At the beginning of the Spring Semester 2024, Fr. Michel Saghbiny, Rector of Antonine University (UA), and Mr. Khodor Ghadban, President of the Lebanese Federation of Climbing and Mountaineering (LFCM), formalized their commitment to collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The signing took place on UA’s Hadat–Baabda, in the presence of Fr. Ziad Maatouk, Secretary General (SG) and Vice Rector for Administration (VRA); Fr. Jean Al Alam, Vice Rector for Integral Human Development (VRIHD); Dr. Antonio Soutou, Dean of the Faculty of Sport Sciences (FSS); Mr. Bechara Salemeh, Diploma in Mountain Guide and Outdoor Activities Coordinator; Mr. Edgard Azzi, Director of the Office of Athletics; Mr. Avedis Kalpaklian, instructor at UA’s FSS and Vice President of the LFCM; and Mr. Spyro Klitira, Director of the Mountains Magazine Lebanon and Head of the Communication Committee at the LFCM.

This agreement solidifies the shared vision of both institutions to promote collaborative activities and projects within the dynamic field of climbing and mountaineering. The strategic partnership aims to create mutually beneficial opportunities in line with UA’s overarching objectives, specifically, its commitment to developing managerial policies, organizing climbing and mountaineering activities, issuing certificates, conducting research, and establishing impactful volunteering programs.

The collaboration, sparked by the successful launch of the first University Diploma in Mountain Guide and Outdoor Activities in Lebanon, underscores UA’s commitment to advancing academic and practical engagement in climbing and mountaineering. Through this MOU, both UA and the LFCM are poised to exchange expertise, providing invaluable opportunities for students and scholars to participate in internships and volunteering programs.

This partnership marks a new chapter in the relationship between UA and the LFCM, as they join forces to contribute to the development and growth of climbing and mountaineering activities in Lebanon.