Under the High Patronage of His Excellency President of the Republic of Lebanon General Joseph AOUN

Lebanon stands at a critical crossroads in its modern history. After years of compounding crises — economic and financial collapse, institutional disintegration, deteriorating public services, the devastating Beirut Port explosion, and most recently, the most recent war — a window of hope is reopening with the election of a new President, the formation of a government, and the launch of a long-overdue reform agenda.

However, the path to national recovery cannot succeed without a genuine partnership between the nation and its vast diaspora. The Lebanese expatriate community — spread across more than 120 countries — represents an extraordinary reservoir of financial strength, knowledge, expertise, and international influence. Yet, this potential remains largely untapped.

Amid ongoing efforts to drive national revival and advance bold reforms, the 4th Emigrants Economic Conference will convene on August 8, 2025, at the Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel in Beirut. This high-level gathering, organized by Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, and in cooperation with The Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Lebanon, the World Lebanese Cultural Union and the Emigrants Worldwide Organizations, will focus on the vital role of the Lebanese diaspora as strategic partners in Lebanon’s recovery and future growth. The forum comes at a pivotal moment, offering a platform to harness the energy, expertise, and potential of Lebanese expatriates worldwide.

Objectives

  • Promote an open dialogue between the diaspora, Lebanese institutions, the private sector, and civil society.
  • Reposition the diaspora from financial supporters to strategic partners in Lebanon’s rebirth.
  • Present initiatives led by expatriates in the fields of economy, investment, governance, technology, education, healthcare, and public-private partnerships.
  • Establish sustainable mechanisms for consistent engagement between the state and the diaspora.
  • Promote an institutional framework to formalize and strengthen the diaspora’s developmental role in Lebanon.
  • Trust between the state and the diaspora must be rebuilt through transparent and institutionalized mechanisms.

Audience

  • Senior Lebanese government officials (Presidency of the Republic, Parliament, Council of Ministers, ministries…).
  • Lebanese expatriates in politics, business, tech, academia, medicine, finance, law, and the creative sectors.
  • Business leaders.
  • Civil society organizations.
  • International institutions (World Bank, IMF, Arab Funds, development agencies).

Organized By

Diamond Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

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Conference

Schedule:

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Registration at Phoenicia InterContinental Hotel, Beirut

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Opening Ceremony

  • Mr. Raouf Abou Zaki, CEO, Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group

  • Mr. Abbas Fawaz, President, The World Lebanese Cultural Union

  • H.E. Mr. Mohamed Choucair, President, Lebanese Economic Organizations

  • His Excellency General Joseph Aoun, President of the Republic of Lebanon

  • Honoring His Excellency President of the Republic of Lebanon, General Joseph AOUN

- Award Ceremony

  • Mr. Sufian Saleh, Honorary President, Lebanese Business Council in Abu Dhabi

  • Mr. Boutros Younes, Board Secretary, Lebanese Business and Investment Council, Saudi Arabia

  • Eng. Jamal Jawhari, CEO, SAFID, Saudi Arabia

  • Mr. Philippe Jaber, Founder, Association Philippe Jaber

  • Mr. Wassim Daher, Chairman, Azadea Group

  • Mr. Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman, Rotana Group, UAE

10:00 am - 10:30 am

Break

10:30 am - 11:15 am

Session 1: Foundations for Recovery and Renewal

After decades of conflict, instability, and economic collapse, Lebanon stands at a historic juncture to restore governance and implement critical reforms – the cornerstone for national recovery, renewal, and reshaping Lebanon’s future amid regional and global shifts. How will the government address existing challenges, spearhead reform, and rebuild trust with residents and the diaspora? Key points to be discussed in this session are:

  • Economic and Financial Reform Priorities

  • Public Sector and Institutional Reforms

  • Banking Sector Restructuring and Deposit Recovery Solutions

Moderator: H.E. Dr. Tarek Mitri, Deputy Prime Minister, Lebanon

Panelists:

  • H.E. Eng. Ghassan Hasbani, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Member of the Lebanese Parliament

  • H.E. Eng. Joe W. Issa-El-Khoury, Minister of Industry, Lebanon

  • H.E. Dr. Nizar Hani, Minister of Agriculture, Lebanon

  • Mr. Wassim Daher, Chairman, Azadea

  • Mr. Salah Osseiran, President, National Council of Lebanese Economists

  • Mr. Nassib Ghobril, Chief Economist and Head of the Economic Research & Analysis Department at Byblos Bank, Lebanon

11:15 am - 12:15 pm

Session 2: The Diaspora’s Role and Vision for National Revival

The Lebanese diaspora remains a vital pillar of Lebanon’s resilience. As an enduring source of strength, their engagement is critical for national recovery and steering Lebanon toward stability and prosperity. What are the diaspora’s priorities? How do they perceive reform and Lebanon’s future trajectory? This session will focus its discussion on the following issues:

  • Diaspora Perspectives on Reform and Envisioned Role in Economic Recovery

  • Views on Banking Sector Reform

  • Shaping Lebanon’s Regional and International Role

  • Diaspora Diplomacy: Pathways to Influence

Moderator: Eng. Abdo Sekariah, Board Member, Lebanese Syndicate of Public Works and Building Contractors

Panelists:

  • Eng. Ziad El Khatib, Senior Manager - Business Development, Khatib & Alami (K&A), Saudi Arabia

  • Eng. Mohamad Bashar Al Abdallah, President, Lebanese Businessmen Association in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

  • Dr. Issam Al Kaissi, Chairman, SETS Contracting Group

  • Eng. Fuad Abou Hamdan, President of the Lebanese Community, Jordan

  • Eng. Elie Gebrayel, Chairman and CEO, Erga Group

  • Eng. Wajdi Maalouf, General Manager, Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC), Lebanon

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm

Session 3: Global Success Stories

Showcasing achievements of Lebanese expatriates worldwide and their vision for contributing to Lebanon’s renewal.

Moderator: Mr. Jamil Rajeh, Chairman of the Arbitration Committee and Member of the Administrative Board, The World Lebanese Cultural Union

Panelists:

  • Mr. Selim El Zyr, Vice Chairman and Co-Founder, Rotana Group

  • Mr. Faddy Zouky, Honorary Consul for Lebanon in Australia and Hon President of the ANLCCI Attorney Faddy Zouky OAM

  • Mr. Imad Sleiman Flayhan, Managing Director – Automotive Group, Al Mulla Group Holding Co., Kuwait

  • Dr. George Riachi, Owner and General Manager, Perfecto Group International, Bulgaria

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Session 4: Charting a New Investment Landscape for Lebanon

Recovery presents new investment opportunities in growth-driving sectors. Which emerging opportunities offer competitive advantages? How can the diaspora catalyze new investment inflows? This session will tackle the following issues:

Enhancing the Investment and Business Climate

  • Addressing Critical Investment Barriers

  • High-Potential Sectors

  • Diaspora Investment Perspectives

Moderator: Mr. Jacques Sarraf, Chairman, Global Lebanese Investors, Lebanon

Panelists:

  • Mr. Yahya Kassaa, Chairman and CEO, Kassaa Group, Lebanon

  • Mr. Philippe Jabre, Founder, Association Philippe Jabre

  • Mr. Georges Chehwane, Chairman, Plus Holding Group

  • Mr. George Azar, Chairman & CEO, Dubai Sotheby's International Realty

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Lunch Break

3:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Session 5: Positioning Lebanon on the Global Digital Economy Map

The digital economy is fundamental to growth, sectoral competitiveness and mobilizing FDI. Digital transformation offers Lebanon accelerated development and new opportunities. How can the diaspora contribute? This session will discuss the following:

  • National Digital Transformation Strategy

  • Digital Government

  • National AI and Data Strategy

  • Public-Private Partnerships in Tech Investment

  • Diaspora Engagement in Digital Transformation

Moderator: Dr. Raymond Khoury, Senior Partner, Arthur D. Little

Panelists:

  • H.E. Dr. Kamal Shehadeh, Minister of Displaced and Minister of State for Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Lebanon

  • H.E. Dr. Fadi Makki, Minister of State for Administrative Development Affairs, Lebanon

  • H.E. Eng. Charles Hage, Minister of Telecommunications, Lebanon

  • Dr. Milad Sebaaly, Chairman, Global Learning Group, UAE

3:45 pm - 4:45 pm

Session 6: Reviving Lebanon’s Tourism and Media Economy

A sustainable economic recovery in Lebanon hinges on the revitalization of key sectors, particularly tourism and media. These sectors hold significant potential for growth, investment, and job creation, while also playing a vital role in restoring Lebanon’s regional and international standing. This session will explore a forward-looking vision for Lebanon’s tourism and media industries through the following themes:

  • Crafting a New Tourism Strategy
  • Positioning Lebanon as a Hub for Digital Media
  • Mobilizing the Emigrant Community

Moderator: Dr. Nabil Fahed, Vice President and Treasurer, Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon

Panelists:

  • H.E. Dr. Paul Morcos, Minister of Information, Lebanon

  • Mr. Pierre Achkar, President of the Federation of Tourism Syndicates, Lebanon

  • Mr. Khaled Nazha, Deputy Chairman, Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafes, Nightclubs and Patisseries

  • Mr. Rabih El-Amine, President, Lebanese Executives Council (LEC), Saudi Arabia

  • Mr. Fadi Saab, President, The Lebanese-Qatari Business Council

  • Mr. Zaher Radwan, President, Green Hand Association, Lebanon

4:45 pm - 5:30 pm

Closing Session - Interactive Session

Moderator: Mr. Faysal Abou Zaki, Deputy CEO, Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group

  • H.E. Dr. Ghassan Salame, Minister of Culture, Lebanon

  • H.E. Dr. Amer Bisat, Minister of Economy and Trade, Lebanon

  • Time : 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Asia/Beirut)