In a move aimed at linking academia with the nation, the Adnan Al-Qassar School of Business at the Lebanese American University launched the AKSOB Circle platform. This platform represents an innovative dialogue space that aims to bring together public policies, industry, innovation and technology sectors, within the framework of a future vision aimed at addressing the structural challenges facing Lebanon.
The platform began its activities with an expanded symposium entitled “Leading the National Advancement: Eliminating Corruption through Governance Supported by Artificial Intelligence.” Participating in the symposium were: Minister of Finance Yassin Jaber, Minister of State for Administrative Development Affairs Fadi Makki, Minister of Displaced Persons, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kamal Shehadeh, former MP Dima Jamali, and University President Shawqi Abdullah. The media dialogue was moderated by Danny Haddad.
During his speech, Minister Yassin Jaber emphasized the essential role played by the Ministry of Finance in the reform process. He pointed out that he assumed his duties in light of “total chaos,” and then the ministry, in cooperation with the European Union and under the supervision of the World Bank, began to unify standards and enhance transparency. He explained that work is underway to gradually modernize the old systems, with the aim of reaching an advanced level of institutional development.
Jaber also warned that the biggest challenge is the transition from a cash economy, and warned of the dangers of putting Lebanon on the black list after it was on the gray list. He stressed the importance of reform laws and restoring the banking sector to its role. He revealed practical measures that include payment via credit cards, modernizing customs systems, adopting artificial intelligence programs to reduce tax evasion, establishing a unified electronic window, in addition to tightening accountability for bribers.
Jaber added that funding worth $28 million was allocated from the World Bank to modernize the Ministry of Finance, and an additional loan worth $150 million to support digital transformation in a number of ministries, stressing that the ambition is “to build a country that opens real horizons for young people.”
For his part, Minister Fadi Makki presented a tripartite vision to benefit from artificial intelligence in rebuilding state institutions, starting with reconsidering the structure of administrative agencies, then re-evaluating human resources and identifying competencies, and finally modernizing public services, noting that there are more than 2,640 services under review and restructuring.
Makki stressed that artificial intelligence is capable of accelerating analysis and uncovering areas of corruption, pointing to work on the national strategy for digital transformation, digital identity, and electronic signature, while searching for innovative financing methods in partnership with the private sector.
For his part, Minister Kamal Shehadeh identified four main paths of action, namely: legislation and institutions, building the digital republic, developing human capabilities, and strengthening the technological ecosystem, in parallel with preparing a national strategy for artificial intelligence.
Shehadeh warned of weak cybersecurity protection due to the absence of necessary legislation, pointing to the large gap between Lebanon’s budgets and the budgets allocated by countries in the region to cybersecurity. He stressed that building an economy based on artificial intelligence requires energy, broadband connectivity, data centers, and modern legislation, while emphasizing the role of the private sector in investment, considering that “natural intelligence remains the basis.”
In an intellectual intervention, University President Shawqi Abdullah likened artificial intelligence to the stage of adolescence, considering that it possesses power beyond its moral maturity, which requires continuous human and moral oversight. He stressed that artificial intelligence depends on what is published digitally and not on values, which requires preparing a “digital police” of specialists in law, ethics, and history to control its path.
As for Dr. Dima Jamali, she addressed the students directly and urged them to trust in their abilities and stay in Lebanon, considering that the university provides them with the necessary tools to transform ideas into projects, stressing that change begins with individual initiative supported by knowledge and boldness.
