The Rector of Antonine University (UA) and Vice-President of the European Federation of Catholic Universities (FUCE), Fr. Michel Jalakh, headed to Barcelona, Spain, for a three-day visit in order to participate in the FUCE’s General Assembly that took place from 11 to 13 November, 2021. The speech delivered by the Rector was intended to shed light on the multilayered context in Lebanon and to draw attention to the educational challenges and the situation of Lebanese higher education institutions in a crisis-hit country.

In fact, Fr. Jalakh gave a chronological overview of key events in Lebanon’s history that have shaped the sterling reputation of its universities but have also led to a state of lawlessness resulting in a tragedy rooted in a culture of corruption that is widespread across the country. Having said this, the higher education sector must remain an urgent priority in national strategies, especially that the economic growth of a country is tied to the nation’s education system. Therefore, it becomes crucial to support Lebanese higher education institutions and help them carry out their mission, promote educational quality and contribute to economic well-being.

Read the full version of the Rector’s speech.