Antonine University (UA) integrates sustainable education and community development into every aspect of its mission to create concrete pathways between academic excellence and environmental stewardship. Guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), namely access to quality education (SDG 4), development of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable human settlements (SDG 11), as well as protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15), UA works toward a future where education, environmental preservation, and community well-being converge. 

In this spirit, UA, in collaboration with Be Baladi, organized an Ideation Day for the View Lebanon Project — in partnership with Fundacja Fenicja, Poland, and funded by the Polish Aid program under the Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. 

The project aims to promote regional development by creating unique tourism programs that highlight the distinct identity of Lebanon’s towns and villages while strengthening citizens’ connection to their land. The event brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals for a full day of brainstorming and strategic discussions on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and tourism development. 

In his welcome address, Mr. Boulos Sakr, President of Be Baladi and Project Manager of View Lebanon, reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to sustainable tourism and community-driven development, while also providing updates on the project’s progress. 

Following this, Dr. Georges Jalkh, Associate Professor at the Antonine School of Business (ASB) and UA Coordinator of View Lebanon, spoke about the importance of regional growth. He explained that investing in local areas allows people to find opportunities in their hometowns and live with dignity, rather than having to leave in search of a better future. 

Dr. Jalkh also emphasized that Antonine University’s mission aligns with the project’s identity, focusing on environmental preservation, green initiatives, and protecting humanity. By safeguarding communities and their surroundings, the project helps preserve each region’s identity while ensuring that people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds can thrive within their own environments. He highlighted diversity as a strength, asserting that sustainable development must be inclusive, making it a key asset for Lebanon’s future. 

Engaging Sessions on Sustainability

The first session, a Real Case Discussion, was led by lawyers Jihad Abou Nader and Wael Hani, both environmental activists. They shared a practical road map for using legal frameworks to protect natural sites, using the Mtein Nature Reserve as an example. Their efforts prevented the area from being turned into an industrial zone, demonstrating how legal action can safeguard the environment and promote sustainability. 

The second session, an Ideation Workshop, was led by ASB Dean, Prof. Tony Gibeily, who focused on personal growth and the role of business responsibility in sustainability. He also explained how such projects help entrepreneurs and professionals gain practical experience and build valuable connections across different fields. 

The last two sessions were led by Dr. Jalkh, who encouraged participants to work in small groups, allowing them to exchange ideas, refine their projects, and present them in a structured, professional manner. This interactive approach helped participants communicate their ideas effectively, receive constructive feedback, and enhance their problem-solving skills. 

During the sessions, participants developed new ideas for sustainable tourism, fostering creativity, collaboration, and strategic thinking. The event concluded with an announcement of the next workshop, scheduled for March, where participants will have the opportunity to further develop their ideas and engage in more hands-on discussions. 

A Step Toward a Sustainable Future

By bringing together academia, legal experts, environmental activists, and business professionals, the Ideation Day served as a dynamic platform for generating innovative ideas. UA remains committed to fostering initiatives that empower communities, protect the environment, and drive Lebanon’s tourism sector forward.