Université La Sagesse, represented by its President Professor Georges Nehme, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI), represented by its Director Dr. Maya Nehme.

This memorandum aims to support involvement in community and environmental initiatives, reflecting Université La Sagesse’s commitment to building social and environmental responsibility among its students, faculty, and staff. It also advances the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative’s goal of engaging the academic and educational sectors in protecting and promoting biodiversity.

The signing ceremony was attended by the university’s Vice President Dr. Georges Michel Abdessater, several members of the university council, and Mr. Joseph Melkane, Director of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Office at Université La Sagesse, who will be in charge of coordinating and overseeing the implementation of this partnership.

In his speech, Professor Nehme emphasized that this memorandum establishes a strategic partnership with the potential to make a positive difference, especially given the growing need for initiatives that protect the environment and preserve Lebanon’s unique natural beauty. He added that the university is the ideal place to raise awareness among future generations of graduates about the importance of this issue, so they can fulfill their role and duty, which he described as both a human and national responsibility.

Professor Nehme emphasized that this partnership embodies the mission of Université La Sagesse, which goes beyond its academic and educational roles to include a firm commitment to social responsibility and contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Maya Nehme emphasized that Lebanon is one of the richest and most beautiful countries in the world when it comes to natural resources, making it essential to preserve its environment. She highlighted that this partnership offers a chance to empower young generations to understand the direct connection between protecting the environment and improving quality of life, especially given the growing challenges of climate change, drought, and increasing wildfires.

Dr. Georges Michel Abdelsater, Vice President for Strategy and Development, highlighted that the partnership contributes to four United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Goal 13: Climate Action
• Goal 15: Life on Land
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The collaboration fulfills one of the three core pillars of higher education, community service, alongside education and research.

As outlined in the agreement, the collaboration includes planting 150 cedar trees in November to celebrate the university’s 150-year jubilee, offering professional internship opportunities for students, developing environmental workshops as part of continuing education programs, and publishing joint awareness materials. The agreement also includes establishing an Eco-Club to engage students from various disciplines in green initiatives throughout the year, in line with the university’s environmental policy.