Antonine University (UA) Nabi Ayla–Zahle Campus recently welcomed the newly elected heads of municipal unions and municipalities from the Zahle district. The gathering brought together UA’s Rector, Fr. Michel Saghbiny, the Secretary General and Vice Rector for Administration, Fr. Ziad Maatouk, the Vice Rector for Integral Human Development, Fr. Jean Al Alam, the Vice Rector for Cooperation and Internationalization, Prof. Rony Darazi, and the Director of the Nabi Ayla–Zahle Campus, Fr. Raymond Hashem.
Fr. Saghbiny’s Address
In his speech, Fr. Michel Saghbiny emphasized that this event marks a renewed beginning of partnership and collaboration. He highlighted UA’s mission to be a dynamic environment that shapes students’ identities and reinforces their sense of belonging to their community and country.
He noted that although UA is primarily an academic institution that educates and graduates generations, it is also a beacon of knowledge, a center for research and innovation, and an integral part of the surrounding social fabric.
He added: “We believe that our role goes beyond the University walls to touch the lives of every individual in this region. Municipalities have always been the lifeline of local communities, closest to the heartbeat of cities, villages, and the needs of citizens.”
Fr. Saghbiny discussed UA’s potential contributions to municipalities through specialized academic research and consultations, innovative solutions, and students’ creative projects that can address local needs. He also mentioned organizing workshops and training sessions, particularly in the field of digital transformation, to build municipal staff capacities. Additionally, UA could host joint events, awareness campaigns, and exhibitions to support local development goals.
He called on municipalities to establish a framework for strategic cooperation with the University, encouraging the drafting of a formal agreement and the creation of a joint committee to ensure effective follow-up. “Pooling efforts and strengthening collaboration during this critical phase of our nation’s history is both necessary and inevitable,” he affirmed, underlining that the University’s partnerships are built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to the public good.
Fr. Hashem’s Remarks
Fr. Raymond Hashem, Director of the Nabi Ayla–Zahle Campus, stressed that the presence of municipalities reflects their dedication to the future of the region’s youth and their belief in the importance of collaboration between higher education institutions and local authorities for sustainable and integral development.
“Today, we open the doors of this Campus to you and place our vision, programs, and specializations at your service, aiming to build an active partnership that serves our students first and the entire local community” he said.
The meeting also featured a documentary introducing the University, its programs, and its role in the Beqaa region, as well as a video highlighting the initiatives of the Upscale Hub, which supports UA students and fosters collaboration with municipalities.