October 7, 2026
In a move aimed at strengthening the link between university education and diplomatic and institutional work, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants and Saint Joseph University in Beirut signed a memorandum of understanding that focuses primarily on economic diplomacy and trade and financial relations for Lebanon. This agreement, which was concluded for a renewable period of three years, opens the way for students of the Faculty of Economic Sciences to train and apply research within the Ministry.
The memorandum was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Youssef Raji, and the President of Saint Joseph University, Professor François Boadec Jesuit, during a ceremony held at the university’s presidency building in Beirut. The ceremony was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Economic Sciences, Professor Jean-François Verne, along with representatives of the Ministry and the University.
In his speech, Minister Raji expressed his pride in returning to his alma mater as Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressing that economic diplomacy has become an essential pillar of foreign work, which has expanded to include trade, investment, energy, technology, international financial institutions, food security and supply chains. He explained that the agreement allows students to become closely acquainted with the work mechanisms of the Directorate of Economic Affairs, and opens horizons for those wishing to join the Lebanese diplomatic corps in the future, stressing the need for diplomacy for young competencies capable of understanding international transformations and defending Lebanon’s interests.
For his part, Professor Jean-François Verne indicated that the agreement will allow students to go beyond the classroom through practical training, participate in applied research projects, prepare economic memoranda and public policy briefs, as well as simulate international negotiations. He stressed that this experience will develop students’ skills in analysis, communication and negotiation, and enable them to contribute effectively to decision-making and deal with files of bilateral economic relations and international agreements.
In turn, Professor François Boadek welcomed the Minister and the audience, considering that the agreement embodies the vision of a university fully engaged in society and open to the world. He stressed that the university’s responsibility is not limited to transferring knowledge, but rather extends to preparing professionals capable of assuming responsibilities and contributing to the public good, stressing the importance of investing in the competencies of talented Lebanese youth and harnessing their talents in the service of their country.
Under the memorandum of understanding, students of the College of Economic Sciences will benefit from training lasting between 8 and 12 weeks in the Directorate of Economic Affairs to gain practical experience, in addition to developing applied research and studies that address economic and commercial issues related to the work of the ministry, which enhances cooperation between official institutions and universities to benefit from academic expertise.
