The Faculty of Political Science and International Relations at Université La Sagesse welcomed Ms. Alice Abou-Khalil for an inspiring debate that brought politics, diaspora, technology, leadership, and international relations into one conversation.
A Québec politician of Lebanese origin, Ms. Abou-Khalil is a Member of the National Assembly of Québec for Fabre (Coalition Avenir Québec). During her parliamentary mandate, she served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Technology and as a member of the Committee on Public Finance and the Committee on Health and Social Services.
Further to the introduction of the speaker by Dr. Celine Merheb, associate dean for development, Dr. Antoine Sfeir, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations, opens the event highlighting the importance of connecting academic learning with the experiences of professionals engaged in political and public life, giving students the opportunity to explore politics and international relations beyond theory and the classroom.
From arriving in Québec at the age of 16 to building a career in cybersecurity and information systems, and later entering political life and serving in Québec’s National Assembly, Ms. Abou-Khalil shared her personal and professional journey with ULS students.
Speaking about leadership and public service, she emphasized integrity and transparency as fundamental values of responsible leadership, reflecting on the importance of remaining committed to one’s principles, earning public trust, and leading with accountability.
The conversation explored key issues shaping today’s political landscape, from the representation of immigrant communities to cybersecurity and digital sovereignty in public policy, as well as the role of the Lebanese diaspora in Lebanon–Canada relations.
Drawing on her professional background in technology and her political experience, Ms. Abou-Khalil also discussed the growing importance of cybersecurity, data protection, and digital sovereignty in public policy and governance.
The debate concluded with an engaging Q&A session, giving students the opportunity to exchange directly with Ms. Abou-Khalil, raise questions, share perspectives, and engage in an open discussion on leadership, real-world experience, public service, politics, and international relations.
A dynamic exchange that took political science beyond the classroom and brought students closer to the realities of leadership, public service, political engagement, and international relations.
