The 4th Emigrants Economic Conference

Day
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hr
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Min
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Sec
08:00 - 09:00

Registration at Phoenicia InterContinental Hotel, Beirut

09:00 - 10:00

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 - 10:30

Break

10:30 - 11:15

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 - 12:15

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 - 13:00

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

13:00 - 14:00

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

14:00 - 15:00

Lunch Break

15:00 - 15:45

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

15:45 - 16:45

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

16:45 - 17:30

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

Links

In 2022, CARE International in Lebanon developed LINKS online platform, an all-inclusive tool playing a critical role in streamlining humanitarian activities, bridging resource gaps, and ensuring those in need receive timely assistance. Whether you’re looking to contribute, seek support, or enhance cooperation within the sectors, LINKS empowers you to make an impact.

LINKS is a free, digital platform, accessible via website and mobile application, that revolutionizes the way humanitarian support is coordinated. Acting as a vital hub, it seamlessly connects donors, experts, and people in need with local humanitarian organizations, while also fostering collaboration among these organizations for more effective and unified efforts.

CONSOLIDATED CONTRACTORS COMPANY

With over seventy years of construction excellence, Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC)
has earned a global reputation for delivering innovative solutions to multi-million-dollar projects.
CCC’s expert teams leverage cutting-edge systems for estimating, scheduling, and reporting,
ensuring a streamlined and efficient construction process. Clients benefit from the company’s
unwavering commitment to safety, precision, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Clear
communication is a cornerstone of CCC’s operations, enabling effective management of changes,
costs, and expectations throughout every phase of a project.
From site evaluations and preconstruction planning to commissioning and close-out, CCC provides
comprehensive services that span the entire construction lifecycle.
Above all, CCC specializes in crafting exceptional built environments that empower clients to thrive.

O Monot Hotel

O Monot Hotel is a delightful independent boutique property brought up-to-the-minute with a sensational renovation that has resulted in 41 superbly styled rooms and suites. Set in the elegant and fashionable area of Saifi, Downtown Beirut, this chic property has a gourmet restaurant and stunning city views from its rooftop, where the pool and terrace bar ensure that this is the perfect place to relax.

O Monot Hotel combines discriminating taste and personalized service. More often than not it is little touches that make all the difference. Everywhere you look beautiful contemporary design meets the eye; from the sharp, harmonious lines of the exterior to the elegant minimalism of the interior. Designed by the famous Claude Missir, the hotel boasts a comforting home away from home feel. In addition, our team has expert knowledge of Beirut’s social scene and historical sites and is always available to meet guests’ needs and expectations

ICC Group

In a world based on digital, information technology is the key pulse that drives the innovation engine. ICC Group plays an essential role in the technology community, offering customized ICT solutions across multiple industries.

Green Hand

Established in 1999, Green Hand is a Lebanese non-governmental organization committed to protecting nature, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable economic development and resilient livelihoods.

With a steadfast belief in the power of community-driven change, Green Hand has spent over two decades championing environmental conservation, safeguarding Lebanon’s rich cultural traditions, and empowering local populations through innovative economic models. From restoring natural ecosystems to reviving traditional crafts and supporting farmers, artisans, and small producers, our work places people and nature at the heart of development.

In our continuous effort to create a real, inclusive, and sustainable transformation, Green Hand launched its flagship initiative — the Authentic Aley Strategic Framework — a model program designed to serve as a national prototype for a developed Lebanon.

This elite strategic framework operates through three interconnected pillars:

Environment: Preserving ecosystems, promoting green infrastructure, and ensuring responsible natural resource use.

Culture & Heritage: Protecting Lebanon’s cultural identity by revitalizing traditional knowledge, crafts, and intercommunal ties.

Economy: Fostering a circular and local economy by supporting value chains, dignified income generation, and community-based enterprises.

The Aley District was selected as a pilot region not only for its natural and cultural richness but also for its social diversity and potential to model unity, resilience, and innovation in development. Through partnerships with municipalities, international organizations, and civil society, the Authentic Aley Framework has become a leading example of how local action can inspire national change.

Our vision is bold yet grounded: to build a Lebanon where communities thrive in harmony with their environment, their history, and each other.

A Lebanon where the future is rooted in the authenticity of its land and people.

Green Hand

Established in 1999, Green Hand is a Lebanese non-governmental organization committed to protecting nature, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable economic development and resilient livelihoods.

With a steadfast belief in the power of community-driven change, Green Hand has spent over two decades championing environmental conservation, safeguarding Lebanon’s rich cultural traditions, and empowering local populations through innovative economic models. From restoring natural ecosystems to reviving traditional crafts and supporting farmers, artisans, and small producers, our work places people and nature at the heart of development.

In our continuous effort to create a real, inclusive, and sustainable transformation, Green Hand launched its flagship initiative — the Authentic Aley Strategic Framework — a model program designed to serve as a national prototype for a developed Lebanon.

This elite strategic framework operates through three interconnected pillars:

Environment: Preserving ecosystems, promoting green infrastructure, and ensuring responsible natural resource use.

Culture & Heritage: Protecting Lebanon’s cultural identity by revitalizing traditional knowledge, crafts, and intercommunal ties.

Economy: Fostering a circular and local economy by supporting value chains, dignified income generation, and community-based enterprises.

The Aley District was selected as a pilot region not only for its natural and cultural richness but also for its social diversity and potential to model unity, resilience, and innovation in development. Through partnerships with municipalities, international organizations, and civil society, the Authentic Aley Framework has become a leading example of how local action can inspire national change.

Our vision is bold yet grounded: to build a Lebanon where communities thrive in harmony with their environment, their history, and each other.

A Lebanon where the future is rooted in the authenticity of its land and people.