanese people, wishing him success in leading the country through this critical period. He also expressed his hope that President Aoun’s term would contribute to strengthening stability and revitalizing the country, particularly amid Lebanon's economic and social challenges.

For his part, His Excellency President General Joseph Aoun praised the efforts of the University of Balamand in advancing higher education in Lebanon, emphasizing the crucial role of universities in shaping future generations and fostering values of citizenship and belonging. He also stressed the need to support higher education as a fundamental pillar for community development and addressing the challenges facing the country, including the need for strategies to retain university graduates in Lebanon rather than seeing them emigrate, so they can serve their country and contribute to its development in various fields.

The meeting also addressed several issues related to higher education in Lebanon, with Dr. Warrak emphasizing the importance of enhancing cooperation between universities and official institutions to ensure the continued development of this vital sector. Additionally, the challenges faced by Lebanese universities due to the economic and financial crises were discussed, along with the necessity of finding sustainable solutions to support them.

At the end of the visit, Dr. Warrak hoped that President Aoun’s term would mark the beginning of a new phase of stability and prosperity for Lebanon, reaffirming the University of Balamand's support for His Excellency’s efforts in achieving these goals.